Susan Marocco Interiors
 
October 2010

Greetings!

 

Autumn may be the season for setting back the clocks, but it's also a time for moving forward.  With that crispness and energy in the air, we're inspired to cast a fresh eye on our homes and put decorating projects on the front burner.

 

In that quest, this month we focus on our windows.  How to update them, deal with odd shapes, light control and energy efficiency.


The ABC's of Window Fashion
Are your windows "naked" or in need of an update?  Maybe you have been avoiding window treatments because you don't know how to get started and are overwhelmed by all of the choices.  First things first, you have to know your ultimate goal.  There are some features and functions to consider when choosing the right treatments.

1.       Are you looking for privacy?

Most blinds and shades will give you privacy.  Both horizontal and vertical blinds will allow you to adjust the sunlight and give you privacy at the same time.  Shades with a high opacity will also do the trick.


2.        Window treatments can also camouflage an unpleasant view or architecture challenge.

If you have an unpleasant view, sheers will soften the image.  Maybe you have uneven windows.  Valances hung at the same level over the windows can hide that fact and make it more visually appealing.

Stumped with what to do with those "half circle" windows?  Here's an option, place valances under the circle.

valance 

                        Before                                                      After 

 

                          crescent window

                What about a door in the middle of two windows?

                                             Before

                           door before pic

                                                     

                                                After

                          

                                                      
                                        
                                   windows with door             


3.       Do you need light control?

To completely block out the sun you can choose an opaque, or blackout shade.  Blackout cellular shades work great for blocking out light.  Integrate shades seamlessly with Lutron lighting control system for complete control of all the light in a space.  Stylish control and fabric options coupled with innovative technology transition a space to create the right amount of light for any activity.

                        


 4.    Do you want you window treatments to be beautiful as well as functional?


When choosing the right look for your room, think about the mood you want to create:

                                  

                                     Casual and Comfortable

 

For a comfortable, casual feel you might choose textured fabrics with a tailored shape, or simple panel.  Sleek lines and bold colors will give a dramatic, contemporary feel. 

 

                                     Elegant and Sophisticated

                                Panels with jabots and tassels 

                          


 

5.       Are you looking for energy efficient treatments to lower your energy bill?

If your room gets extremely hot in the summer or drafty in the winter you may consider a triple honeycomb shade that offers a high R-value for good insulation.  It will make your room more comfortable and save you money on your energy bill.  Hunter Douglas has a Duette Architella honeycomb shade that are state of the art patented design with light control and privacy options. 

                     hunter douglas blinds                    

There are multiple ways to cover your windows and to achieve the effect you want and need.  Please feel free to contact me or give me a call at 914-234-7066 and we can get started on it right away!
Ask the Designer

Q: What's your advice for people who want to redo their homes but don't know where to start or exactly what they want?

A: The best way to determine what you want is to look for things that appeal to you and compile them.  Tear out images from magazines, go to show houses, house tours and open houses.  Collect paint samples, look at designers' portfolios and, put it all in a binder. 

A trend will undoubtedly emerge.  Establish a budget, and decide if you want to do all the work at once or if it makes more sense to do it in phases. 

When you are ready, talk to a few designers and find out if they think your goals are realistic and how best to proceed.

Each month we feature a question in the Ask the Designer section.  If you have a question you want answered, please submit your question to Susan.

 
Design News
antique show

43rd Annual Chappaqua Antiques Show One of the most highly anticipated antiques show in the Northeast.  November 6th & 7th at the Westorchard school, 25 Granite Road, Chappaqua, NY







kipsbay

Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club 38th Annual Decorator House Show October 14th at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club 38th Annual Decorator House Show
October 14th to November 11th at 106 East 71 Street, New York 646-374-0852






crafts on stage

16th Annual Crafts on Stage 

Crafts On Stage will feature unusual one-of-a kind crafts including decorative arts and home accessories, fine art, fine leather goods, hand-crafted jewelry, hand-woven clothing, toys, and other gift items. THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577.  October 30th & 31st from 11 am to 5pm.






kitchen



 Counter Space: Design and the Modern Kitchen 

Counter Space  explores the twentieth-century transformation of the kitchen from the 20's to the 60's. A new exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art 11 West 53 Street, New York, NY

(212) 708-9400. Through March 14, 2011
About Us
Susan Marocco Interiors is a full service interior design firm, staffed with professional American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) who have the training and expertise to plan, schedule, execute and manage your project from concept to completion. Our firm creates interiors that are elegant, distinctive and comfortable.  Our inspiration comes first from listening.  We then meld our skills and experiences to our clients' wants and needs.  We develop design solutions that reflect their taste and lifestyles.  Our website has a variety of pictures of the work we have done for many of our clients and you are more than welcome to view them.
 
To find out how Susan Marocco Interiors can help you with all your design needs, please contact Susan at 1-914-234-7066 or via email
Thank you for your readership, input and questions.  If you have any thoughts or suggestions on how to make it better, we are always eager to listen.  If you would like to speak to us about your Interior Design needs, we would be please to be of service

Wishing you all my Best!

 Susan Marocco
www.SusanMaroccoInteriors.com
Tel: (914) 234-7066
Fax: (914) 234-0003