2010 Explodes with Innovative Window Design Technology

The Vision10: International Window Covering Expo (IWCE) took place this year in Atlanta, GA, from May 13 – 15.  Industry professionals from around the world gathered to demonstrate the latest window design technology and enhancements.   Demonstrating there are no limits with the imagination!  The following highlights and inspirations were gathered collectively from our notes as we attended this year’s Expo:

Hunter Douglas Premieres:

Hunter Douglas is launching PowerRise 2.0 with Platinum Technology that enables the battery powered system to quietly raise and lower shades and control vane tilt for a number of their products;  using a more powerful motor to control larger-sized shades.  Remote controls program all or product groups to raise and now available in wireless wall switches!

Introducing the Hunter Douglas Tiered Vignette with simple yet impressive style.  The Applause Honeycomb shade offers a Crystalline sheer fabric, along with the new Vintage fabric, which provides a stylish look at the window, and has minimal impact on the environment, made with 40% recycled fibers.

Hunter Douglas Nantucket shading has introduced an innovative screen fabric which combines the look of a screen shade with the added benefits of superior light control and privacy.   Providing dual-openness; 28% openness when tilted open and 1% openness when fully closed providing nighttime privacy that typical screen shades do not offer.

Innovative hardware selections:

Paris Texas Hardware has recently expanded their hardware collection by introducing the new Portfolio collection.  Finely sculpted hardware pieces may be hand painted by choosing from a selection of 24 custom finishes, additionally any Benjamin Moore paint colors.

Brimar Hardware has gone streamline with their Manhattan collection which presents original modern hardware epitomizing the long lines and slender form of urban architecture. The savvy collection is available in a mélange of surfaces, such as stainless steel, tortoise shell, dark beech wood, shimmery pearl, clear acrylic, and knotted wood.   Fashionable contoured rings glide effortlessly over an unusually flat and narrow rod.  Unique, modern……..art.

Creativity can be brought to extreme levels with the introduction of inspirational hardware elements.  For example, square rings, leather strap rings, Circle rings within a ring, clear Plexi-glass rods with chrome finials and rings, fashionable rivets available in chrome or variety of colors,  steel magnetic rings or tiebacks – (so strong they are not recommended for homes with pacemakers).

Enhance designs with ornate iron hardware or by utilizing Tableaux, which provides the look and feel of custom wrought iron.  Tableaux is lightweight and custom crafted to any size or shape.  With a wide selection of designs and the ability to easily create new ones, the decorative options are endless.

Qualities to look for with custom couture drapery:

• Mounting height which enhances the design and best coordinates with the room’s interiors
• Larger headers, such as 6 – 8” or 10 – 12” pleats with deeper pleats
• 2 ½ time fullness
• 1 ½ width stationary panels or greater
• Large 10” bottom hems
• ALWAYS interlined
• Unusual headings
• Weighted or padded hems
• Dress maker details
• Micro cord on edge – standard
• Pleating with design and fabric pattern in mind
• ALWAYS matching the pattern
• Add detail to the return edge, i.e. ruffles, pleating ribbon, trim
• Utilize creative uses of hardware
• Khaki lining growing in popularity with natural stone or rustic home exteriors
• High quality materials, i.e. custom hardware finishes, luxurious fabrics, and impressive trims
• Proper balance and scale

Custom Drapery Design’s will continue to explore new elements available and push creativity to the EXTREME!    Call to schedule an in-home consultation.  Let us begin designing your dream windows today.  Learn more at www.customdraperydesigns.net. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Remember to explore your options and express yourself!

Friday, June 18th, 2010 at 12:03 am | Uncategorized