Displaying posts from January, 2025

DE ROSEE SA is an architecture and interior design studio with offices in London and Lisbon. Led by Max de Roseé and Claire Sá, the studio adopts a holistic approach to creating atmospheric and contextual residential projects. They combine functionality, beauty, bespoke furnishings and craftsmanship to design intelligent, adaptable spaces. Their reworking of this Edwardian home in the south of London was influenced by their Australian client, who wanted to have the best indoor-outdoor living from their homeland combined with an English aesthetic.

Photography by Simon Brown.

Nestled in the heart of Woollahra in Sydney, this heritage home combines historic charm and modern sophistication. The design emphasizes functionality and elegance, with a seamless integration of Carrara marble countertops and white cabinetry, creating an open and inviting kitchen space while the little laundry under the stairs is functional and aesthetically appealing. Transitional bathrooms blend classic and contemporary elements, ensuring both style and practicality. Every detail, from natural textures to sleek finishes, is thoughtfully curated to exude timeless appeal. The result is a harmonious space that radiates warmth, comfort, and refined elegance. Transitional Victorian Terrace by Mageia Design Studio.

Custom window treatments, including motorized shades, blinds, and drapes, are more than just functional – they’re a statement of style and convenience. If you’ve chosen window treatments NYC to elevate your space, keeping them pristine and operating smoothly requires consistent maintenance and smart usage. Here are some practical and fun tips to ensure your custom shades remain as stunning and functional as the day you installed them.

1. Start with Regular Cleaning Routines

Dust and dirt can accumulate over time, affecting the appearance and performance of your custom window treatments. A regular cleaning schedule keeps them in top shape and prevents wear and tear.

How to Clean Different Types of Window Treatments:

• Motorized Shades: Use a microfiber cloth or a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to remove dust. Avoid spraying cleaning solutions directly on the fabric to prevent motor damage.
• Blinds: Close the blinds and clean each slat with a damp cloth, flipping them to clean the other side. For wooden blinds, avoid excess moisture, which can cause warping.
• Drapes: Check the care label for washing instructions. Many drapes are safe for gentle machine washing, while delicate materials may require dry cleaning.

A study found that clean windows and treatments can improve natural light penetration by up to 30%, boosting the brightness of your home.

2. Handle with Care

Custom window treatments are an investment, so treat them delicately to avoid unnecessary damage.

Best Practices for Handling:

• Adjust Gently: Use the remote or smart home app to operate motorized shades smoothly. Manually tugging on the shades can strain the motor.
• Secure Cords and Chains: For traditional blinds and shades, keep cords out of reach of pets and children. Use cord cleats or tensioners for added safety.
• Avoid Sharp Objects: Be cautious when cleaning or moving furniture near your treatments to prevent tears or scratches.

3. Perform Routine Inspections

Spotting issues early can save you costly repairs. Routine inspections of your shades, blinds, and drapes ensure everything stays in working order.

What to Look For:

• Motorized Shades: Listen for unusual noises when operating them. A quiet motor indicates smooth functioning, while grinding sounds may signal the need for lubrication or a professional check.
• Blinds: Inspect for bent or misaligned slats and address them promptly to maintain their appearance.
• Drapes: Check for loose threads or stains that might worsen if left unattended.

4. Protect from Sun Damage

While window treatments are designed to manage sunlight, prolonged exposure can fade fabrics or damage certain materials.

How to Prevent Sun Damage:

• Use UV-Resistant Materials: When selecting your custom shades, opt for UV-blocking fabrics that maintain color vibrancy.
• Rotate Drapes: If your drapes have a reversible design, rotate them occasionally to distribute sun exposure evenly.
• Smart Scheduling: Program motorized shades to lower during peak sunlight hours for optimal protection.

Modern UV-blocking shades can reduce heat gain by up to 77%, helping you save on energy bills while protecting your interiors.

5. Make the Most of Smart Features

Motorized shades offer cutting-edge technology that makes everyday living more convenient. Fully embracing these features can enhance your experience.

Smart Usage Ideas:

• Automated Scheduling: Program shades to rise and lower at specific times for better energy efficiency and privacy.
• Voice Control: Pair your motorized shades with smart assistants like Alexa or Google Home for effortless operation.
• Scene Setting: Create customized scenes for different times of day, like “morning light” or “movie night.”

The global smart shades market is projected to grow by over 15% annually, showing how quickly homeowners are adopting this technology.

6. Address Stains Promptly

Accidents happen, but the key to maintaining your window treatments is to act quickly when spills or stains occur.

Quick Stain Removal Tips:

• Blot, Don’t Rub: For fabric shades or drapes, gently blot stains with a clean, damp cloth to prevent spreading.
• Use Mild Detergents: A diluted mixture of water and dish soap works well for most materials. Test on a small, hidden area first.
• Consult Professionals: For stubborn stains or delicate fabrics, consider professional cleaning services to avoid damage.

7. Optimize Placement for Functionality

Where you install your window treatments can impact their longevity and usability.

Placement Tips:

• Avoid Heat Sources: Keep shades and drapes away from radiators, heaters, or stoves to prevent warping or fabric damage.
• Consider Moisture Levels: In humid areas like bathrooms, choose materials resistant to mildew, such as vinyl or treated fabrics.
• Match Function to Room: Motorized blackout shades work great in bedrooms, while light-filtering options suit living spaces.

8. Partner with Professionals for Maintenance

Sometimes, professional care is the best way to keep your custom window treatments in peak condition.

When to Call Experts:

• Motor Issues: If motorized shades aren’t functioning correctly, professional technicians can diagnose and fix the problem.
• Deep Cleaning Needs: For intricate or large-scale treatments, professional cleaning ensures a thorough job without the risk of damage.
• Repairs: Cracked slats, broken cords, or torn fabrics often require specialized tools and expertise.

Many manufacturers offer maintenance plans for custom treatments, so check your warranty to see if repairs are covered.

Enjoying the Benefits of Custom Window Treatments

Proper care and maintenance not only preserve the beauty and functionality of your custom shades, blinds, and drapes but also maximize your investment. With these tips, your window treatments can remain a source of style, comfort, and innovation in your home.

Treat your custom window treatments as you would any high-quality piece of furniture or décor. A little care goes a long way in ensuring they remain a beloved feature of your home for years to come.

This home was recently built with incredible views of the Vermont mountains and Sheila Bridges designed it with the outdoors in mind, with beautiful colours and some very à propos wallpapers used in many spaces, all of which depict flora and/or fauna. I love the concept of bringing nature indoors like that, subtle but not so once you catch on :). Photos: Frank Frances.

Robin Heller and Jen Levy are the designers behind Baltimore, MD based firm Surrounded By Color. We like to take whimsical, energetic, maybe-kinda-crazy-seeming ideas and turn them into cozy, lovely, livable spaces that make people happy. 
These ladies rock both at using extensive colour in a space as well as through subtle accents. In both scenarios they create really energized, bright and modern spaces that would last through all the icky trends. And could easily be changed up a bit by swapping out some of the accent art or furnishings.