Put a Little Swag (and Jabot) In Your Life

The windows in any room can be a great focal point within the design of your home, so you need to take into consideration the space and existing furnishings and décor, while accentuating your windows and views.  A very versatile style of window treatment is the Swag and Jabot.  With just the right amount of fabric to draw your eye to the view, this style of treatment provides a beautiful compliment to any room’s décor.  If you are considering Swags and Jabots for your home, here are some tips for getting them just right! 

Swags and Jabot are a great style of window treatment that will compliment any size or type of window.  They can be customized to your taste with just about any type of fabric from formal patterns and textures to country designs.  These custom window treatments allow a good amount of light through the window, offering a beautiful frame of fabric, while leaving the window as open as you desire to maintain the view.  They also work beautifully with all types of shades for as much privacy as you desire. If you have a picture window or arch window in your home and are unsure of how to decorate it, Swags and Jabots are the perfect solution!

The Swag portion of this dynamic duo, is a decorative drapery treatment of folded fabric which hangs in a graceful curve and frames the top of a window.  And the Jabot is a decorative vertical end of an over-treatment that usually finishes a horizontal Swag.  Consider Swags and Jabots when you want to dress up your windows in your formal or contemporary room while preserving views of the great outdoors.

When it comes to hanging the Swags and Jabots there are many ways you can hang these beautiful window treatments.  As shown in the photo, you can use a decorative rod that allows the fabric to drape across it and hang down the sides.  Some homeowners like the look of a larger pocket rod with no exposed hardware.  Other options include cornice boards and even decorative hooks.  No matter what your preference is, we can help with all of the design, production and installation of your new Swag and Jabot valances.

Interiors by John Henry will measure your windows, provide fabric samples for your choosing from designer fabrics like Kravet, Robert Allen, Duralee and Norbar.  All of our window treatments are custom made for our clients and expertly installed in your home.  If you are still unsure of what type of window treatment will work best in your room or home, please contact Interiors byJohn Henry today for a consultation.

Motorized Blinds and Shades Do More Than Make Life Simple

When we say motorized blinds and shades many of our clients initially think they don’t want or need a motorized feature for their custom window treatments.  But if you are considering adding new blinds or shades to a room, or your entire home, you definitely want to hear what we have to say about them.  There are many other advantages to motorized shades and blinds (drapes can be motorized too!) than just the amount of light that you let in, there is so much more.  Here are some of the reasons we think motorized shades and blinds are a valuable option.

The first reason is the obvious one:  Convenience!  Just by pushing a button you can open and close your shades, drapes or blinds, without having to get up, cross the room and reach over furniture.  As the sun moves through the sky, or darkness falls you can adjust your blinds and shades with just the click of a button. 

If convenience isn’t your concern, then how about protection of your furniture, carpeting and finishes.  We all know that these items are costly for any homeowner, but when you add motorized blinds and shades you can protect your valuable assets, no matter what the angle of the sun’s rays.  You can even get them synchronized so that when you push the button all of the window shades in your home are opened or closed at the same time!  No more running from room to room and no more fading of fabrics and finishes!

Energy efficiency is a big deal these days.  From appliances to heating and cooling systems and everything between and inside the walls of your home are geared toward saving energy.  With motorized blinds and shades you can easily let in enough sunlight to warm your home on cooler days and shade your rooms when temperatures are warm to take some of the load off of your mechanical systems.  By giving a helping hand with motorized shades and blinds, your home’s efficiency will increase, which will help to decrease those dreaded utility bills!

Lastly, when it comes to feeling safe and sound, motorized blinds and shades can help too.  From a security standpoint, you can keep rooms hidden during the day or night just by lowering or closing your shades.  If you want to give the appearance that you are at home, even when your not, motorized shades can help with that too.  Some systems even allow for control through your computer!

Who said custom window treatments are just for looks?  We love that they can add more to your home than warmth and style!  For more information on how to bring you home into the 21^st century with new custom motorized window shades, blinds and drapes, contact Interiors by John Henrytoday.