What's on Your Windows?
The First Layer Using a Hard Window Treatment
By Vincent E. O'Connell
Today the world is filled with an amazing amount of choices. At some point we all have heard clients say, "It can be so overwhelming, I don't know what to do." A successful window treatment must achieve style and design, along with the practicality of purpose, such as light filtering, framing a view and privacy. The first layer is an important step when treating a window. This layer can begin the design and help give direction to a project. It may be all that is needed for some windows: a clean, contemporary uniform look. Hard window treatments can include shutters, shade blinds, grass and bamboo shades, verticals and a host of other solutions.
The louvered shutter, for example, has evolved over the years with a dazzling array of custom options. The possibilities have grown in what window shapes are applicable. Now circles and quarter rounds, full arches, lazy fan arches, octagons and even hexagons can be custom fitted for shutters. The three basic systems of shutters are standard hinged panels, bi-fold track systems and a bi-pass track system. A bi-fold track system can be configured with up to eight panels for large window expanses and patio doors. It creates a "stack back design" when a customer wants to maximize their view and when wall space is available. A bi-pass track system uses a double top track and floor guides on which the shutters glide to open and close. It is designed for multiple panels (two, three, four, six or eight) for a variety of configurations. They can operate similarly to a Japanese Shoji screen. French door applications can also be done with shutters. A 3/8" backing plate is attached to the back of the frame, and rides behind the French door handle to cover the glass that is visible due to the cutout made in the shutter. These shutters can add beauty to the home as well as improve energy efficiency and reduce outside noise.
The Heritance Line of hardwood shutters by Hunter Douglas offers high-quality features such as dovetail construction and a state-of-the-art finish. These shutters are designed with quality wood components and are known for their quick and easy installation. The New Style Shutter, also by Hunter Douglas, has the style of wood with the added strength and stability of a modern day material. They can be ordered with 2-1/2", 3-1/2" or 4-1/2" elliptical louvers. The shutters are made with a "micro smooth satin finish" that protects from common soils and makes cleaning an easy undertaking. They are also built with a cross link construction that resists warping and bowing. These shades provide quality at an economical price point.
So when working with your clients and selecting window styles, realize that they do not need to feel overwhelmed. There are practical, beautiful solutions an interior designer can help make, translating a window problem into a creative solution that can begin a design theme for the home. The word window, from the Norse, literally means "eye of the house through which the wind enters." We have come a long way in just keeping out the wind, so explore the wonderful ways to dress your windows and tell your clients, "We know exactly what to do!"
December 2005 Builder Architect Edition Issue