Interior Design Tips

With kids out for the school year and the temperatures finally starting to heat up, summer is officially here. Now is the perfect time to give your home the design revamp you have wanted for a while. But if you are looking to refresh the interior of your home, it is important to go into the process with a clear game plan. The last thing you want is to spend your entire summer on a home improvement project because you did not adequately budget your time or resources in advance.

The good news is that changing up the look of your home for the summer doesn't necessarily need a major overhaul. You might be surprised how big of a difference small tweaks here and there can make. 

Here are a few tips to help you redesign your home for the summer months:

• Accessorize with accents: With summer here, you no longer need the warmth of heavy winter blankets. Focus on decorating your room with lighter fabrics, such as cotton or a soft and elegant cashmere. Use accent pillows or throw rugs to highlight the colors of the season! You should choose items with colors that are bright and will really pop in your home, such as yellow or blue. Fabrics such as cashmere can also be functional in keeping you warm at night as the temperatures dip.
• Control light with window coverings: While you certainly want to enjoy the natural light that summer can offer you, sometimes the glare and brightness from the UV rays can be too much to handle at once. That is where window treatments come in! Window coverings allow you to adjust and disperse the amount of light that streams into your home, so you can enjoy the summer weather without having to suffer through the glare that usually accompanies it. Sheer fabrics can also lighten the look of a room, which will add a summery vibe you can enjoy throughout the entire season.
• Focus on the furniture: You don't need to invest in entirely new pieces of furniture in order to revamp the interior of your home. Choosing new upholstery can liven up an old favorite piece, such as the couch in your living room or the chair in the den. Take a look around each room for any pieces of furniture that you can donate or even toss out. This will open up your household for an airy and cleaner vibe. Only keep something if it is absolutely necessary!

Custom window treatments are one of the best ways to add an aesthetic appeal to your home while also helping to keep it feeling warm and cozy. To learn more first-hand about how window treatments can complement your home and bring out a whole new look in familiar spaces, schedule a free at-home appointment with a design professional from Metropolitan Window Fashions. Our main goal is to help you create a home that you will absolutely fall in love with every time you see it.

Summer is the perfect time to change things up in your home and match the decor to the season. With winter long gone, it's time to put away those warm, heavy covers and fabrics and exchange them for lighter and brighter tones. Especially if you plan on having guests over for dinners and barbecues, you want your home to feel fresh, vibrant and inviting. To do so, you may want to update your home's seasonal covers and furnishings.

Since a little sprucing up really goes a long way, here is our quick and easy guide to giving any room a makeover. Small changes can have the biggest impact so there's no need for a complete overhaul when decorating your home. Follow our clever tips to revitalize your home with minimum effort.

• Clear up your clutter: Things have a tendency to pile up, specifically in areas like the bedroom and study. If you haven't gotten to do your annual spring cleaning yet, now is the perfect time to get organized and de-clutter. Putting things in order can instantly improve the look of any space.
• Add some greenery: A potted plant or tree can easily liven up any room. Place the fiddle leaf fig or small palm tree in an otherwise vacant corner. A beautiful flower arrangement also brightens up a space.
• Give your furniture a new look: Rearranging your furniture is the fastest and simplest way to give any room a makeover. Setting your furniture and carpets at an angle will transform the dynamic of a space. To add a touch of color, consider reupholstering your furniture or place a few accent pillows in bold colors and patterns.
• Change up your artwork: Changing the location of your art can give your home a different look. Instead of hanging artistic pieces on the wall, consider propping them up on a mantle or picture rail. Floating shelves can also be used as a picture ledge for your children's art or framed family photos.
• Darken the details: Coating your walls or baseboards in a bright, contrasting hue can add a pop of color to engage the eye. It also conceals any scuffs that have accumulated throughout the year.
• Improve your lighting: There's nothing like perfect lighting to really set the mood. A new light fixture or lamp shades can dramatically change a room's vibe. Make sure to install a dimmer so you can easily control the intensity of your lighting fixtures.
• Switch out your knobs and pulls: Updating your kitchen hardware to match your current style can completely change the look of your kitchen. Stick with the choices of metals to give the space a modern feel. Glass knobs are also a great finishing touch to your bathrooms.
• Upgrade your curtains: After a cold, long winter, it's time to soak up some sun and let some light through your windows. A valance or cornice frames your windows nicely, emphasizing their height while tying the room together. Opt for custom window treatments to ensure you find the right shades or curtains that best suit your home, filtering in the right amount of natural sunlight, glare-free.
• Enrich your shelves: Paint your shelves a contrasting color to liven them up. Make sure to pair the color with across the room by matching an accent or throw pillow. Bold patterned paper also works brilliantly.

To help get the best out of your beautiful home, contact Metropolitan Window Fashions to arrange a free at-home design consultation. For more than 80 years, we've been helping our customers bring their home design ideas to life. Our dedicated team of professional designers is here to assist you with all your decorating needs.

If you're looking to redecorate your summer home this season, what better place to find inspiration than the deep blue sea? Indeed, a nautical theme can instantly give your summer home a sunnier, beach house feel. It's also a great way to display unique accents and pieces that you've picked up during your seaside strolls.

While maritime motifs traditionally involve decking out your rooms in blue and white, keep in mind that nautical colors come in a variety of hues such as coral, bright yellow, sand and seafoam green. Weather-worn furniture and fixtures in wood, metal or glass also add a hint of richness and texture found in seafaring vessels. That being said, it's best to take a "less is more" approach to decorating so you won't be overwhelmed with anchors, starfish and shells. Take a look at our nautical-themed ideas that will definitely transform your summer home into a sea-worthy seasonal retreat.

• Unveil your vintage beach collection: Summer is the perfect time to display your treasured flea market finds. With so many items to choose from, such as antique sand pails, toy boats, enamel pitchers blue glass bottles and seaside art, the options are endless when it comes to collectibles. Display your nautical gems on a leaning white ladder, which you can easily switch out during the fall.
• Hang-up some signs: Transform any old piece of wood into a fun beach sign. Get creative with the lettering and make sure to use contrasting hues to make the sign pop. If you're wondering what to write, try the name of your favorite vacation spot or give your home its own beach house name.
• Swap your books or plates in your cabinet for seaside pieces: Consider clearing out those rarely-used items in your glass-front cabinet or bookcase this summer and replace them with an assortment of large shells, driftwood or any of your seaside finds.
• Frame your beach finds: If you're looking for an enjoyable summer crafts project, mount some shells, driftwood, sea glass and anything else you might find on the shore on smooth linen in a big frame. You can even label the items at the bottom with the date and location where you found them to give your collection special significance.
• Recycle your jars: Glass jars make for beautiful lanterns, especially when clustered together. Put some sand at the bottom for easy clean-up and place them around the house for instant ambiance.

For more creative ideas on decorating your summer home in time for the season, contact Metropolitan Window Fashions to arrange a free at-home design consultation. For more than 80 years, our dedicated team of design professional have been working hard to help our customers bring their home design ideas to life. Visit our Pinterest page to view our latest interior design and custom window treatment ideas that best suit your home.

There's nothing better than relaxing in the comfort of your own home, especially when you've had a long and busy day. To help you unwind and put your mind at ease, your bedroom should be a sanctuary of calm, dedicated entirely to rest, repose and most importantly, a good night's sleep. That means personal comfort should be your number one priority when decorating.

By adding a few simple touches, you'll be able to have a relaxing bedroom space you'll want to come home to every night. Our experienced staff's bedroom decorating ideas are a surefire way make you feel calm and comfortable. Here are our top design tips to transform your bedroom:

• Turn Down the Lights: Lighting can have a huge effect on your disposition and can even influence your ability to fall asleep. A pair of matching bedside lamps is the perfect way to set the mood and will give your bedroom a more finished look. When possible, install a dimmer so you can easily control the intensity of your lighting fixtures.
• Customize Your Windows: The right window treatments not only ensure your privacy, they block outside light and can regulate the temperature of your bedroom. With so many different styles, colors and fabrics to choose from, you may want to consider custom window treatments to help you find an excellent option that best suits your home.
• Put Away Your Things: A closed nightstand with drawers or a cabinet door is ideal if you like having convenient access to your things. It ensures that your bedroom is clutter-free, provided you remember to put everything away.
• Use a Tray: When you get home from work, it's all too easy to dump all your things on the nearest surface available. To keep all your belongings  in one place, use a tray to hold a selection of items you want to keep out in the open. A little bowl or dish can also be used to contain often-worn jewelry. This way, you know where you put your mobile phone or keys come morning.
• Support Your Head: A headboard is great way to frame your bed and to add a splash of color to your room. Moreover, upholstered headboards give a nice layer of texture and comfort when sitting up in bed. You can even match it with your carpet, lampshades and custom window treatments.
• More Pillows: Throw pillows are an easy way to infuse some color, texture and detail into any living space. Toss some over your duvet during the winter or keep one on a chair in your room in the warmer months.
• Cover Your Floors: A bedroom rug can really tie a room together. Plush wool or cotton are also the best options if you want to keep your feet warm when you swing them off the bed. Just make sure the fabric isn't too bright or distracting.
• Hang Your Art: The area above your bed is a prime location for hanging your art. However, it's important that you get the dimensions right. A piece that's too small or exceedingly large can ruin the look of your room. The artwork should only fill two-thirds of the space above your bed both vertically and horizontally.
• Take a Seat: Adding a bench at the foot of your bed can add aesthetic value, while serving a practical purpose. Again, make sure you have enough space — at least three feet between the bench and the opposite wall — to keep the room from feeling a bit crowded.

For more decorating ideas for your bedroom, contact Metropolitan Window Fashions to arrange a free at-home design consultation. For more than 80 years, we have been committed to provide unparalleled service to our customers. Our dedicated team of design professionals is here to help make your creative design ideas a reality.

When choosing a color scheme, it's easy to opt for light, neutral tones or to keep things simple by going all white. However, if you want to add some extra personality to your home, there's a world of possibilities at the opposite end of the color spectrum that you may want to explore. Indeed, there's a reason why black and brown never go out of fashion. When styled correctly, these two colors can work wonders to improve the look of any space.

As the saying goes, there's a time and place for everything. While black and brown may both be neutral, it's important to know when and where to use them. Here's our guide to pairing these colors with different decorating scenarios.

Black is the new black
Since black makes such a big impression, it's impossible not to notice it. As a result, the color works best when you want to make a bold statement or if you need a focal point in a large space. Bear in mind that anything placed in front of a black feature wall will be highlighted instantly.

Black is the perfect color for your home when used in the following ways:

• To enhance clean spaces: Bathrooms (and more often kitchens) are expected to be visually cleaner than other parts of your home. Use black accents to contrast white walls, tiles and bathtubs. These accents can also be applied to the rest of the house, such as in doors, counter tops and custom window treatments.
• When using patterns: Black is the best choice for bold, geometric patterns and prints.
• For engineered materials: To achieve a more "industrial" feel to your home, choose black when using synthetic materials such as plastics or poly-blend materials. The color also balances out black electronics in your home such as a flat screen television. Adding a few other glossy black elements like lamps, side tables and chairs can tie in these electronics with the rest of the room.

Brown: understated yet refined
Unlike its counterpart, brown does not cry for attention. Therefore, it's an excellent choice when decorating a room with busy patterns or if you're looking to achieve a more relaxed and cohesive look. Brown works best for large pieces of furniture that aren't meant to stand out.

Brown is the perfect complement to other design elements when used like so:

• Mixing and matching with other colors: Brown is a versatile color when paired with other hues. It is typically a mix of all colors with more pronounced shades of red and orange, giving it a warm character. Brown has the power to harmonize a space with an eclectic color palette.
• When using patterns: Brown works best for softer patterns, especially with light or white backgrounds. The color is suited to nature motifs such as leaves or branches.
• Adding some texture: Brown goes hand-in-hand with texture. The hue's softness emphasizes the texture you want to showcase. Key pieces such as rugs, faux-fur blankets or pillows are ideal in this color.
• For a historic look: Brown can make for a elegant background, creating an rich aura of heritage. The color can blend with intricate wall moldings and both modern and traditional details.

Combining the two
If you can't decide on which color to choose, why not use both? Whether you're looking to achieve a contemporary look or you want to keep it traditional, these two colors complement each other very well. Nevertheless, it's essential to let one dominate the other. While it's more common to use more brown than black when decorating, any ratio can work as long as you include other neutral tones to balance them out.

For more design ideas, contact us at Metropolitan Window Fashions to schedule a free at-home appointment with one of our design professionals. With over 80 years of award-winning experience under our belt, we can help you decide on the perfect color scheme for your home.

Kitchens can be subject to a lot of wear and tear, considering how frequently they're used. But before you start planning a complete overhaul, you might want to consider some simple upgrades that will bring a touch of luxury to your kitchen space without breaking the bank. Here are our top design tips on how to spruce up your kitchen.

• Paint it a lighter color: Instantly brighten up your kitchen by painting it in a light color. A lighter shade can open up a space, making it look larger. Moreover, light colors reflect light and can easily hide unsightly scratches and dents in your old cabinets.
• Replace the cabinet doors: In order to give your kitchen a sleek, new look, replace old or worn-out cabinet doors. You can also sand and refinish the existing doors or replace them with glass or high-gloss ones. Consider also removing a section of your cabinet doors to give off the feeling of a built-in hutch.
• Update your hardware: Replacing knobs and pulls around the kitchen is an easy way to update the look of the room while also demonstrating some of your own personal creative flair in the process.
• Show off your art: Artwork has the power to elevate any room from drab to fab. Like a lighter coat of paint, displaying big, bold pieces gives the illusion of a bigger space. Art is also a great option for making non-permanent changes to their kitchen.
• Change your lighting: Lights dictate the mood of a space. Chandeliers and pendant lamps not only brighten up your kitchen, they also add some personality or whimsical elements to your home.
• Replace your appliances with new stainless steel options: Are your appliances giving your kitchen a dated feel? While you could use a paint-on stainless steel finish to update them, you could also save yourself the time and effort by simply replacing them with stainless steel models as well. Either option allows you to give some of those everyday kitchen tools a fresh, updated look.
• Style your breakfast nook: Small details go a long way. Add some throw pillows, fresh flowers and an attractive centerpiece to liven up your breakfast spot.
• Decorate with window treatments: Custom window treatments are the best way to dress up your kitchen, filling the room with natural light that offers all of the rejuvenating feelings of sunlight with none of the pesky glare.
• Replace old bowls or decorative elements: Swapping out your old fruit bowl with beautiful chinoiserie or a colorful tray can make a big difference when updating your kitchen. These elements can also double as new storage spaces as well, offering both an aesthetic and functional addition to your kitchen. For instance, instead of letting mail pile up and clutter your kitchen cabinet, or dropping your car keys in any old place, you can keep them all in one convenient, easy-to-remember place.
• Hide small appliances: Keeping your counter space clear of small appliances such as toasters, blenders and coffee pots, can change a kitchen's look completely. These items are easy enough to take out when you want to use them. More importantly, it doesn't cost a thing.

Before starting any home design project, it's always a good idea to ask for some expert advice. To learn more about how to upgrade your home decor scheme, schedule a free at-home appointment with a design professional from Metropolitan Window Fashions. With more than 2,000 in-home consultations a year under our belt, we're here to help bring your ideas to life and to create a space you can truly call home.

No matter the size of your home, you may have more space than you realize. While it's easy to focus your attention on signature pieces when decorating, it's the well-placed details that truly make your home shine. Indeed, a limited amount of space should not stand in the way of your big ideas. In fact, it's the perfect opportunity to get creative.

Regardless of how much space you have to work with, there are a number of key areas in your home that should not be overlooked. By adding a few accents, furnishings and accessories, you can easily incorporate these otherwise-idle spaces into your overall design. Here are seven areas that you may want to consider decorating:

• The Entryway: First impressions last, meaning the entrance to your home doesn't only have to be a place to hang your coat or drop off your keys. Filling your entryway with art, sleek lighting fixtures and a slim table makes your home more inviting.
• The Foot of Your Bed: A small desk at the end of the bed is a superb combination of form and function. Add custom window coverings and decorative hardware that complements this piece to bring the whole room together.
• Under the Stairs: Take advantage of the open floor space by creating a cozy nook. Create an intimate seating area or place a display cabinet for your wine and liquor.
• The Front of Bookshelves: If there's no more space left on your walls for your art, hanging them in the middle of the shelves provides an elegant solution. You can simply lift the frames whenever you need to access the contents behind them.
• The Hallway: This area is a great opportunity to showcase antiques, narrow furnishings and photos. Painting the walls with stripes offers the illusion of depth and spaciousness.
• Above the Cabinets: Make use of this excellent, underutilized space by displaying your favorite knick knacks and collections.
• In Front of a Window: The space by your window makes for a wonderful spot to read and reflect. A comfy chair or ottoman can used in lieu of a built-in seat. Make sure to pair the seat with custom window shades or draperies, which can opened on bright and sunny days to let in more natural light.

To help you put your new design ideas in place, contact us at Metropolitan Window Fashions to arrange a free at-home design consultation. Whether you're looking to make a statement or to make the most of the available space in your home, our team of professional designers are here to assist you with all your decorating needs.

To keep up with the latest interior design trends and preferences, homeowners should consider patterns discussed on social media. Some of the styles that show up on sites like Pinterest can give you visual ideas to use as a reference when working with professional home design consultants later.

Here are a few ideas for redecorating your home based on the styles and colors currently trending on Pinterest, based on a survey's collection of 250 pinned room photos on the social media platform. Finding out about all of the different home fashions others are trying out is a great way to plan a redesign.

• Pick one idea at a time: Pinterest presents a lot of redecorating options all at once, so it may be easier to narrow down your search to look for the things you like in one particular room and try that out before moving onto the next one. For example, you could look for furniture or wall patterns that you like first and then find a custom window treatment that matches it later. This way, you're not overwhelming yourself with choices and you're ensuring that the drapes or custom window fashions you select are complementing an already finished design scheme.
• Prioritize the bedrooms: The most popular room listed in the survey of Pinterest was the bedroom, which made up for 40 percent of the total pinned images. With more bedroom inspirations to take note of from Pinterest, it may be easier to start with this area for a new look and then work your way out through redesigning the living room, kitchen, patio and other rooms. However, each room will also likely have their own specifics that you'll need to remember when renovating. 
• Use unique storage options: Many of the photos in Pinterest's home decor section involve storing and displaying different items or trinkets around the house in a unique way. Whether it's placing vintage clocks on a distressed wooden shelf or vases and cups on top of a lit cabinet to draw the eye, these images can offer a great way to spruce up the look of a room while doubling as handy storage spaces.
• White and cream-colored walls and furniture: Far and away, the most popular color for both walls and furniture was listed as "white/cream," making up 35 percent of the pinned wall entries — and it was even more popular for furniture. You can bring this color into the home and make it part of a larger decor scheme by selecting matching custom window treatments.

Once you have settled on a new look for your home, you can work with professional designers to help you put your new design ideas in place. Contact Metropolitan Window Fashions to arrange a free at-home design consultation  today to find out how custom window treatments can add to your house's style. You can also visit our Pinterest page to see some new interior design ideas yourself.

Summer is finally here, which means now is the perfect time to give your home that interior design revamp you have been wanting for a while. But just because the weather is heating up and the kids are out of school for the year doesn't mean your life will be slowing down any time soon. In fact, it can be nearly impossible to find the time to tackle your growing to-do list, which can make scheduling a home redesign somewhat difficult.

The good news, however, is that there are plenty of ways you can refresh the look of your household without having to take too much time out of your daily schedule. Little changes here and there can certainly add up to a whole new look and feel for a room, so don't feel as if you have to make such drastic decisions when redesigning. In fact, it is often the smaller details that can make or break a home, so those areas are where you should be keeping an eye out.

Here are a few tips to help you redesign your home efficiently:

• Add lighting to any room: If you want to liven up a space, make sure that there is adequate lighting. An additional table lamp or light on the ceiling can really brighten up any room, which can make it feel new again. This is especially important in central areas such as the living room, where good lighting is essential.
• Clear out what you don't need: The easiest way to change up your home is by getting rid of any clutter that has piled up over the years. By simply tossing out or donating what you no longer need or use, every room will feel fresh and vibrant once again. Your living room should be open and versatile for various activities and circumstances, such as holiday parties.
• Invest in new dining table accessories: New dining accessories will encourage you to socialize more often by throwing elegant dinner parties for your friends and family. Purchase some new linens for the table to give it a quick but effective makeover. You should also consider some new coasters or even a decorative vase for cost-effective but statement-making ways to accessorize the space.

Custom window treatments are one of the best ways to add an aesthetic appeal to your home while also helping to keep it feeling warm and cozy. To learn more first-hand about how window treatments can complement your home and bring out a whole new look in familiar spaces, schedule a free at-home appointment with a design professional from Metropolitan Window Fashions. Our main goal is to help you create a home that you will absolutely fall in love with every time you see it.