March is Motorization Month......

....  And it all starts with Hunter Douglas!!!

Meet Powerview Motorization from Hunter Douglas

Our new motorized operating system lets you customize your perfect combination of light, privacy, and warmth, keeping your home perfectly in sync with time of day and mood. Create personalized Scenes, schedule automatic operation or operate window treatments remotely - all from your mobile device. PowerView Motorizations takes fashion in motion to a brilliant new level.

Stay in Tune with your Environment

With out PowerView Pebble Remote, choreograph exactly how the light will play throughout the home. It's the ultimate control in the palm of your hand. Ergonomically designed, the PowerView Pebble is the perfect fusion of form and function and it comes in seven trending colors to fit your design.

Smarter Shades from Your Smart Device

Our intuitive PowerView App for Apple and Android mobile devices is designed to complement your lifestyle. Create Scenes to balance different lighting and privacy needs throughout the day. Adjust window treatments for temperature, privacy and security from across the room or across the world, using the RemoteConnect feature in the PowerView App from Hunter Douglas.

Innovation That's Fashion Forward

The Art of Window Dressing is always supported by Great Design. A wide selection of sophisticated PowerView motorized products, styles, fabrics, and colors ensure that when you poor for convenience you won't ever sacrifice look. It is the evolution of fashion in motion.

Powerview Motorization is available on many Hunter Douglas products including Australia Woven Textures, Applause Honeycomb Shades, Design Studio Roman Shades, Designer Roller Shades, Designer Screen Shades, Duette Honeycomb Shades, Luminette Privacy Shades, Nantucket Window Shades, Pirouette Window Shadings, Pleated Shades,  Provenance Woven Wood Shades, Silhouette Window Shadings, Skyline Gliding Window Panels, Solera Soft Shades, and Vignette Modern Roman Shades.

But Motorization does not stop there!!

Read Design is a full service Interior Design Studio and can help you with Custom Window treatments including Draperies, Valances, Cornice Boards, and Custom Roman Shades. We can Motorize Roman Shades using any of our any of our fabrics. This is perfect if you want a fabric in a pattern that will go perfect with your design scheme. There are limits, though, to the size of shade we can motorize. The custom Roman Shades can be battery operated or A/C plug in. 

We also have Drapery Rods that can be motorized. This is a perfect solution when you want draperies but have very large and tall windows. With the push of a button your drapery panels will open to a beautiful view. With Custom Draperies we can help you select the right fabric for your home and design.

With whole home automation on the rise, we are more excited than ever for our compatibly with automation technologies such as Elan, Control 4, Nest, IFTTT, Logitech, The Amazon Echo and more! Learn more here! Visit our showroom and test moving our shades with the help of Alexa.  

Where to find Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorization

Call or Stop in Read Design today. We have TWO convenient locations, one in Plano and one in Southlake. Our Designers are here to walk you through all of the options that are available when it comes to Window Treatments. We are THE Premier Hunter Douglas Gallery and Interior Design Studio. We can show you all of the latest fabric and color trends and current styles. And we can introduce you to Window Covering Automation and it all starts with PowerView Motorization from Hunter Douglas.

We service all of these areas including. Plano, Southlake, Grapevine, Allen, Irving, Prosper, Colleyville, Frisco, Robson Ranch, Highland Park, Flower Mound, Richardson, Westlake, Celina, Keller, Carrollton, Northlake, Farmers Branch, Arlington, Trophy Club, Rockwell, Mabank, and everywhere in between.

Stop in today It is Motorization Love your Home Month.

972.608.4999 Plano

817.416.7164 Southlake

Love Your Home Sales Event

Join us for our Love Your Home Sales Event only at Read Design!

Now through March 6th, get $100 off per 3 motors when you purchase a minimum of 6 Hunter Douglas PowerView Shades. Call to find out more about this exclusive opportunity you won't find anywhere else!

*Find out the March Special on March 1st!*

Whether you have a contemporary style and prefer the Designer Roller & Screen Shades or a more traditional style and lean to the Vignette Modern Roman Shades & Silhouette Window Shadings, we'll help your pick the perfect window fashions for your style and needs. Motorization is the biggest trend in home design! So let's get with the program! 

Imagine a world where your window treatments can adjust themselves automatically, creating the perfect room ambiance morning, noon and night. That’s the beauty of PowerView® Motorization — recipient of the 2016 Red Dot Design Award, the most coveted and prestigious designation in the world of design. Just program PowerView to move your window treatments to the exact position you want and then control and schedule them using the intuitive PowerView App on your smartphone or tablet. You can also operate your PowerView settings using the stunning new PowerView Pebble® Control. Available in an incredible range of sophisticated styles, PowerView Motorization creates a whole new world of beauty and convenience.

The PowerView system can be operated via the PowerView App or via two different types of Pebble controls—a Pebble Remote Control or a Pebble Scene Controller. The PowerView Pebble Remote Control offers a modern alternative to a traditional remote control, allowing you to pre-set and easily operate up to six different groupings of window treatments—either individually or together—with just a press of a button. The PowerView Pebble Scene Controller features an advanced display screen that lets you conveniently preview and select room scenes—different combinations of shades and shade positions—that you previously programmed using the PowerView App. Ergonomically designed and beautiful to look at, the PowerView Pebble is available in seven stylish colors to enhance any décor. You can also wall mount a PowerView Remote or Scene Controller using the PowerView Surface, available in three on-trend colors.

Use your Amazon Echo or Nest Thermostat to operate your shades! We have created special Applets to get you started, but you can always create your own to fit your unique needs. 

Give us a call today to find out more about this exclusive offer! This offer IS valid along with the Energy Smart Style rebate going on now!

Read Design Plano: 972.608.4999

Read Design Southlake: 817.416.7164

Stay Warm With Energy Efficient Window Coverings

It is winter and the cold months are here to stay for a while. During these chilly months being bundled up next to a warm fire while you read a book or watch TV is the best feeling ever. But the worst feeling is trying to keep your energy bill down when on an average we spend 59% more on energy bills. But don't worry - Read Design has a solution for you with energy efficient window treatments from Hunter Douglas.

Cellular Shades and Roman Shades

Cellular Shades and Roman Shades are the top energy-saving window coverings. They both are very trendy and have plenty of factors that help you save money on your energy bills.

Cellular Shades, also referred to as Duette Honeycomb Shades by Hunter Douglas are the most energy efficient window coverings on the market. They are designed to have dead-air spaces which increase their insulation by trapping the warm air inside which helps to keep you warm all winter long. With the introduction of Hunter Douglas Architella Duettes, this got even better. The Architella Duette is a honeycomb within a honeycomb which gives 3 air pockets and keeps even more of the warmth inside. We recommend them to customers because of their superior craftsmanship, versatility, style and energy efficiency. People love that Architella Honeycomb Shades provide a high level of energy efficiency. The cell within a cell design reduces energy loss up to 40% at the windows. Duette Honeycomb Shades are very versatile window coverings with a variety of fabric and colors to choose from. They offer various degrees of light filtering options including sheer, light filtering, and room darkening. This also helps with privacy and insulation. Duette Honeycombs can also be made in specialty shapes including arches and skylights. There are a number of lift options including UltraGlide retractable cord, LiteRise cordless, or can be motorized with Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorization making them easy to open and close as well as child safe.

The New Trielle Window Shades – Perfect for Dallas - Fort Worth

The newest innovation in the Duette Architella line is the Trielle. The new style, with 6 layers of fabric, 5 insulating air pockets and largest 1 1/2″ pleat size, delivers 20% more energy efficiency than the original Architella Shades. Considering that 50% of heating and air conditioning is lost through the windows, having high energy efficient window treatments can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.

Roman Shades

Roman Shades are similar to cellular shades and are one of the most popular window coverings today .  They are both functional and beautiful And they offer great energy efficiency.  Hunter Douglas has the Vignette Modern Roman Shades and the Solera Soft Shades to choose from.  The both come in a variety of colors and textures that add beauty to your home   Roman Shades can also trap in the warmth which can save you money on your electric bill.  Also , line the Duette Honeycomb Shades, Roman Shades come in various degrees of light filtering options for privacy and light control.  They also have a number of lift options to choose from.

Right Now Hunter Douglas is offering Rebates on these Energy Efficient Window Shades - Duette Honeycomb Shades, Vignette Modern Roman Shades and Solera Soft Shades. Click here for details!

Custom Drapery

At Read Design Plano and Read Design Southlake, our Designers can also help you with Custom Window Treatments including Draperies, Valances, Cornice Boards and much more.  And now we are receiving New Fabrics from all of the manufactures which makes now an exciting time to start thinking about updating your home. Many drapery treatments are designed for insulation which also helps with the energy efficiency of your home during the window but also during those hot summer months in the North Texas area.  

Read Design has been a leader in Hunter Douglas and Custom Window Treatments in the Dallas / Fort Worth area and have 2 convenient locations- one in Plano and one in Southlake. At Read Design you can see our many displays and our designer can help you find a solution just for your windows. And we can help you solve all of your interior design needs. Stop in or give us a call.

We will be having a Window Dressing Event. Starting in February and will have a number of events running throughout the Spring.  Watch for our Blogs and info on Facebook .

Providing Duette Honeycomb Shades, Vignette Modern Roman Shades and Solera Soft Shades to all of these areas: Dallas, North Dallas, Plano, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell, Southlake, Denton, Keller, Roanoke, Benbrook,  Westlake, Fort Worth, Lewisville, Grapevine, Trophy Club, The Colony, Frisco, Prosper, Celina, Savannah, Aubrey, McKinney, Allen, St. Paul, Wylie, Sachse, Rockwall, Rowlett, Lucas, Parker, Melissa, Anna, Fairview, Heath, Garland, Richardson, Irving, Las Colinas, University Park, Highland Park, Kessler Park, Euless, North Richland Hills, Colleyville, Flower Mound, Corinth, Arlington, Little Elm, Hurst, Saginaw, Haltom City, Bedford, Watauga, Haslet and many more!

Call 817.416.7164 for Read Design Southlake

Call 972.608.4999 for Read Design Plano

Fresh Ideas For Your Home - Simple Style

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A clean and simple design style can make your life less stressful. 

The look of your home can give you peace of mind and a sense of calm. Many of us have feelings of stress because we’re overwhelmed by the demands in our lives. What better goal to consider in your home decorating plans than to create a home environment that’s calming and relaxing, both on the eyes and on the soul. 

Simple doesn’t mean plain or unattractive. Simple design can create a sophisticated, traditional, elegant look or a modern, minimalist feel. The bottom line is reducing chaos and over-decoration, and minimizing clutter and confusion.

• Plan only one or two focal points per room, so you can really “see” the beauty, rather than having a hodge podge of color and design elements. 

• Limit the number of colors in your design and stick with gentle colors, rather than bold primary colors. 

• Make color transitions gentle. Avoid making too strong a statement between dark and light colors, such as black and white. (However, keep in mind that you may want energizing colors in a room; for example, in a kitchen or home office where you’d like to be engaged and active.)

Once you’ve created a simple, clean design, enjoy it! Allow yourself relaxing time to read a book or watch your favorite TV show, without answering the phone or responding to text messages. Spend time with your family or friends in a quiet way, without over planning your activities. 

Achieving a calm and simple home environment can help you find peace of mind every day. 

11 Budget Friendly Tricks Interior Designers Use to Create Luxurious Looking Spaces

Dotted throughout the United States are master planned communities made up of homes that are identical to each other. As each home resembles the one next to it, it becomes more desirable to have an interior that is unique and offers a perception of affluence. We all want to have our homes look like that of high end professionally decorated mansions, but often lack the funds to achieve it. Living in a space that looks expensive and is easy on the budget does not have to be out of reach. Anyone can have dapper dwellings with a few careful considerations.

1. Crown Molding

A space that lacks crown molding tends to look average. The lack of detailing tying the walls and ceiling together gives a space an unfinished cheapened look. For very little money, crown molding applied to the walls provides richness to the space. When picking out molding opt for a wide trim for more impact. In fact the wider the trim, the more expensive the room can look.

2. Paint

The toughest decision anytime you decorate can be what color to paint a space. Opting for either a crisp white or high pigment paint in a neutral hue will lend an air of sophistication and affluence to the room. Neutral walls allow for the rotation of accent colors seasonally if desired. Another easy trick that really adds that lux finish to a home is to paint interior doors black. It will instantly give the space an expensive vibe; just be sure to tie the doors to the rest of the decor with other uses of black accents. 

3. Pillows

Throw pillows are always a fabulous accessory for your sofa, loveseat or oversized chair. A collection of small store bought pillows appears to be trying too hard and shouts unoriginal and cheap. First, they are not quite big enough to be impactful and are too small to be of any real benefit. Secondly, if the goal is to look luxurious, pillows that any home can have defeats that idea. So ignore the 12-18 inch pillows that you can pick up at the local home store. Opt instead for the larger 22 inch pillow covers and stuff them with 24 inch inserts. The overstuffed pillows offer that luxurious feel you desire. 

4. Window Treatments

The options for window treatments are endless and cross many price points. It is best to spend moderately on the best quality you can afford. Avoid flimsy curtains and ones that are unlined, there are two telltale signs of poor quality. Sure, the price might be nice, but you want your room to look elegant and expensive right? Instead of buying them right off the rack at the local home store, find a selection at a specialty fabric store. Their experts can help you create window treatments within your budget that will looks like you spent a lot more for them. Once you have picked out your curtains, hang them as close to the ceiling as you can to draw your eye up and project the illusion of fullness. Curtains hung just above the window tend to look sparse.

5. Hardware Finishes

Most tract homes built come with very standard hardware finishes. They are generally cheap, in both cost and appearance. Builders use these bulk items, as they are more cost effective to use, but not always the best for a homeowner desiring a more custom look. Oddly enough, hardware is also not that expensive to replace with more personalized options. Change out the drawer pulls in the kitchen and replace them with more unique pieces. You can find them at any hardware store, specialty shop or even at a flea market. The goal is to locate ones you love and not mirror your next door neighbors. You can change out the builders basic faucet for something more interesting as well. Any good plumbing shop can work within your budget too.

6. Lighting

Just as with hardware, lighting is another one of those builders standard accessories that lack personality, character and style. Toss out nondescript chandeliers and ceiling fans; replace them with a unique designer look. There is not need to shop the high end lighting store, try scouring a flea market or second hand store for a budget friendly piece. A bargain found on a chandelier goes a long way toward creating the expensive designer inspired look. The right one may even have your friends talking! Add table lamps and floor lamps in each room, too. Lighting of any kind will also create an expensive look and feel.

7. Hardwood

While wall to wall carpet is soft and ward underfoot, it does not lend itself to a lavish look. Hardwood, on the other hand, provides that classic visual appeal. It seems like a budget buster, but it will last for years making the investment well worth it, especially if you compare it to replacing carpeting every few years. Hard wood comes in many types of wood and some are more luxurious than others. Opt for a dark wood that will add richness to the space, similar to the idea of painting your interior doors black. You can layer a beautiful area rug on top of the wood flooring to anchor the room and tie design elements together.

8. Accessories

Gold, often considered synonymous with heath, can actually appear rather tawdry. Gilded frames, gold baubles and brass lighting can be tacky when all used together. The color can be hard on the eyes while trying too hard to provide a luxurious look. Silver, chrome and brushed nickel are easier on the eyes and offer a truly polished look. Trade out those old gold frames for some new silver ones; replace that brass table lamp with a brushed nickel lamp and sell the gold at your next yard sale. Silver will also help to reflect light better than gold will, adding to the look you want to achieve. 

9. Furniture

Furniture is usually the single largest investment made in a room, but not always an area that one can invest in heavily. Yet, spending money on cheap poorly made furniture will cost more in the long run. Instead, try shopping secondhand stores, consignment shops and estate sales for well constructed pieces to be reupholstered. This will give you the opportunity to customize your look for a fraction of the cost.

10. Housekeeping

As Albert Hadley once said, "There's no point in creating something beautiful for someone who is a slob." We have to agree! The easiest and least expensive way to make a home look posh is to keep it cleaned. Dust and vacuum weekly, avoid clutter and your home will shine. All of the other touches will stand out and be noticed. Isn't that the whole point of a designer like home?

Finally Number 11.

Window treatments by Hunter Douglas. An attractive window and the right light can change everything - from your room to your mood. Hunter Douglas has mastered the art of window dressing by engineering innovative functions into stylish, versatile looks for every window in your home. Try Hunter Douglas Roller Shades for in inexpensive product that will look like a million bucks!

So you can see it does not take a lot to achieve an expensive look. Just follow these tips and tricks and you too can have a great looking home on reasonable budget.  How do you give your home a designer look on a dime store budget?

Stop by Read Design Plano or Read Design Southlake to see all of the innovative products from Hunter Douglas including Plantation Shutters, Silhouette Window Shadings, Duette Honeycomb Shades and more! Our designers will help you find the look that is perfect just for you. We will  show you the latest trends and the current styles and give you customized ideas for your whole home. 

Read Design services these area: Denton, Robson Ranch, Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Wylie, Rockwall, Rowlett, Plano, Dallas, Highland Park, Lewisville, The Colony, Farmers Branch, Coppell, Colleyville, Fort Worth, Irving, Las Colinas, Southlake, Westlake, Trophy Club, Keller and everywhere in between!

blog credit: Wendy

Pantone Color Of The Year 2017

Introducing Greenery!

A refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings. 

Greenery is a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew. Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of Greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate.

Greenery is nature’s neutral. The more submerged people are in modern life, the greater their innate craving to immerse themselves in the physical beauty and inherent unity of the natural world. This shift is reflected by the proliferation of all things expressive of Greenery in daily lives through urban planning, architecture, lifestyle and design choices globally. A constant on the periphery, Greenery is now being pulled to the forefront - it is an omnipresent hue around the world.

A life-affirming shade, Greenery is also emblematic of the pursuit of personal passions and vitality.

What is the PANTONE Color of the Year?

A symbolic color selection; a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude. 

Nature’s neutral, PANTONE Greenery is a versatile “trans-seasonal” shade that lends itself to many color combinations. As displayed in the 10 palettes below, Greenery is paired with neutrals, brights, deeper shades, pastels, metallics and even the enduring presence of PANTONE Color of the Year 2016, Rose Quartz and Serenity. These palettes easily cross over fashion, beauty, product and graphic design applications.

To find custom window treatments, wallpaper, pillows and more in this bright, energetic color call Read Design in Plano or in Southlake today! We service all of Dallas - Fort Worth including Richardson, Garland, Murphy, Sachse, Allen, Wylie, St. Paul, Rockwall, Rowlette, Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Little Elm, Celina, Gunter, The Colony, Lewisville, Coppell, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Colleyville, Trophy Club, Southlake, Westlake, Flower Mound, Roanoke, Keller and everywhere in between. 

Blog by Pantone

Magnolia Home Rugs, Throws & Pillows

Magnolia In Full Bloom

Now you can find the entire line of Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines rugs, throws and pillows at Read Design! Not to mention we have the best prices in Dallas - Fort Worth!

Fall's line up includes seven new rug collections, and over fifty new pillows; a lofty number in general, but especially so on the heels of a huge initial launch last spring. So many new products gives us the opportunity to diversify the look, while staying true to the prized Magnolia Home aesthetic. 

“I think my favorite part about designing a space for a client, or redecorating a room, is adding in the finishing touches; the things that really make the room come alive.”

— Joanna Gaines

Carter Collection

The Carter Collection of rugs in hand-woven of 100% polyester and are as timeless and durable as they come. The classic stripes and subdued colors ensure long-lasting style, while the polyester fiber offers equally long-lasting durability. Place Carter in any living room, entryway or dining room and it'll withstand the foot traffic with ease.

Drake Collection

Artfully hand-woven in India with 100% jute, the Drake Collection has a remarkably refined yet casual look. This rug is perfect for any casual room within your home. It's striations lend an authentic blend of colors, a result of the rug's rich dyes. As a final touch, a thick braided fringe is applied for a decidedly stunning collection.

Hanover Collection

Sophisticated patterns, soft colors and a looped 100% wool texture define the traditional Hanover Collection for Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines. This versatile rug with warm, neutral colors looks great in any room whether traditional or transitional. The thick woolen yarn also feels great underfoot and offers long-lasting durability. Pair this rug with come of the new pillows Magnolia Home offers for a fresh and uniquely yours look. 

Jozie Day Collection

The Jozie Day Collection is hooked of 100% wool by master artisans and offers casual charm for any room. The distinct pattern and robust colors make this an easy choice for any style and perfect for any room. Each piece of this collection is topped off with generous hand-finishing fringe for added character. 

Lily Park Collection

Designed in collaboration with Magnolia Homes, the Lily Park Collection is actualized in a two-step process: First, the rugs are hand-loomed of 100% wool and secondly, a screen printed pattern is carefully applied. The result is a timeless rug series rich in craftsmanship and character.

Mikey Collection

Intricate detail and exceptional longevity are hallmark qualities of the Mikey Collection. The striped flat weaves are hand-woven of 100% wool for natural durability and color fastness.

Sydney Collection

From the busiest living rooms to the quietest corners, the Magnolia Home Sydney Collection has you covered with easy to match neutrals. The simple yet textured construction is hand-woven of 100% jute and framed with a hand applied border. What's more, Sydney is naturally resilient to heavy foot traffic.

Trinity Collection

Weathered patterns, farmhouse colors and a smooth feel combine in the Trinity Collection. Power-loomed of 100% polypropylene for strong durability, each piece is highly stain and fade resistant making this collection the smart choice for high traffic rooms. These rugs are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, including round shapes and runners.

Tulum Collection

The Tulum Collection highlights the beauty and durability of natural wool hand-knotted by artisans in India. Designed in collaboration with Joanna Gaines, Tulum pairs timeless Moroccan design work with soft ribbed texture that adds instant comfort underfoot.

Find the Joanna Gaines collection from Magnolia Home at Read Design in Plano and Read Design in Southlake. Let us help make your house a home.

Shop Small This Saturday

Small businesses are an essential part of a healthy local economy. We have something to offer that most large corporations simply cannot. We have a tight knit group of people that thrive on and are invested in customer satisfaction. In our case here at Read Design, we are a hard working family. This November, we are participating in Small Business Saturday, a shopping holiday designated for small companies. 

With the coming of the holidays, it's easy for small businesses like us to be overshadowed by large corporations and Black Friday. We just don't have the resources to compete in the ever growing, million dollars promotions. But with over 28 million small businesses in the US (2.5 million in Texas) and 54% of all US sales, it's hard to deny that we have the biggest impact on our economy. We keep our money local and our profits go right back into our community. Circulating money in your area helps the community thrive and enables individuals and businesses to support each other. 

When you visit our shops, you always know who is going to greet you. We don't have a "revolving door of nameless salespeople" like big businesses. 

Show your love and shop small this Saturday! At Read Design, we can offer you exceptional service and a unique experience for all your home decor and interior design needs. We are the Hunter Douglas and Interior Design experts in Dallas with over 25 years of experience. We are passionate about what we do and work hard to make your house feel like home. 

So stop by one of our locations either in Plano or Southlake to take advantage of our shop small experience!