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PowerView motorization

The 4 Design Elements of Style Icon Iris Apfel

The 4 Design Elements of Style Icon Iris Apfel wjfigw4q3

Rising to fame at 84 years young, style icon Iris Apfel was the focus of an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s been over a decade, and she’s still going strong. This woman wakes each morning, ready to take on the day, simply drenched in her own personal style. And, we couldn’t love her more! The confidence she wears is remarkable–someone we all strive to be. From clothing and accessories to decor, accents and her way of life, there’s a lot we can learn from her stylish presence. Want the zest for life and unique style of Iris? Get inspired by these four design elements…

Personality.

style icon iris apfel home

Source: Architectural Digest

If we could use one word to describe her, personality would be it. She wears it. You feel it in her presence. And, after 95 years of a life well-lived and well-loved, she makes no apologies. If there’s anything you can do with the design elements of your home, be true to who you are. Create a space that speaks to you, what you love and what makes you unique.

 

Storytelling.

At one glance, you can see that style icon Iris Apfel has stories to tell. Whether you consider her wardrobe throughout the ages, or view photos of her Manhattan apartment, the history and richness of her life are apparent. What better way to give tribute to your own life than use your story to decorate it? Apfel traveled the world with her late husband Carl, and the memories they collected along the way tell of adventure and culture.

 

Color.

style icon iris apfel harpers bazaar

Source: Harper’s Bazaar

Vibrant and charming, style icon Iris Apfel is full of color. Her wardrobe and her world are nothing short of a palette of design. If you want to achieve the ultimate design in your home, choose colors that you love. You can turn conventional thinking on its head. It’s in the eye of the beholder–if you love the way certain colors go together, make it your own.

 

Layers.

style icon iris apfel layered designWe’re not sure, but if someone told us style icon Iris Apfel invented layering as a design trend, we’d believe them! The confident air that surrounds her is partly due to the evidence that she absolutely loves her life. How do we know that? She layers herself in the unique designs that have created her style for decades. In her home, she fills each and every space–a style, often referred to as Maximalism–with memories, accents and decor that define her.

 

Style Icon Iris Apfel…Create Your Own Look

add color to your open concept living space wallpaper paint accent wall We’re excited to announce that Hunter Douglas has teamed with Apfel to help you improve the style, features and rhythm of your life! From unique designs to innovative features, our design team is ready to help you find what inspires you! And, with the amazing capability of PowerView motorization, you can easily set yourself up for success every day. Visit one of our Metropolitan Window Fashions exclusive Hunter Douglas galleries. Or, invite us into your home. A free, in-home consultation will be just what you need to get started today

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Favorite Design Trends of 2016

Favorite Design Trends of 2016 wjfigw4q3

We are days away from saying goodbye to 2016. The new year is going to bring so many fresh design trends. We’re excited to see what 2017 has in store. Greenery, the Color of the Year, is going to rejuvenate the design world. Mixed patterns and faux finishes are also on the rise. Although the excitement is growing for the latest fashions, 2016 brought many design trends that we just can’t part with. Which styles were your favorite? Take a look at some of the top design trends from 2016.

 

Incorporating Bold Colors

design trends bold colors

Rose Quartz and Serenity were both named Color of the Year 2016. The mix is soft, elegant, and inviting. We certainly saw softer callers, including neutrals, take over the design world. But, another design trend we loved was incorporating bold colors. Decorating with deep purples, bright accent walls, and bold blues were must-have design trends from this year. Pops of color add character and a unique touch to any design, giving you the opportunity to show off your personality through decor. We don’t see this going anywhere–no matter what the latest trends are, embracing your personal style is what it’s all about. 

 

Metallic Decor

design trends metallic decor

One huge design trend of 2016 was decorating with metals. Offering an industrial look, metallic decor brings a shine into any home. The contemporary trend includes flashy silvers and bronzes, giving your rooms a contemporary, dynamic feel. This design trend is just getting started. An up-and-coming accent we’re seeing is Rose Gold. The subtle pink mixed with a gold finish creates a luxurious statement, redefining what it means to decorate with metals. Take a look here for different ways to incorporate Rose Gold

 

Touch of a Button Convenience

design trends home automation

Okay, so it’s a different type of design trend, but it includes was one of the most popular features of 2016. Have you heard of home automation? Technology is becoming more and more advanced, and home integration systems are becoming must-haves. Logitech’s Harmony and The Nest are perfect examples, giving you control of your home at the touch of a button. In the world of window treatments, PowerView motorization became extremely popular. Allowing you to create a schedule based on your favorite settings, your blinds automatically adjust during the day. Talk about convenient! We can’t see what type of technological advances 2017 has for the design world.

 

Find Your Favorite Design Trends

It may be difficult to keep up with design trends–we understand! Not everybody can repaint their rooms or buy new decor every year. There are ways to revamp your space and embrace the designs you already have. Do you want to bring in the latest styles? Do you need design tips? No matter what you’re looking for, we’re ready to help. Visit one of our exclusive Hunter Douglas galleries for inspiration, or contact our team at Metropolitan Window Fashions today.

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Energy Efficiency: The Latest Innovations

Energy Efficiency: The Latest Innovations wjfigw4q3

There’s a chill in the air…is your home outfitted with energy efficiency? In what’s become somewhat of a ‘buzz phrase’ the importance of energy efficiency grows greater each day. With winter well on its way, you’ve probably thought about what improvements your home needs. But who can keep up with what will work today, tomorrow and around the year? In this area, we are lucky to experience all four seasons–or at least, that’s what I tell myself. But what about the incredible range of temperatures we see, or the weather changes we’ll face from one day to the next? Let us help with this handy guide about the latest innovations in energy efficiency that will help you create the perfect environment within your home, no matter the season.

Home Automation

Hunter Douglas energy efficiency motorizationYou’ve heard the expression, “Work Smarter, Not Harder.” The latest innovations in technology have stepped up to provide energy efficiency throughout your home. Using a home integration system, like The Nest or Logitech’s Harmony, you can achieve greater savings. Savings that have the potential to result in cost reduction, pleasant atmosphere and longer lasting appliances. Hunter Douglas has teamed up with many of the major home integration systems to offer you an amazing experience in energy efficiency. Motorized blinds and shades play a huge role in the temperature control of your home. With the latest innovations in automation, like PowerView Motorization, you can control your shades with the touch of a button, from anywhere in the world. Not only that, but you can save and schedule your favorite settings for each and every window within your home!

Advanced Lighting

Better Lighting energy efficiencyOne of the innovations in energy efficiency is the reduced consumption of energy from new, more advanced light bulbs. This might not be news to you, but we can agree that better light control is powerful. What about reducing your light usage, no matter the time of year? It’s called Daylighting, and it’s an incredible way to change the presence of light within your home. Instead of closing your home off like a cave, it’s time to innovate your window shades! Need window insulation? Top down shades bring light in across the ceiling, using the natural light that normally would be closed out, while most of your window is covered by innovative cellular shades. Want extra privacy? Sheer shadings bring in light, while the reflective sheers keep prying eyes out. Take a look at one of our recent articles about Maximizing the Light in your home.

Window Insulation

energy efficiency for your homeWindows are a necessity in the home, but they can wreak havoc on your attempts to improve energy efficiency. While the latest innovations are creating better windows, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, we are helping our clients create a beautiful, more comfortable atmosphere. We want your existing windows to work for you. You probably love the gorgeous view, the open air, the amazing light. But with those benefits of your windows, you also get some common household issues. You need window solutions from the experts! With large windows, the light is too much. We have solutions to let you enjoy the view while taming the light. Wondering what to do with sliding glass doors and french doors? These high traffic areas can be a vital part of enjoying the outdoors. We have solutions to add to the incredible function without letting them become bothersome. Don’t worry about buying new windows unless you’re building a new home! We can bring gorgeous design and impeccable function to you!

Energy Efficiency: Let Us Help!

At Metropolitan Window Fashions, we can help bring some of the latest innovations in energy efficiency to your home. Don’t go another winter feeling that draft. We’ll come to your home to help guide you with options and fabrics that are just right. We can help you handle common window issues with beautiful shades, blinds, drapery panels and shutters. Want to shop with us? Come visit any one of our exclusive Hunter Douglas galleries to see for yourself. And then, contact our team for a free, in-home consultation.

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The World of Home Automation…Is It for You?

The World of Home Automation…Is It for You? wjfigw4q3

Back in 2012, Billy Crystal (and a host of other well-loved celebrities) starred in Parental Guidance. This movie depicted three generations of a family that were facing a world of technology at their fingertips–the hilarious contrasts between them is what made this movie completely relatable to the audience. What wasn’t relatable was the home automation, ahem…the ‘smart’ lifestyle these people were living. In 2012, so many of us were embracing smartphones, apps and just what was starting to trend on a new site called Pinterest. Whole home automation? A life dictated by technology? It seemed way too Jetson-like for normal life. Fast forward to 2016. Do you know what is growing faster than ever? Home automation. That’s right…exactly what we thought was way too ‘movie-like’ for real life is happening in homes all around us. Do you have this life-changing technology? Do you have components of a smart lifestyle? Do you have any idea what is possible? Take a look at the future of today!

tablet home automation

Home Automation…What Do You Mean?

If you’re like most of us, ‘smart’ devices are part of your life…you have an iPhone or tablet, you know what an ‘app’ is, and you have some favorites. But what about for your home? Have you updated your thermostat to wireless control? Can you control the music playing in your home with a bluetooth speaker? How about controlling the lighting from the palm of your hand? These are all aspects of the home automation lifestyle, but like most of these, they can add to the ease and convenience of your life even without home automation. If you love the way these products have enhanced your life, read on…

motorized shades home automation

Home Automation…What’s Possible?

This year, more and more people are hopping on the home automation bandwagon. Why? Many devices you’ll buy (like and updated thermostat) are enticing you with the possibilities. Having a dinner party–want to adjust your household temperature? You can do it with the device that’s in your pocket, without leaving your guests. How about motorized blinds and shades? What’s more comfort-inducing than being able to adjust shadings from the palm of your hand? It happens in an instant, and it’s priceless convenience. These features are also an incredible way to save money. When you can set schedules, save your favorite settings and adjust your home even when you’re not home–there’s just nothing like it. But actual home automation takes things a step further.

hub control home automation

Home Automation…Just Get Started.

On such a popular topic this year, PCMag.com posted an article called, “How to Build Your Smart Home: A Beginner’s Guide.” This article details what’s been done, the current status of devices and how to get started. They make reference to the “hub,” the centralized control of various home automation devices, ones that connect together for an amazing experience. Hunter Douglas is proud to announce partnerships with some of the major home integration systems that are referred to in this article, like The Nest and Logitech’s Harmony. Your motorized blinds and shades can be added into home integration for a flawless performance, with the benefits of energy efficiency, privacy, convenience and light control.

 

At Metropolitan Window Fashions, we are ready to help you get started on your way to home automation. Our motorized blinds and shades can be connected and integrated, giving you exceptional ease and convenience throughout your home. It’s the perfect atmosphere, every time. Contact our design team to set up a free, in-home consultation today!

Motorized Shades: Instant Control

Motorized Shades: Instant Control wjfigw4q3

You’ve heard about them…now it’s time to experience the lifestyle upgrade that motorized shades will bring to your home. From the comfort of your couch, or on vacation a world away, your control doesn’t change. PowerView motorization puts the control of your home environment into the palm of your hand. And with the latest innovations, your entire home environment can be managed and integrated for seamless function whether you’re home or not. As if having automated window coverings wasn’t exciting enough, your control just got even easier. Hunter Douglas is partnering with some of the most popular home integration systems to help you control your home like never before!

Incredible Innovations

motorized shades patio shadesWhether you love the sleek profile of the new Pebble remote, or you love the functionality of using your favorite device, controlling your motorized shades is in the palm of your hand. This instant control takes your home to the next level. Touch-of-a-button control allows you to open, close and adjust your motorized shades effortlessly. Create and save your favorite scenes and settings in the PowerView App, scheduling them to occur when you need them to, based on your life. Then sit back, and enjoy what PowerView can do for the light control, privacy and function of your home. Ready for whole house control? The latest innovation allows you to use a home integration system, like Logitech’s Harmony experience. Using your PowerView Hub to control your whole home, while integrating in other aspects of home control is the the path to your future convenience.

Your Amazing View

motorized shades living roomThe beauty of your view will only get better with motorized shades. The innovation of effortless control lets you open, close and adjust with the touch-of-a-button. That means that you can enjoy your view in an instant. Choose motorized shades that complement your lifestyle–rooms that boast a gorgeous view on a sunny day can now bring in soft, filtered light with a simple adjustment on your remote or favorite device. And the whole time, you can delight in your amazing view–no glare included!

A Perfect Atmosphere Every Time

motorized shades viewSchedule the ideal adjustments throughout your day, based on your personal schedule and preferences. You know your home better than anyone, and the way the light interacts with your home has a big impact on your lifestyle. How does this sound? Breakfast welcomes the glowing morning light, but your shades are adjusting closed by mid-morning as the temperature maintains your comfort. Adjusting top down during the afternoon, you no longer function like you’re in a cave, trying to avoid the hot daily sun. Motorized shades adjust themselves. Dinnertime invites the softness of sunset, and then your bedtime is perfectly planned, as your motorized shades place themselves into position for the ultimate privacy and room-darkening.

It’s time for you to experience what motorized shades can do for you. Achieve the ideal atmosphere every time with motorized shades that offer instant access, but can also be scheduled so you no longer even have to think about it! Our design consultants at Metropolitan Window Fashions are here to help! We’ll come to you for a free, in-home consultation with expert advice and ideas to upgrade your life. Get started today!

 

French Door Shades & Shutters: Incredible Access to the Great Outdoors

French Door Shades & Shutters: Incredible Access to the Great Outdoors wjfigw4q3

There’s something different about the breeze lately. Warm, full of sunshine, the air envelops you with a sense of pure refreshment. Don’t you just want to be outside? Spending time in your outdoor space not only fills you with invigorating fresh air, but the rays of sunshine boosting your vitamin D increase your energy, your mood, and your productivity. As one of the most important features of your home, the doors leading to the outdoors offer immense natural light and a magnificent view. But even sunshine burns if you get too much. That’s why french door shades and shutters will offer you valuable solutions to keep all that you love about that part of your home, while protecting you from the everyday frustrations!

Sleek Design with Incredible Function

french door shades roman shadesAdding window shades to doors begs the question, “How can I get the functionality of a shade as well as utilize my door?” With carefully selected french door shades, it won’t be a problem. Recommended patio door, sliding glass door and french door shades are chosen after taking into consideration the way the doors operate, the design that will best suit, and adjustment that will fit the doors in question. French door shades require low-profile design and custom operating features for simplistic adjustment and easy access to your outdoor space.

Customized for Your Home

french door shades verticalYou deserve the beauty and function that custom window shades can provide. Among our collections of beautiful shadings, the options are all yours as you decide which features will improve your life and your home. The best part is that the features are complemented by the design elements–all created to come together for a polished look. Choose the side-to-side gliding of vertical french door shades, and then pair them with horizontal shades in the same shared space. The result? Custom function for individual windows and doors that bring dramatic style and benefits to your home.

Gorgeous Light with Amazing Views

french door shades sliding door shades luminetteWith large windows and doors, the view of your outdoor space is to be enjoyed. Vertical shades have always been a top choice for sliding glass doors, and with the latest innovations, they can offer so much more than covering up large windows. Luminette Privacy Sheers, feature drapery-like sheer fabrics that welcome in illuminating light, while still maintaining privacy, UV protection and as much light control as you see fit. Add motorization to your sliding glass or french door shades, and with the touch-of-a-button, the ultimate control is in the palm of your hands. PowerView motorization allows you to effortlessly adjust–or even schedule–your window shades, creating the easiest way to enjoy your outdoor space in an instant.

Sophisticated Styling of Plantation Shutters

french door shades and shuttersFrench door shades are not the only option when it comes to choosing window coverings for your doors. Plantation shutters offer classic design with amazing benefits. Levels of light control, privacy, energy efficiency and UV protection are just a simple adjustment away. The handle cut-out on your door shutters add such a custom look–your doors will look as if they were made that way! With three different options for operating features–ByPass, Bi-fold and Hinged–shutters will add the ideal function to your doors for easy access to the Great Outdoors.

Spring is on its way–are you ready? How about your doors? Gain access to the outdoors, while maintaining a beautiful view and amazing light with french door shades and shutters. Our design team can help you decide on just the right options for your home, based on your lifestyle and unique needs. Contact our team, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, for a free, shop-at-home consultation today.

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Skylights Shades: Our Best Products

Skylights Shades: Our Best Products wjfigw4q3

With the exhilaration of sunshine and open air, your skylights bring unique characteristics and benefits to your home. You enjoy privacy while maintaining beautiful natural light. They direct ample amounts of light differently than any of your other windows. In a word: Magnificent. But…because of their location, skylights can provide as much frustration as beautification. And while you can find many ways to block out the sunshine, the best skylight shades will enhance the atmosphere of your home while offering you all of the amazing benefits you need: energy efficiency, functional light control and UV protection.

Honeycomb Shades: The Best Choice

Because skylights are a very specific type of window, with a unique location in your home, certain window coverings will perform better. For the stylish appearance and functional benefits you need, two of our window shades are the recommended products when shopping for skylight shades. Duette shades and Applause shades are the best products for your home when it comes to solving your skylight concerns. These shades for skylights bring energy efficient design, innovative operating features and fabrics enhanced for your lifestyle and chosen for individual rooms.

Energy Efficiency: Twice the Control

skylight shades kitchenHeat rises, and when you have skylights, heat loss is a major concern. Both Duette and Applause shades offer the cellular pleats, with pockets of air, that provide insulation for your windows. This cell-within-cell design allows you to hold onto heat, instead of it escaping. Here on the East Coast, that’s important. Another dynamic feature of skylight shades is one you may not have heard about. Skylift–an innovation of Hunter Douglas–upgrades your skylight shades, for energy efficient performance. Specialized weather stripping provides you with more protection against heat loss. Two levels of energy efficiency for insulation that equals cost savings!

Functions Easily: Operable Skylight Shades

motorized skylight shadesOne of the most asked questions when dealing with skylights is “How do they Operate”?  Typically, these shades are located in hard to reach areas, and you will need to be able to operate them easily to control when the light should come through, and how much. It’s all based on your preferences and how you want to use your space. For many of our clients, light-filtering skylight shades bring in soft light that provides all the daylighting they want–only adjusting the shades on rare occasions. A manual Extension Wand provides a simple and  suitable option to open and close your shades.  For those clients who need room-darkening skylight shades, access to sunlight on a daily basis becomes more important. PowerView motorization offers you the ease and convenience to adjust your shades open and closed at the touch of a button. Use the PowerView App to schedule those adjustments based on your lifestyle, and save your favorite scenes for access to the amount of light you prefer.

Fabrics: Beauty & Function

skylight shades bedroomThe fabric choices, specific to Duette shades and Applause shades, offer stylish beauty and valuable function. The sleek, low-profile pleats offer structured design for your ceiling with colors that blend in when your skylight shades are closed. Depending on the room location of your skylights, your fabric choices will add amazing benefits. Room-darkening fabrics are perfect for your bedrooms, where sunlight streaming in just after sunrise is the last thing you want. When choosing fabrics for your daily living spaces, like your kitchen or living room, you may want light-filtering fabrics that invite soft natural light without the glare of direct light overhead. This is where light-filtering fabrics will enhance the atmosphere of your home. The fabrics of these skylight shades provide up to 99% UV protection, maintaining the quality of your valuables for years to come.

Finding the right skylight shades is easy once you understand how the products we offer provide you the light control, energy efficiency and UV protection you’ve been looking for. Enhance the beauty of your home the way you’ve always wanted with your skylights. Our design consultants, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, know how important the right window coverings are to the atmosphere and function of your home. We’d love to help you find just what you’re looking for. Contact our team for a free, in-home consultation today.

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