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Interior Design Tips

7 Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen
7 Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen wjfigw4q3

When it comes to your home, your kitchen is one of the rooms where you spend a large amount of time. Having an updated kitchen is important for your functional needs, while the style should reflect a look you love. Updating a kitchen can be expensive, but as long as the layout works, there’s no reason to break the bank. We have seven ways you can upgrade your kitchen, from small projects to large–without costing you a fortune. Need advice? We’re here to help. The design consultants at Metropolitan Window Fashions will offer advice and inspiration for your kitchen upgrade!

Upgrade Your Kitchen With Paint.

#1 Paint the walls. There’s nothing quite like a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into a space, and your kitchen is no different. The daily wear and tear in a kitchen brings steam, oils and spices into the air, finally landing on surfaces…like your walls and ceilings. Choose a favorite color, and stick with finishes such as satin and eggshell for easy clean up.

#2 Paint the cabinets. Your cabinets carry a lot of weight when it comes to the overall look of your kitchen. Most of the time, kitchen cabinets are still in good shape functionally–it’s the finishes and paints that need the update. Painting your cabinets will change the atmosphere and add contemporary design. Most paint experts recommend a coat of primer after the doors have been removed, and then two coats of paint. Consulting with a paint expert will help you choose the proper finish–like the walls, easy maintenance is a must.

Upgrade Your Kitchen With Small Touches.

#3 Change the pulls. Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that make a big impact. If the knobs and pulls in your kitchen haven’t been changed in the last few years, you won’t believe the dramatic style they will add. The style of hardware in your kitchen can speak volumes design, and choosing ones that reflect your own personal style is important.

#4 Choose fresh linens and decor. Refresh your kitchen with a pop of color or a declaration of style with new dish towels, a table runner, custom upholstery or rugs. Adding function and style, these  are the details that will invite a whole new look. Beautiful fabrics on chairs will update the furniture and bring together elements of style throughout your kitchen. 

#5 Pick out new dishes. Life’s too short to not love your dishes. Sometimes three meals a day–you should feel like your dishes are an extension of your personal style. There are so many choices with unique colors and designs, this is easily an element of style that lets you express yourself.

Upgrade Your Kitchen With Ideal Lighting.

#6 Create atmosphere with window shades. The daily activities of the kitchen require excellent light control. To add both function and ambiance for cooking, meals and entertaining, window shades with top-down bottom-up will bring in plenty of natural light while preventing glare. Light-filtering fabrics will upgrade your kitchen with lightingdisperse natural throughout your kitchen so you don’t have to rely on artificial light, but you’ll maintain the pleasant atmosphere and energy efficiency that you need.


#7 Update Your Light Fixtures. Lighting is such an important part of style and atmosphere in your home, and your kitchen is no different. Chances are, it’s been awhile since new light fixtures were added, but they are a great way to express your style and complement your decor. Consider choosing lights that can be dimmed so you can adjust the light depending on time of day and your preferences.

Is it time for a kitchen makeover? Do you want to make changes that will upgrade your kitchen with style and function? While these updates range from small to large, they will all make a huge impact on your kitchen. Do you need help? Our consultants at Metropolitan Window Fashions can help you create the perfect look in your kitchen, whether you are thinking of paint, window coverings or any custom fabric projects. We can provide the inspiration and guidance you need with a free, in-home consultation. Contact our team to get started on your next project today!

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How to Add Color to Your Open Concept Living Space
How to Add Color to Your Open Concept Living Space wjfigw4q3

Designing a home and living space with an open, airy feel is a very popular choice in design. Welcoming a feeling of relaxed comfort and flowing harmony, the open floor plan allows one area to share conversation with another. Commonly seen when the kitchen opens into the living room, this type of design scheme invites togetherness and shared experiences, easily making smaller spaces seem large. The energy flows, the layout works…but what about the design elements? How do you add color to your open concept living space? Too much color may overwhelm the eye, while too little may seem unfinished. We have some great ideas for you as you consider adding just the right hues for that polished look.

 

The Colors–You’ve Got to Love Them.

add color to your open concept living space benches area rugsOne thing is for sure, when you add color to your open concept living space, the colors you choose need to be colors you love–shades that make you feel good when you’re surrounded by them. Because open floor plans include a number of rooms, for an unlimited amount of circumstances throughout the day, you’ll spend much of your time in this space. Remember that not everything across the shared spaces must match. Many colors pair well with one another, coordinating well without appearing too matchy-matchy. The foundation color will most likely span across the space, so subtle colors work best for the foundation and trim. Then it will be up to you to decide which accent colors will work.

Let Your Windows Make a Statement.


add color to your open concept living space custom drapesNot only do the windows in your open floor plan bring in amazing natural light, but they provide a gorgeous backdrop of the outside world. When rooms are combined into a shared space, the windows break up the wall space much like artwork. Make a beautiful statement at the window, while also gaining tremendous function with window treatments. Adding color to your open concept living space has never been easier than with flowing custom drapes, top treatments and window shades. Adding dimension and style, custom window treatments let you have control over how much light and privacy your home has. With custom fabrics, colors and textures, you can add beautiful design elements and frame your breathtaking view.

Add a Focal Wall for Accent & Style.


add color to your open concept living space wallpaper paint accent wallToo much bold design might overwhelm you, so choosing one wall to make into the focal point of the room is a great way when you’re thinking of adding color to an open concept living space. Typically, the chosen wall is not the wall with the largest amount of space. It’s better to let one of the smaller walls receive big style. One method is to choose a wall that is easily visible when walking into the space. Another design scheme is to paint one wall space in each “room” area of the open floor plan, allowing each room to showcase a different accent color. Use the architectural features of your home, and your own personal preferences, to decide which type of focal wall works for you. Both paint and wallpaper can be great ideas when adding color to your open concept floor plan.

Personalize the Space with Furniture, Rugs & Decor.


add color to your open concept living space area rugs blanketsPlay with the idea of how arranging the furniture might change the atmosphere. You’ll want it to lend itself to the energy flow of the space. Conversation spaces are popular for living rooms, adjusting the furniture so it’s easy to enjoy another person’s company. You may like the idea of using the furniture to create division of the space, adding a more intimate feel. Whatever you decide, adding color to an open concept living space is easy with accent pieces, decor and rugs. Area rugs and decor, such as lamps and artwork, can help you show off your personal style for the perfect look.

Open concept floor plans offer inviting design, and you can have a lot of fun with the color and decor. At Metropolitan Window Fashions, we would love to help you figure out which design elements will bring out the best in your home and give you the look you’ve always wanted. From window shades and custom drapes, to paint and decor pieces, we can help you get started adding color to your open concept living space. Contact our team today for a free, shop-at-home experience, where you can find inspiration and ideas for the ideal color scheme for your home, right from the comfort of your living room.

Revitalize Your Bathroom: 5 Design Features That Make All the Difference
Revitalize Your Bathroom: 5 Design Features That Make All the Difference wjfigw4q3

You start the day, you end the day–and with added times in between, your bathrooms play a much bigger role in your family’s lives than you realize. It’s time to make the most of your bathrooms. A transformation needs to occur, and to do that, you must know what counts. We have the top five design features that will create the ideal bathroom space for the valuable form and function that you and your family deserve. If you have a bathroom decorating project that you’d love to get started on, our design consultants can come right to you for a free, in-home consultation.

#1 Privacy Control

design featuresYour privacy is one of the most important design features of your bathroom is privacy. While some bathrooms are housed within interior rooms, most have at least one small window to let in natural light. You and your family need to feel the comfort of privacy in the bathroom, and that control should be simplistic enough for even the smallest members of the family to function. The blinds, shades and shutters that you choose for your bathroom can feature simple operating systems–like the gentle push-pull of a wand or the LiteRise system–that offers instant privacy. Privacy should be in your control–make sure the window coverings you choose offer simple function with high levels of privacy.

#2 The Right Kind of Light

design featuresGetting ready for the day, there’s no question–you want to have an adequate amount of light. But once the abundance of light has entered the bathroom, what’s the atmosphere like? Do you struggle with the harshness of direct light bouncing off mirrors and other reflective surfaces? Is the glare making it hard for your bathroom to seem pleasant? The right amount and type of light is one of the most important design features of your bathroom. When choosing the ideal light fixtures, as the bathroom tends to be a smaller space, opt for those that have frosted glass to diffuse some of the light. Two separate sources of light are another option, allowing you to choose the amount of artificial light. For light control of entering natural light, top down window shades allow natural light to come in and disperse throughout the room without filling the space with an unlimited amount of sunshine. There are also window shades in light-filtering materials that can pull in the natural light, while still allowing as much privacy as you need.

#3 Comfortable Temperature

design featuresThere’s nothing quite as chilling as trying to get yourself ready in the morning–or taking kids out of the tub at night–in a chilly bathroom. One of the most important design features of your bathroom is temperature control. Be in control of the temperature in your bathroom by preventing those uncomfortable drafts. Duette honeycomb shades offer the insulation you need to keep the temperature of your bathroom comfortable throughout the year. Preventing drafts is an important function of Duette’s energy efficient features, while the cellular construction of these window shades prevents the cool surface of the window to lower the inside temperature of your bathroom.

#4 Low Profile Design

design featuresEven in the most spacious bathrooms, real estate is limited. Counter space is often used for items you need to get yourself ready, and there’s no space for extras. Keeping the design features and decor of your bathroom on the low-profile side will ensure that the entire room is as functional as possible. That means when choosing side tables and shelving, keep in mind how much space you have to use, and be frugal with that space. Window coverings should honor the idea of limited space, as well, while still providing the essential functions of light control, privacy, energy efficiency and UV protection. Sometimes your windows are in a position that can make the function complicated. The intuitive technology of PowerView motorized shades offers you touch of a button control for convenience and ease.

#5 Specialty Materials

design featuresBathrooms are known areas of humidity and moisture. As you choose design features for your bathroom, keep in my the materials you are using must be created to withstand the elements. The moisture and heat of the bathroom can sometimes affect materials differently than other rooms within your home. Hunter Douglas has taken measures to ensure you always have window coverings that meet your needs. Depending on the style of your bathroom, plantation shutters may be the perfect choice for you–our Palm Beach Polysatin shutters will be the perfect choice, created for areas of high heat and humidity. If the look of window shades is more your style, our Applause shades have fabrics designed to prevent mildew. Our design consultants can help you select window coverings to make sure your bathroom looks amazing for years to come.

Are you ready for a bathroom transformation? These 5 design features are a sure way to make the most of your bathroom for valuable function and unending benefits. Our design consultants would love to help you style your bathroom with decor and window coverings that add upscale form, function and fashion to your bathroom space. Contact our team, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, for a free, in-home consultation.

Want to Spice Up the Look of Your Home? It’s All About the Fabrics and Upholstery.
Want to Spice Up the Look of Your Home? It’s All About the Fabrics and Upholstery. wjfigw4q3

Is your home starting to feel like it needs a fresh look? It’s the time of year when everyone starts looking around their homes, wondering what will do the trick to change up the look, to freshen the style. Fabrics and upholstery are the key to introducing new style and cutting-edge design. Our design consultants are ready, with inspiration and fabric swatches, to help you find the ideas that will bring a new look to your home. Wondering where to start? We can come to you for a free, shop-at-home experience, or you can stop into one of our showrooms to browse through fabrics and upholstery that will add the perfect accent to your home. During the month of January, save on the beauty of Fabricut Fabrics and the custom labor you’ll need for your dream project. Need some ideas? Start with these…

 

Mix & Match for Style

The trick to adding personality to your home with upscale fashion is to rethink your current design elements, and change things up for a whole new look. At the windows, fabrics will add flowing dimension and layers of style in custom drapes and top treatments. The dining room will be the envy of all of your friends with a set of upholstered chairs that feature fabrics of different textures, patterns and colors to create your own look. Follow the same advice with accent pillows in the living room or bedroom. Mix fabrics for coordination, not a perfect match, and you’ll love the result.

 

Make a Stunning Statement

Create a dramatic scene in your living room or entryway with a focal wall that uses fabric to make a style statement. Channel the 17th century with lush fabric tapestries to heighten the fashion of your space, as well as keep out the draft. In the bedroom, your bed is the ideal way to showcase your style with custom bedding and accent pillows in colors and textures you love. Want to go one step further? We love the look of custom upholstery on a headboard. It fills the space with a sophisticated air, and creates the focal point for the room. In your office, add an inspiration board–a simple bulletin board, covered in fabric and finished with trim or nail heads–as a place to dream and plan for life ahead.

 

Savor Family Heirlooms

It can be a generous gift to receive an item that once belonged to a well-loved family member. But what if the years are beginning to show? What if you love the sentiment, but hate the fabric? There’s no need to get rid of that treasure! Heirlooms that have been passed down from one generation to the next add such a comfortable familiarity, and they often have a great deal of life left in them. At Metropolitan Window Fashions, we use custom upholstery to bring new life to your favorite pieces.

It’s time for you to add stunning style and fresh design elements to your home. Revitalize the look of your home and favorite accents with fabrics and upholstery that you love. Our design consultants can help you discover the right colors, textures and prints you are looking for. Contact our team, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, for a free, shop-at-home appointment today.

5 Ways to Make Your Relationship Better (Just in time for Valentine’s Day!)
5 Ways to Make Your Relationship Better (Just in time for Valentine’s Day!) wjfigw4q3

I don’t know about you, but there are some very distinct items of discord in my home. It seems that no matter how much you may love your significant other, their mere existence–and many of their personal preferences–can still drive you crazy. Much of the time, it’s not over-the-top arguments that pull couples apart. It’s the little things: One of you is more prompt than the other, the other one keeps the TV on for background noise–and you both have a hard time deciding where to go for dinner. That’s why we’re offering you, and your special someone, five ways to make your relationship better. And it couldn’t come at a better time! Not only is Valentine’s Day right around the corner–February 14th is coming sooner than you realize, but this is one of the best times of year to outfit the design of your home. Create the ambiance of your dreams, while making your relationship even better than it already is…What’s more romantic than that?

#1 Find the Perfect Comfort Zone.

make your relationship better with temperature controlControlling the thermostat–it’s one of the most talked about quarrels between couples. One of you likes the heat up, one of you likes the atmosphere to be cool and refreshing. Typically, the conversation circles back to both cost savings and a good night of sleep. We have two great gift ideas for Valentine’s Day that will make your relationship better and help you both find a comfortable compromise. One is a digital thermostat. The newest thermostats on the market allow you to, not only customize the schedule of changes, but you control the temperature from your phone, so you can experience ultimate control over how and when your furnace is working, creating an atmosphere that caters to your lifestyle. Another way to warm up your home is to invest in custom window coverings that offer insulation at the window so that infamous chilly draft disappears. Most of the time, the reason the heat gets turned up in the winter is because of the energy loss that’s going right out your windows. Window shades, like Duette Architella, offer the highest rated energy efficiency on the market, and will help you keep the warm air in your home, even on the coldest days and nights. Right now, we have special savings on energy efficient window shades that will keep your home comfortable year round!

#2 Spend time together.

make your relationship better with levels of lightingIt can be hard to find time to spend together. And sometimes, it’s just as hard to decide what to do. Plan a year of activities–a bucket list for 2016–of activities you want to do together in the coming year. Each of you should make a list of 12 things, both at-home activities and special outings, and then share the list–without complaint! You’ll potentially have something to do every other weekend during the year, and both of you will feel invested as you spend time together in an effort to make your relationship better. Interested in making one of the rooms in your home more comfortable for days and nights spent together at home? Find out about Silhouette window shades and Pirouette window shades: The ultimate versatility in atmosphere customization. From game night or movie night, to Sunday brunch or a dinner party, you can always create a glowing ambiance with beautiful fabrics and a dynamic view. Take this opportunity to save on these beautiful shadings for a limited time.

#3 Create a bathroom sanctuary.

make your relationship better with a bathroom sanctuaryIn relationships, alone time can be just as important as time spent together. Sometimes, it seems like the bathroom is the only place you can be alone–and don’t pretend you don’t take advantage. From taking extra long showers, to checking social media, your personal bathroom behaviors might be the only thing saving your sanity after a long day. That’s why your bathroom should make both of you happy. You should be comfortable. Take the opportunity to make your bathroom a sanctuary–make it pleasant, comfortable, soothing. And functional. How do you do that? While having the right light fixtures is important, we have an even better idea. Top down bottom up window shades. That’s right–the top can be lowered down just enough to let in the natural light you need, but still offer the privacy and comfort you want. The bottom of the window shades is easily adjusted as well, so no matter how much light you want, or who is using the bathroom at the time, it can become your sanctuary in an instant. To make your relationship better, help your loved one have quality time to themselves. Don’t miss out on incredible savings for an upgrade to top down bottom up systems this month!

#4 Choose a design scheme that makes both of you happy.

trending fabric patterns accent pillowsTraditionally, the design scheme of the home was left to one member of the household. But in the last few years, it has become very important to make sure the look of the home pleases both of you–and sometimes that can be hard to do. With the latest trends, we have fabrics in a vast array of colors, patterns and textures to make everyone happy. That means you can both still have the elements that you love–with designs that offer sophisticated comfort. From the contemporary appeal of metallic decor, to the stunning look of geometric designs, we can help you create the perfect scene in your home–it’s a great way to make your relationship better. Our design consultants can help you with the custom bedding, custom drapes and custom upholstery that will bring the whole look together, and we even can offer you wallpaper and paint choices to finish off your beautiful space. This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of a beautiful home–starting with a free, in-home consultation for the one you love. And with savings on fabrics and custom labor, this month is the perfect time to get started!

#5 Divide the duties of the house.

make your relationship better with motorized shadesBe honest. Does one of you do more than the other when it comes to keeping up your home? While every couple is different, you should take a realistic look at what exactly is going on, and how each of you feels about it. It might be a good idea to mix things up and divvy out the chores for balance, making sure that each person feels represented–as well as acknowledged. At the end of the day, cleaning, organizing and tending to the home will be way more effective with the right light control. Mood and productivity are important factors in feeling good about your home and what you accomplish–make those a priority. Motorized shades are a perfect way to guarantee mood-enhancing, productivity-increasing light in your home without fuss. With PowerView automated window shades, it’s like having a personal assistant. A win/win as you try to make your relationship better. Isn’t that exactly what you and your partner need this Valentine’s Day? Find out how to save on the motorized shades you want!    

While it’s impossible for you to have life exactly the way you want it all the time, we hope these ideas offer compromise that will help make both of you happy and make your relationship better–just in time for Valentine’s Day. We have some exciting promotions right now that will make it easy to create the perfect atmosphere in your home. Contact our team, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, for a free, shop-at-home consultation.

Which Plantation Shutters Will Work in Your Home?
Which Plantation Shutters Will Work in Your Home? wjfigw4q3

Plantation shutters. Timeless beauty. The look, the atmosphere, the designer styling–there’s just no better way to set your home apart. When it comes to choosing plantation shutters for your home, which style, design elements and operating features will fit your home the best? Read on to find out exactly what you need to know about plantation shutters. With so many features, it can be overwhelming. After you spend some time deciding what you like, give our team a call at Metropolitan Window Fashions. We would love to help you create the perfect look in your home. After answering questions about features and designs, we can listen to your ideas and guide you to the plantation shutters that will suit you and your home the best. It’s easy and fun because we come to you with a free, shop-at-home experience. And this time of year is a great time to upgrade the look of your home with the classic styling of plantation shutters. Take a look at some of our amazing offers.

Timeless Beauty & Effortless Function

plantation shutters for your living roomThe time-honored tradition of plantation shutters will add endless amounts of style to your home. Our three different types of custom shutters–Heritance Hardwood, Palmbeach Polysatin and NewStyle Hybrid–all have many of the design elements and specialty features available for you to customize your shutters exactly as you would like. Perfect for patio doors and a range of window sizes, custom shutters will highlight the look of any room in your home. The plantation shutters featured here are our Heritance Hardwood shutters, made of genuine hardwood and created with the highest level of craftsmanship. From specialty glazes to unique distressing, Heritance shutters offer six artisanal techniques for you to choose from. These shutters are shown with the front tilt bar, running down the center, for effortless adjustment and traditional styling.

Specialty Shapes & Large Windows

plantation shutters for your large windowsOne of the most distinct qualities of plantation shutters is the angles, curves and arches they can be customized to fit. With clean, structured form, custom shutters make a statement just by adhering to the unique look of your windows. That’s one of the reasons they add such stunning style–the dramatic look of lines and curves adds a sophisticated atmosphere to your home. Custom shutters are the perfect choice when you have large windows–the light control, privacy, UV protection and view-through that you often worry about with over-sized windows is a breeze with custom shutters. The plantation shutters shown here are NewStyle hybrid shutters. Created with a combination of real wood and man-made materials, they are value-priced for your budget, while providing the custom look you have been searching for. The view-through with these shutters is clear and unobstructed, as the rear tilt feature hides the tilt bar, adding contemporary appeal to this classic look.

Privacy & Light Control

plantation shutters for light control and privacy The dynamic function of plantation shutters will transform your home with amazing benefits. Adjustable louvers–in a variety of slat sizes–offer ease of function and the perfect amount of light every time. Privacy is one simple adjustment away, making plantation shutters an ideal choice for any room in your home. With options for operating systems–such as bi-fold, bi-pass and hinged panels–you can choose the function that fits your home and your lifestyle. The custom plantation shutters shown here are Palmbeach Polysatin shutters. Created to withstand the elements, and with areas of high humidity and moisture in mind, Palmbeach shutters feature an exclusive finish to guarantee against cracking, warping and yellowing. All of our Hunter Douglas shutters come with a limited lifetime warranty–making them a choice you will value for years to come.

Plantation shutters add beauty and distinction to your home. Available in a variety of paints and stains, each type of our custom shutters features exclusive finishes, guaranteed to offer long-lasting durability and protection against the elements. Easy maintenance means you won’t be frustrated with keeping the look of your plantation shutters fresh for years to come. Have you decided which plantation shutters are the right choice for you? Contact our team, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, for a free, in-home consultation.

Help Your Home Keep Its Resolutions In the New Year
Help Your Home Keep Its Resolutions In the New Year wjfigw4q3

We’re entering mid-January–you know what that means. All of those ‘things’ you took a stand for about two weeks ago? How are they going? We all know that making resolutions in the New Year is this mandatory cultural norm that many people adhere to every year, but those same resolutions are well-known to not last very long. Much of it has to do with your surroundings. If your walls could talk, what would they say? If your home could make resolutions, what would they be? We have some tips on how to help your home keep its New Year’s resolutions–and they may sound familiar, helping you keep your resolutions, as well.

 

#1 Home Resolution: Make Me All I Can Be.

keep resolutions in the new year with organization Has your home reached its full potential? Probably not, and that’s ok. Part of making resolutions more successful is realizing that success isn’t measured by perfection, but by progress. In Marie Kondo’s bestseller, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, she teaches us that tidying is not just about decluttering, but it’s a transforming process of surrounding yourself with what ‘sparks joy’. Help your home keep its resolutions in the New Year–and probably one of your own–by following Kondo’s advice. Take away things that are causing grief, frustration and guilt. Surround yourself with beauty, memories, style and joy. Don’t feel overwhelmed by organization–take it a little at a time. Start with your sock drawer, and go from there. Give yourself kudos for tackling small projects, and before long, your home will be more organized than when you started, and you’ll feel better, too. It’s important to realize that you are designing your own life, not someone else’s. Thinking of sprucing up the atmosphere in your home to help you save money, control the light and enhance privacy this year? We have some amazing promotions for you! 

#2 Home Resolution: Make the Most of My Assets!

keep resolutions in the new year in your kitchenIt can be easy to notice everything that’s wrong with something–a home, a wardrobe, a body. The problem is that if you focus on the negative, you’ll forget to take notice of the positives. There is good there. To help keep your home’s resolutions in the New Year, one thing you’ll have to do is learn how to turn a negative into a positive. That terrible glare in the living room that chases you away each morning until the sun goes down? You can find solutions for that–but you first should notice how incredible it is to have natural light entering your home in the first place. Turning negatives into positives is a state of mind, and you may have to work on it, but it will affect your life in ways you’ve never imagined. Learn to love what you have, notice what you’ve been missing, and find ways to make it better. Doesn’t that sound like how you wish you could live your life year-round?

#3 Home Resolution: Make Small Changes Over Time.

keep resolutions in the new year in small waysOne resolution that everyone seems to focus on this time of year is physical appearance, and your home is no different. Transforming a space, much like making changes to your own body, takes time, and you have to stick with it. In order for your home to keep its New Year’s resolutions this year, it’s time to stop making New Year’s resolutions. Wait…What? That’s right. If you want to make changes to your home and yourself, you have to stop trying to make those changes once a year, and instead, revisit small goals for yourself on a regular basis. Want to be more organized? Schedule time once a month to organize a collection of items in your home, or do it room by room. Want to be more physically fit? Set a small goal for yourself to go to the gym more times next week than you did this week. Have you decided that you want to redecorate, but since ‘redecorating’ is so incredibly vague and overwhelming, you’ve already given up? Realize that there are ways to make the changes that you want without taking on too much at once. When it comes to helping your home keep its New Year’s resolutions, we can help! At Metropolitan Window Fashions, we handle the tough stuff for you–from window coverings and custom drapes, to paint and custom upholstery, we have exciting options for you choose from. We make decorating fun, and we’ll take our time to make sure you are enjoying the process and creating the home you’ve always wanted. So whether you want to start one room at a time, or you would like to start with custom bedding, pillows or accents–and go from there–we would love to help you.

Change is hard, and that’s why you need to give yourself the time, energy and credit you deserve. Start small, and keep coming back after short periods of time to reevaluate your progress. Your home will thank you for helping keep its resolutions in the New Year, and you’ll be happier. Want help with a project in your home for style, light control or energy efficiency? We’d love to come to you for a free shop-at-home experience. Contact our team, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, today!

4 Design Trends to Watch in 2016
4 Design Trends to Watch in 2016 wjfigw4q3

As 2015 comes to a close, we can’t help but pay tribute to the excitement of the interior design trends we saw over the past year. We are compiling our list of our top four design trends that we hope will continue into 2016, even as they evolve and change. From textures of cutting edge design to the nostalgia of old favorites, and from colors bold and bright, to those soft and subtle, we have loved the way interior design has allowed us to customize your homes. Did you have a favorite style that came to the forefront of design this year? Do you have a project you’ve been waiting to get started with? Call on our design experts here at Metropolitan Window Fashions for all of your project needs, including expert advice, stylish inspiration and some amazing offers to start your New Year off right!

Harmony

silhouette window shades for your personalityFrom the tranquility of watery blues, to the cottage chic fashions of a relaxing day at the beach, the design world embraced a comfortable look in 2015. Sophisticated as much as it was calming, this vacation-esque mindset for interior design has incredible promise for design trends into the new year. Why? Taking a cue from a favorite vacation, an atmosphere of playful fun is the perfect surrounding for your home. So many of us work so hard; it’s time to take a break from the seriousness of life and just chill. We love it, and we are excited to see this evolve in the upcoming design trends. Wanting to create your own at-home oasis? We have the ideal window shades and drapery panels for beauty and function.

Florals

top treatments trending fabric patternsFrom floral prints to actual flowers, and from modern design to a traditional spin on old classics, 2015 brought a flurry of swirling flowers and elegant bouquets. We saw the artistic inspiration of ginger jars this fall, and varying colors is having a dramatic effect on customizing this look. Large flowers are making a statement in any form, from custom bedding to wallpaper and beyond. Everlasting spring and summer fills the home with happiness and fulfillment–a look that is sure to continue on into the New Year. If you’re thinking of incorporating beautiful fabrics with florals, we can help. For a limited time, you can take advantage of special savings on custom labor of bedding, drapery and upholstery.

Color

color of the year 2016If there is anything 2015 will be remembered for, it’s color. The message of color was received with enormous acclaim. Whether bold and bright, or subtle and soft, bringing in shades to create atmosphere and shape the mood of a space was one of the most important parts of the design trends this year. And with Pantone’s recent announcement of dual colors for 2016, we are waiting with baited breath to see how the contrast of colors will come into design in the coming months. Loving the layered look of custom drapery panels with shades or blinds? We are offering special savings this month to deliver the perfect layers for beauty and function in your home.

Metals

metallic decor window blindsMixing metals with other design elements creates a look that’s all your own. We love when we can help you customize the style of your home to add that finish that you’ve always wanted. With the incorporation of glass or wood, bringing metallic decor into your space was one of the biggest design trends of 2015, and it’s not letting up. The industrial look of strong metals and rustic wood can be finalized with the invitation of exposed hardware. The sparkle of contemporary fashion brings in glistening silvers and elegant bronze finishes for the perfect way to polish off your space. We’d love to help you design the perfect look in your home–and we’ll come to you for free!

Looking to make a fresh start with design trends in the New Year? We’d love to help. Metropolitan Window Fashions is the answer to all of your design needs. With expert designers and high quality products, we will help make your home all it can be in 2016. Contact our team for your free, in-home consultation.

Custom Decor for the Holiday Season & Beyond
Custom Decor for the Holiday Season & Beyond wjfigw4q3

Who falls into the hard-to-shop-for category on your shopping list? Are you struggling to think of what to do this year? You’re in luck! We have ideas to turn their “someday I’ll get to it” space into the beautifully coordinated home they have always dreamed of. Here’s the real question: Are YOU that person? Do loved ones search endlessly for the ideal gift for you each year? Do them–and yourself–a favor. Forward this email to the loved-ones who are shopping for you! During the month of December, we have specials that will turn dreams into reality. Our design consultants work closely with clients to make the free, in-home consultation fun and exciting, and then we do all the work, combining inspiration and style for the perfect look. The custom decor we design and create makes the perfect gift for the holiday season and beyond.

A Beautifully Styled Bedroom

There’s nothing quite like walking into your bedroom at the end of a long day, welcomed by custom décor that surrounds you with what you love, and then falling into the cozy warmth of hand-selected fabrics. The environment of the bedroom is important for peaceful sleep and quiet relaxation. That’s why room-darkening window shades are one of the best design elements you can add to a bedroom. Not only do they create the right atmosphere for sleep, they also give you the privacy and comfort you need. The fabrics chosen for custom bedding, pillows and custom window treatments enhance the look and feel of the bedroom for an awe-inspiring scene. During the month of December, we have specials on the beautifully styled Duralee Fabrics, plus an offer for custom labor of draperies that will layer nicely for a  sophisticated look.

A Designer Living Space

The one room in your home that rises to meet the ever-changing needs of the family–the living room–needs special design. Because the living room welcomes guests, while also providing the comfort of downtime, the style must be smart, chic, flexible. We can create a living space with custom décor that offers a finished look with heightened styling: Beautiful fabrics and colors that will make the design statement you want while offering your family the relaxation they need. From upholstery that revives your well-loved pieces of furniture, to custom window treatments for style and light control, we will design the space of your dreams, finished off with accents that bring the entire design together.

A Bathroom Sanctuary

custom decor for your bathroomStarting out the day, the bathroom should be filled with the warm glow of natural light, while offering ample privacy. The bathroom is a place to peacefully prepare for the beginning of a new day and a sanctuary of relaxation at the end of a tough one. Bathroom design deserves high-end style with custom décor that adds valuable lifestyle function. Custom décor that brings in the essence of nature adds to the harmony and flow of the space. Custom window coverings with the top-down bottom-up feature are ideal for providing privacy while allowing the natural light needed for shaving, putting on makeup and starting the day with a positive, productive mood.

If you’ve always wanted the beauty of designer styling, chances are, you’re not alone. We would love to visit that ‘someone special’ on your shopping list for a free, in-home consultation. Let them pick out their gift in advance! They’ll get a double dose of happiness. Choosing their custom décor is only the beginning. Watching a room in their home transform into the dream space they’ve always wanted? It’s the best gift of the season. And if that hard-to-shop-for person is you–don’t hesitate–forward this email on. With the special offers we have for you this month, not only will custom decor be the highlight of the holiday season, it will be enjoyed for years to come! It’s as easy as ever to contact our team, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, for a free, in-home consultation.

Announcing…Pantone’s Color of the Year 2016
Announcing…Pantone’s Color of the Year 2016 wjfigw4q3

Here it is…the announcement we’ve all been waiting for. Pantone, the color authority that influences fashion and design alike, has spoken. The color of the year 2016 is…TWO colors. That’s right. Two colors are sharing the spotlight for the color of the year 2016. In blissful shades of blue and pink, Serenity and Rose Quartz have been given the highest honors for the coming year, and we can’t wait to see what will transpire.

Two colors that hold such beauty and grace–but couldn’t be more contrasting with one another–somehow blend with harmony that nobody expected. While these two pastel shades have been used in design schemes for years, it’s rare to see them together outside of child-like environments. Maybe that’s part of the allure, part of the charm. Pantone is known for not just going with the flow, but setting the stage for what’s to come. Maybe what the world is longing for right now is the harmony and innocence of childhood–the beauty that comes from such unassuming contrasts, two colors that seem so different can come together with harmony that just works. Do you want to add subtle style into your home with inspiration from the color of the year 2016? Take a look at what these designers did…

A Little Goes a Long Way…

An otherwise neutral, yet contemporary space, the pieces that stand out take the inspiration of the color of the year 2016 and make their own mark. Of course, the show piece of the room is the pink chandelier, adding contemporary elegance in bold design. The softness of the florals on the dining table add to the eclectic look of the room, an adventurous move that adds color and whimsical fun. The blue stripes featured on the dining chairs add a more serious, straightforward style to the room while not taking from the happiness of the setting. Love this look? We do, too! And we can help you achieve fun designs with sophisticated charm–fabrics for custom upholstery, custom window treatments and accent pillows will usher in contemporary style, while other design elements help you personalize your space.

A Personal Touch Says So Much

Full of style, this grown-up space holds the essence of childhood with personal effects that make such a statement. The shades of blue and pink that were chosen pair perfectly together, bringing in fun and excitement while still adding a contemporary look–mostly due to the modern metallic design elements, such as the side table and mirrors. However contemporary the space may seem, the nostalgia of the personal accents in the room really set it apart. The black and white photo speaks of history, while the small car and child’s fedora add a hint of memories and untold stories. If you’re looking for paint colors to add soft beauty to your home, or gorgeous fabrics that will add incredible style–like the upholstered headboard, or the custom bedding seen here–get in touch with us! We’d love to help turn your design dreams into reality.

Big Contrasts Can Lead to Big Success

The bold colors of this space make an incredible statement of style and design. Taking cues from the color of the year 2016, this space features both shades of blue and pink. And much like the surprising twist of two colors being chosen, the use of both bold hues works like a charm. In this living space, the dark blue of the wall is the perfect backdrop to showcase special accents in the room, like the white faux deer head, or the hot pink chair. Cool and sophisticated, you can tell each piece within this room was hand selected and intentionally placed. The pink and the blue come together–almost colliding with one another–but the results are fabulous.

Are you fascinated with the trend that Pantone has started? Does the color of the year 2016–which just happens to be two colors: Serenity and Rose Quartz–make you feel inspired? The blurred lines of two very different shades coming together in harmony for the perfect look, how could you say no? We are so excited to see what’s to come in both fashion and design for the upcoming year. The design experts at Metropolitan Window Fashions would love to help you achieve an amazing look in your home with fabrics for custom upholstery, custom window treatments and many other design elements. Contact us for a free, in-home consultation.

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