Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Window treatments can completely transform a room and are often the space’s focal point. From drapery that frames the windows to Roman shades that bring in a punch of color, bringing in window treatments early in the design process will make the space feel finished, even if you save the finishing touches for later. However, with so many window treatment options to choose from, selecting the right one for your space can feel daunting. This guide will break down the different types of window treatments and how you can incorporate them into your home.

Shutters
Shutters are traditional and typically work best in a coastal-style home. They are practical and allow you to control the amount of light that comes in and out.

Ability to add blackout material: No

Roman Shades
You can hang Roman shades on the inside or outside the window trim. They offer the functionality of shades with the softness of drapery. The design options are endless, from bold, colorful fabric, to neutral fabric with a crisp trim. They open via a chain pull on the side or a handle on the base of the material.

Ability to add blackout material: Yes

Pleated Shades
Like Roman shades, pleated shades have a series of expanding pleats and offer a crisp, clean look.

Ability to add blackout material: Yes

Drapery
Drapery is a broad term and encompasses a variety of fabrics and styles. Drapery means any window treatment that drapes over or on the side of the windows. When hanging drapery, its important to hang it high and wide. Extending 12 inches beyond the top and sides of the window casing will result in a dramatic look that will visually lengthen your ceiling height.

Ability to add blackout material: Yes

Below are some common types of drapery:

• Ripple fold drapery: This type of drapery doesnt have pleats and gently cascades down the window.
• Pinch pleat drapery: Pleats are sewn at the top of the drapery, creating a pinched visual effect.
• Tailored pleat drapery: This drapery style has a looser pleat than pinch pleat drapery, with folds sewn at the top.
• Rod pocket drapery: This top pocket has openings at both ends for the rod to enter. The fabric gathers and expands when closed and opened.
• Sheer drapery: This gauzy type of drapery is an elegant look that looks best when layered with a secondary window treatment, such as a Roman shade.

Drapery Panels With a Valance
Adding a valance to your drapery panels is a beautiful, traditional look. Adding a valance creates a focal point for the room, serving as a piece of art.

Ability to add blackout material: Yes

Natural Shades
Natural shades, often made from sisal or jute, add texture and dimension to a space. While they make a statement on their own, layering drapery over a natural shade results in a rich, deeper look.

Ability to add blackout material: Yes

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A custom pool house can turn any regular day into a vacation. It brings style and fun to an ordinary pool day, plus it can be multi-functional, ranging from a guest house to a kitchen. Creating a stylish pool house means combining various elements to create a space that is the perfect escape. To achieve your backyard lounging needs, get inspired by the following pool house design ideas.

Poolside Bar
Building a bar inside or connected to the pool house creates a space to gather, lounge and entertain without moving locations. Including a refrigerator and enough room for cocktail prep will let you prepare the perfect poolside refreshments. In addition, creating a bar with a casement window and outside counter seating will allow you to spend additional time outside and will let you sit at the bar for a drink and a snack while drying off"a perk that is especially helpful with kids.

Ample Storage
Being creative with storage solutions creates both a functional and stylish pool house. A pool house should have enough space to store all the pool toys, accessories and beach towels. Adding a crawl space or small attic to your pool house design plans will give you a spot to store more significant pieces of equipment year-round.

For items that you need to be easily accessible, such as beach towels, add plenty of shelving options, whether its an armoire or built-in shelves, to store towels for you and your guests. Also, have several baskets positioned where guests can quickly drop their used towels in to avoid wet towels on the floor and furniture.

Durable Materials
Nothing in a pool house should be precious. All materials should be low-maintenance and stand up to heavy use, from the flooring to the upholstery. Travertine tile is a selection for pool house flooring that stands up well to water. Another option is to extend the decking material from the pool area into the pool house. Natural fiber or indoor-outdoor rugs are also smart picks for water, shoes and indoor-outdoor use. Durable upholstery on the seating options, such as Sunbrella, will hold up to wet bathing suits and heavy use.

Doubles as a Guest House
A pool house that doubles as a guest house gives your friends and family a private place to stay when theyre visiting, and serves as a functional pool house when you dont have guests. A bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette will turn this space into a comfortable, gracious space for whoever is visiting your home.

High Ceilings
To make up for the small square footage, vaulting the ceilings will create the illusion of more space. In addition, the high ceilings will create an open, airy atmosphere and will help the house feel more spacious.

Retractable Glass Doors
If you want to enjoy the best of both worlds"the breezy outdoors and enclosed structure"install retractable glass doors that will allow you to choose when you raise or lower them. For example, you can raise them for mild weather days and lower them if its a scorching day, plus you could benefit from the air conditioning or if you plan on lounging in the pool house during the winter months.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are six decorative range hood ideas that will stand out in your kitchen.

A Uniformed Look

A range hood in the same marble, granite or quartzite as your counters or backsplash creates a sleek, streamlined and dramatic look.

Mixed Metallic Range Hood

Mixing metals on your range hood creates an elegant, traditional and even glam look.

One-of-a-Kind Rustic Beams

Incorporating rustic beams on the range hood creates a laid-back, yet one-of-a-kind look.

Wood and Stone Range Hood

Blending wood and stone elements creates a rustic, one-of-a-kind range hood that creates a cozy yet stately vibe.

Limestone Look

A limestone range hood is the epitome of old-world elegance combined with a contemporary silhouette.

Mantel-Style Hood

A range hood that resembles a mantel is stately and timeless.

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Follow this guide to break down different home design styles to immerse yourself in the design process.

Traditional Design

This style incorporates intricate moldings and classic finish selections such as polished nickel or antique brass.

Transitional Design

Transitional style is hallmarked by sleek, streamlined pieces paired with the warmth of a traditional space.

Contemporary Design

Contemporary design is centered around a less is more approach"simplicity, clean lines, minimal patterns, white space and neutral colors.

Mid-Century Modern Design

A style that has spanned many decades, mid-century modern is a minimalist style hallmarked by clean lines, smooth angles and bright, solid colors.

Industrial Design

Industrial designs urban minimalism is highlighted by dark neutrals and raw woods and metals.

Scandinavian Design

Scandinavian design embraces minimalism and simplicity, creating a serene vibe.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.