Fresh Ideas For Your Home - Built In Seating

Built-in seating provides storage and display space.

And, yes, this beautiful design element also offers a place to perch.

Built-in seating feels cozy and inviting – and it’s so versatile, providing not just an additional place to sit, but also display space and even storage underneath. It can maximize space in a tight area or add a new casual place to read, have a meal, chat or just look out the window.

Built-in seating can be manufactured to complement almost any building style. It can be upholstered or not; it can have simple and straight lines or lots of detail; it can have seat backs or not; it can have closed shelving inside, open shelving or no storage at all.

Best of all, built-in seating can go almost anywhere in your home:

• Most popular, in a breakfast room or kitchen, for added places at the casual family dining table

• In the window of a bedroom or living room, to create a lovely place to daydream and view the outdoors

• In the den or home office, for a quiet space to talk on the phone, answer emails or respond to texts

• In the foyer, to put on shoes and socks, and drop off your stuff when you come in the door, but do watch for clutter!

Built-in seating can also be a creative way to finish a room that looks a bit incomplete. It beautifully fills up an awkward space in a corner or completes a room plan near a window.

Built-in seating is a clever choice that adds beauty and function and can help organize your home.

Fresh Ideas For Your Home - Decorative Moldings

Decorative moldings can help frame your home design plan.

They're the perfect finishing touch for windows, doors, walls and ceilings.

Decorative moldings on walls, windows, doors and ceilings add texture and interest to your home, no matter what your design style. 

Moldings come in so many shapes, sizes and finishes. They can consist of one simple layer or several stacked layers to add embellishment. Traditionally moldings have been made of wood, but today they’re often constructed from materials that look like wood, but are more durable and budget friendly. 

Molding usually works best when it complements the design of your home; for example, a Victorian home may have heavily ornamented moldings, while a modern home has squared, simple moldings or no moldings at all. We tend to think of moldings in white or off-white colors, with walls painted a different shade. However, light colored walls with dark molding can be a dramatic choice too!  Just consider your options: 

Windows: 

• Casing around the entire window frame 
• An apron on the bottom 
• A pediment on the top 
• A decorative or fluted design on the sides 

Doors (both exterior and interior): 

• Casing around the sides and/or tops 
• Raised paneling on the door itself 

Walls: 

• Baseboards at floor level 
• Crown molding at ceiling level 
• Raised paneling, possibly with wallcoverings or mirrors in insets 
• Wainscotting and picture rails, with the choice of different paints or wallcoverings above and below 
• Paneling around a fireplace or built-in shelving 
• Wall paneling behind a bed instead of a headboard 
• Stepped paneling going up a stairway

Ceilings: 

• Around chandeliers in the dining room or foyer 

Decorative moldings can help shape your décor. They’re like adding just the right accessories to a beautiful outfit!

RD Home

We have exciting news at Read Design, the expansion of Read Design Home (RD Home Collection). New Products are coming in everyday and we are busy in our remodeling mode. Our shop is taking on a new and fun look. Stop in and see us soon!

At Read Design Plano, we are a full service Interior Design studio. It all starts with your window coverings. We have a Hunter Douglas Gallery and can show you Blinds and Shades - including Silhouettes, Pirouettes, and many other styles of Shades. And do not forget Plantation Shutters. 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. Hunter Douglas is the leader in light control, energy efficiency, operation systems and motorization, which makes your home smarter, your days easier, and every room more beautiful. When you stop in make sure you ask for a free copy of our Art of Window Dressing book.

Now that the windows are taken care you can move on to softening your windows with drapery panels, cornice or valances. With so many fabrics to choose from we are sure that we can find the perfect solution for your home.

​We recently helped a customer in Dallas who needed window treatments and more. First we started with Roller shades from Hunter Douglas. The shades are there for sun control and privacy and when they are up, they completely disappear into the headrail. We also added the PowerView motorization options which give give our customer ease of operation. Next we added drapery panels in a navy pattern that coordinates with the new color scheme of her home. They soften the windows and draw out the view to the back yard.

For the master bedroom our customer wanted to keep her king size bed. It works nicely in this large room with tall ceilings. First from RD Home Collection we used a 9’ x 13’ Rug in a contemporary design that brings together the soft grey, silver, and blue colors. We added a blue velvet throw at the end of the bed, blue linen euro shams and 3 custom pillows. All of the fabrics are from Kravet. To finish the look we hung 2 large art pieces behind the nightstands. What you don’t see are the 4 1/2” louver Shutters from Hunter Douglas and 4 drapery panels. The room looks very inviting and comfortable. 

In her sitting room we selected another piece from RD Home. This is a versatile piece that can be used in a Living Room, Dining Room, or just about anywhere. We also used a large rug to set the tone for the color pattern. We will soon be continuing furnishing this room with chairs and a cocktail table.

Below are some of the new pieces you will find at Read Design Plano and RD Home. We will continue get new pieces weekly. Or if you would like to have one of our Interior Designers help you with floor planning and design, just let us know. We can put together a Interior Design Plan just for you. Because we have a ton of furniture in our showroom, we are able to get you a new piece for your upcoming holiday party! We deliver! Give us a call at your earliest convenience to set up your consultation today!

Fresh Ideas For Your Home - Nail Heads

Dressing up your furniture with metal trim will nail your design plan.

Decorative brads, nails and tacks will hit the mark.

Metal trim is a classic embellishment for furniture and more. Brads, nails and tacks were used as early as the 17th century and maybe even before, in almost every country in Europe, and in the United States too. Think of them like jewelry for furniture – adding a beautiful necklace around the edges.

Metal trims work just as beautifully today as when they were first invented. They add a sense of craftsmanship and can complement almost any style of décor, from the most traditional to ultra contemporary.

Decorative brads, nails and tacks are mostly used on upholstered furniture,
but can also be applied beautifully on headboards, upholstered walls and doors,
and even as an embellishment on table tops, table fronts and table legs.

You can make a subtle design statement by using metal trim as a stripe on the edge of upholstery or you can go wild, using the trim in patterns or a patchwork design. Leather especially lends itself to metal trim, but many other fabrics can be adorned too, including velvet, tapestries and other heavy fabrics.

Metal trim comes in many shapes and sizes, with or without facets, and with matte, glossy or distressed finishes. Shapes include square, round, diamond and pyramid. Brads, nails and tacks can have a variety of metal finishes, including silver, antique gold, nickel, brass and even black. Newest of all are trims made from stone and crystal.

Adding decorative metal trim to your décor is a timeless look that’s modern even today. Nails, brads and tacks will secure your design plan beautifully.

PowerView Savings Event Ends September 11!

OK. Less than a week left of the 2017 Hunter Douglas Motorization Rebate Event.

This past week we completed a beautiful Vignette Modern Roman Shade installation in Plano. All of the upstairs bedrooms face east and have a wonderful view of a golf course. Our client wanted soft window treatments and it was important that the shades operated both top down and bottom up. We selected a textured fabric called Sahara in the Oasis color for two of the bedrooms. For the middle bedroom, including the bath, we used Indian Silk in the Vin Blanc color. All of the Shades are motorized with Hunter Douglas PowerView and can be operated by the Pebble Remote or smartphone. 

We have attached pictures of the shades and videos of the motorization in process. We all were very pleased with the outcome and our client is looking forward to her motorization rebate from Hunter Douglas.

PowerView - As you wish. Choose your level of control.

Start with the Basics.

Use the PowerView Pebble Remote - or the wall-mounted Surface Remote - to quickly adjust any single, powered window treatment or groups of shades with just a push of a button.

Upgrade to a full smart-house solution.

Say Goodbye to lost remotes. Instead, conveniently control your window treatments from your tablet or smartphone. With the PowerView App, you can send shades to specific positions with just the swipe of a finger. Even better? Get the most from your smart shades by creating customized Scenes. Then use the scheduling feature so your shades move automatically to your preferred positions. PowerView does all the work for you - on the days and timeline that perfectly fit your lifestyle.

Connect with other smart-home systems.

The PowerView system is designed for compatibility with most home automation system technologies on the market today, as well as Apple iOS, Android tablets and mobile devices to expand the function of your wireless home. Please be sure to visit the PowerView Compatibility page at hunterdouglas.com for the latest information on compatible systems and devices.

Smart Connections beyond the Window.

Today's connected home is more advanced and easier to control than ever before with PowerView Motorization, your home's window treatments are part of this convenient technology, delivering the connected lifestyle you demand - right from the smart devices you use every day.

PowerView works seamlessly with the leading Connected Home providers including Nest, Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa. Call us to learn more about these amazing features!

WARRANTY

Unlike most electronic products which are typically covered for one year, Hunter Douglas motorized components are covered for five years from the date of purchase.

Online Support

For a host of resources, including the PowerView step-by-step Guide, FAQ's and more, visit. Hunterdouglas.com

Talk with Experts

Dial 1-844-PWRVIEW with questions. Phone support is available weekdays. 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. (ET)

Turn Your Bedroom Into A Relaxing Sanctuary

Bedrooms just make life better. Full of everything warm and plush, these spaces act as a balm to life’s stresses. They’re the place where you can fall into a cloud of blankets, turn off the lights and unwind at the end of a long day. Hunter Douglas, a manufacturer of window treatments, offers some tips below to help you get the calming, cozy bedroom of your dreams.

Maximize Automation

Imagine you’re tucked into this cozy bed, ready for a lovely sleep, when you realize you’ve left the blinds open and a light on. Now imagine that instead of getting up, you can fix everything with a click. Smart-home systems let you adjust window treatments, lights and temperature using a smartphone or tablet, all from the comfort of your pillows.

Make a scene. Certain systems let you create and schedule ideal “scenes” that shift throughout the day. Motorized bedroom blinds, for example, can slowly let in the morning light or instantly close for a nine-o’clock-sharp bedtime. Some window treatment automation systems even adjust to ever-changing sunrise and sunset times. 

Don’t want to use an app? You can also operate many of these systems with a remote control — perfect for stashing in your nightstand. Combine smart products into a whole-home automation system to create your perfect sleeping environment without lifting a finger at bedtime: lights out, blinds shut and the room an optimal 65 degrees.

Get the Light Right

Light and, perhaps even more important, lack of light are integral parts of any tranquil bedroom. Pay attention to both sunlight and electric light when planning your sleep haven. The bedroom seen here, for example, strikes a pleasing balance with cellular roller shades, drapes and a sleek bedside lamp. Cellular shades gently diffuse light and lend a soft structure to windows.

If you prefer sleeping in complete darkness, try shades with a room-darkening option or pair your blinds with blackout curtains. If you love the morning sun, consider semi-opaque shades, which offer privacy yet let in some light. Also keep color in mind when choosing window treatments; your bedroom will take on a muted version of their hue as the sun filters through.

Layer your illumination. Even if your bedroom has an overhead light, add bedside lamps for a calming ambiance. The perfect partner for late-night readers, a pair of bedside lamps also provides a pleasing symmetry. Keep the switches within arm’s reach and pick a height that won’t blind you when you’re sitting up. Add other lighting where needed, as well as some aromatherapy candles for a softly scented glow.

Focus on Softness and Flow

Up the cozy factor in your bedroom for an irresistibly snuggly space. Take cues from the airy space seen here and add fluffy pillows (but not enough for a leaning tower), a cloud-like duvet, a comfy reading chair and a cushy rug. 

Layering textures in your bedroom creates a plush cocoon. Look for bed linens made of Egyptian or pima cotton — known for its quality — and with a thread count of 400 to 450. Add a luxurious wool rug, invest in a cuddly blanket and bring soft layers to your windows with light-filtering shades and drapes.

The way you move. Keep your sleeping space free of anxiety-inducing clutter and make sure you can easily move around the room. Add a quiet fan, consider a vented door for passive ventilation or bring in an HVAC expert to keep things cool.

Make It Personal

Fill your bedroom with elements that make you smile, whether it’s travel keepsakes or a special spot to do yoga. The cosmopolitan bedroom seen here is a minimalist’s dream (so take notes if that’s your style). Ideal for a reader, it features a delightful reading nook with a sculptural lamp and a curated tablescape. Simple, light gray roller shades finish the look.

Hang that artwork you bought on vacation, spritz your favorite room spray and choose colors that you equate with calm. Look to icy blue or dove gray for a cool palette, or select a brighter hue if that’s what soothes. When your bedroom is brimming with things you love, it puts you at ease — it feels like your room rather than a hotel room. It’s your space, after all, so why not make it all about you?

*taken from Hunter Douglas Houzz

Motorization Is Not Just For Shades

Our Motorization Event has been going strong and it continues until September 11, 2017. So if you are building a new home or in the process of a Home Renovation or updating to new window coverings, you might consider using Power.

Introducing PowerView Motorization only from Hunter Douglas.

PowerView Motorization is the Future. With Builders putting in more and more windows and even adding upper windows, PowerView will add ease of operation. These Window Shades are powered by battery or if you are in the building stage, you can add wiring at the windows. We would be happy to give you some insight as to how this can be done and walk you through the process. Or you can also read back through the past few Blogs to learn more about PowerView.

But we are not only adding Power to Shades and Shadings, we can also help you with Motorizated Drapery Treatments.

We recently helped a client in Southlake with their master bedroom. They have 2 windows on the side wall where we installed New Style Shutters made by Hunter Douglas. The back window, though, is where we had more of a challenge. The window is actually a sliding door and the view to the back yard is beautiful so we wanted to open this up with draperies. The client wanted to easily open the draperies so we installed them using a Drapery Rod that is operated with power. They love the ease of operation opening the bedroom to the outdoors!

Where to find Motorization in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area.

Stop in today at Read Design Plano or Read Design Southlake. Our Designers can help you with Shades by Hunter Douglas using PowerView Motorization and can also help you with custom Window Treatments and these can be powered as well. There are so many fabrics to choose from and many rod selections too. We can walk you through the steps to help you get acquainted with Motorization.

We service Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Southlake and all areas in between

The Summer PowerView Motorization Event - Part II

Now it is Time to Meet the PowerView Family only from Hunter Douglas

Pebble and Surface Remote

The stylish and colorful handheld Pebble Remote or the Wall-mounted Surface Remote puts direct adjustment at your fingertips. Operate individual or groups of shades with the push of a button. 

PowerView App

Customize your collection of Rooms and Scenes with the App, then use the scheduling feature to operate them whether your are home or away. It is designed for compatibility with Apple, iOS, and Android tablets and mobile devices. 

Pebble and Surface Scene Controller

When your tablet or smartphone isn't handy, the Scene Controller works seamlessly with the PowerView Hub and App to trigger the Scenes you have created, adding even more convenient control. 

PowerView Hub

Our elegantly designed Hub connects wirelessly to your home WiFi network. It is the central point of control for all your home's PowerView window treatments, storing your settings and activating your Scenes.

PowerView Repeater

The Repeater is a small signal enhancer that discreetly plugs into almost any outlet to extend signal range and carry commands throughout your home. It also provides customized lighting day and night via its illumination features. 

Those are the members of the PowerView Family only from Hunter Douglas. So as you wish, choose your level of control. 

Start With The Basics

Use the PowerView Pebble Remote or the small-mounted Surface Remote- to quickly adjust any single, powered window treatment or groups of shades with just a push of a button. 

Upgrade To A Full Smart-Home Solution 

Say goodbye to lost remotes. Instead, conveniently control your window treatments from you tablet or smartphone. With the PowerView App, you can send shades to specific positions with just the swipe of a finger.

Even better? Get the most from your smart shades by creating customized Scenes. Then, use the scheduling feature so your shades move automatically to your preferred positions. PowerView does all the work for you--on the days and timing that perfectly fit your lifestyle. 

Connect With Other Smart-Home Systems. 

The PowerView system is designed for compatibility with most home automation system technologies on the market today, as well as Apple, iOS, and Android tablets and mobile devices to expand the function of your wireless home.

Please be sure to visit the PowerView Compatibility page at hunterdouglas.com for the latest information on compatible systems and devices. 

Soon we will be talking about a Day with PowerView and also Motorized Drapery Treatments. But for now stop in and see all of the displays at Read Design Plano or Read Design Southlake.If you are building a New Home or are in the process of redoing the home you live in,give us a call.Our designers can help you find the look that is exactly your style.They are familiar with all of the products, fabrics and colors.If you are interested in going a step further with Drapery Treatments, they can assist you there also.We have fabrics from all of the major companies and more.We would love to help you.Also ask for a copy of the new Art of Window Dressing Book. 

PowerView Motorization in Prosper and Colleyville.We also service Dallas, Plano, Southlake, Grapevine, McKinney, Allen, Keller, Fort Worth, Celina, Lantana, Robson Ranch, Carrollton, Highland Park, Richardson, Trophy Club, North Richland Hills, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and all areas inbetween.