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designer roller shades

Ask a Designer: The Latest in Window Fashions

Ask a Designer: The Latest in Window Fashions wjfigw4q3
Have you ever wanted to have a chat with an interior designer? Would you love to know what’s up and coming–what they really love when it comes to fashion, style and innovation? Recently, we sat down with interior design expert, Ellen Smith of Metropolitan Window Fashions, to discuss the exciting new features and design elements from Hunter Douglas. It’s a behind-the-scenes look. It’s the details we all wish we knew. You’re getting a sneak peek at the latest design trends and upcoming upgrades in window fashions.

 

What’s your favorite new fabric?

india silk window fashions“I love Duettes in India Silk. It is a beautiful, soft fabric with unique dimension and an almost a woven look that brings in complimentary coloring.  I love that it coordinates nicely with the other window shades, in the same fabrics, and you can achieve a total home solution for design and function.”

 

What colors can we expect to see this year?

gray window fashions“You’re going to see a lot of beautiful, soft colors, combined with textures that bring this exquisite feel to the space. Smoky blue, charcoal gray and a wide range of sophisticated neutrals make this an exciting year to design with fabrics.”

 

What’s your favorite new design element?

square top treatment window fashions“No question–what they’ve done to Designer Roller Shades and Screen Shades is awesome!  These are definitelty a favorite for my clients with a gorgeous collection of new fabrics and superior function.  I’m excited that we are finally able to reduce the light gap–these shades provide the smallest in the industry.  My favorite feature of these collections is the new top treatment.  It’s a square cassette that shows off a clean and contemporary look. And for those clients that prefer a reverse roll,  they’ve redesigned the brackets and covers with stylish finishes to coordinate the home.  I just love it when I can re-introduce roller shades to a new client, they’re always so impressed with the innovations and crisp modern look of them.”

 

What are you excited to show your clients?

handle cutouts window fashions“Hands down–I can’t wait to show my clients what Hunter Douglas has done with NewStyle shutters. These are already our most popular plantation shutters, but they’ve received some upgraded design elements that are simply fabulous. Urban Gray is the newest addition to the colors–gray adds such on-trend, sleek styling. The other statement-making design upgrade for NewStyle is the handle cutout, in a rectangular shape–it’s such a custom look.”

 

How is technology playing into Hunter Douglas products this year?

motorized shades and blinds window fashions“It’s huuuuge! Clients are really exploring the total automation of their home, and PowerView motorization is now compatible with other home integration systems–like Logitech’s Harmony and The Nest. It makes control of your home a seamless, effortless process. Automated shades transform the home, but now with one single device controlling all aspects–home security, window coverings, media–it goes way beyond what we ever thought was possible.”

 

Ready for What’s New in Window Fashions?

Let us come to you! Our design experts at Metropolitan Window Fashions would love to show all of the newest features, fabrics and innovative coming from Hunter Douglas this year. And there’s more! We’ve got a huge selection of designer fabrics for your next upholstery project or window treatment plans. We make your shop-at-home appointment fun and inspiring. Contact our team for a free, in-home consultation.

Bright, Bare Windows to a Glowing Atmosphere

Bright, Bare Windows to a Glowing Atmosphere wjfigw4q3

Covering up your bare windows might seem like a dramatic change. How will you be able to see your beautiful view? Where will the natural light come from? Large windows give you both, and they seem difficult to cover. We understand bare windows seem beneficial to lighting your home, but they’re actually harmful. Did you know there are ways to bring in natural light AND still keep your view? Check out this before and after to see the magical transformation of window coverings!

 

Before: Too Much Sun!

bare windows dining room

When you first glance at this photo, the bare windows make this room look open. Imagine having this spectacular view of the outdoors while dining at this gorgeous table! It certainly looks nice. But, imagine you’re sitting in this room. There would be so much glare! The sunlight entering would be unfiltered, leaving the room uncomfortably bright. The chairs and wood floors are in danger–the harsh UV rays can fade and damage furniture. And, don’t get us started on the temperature! There’s no way to control the temperature with sun pouring into the room. What if you want to sit in this room at night? The outside world has a perfect view into the privacy of your home. How uncomfortable! We can fix all of these issues…

 

After: Comfortable and Complete

bare windows roller shades

Say “goodbye” to glare, uncomfortable temperatures, harmful UV rays, and “hello” to comfort and privacy! What’s the solution, you ask? Sheer designer roller shades by Hunter Douglas. They’re gorgeous. Classy. Stylish. The list could go on. If you want filtered light, and want to keep the beautiful view that your bare windows give you, look no further. This room is completely transformed. Doesn’t it look more inviting? Our designer roller shades preserve your view while offering the privacy you need. Without the blinding glare, you can enjoy yourself in this room. Roller shades can give your space a complete feel; with different colors to choose from, you can match your decor and create a designer look. You can even add motorization, set your own schedule, and have control at the touch of a button. Do you have bare windows? It’s time to consider roller shades.

Before and After: Don’t Suffer from Bare Windows

We understand that bare windows might seem like the best option. They give you a light source and a great view. Unfortunately, they also cause damage and an uncomfortable environment. The good news is, you can have all the benefits of bare windows without the harm! Do you love the look of roller shades? Are you interested in a different type of window covering? We have samples and displays set up for inspiration in our exclusive Hunter Douglas galleries. Our design team is here to help you decide on the perfect treatments for your bare windows. Come visit us, or you can do it all from the comfort of your home. We offer a free, in-home consultation. Contact our team at Metropolitan Window Fashions to get started.

NJ Window Treatments
NJ Window Fashions
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Save On Your Energy Bills with 3 Considerations

Save On Your Energy Bills with 3 Considerations wjfigw4q3

Are you enjoying your summer? The sunshine and blue skies we’ve been having are what we look forward to all winter long, but the heat sure is on this year. Whew! With temperatures climbing into the 90s and intense sunshine on top of that, it’s probably taking a toll on your home and your energy bills. Are you, your air conditioner, and your wallet ready for some sweet relief? Window coverings can turn your home from sweltering  to comfortable–like a summertime oasis. Here are three things to consider as you choose window coverings to help you save on your energy bills this summer–and all year long.

Save with Features for Location

save on your energy bills NYCThe direction your windows face makes all the difference when it comes to how sunshine interacts with your home. North and south facing windows won’t get the intense direct rays that east and west facing windows do. Choosing window coverings that offer the right features for the location of your windows can really help you to save on your energy bills. For east and west facing windows, insulation at the window is key, and you’ll often want ways to reduce glare and draw in light with north and south facing windows. Top down bottom up operation is great for that. Oftentimes you need completely different features for the window shades in your living room as compared to those in your bedroom. That’s why Hunter Douglas offers fabrics, materials, and textures that work well with many window covering styles. You get all the beauty and all the benefits! By carefully selecting the features of your window shades, you can keep the summer sun’s heat from plaguing your home–and your energy bills–while still enjoying the benefits of natural light, privacy, and view-through.

Save with Automation

save on your energy bills NYC

If you want to experience serious energy savings, then we have two words for you: PowerView motorization. With motorized shades, you set the scenes along with the schedule, and it takes care of the rest. PowerView adjusts your window shades automatically throughout the day, so your home’s atmosphere is always ideal. As the sun moves, so do your shades. In fact, you can even program PowerView to adjust your window coverings based on your ever-changing local sunrise and sunset times. With an automatic schedule, intense sun doesn’t get a chance to heat up your home regardless of whether you’re there or not. And when you are away, you can control your shades at the touch of a button with the PowerView App from your favorite device! Convenience, comfort, and consistency…PowerView is a sure way to save on your energy bills and upgrade your lifestyle.

Save with Energy-Efficiency

save on your energy bills NYCIf your air conditioner is running non-stop on hot days, or if you’re sacrificing your comfort to cut costs, it’s time for a better solution. Obviously if you’re looking to save on your energy bills, you want to increase the energy-efficiency of your home. But, how? Window shades are one of the best ways to do that. Bare windows magnify the sun and heat–which means it can be hotter inside your home than out! Energy-efficient window coverings have the ability to insulate your home, so they help maintain a consistent temperature. That means your air conditioner doesn’t need to work as hard, and that translates into both comfort and savings for you! Duette shades are the industry leader when it comes to energy-efficiency. Their cell-within-cell structure provides pockets of air that protect your home from the elements just outside your windows. It’s no wonder why they’ve earned the highest ranking.

Start to Save On Your Energy Bills…

Don’t spend another gorgeous summer day dreading the effects of the sun on your home and wallet. It’s time to save on your energy bills with window coverings that are just right for your unique spaces. On top of increasing energy-efficiency, they’ll also add style, sophistication, and the benefits of light control and privacy. So, contact us today, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, for a free, in-home consultation.

Hunter Douglas shades on sale!

Modern Roller Shades: Revolutionary Design Meets Exquisite Style

Modern Roller Shades: Revolutionary Design Meets Exquisite Style wjfigw4q3

There’s a reason that roller shades have been around for hundreds of years–they get the job done. But let’s be honest–your grandmother’s roller shades won’t cut it anymore. Your windows are the backdrop of your home–and your life. It’s time you met the newest generation of roller shades. Every detail has been reimagined to present you with the perfect shade. Modern Roller Shades are simply that–the classic idea of window shades, but that’s where it stops. The latest innovations of Modern Roller Shades offer you upgraded features that not only get the job done, they do it better than you could ever imagine, with the contemporary styling that adds beautiful design to your home.

Style Statement: The Beauty is in the Details.

modern roller shades trending fabricsThe backdrop of your home–you need your shades to be on point. Sleek styling. Low profile design. Contemporary finishings. The gorgeous look of Modern Roller Shades has all of that–and more. Let’s start with the designer fabrics–they are sophisticated and chic, bringing you a contemporary color palette with exquisite textures. In addition to these exclusive fabrics and textures, the details of Modern Roller Shades have been redesigned to give you the perfect finishings to style your home. The top treatment–now available in a square cassette–adds to the sleek style of modern roller shades. Love the look of the roller top? It’ll only add to the style of your home. The bracket covers and metal brackets–yes, we’ve thought of everything–are customized to coordinate with your home’s interior design. The covers are available in nine finishings. The modern look of metal brackets are styled with hardware in mind, in burnished chestnut or pearl chrome, also featuring the contemporary detail of a circular shape, to add to the designer appeal. It’s the details that count.

Innovative Features: The Redesign of a Classic.

modern roller shades dual shadesWhile the old-fashioned idea of roller shades was a simplistic on/off of light, modern roller shades go way beyond that to give you innovative lifestyle features. That “on/off” design still holds true–roller shades are an ideal choice when you want light switch function. Even more so, Modern Roller Shades ensure the blackout shades your bedroom has always needed–with the smallest light gap in the industry! We’ve also got incredible options for you that allow you levels of light control. Choose dual roller shades for a unique experience that lets you choose the opacity. When your modern roller shades and screen shades have dual control, you’ll be able to customize your light control. One shade can offer the view-through fabric to diffuse the light for daytime atmosphere, while the other is put in place when blackout shades are needed. It’s no longer just an on/off option–it’s levels of light control for your home.

Incredible Function: Controlled Operation.

modern roller shades motorized shadesHunter Douglas has thought of everything. Beyond the design elements and features available, the redesign of the simplistic operation just got better. They call it “whisper-quiet”, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. When all you want is a hush when adjusting your shades into position, you’ve got it with modern roller shades. The lightweight feel of manual operation includes a custom clutch–designed to feel comfortable to operate no matter the size of your shades. And what’s more–roller shades are available with PowerView motorization. Want your shades to adjust on a schedule? Want to set and save your favorite scenes for different circumstances throughout the day? Motorized shades offer you life-changing control. Operated with touch-of-a-button activation on a sleek, stylish remote or your favorite device, your Modern Roller Shades have earned their name. Modern innovation at it’s finest.

Modern Roller Shades: It’s Revolutionary.

Are you ready to infuse your home with heightened styling, innovative features and incredible function? Modern Roller Shades have been redesigned to offer it all. The customizable features allow you to have the lifestyle function you’ve been looking for with the truly unique style offerings that will help make your house a home. Our design consultants can visit you for a free, shop-at-home experience so you can see the beautiful fabrics and finishes you can select. Contact us, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, to get started today!

Hunter Douglas shades on sale!