Energy Loss through Windows

Glass offers very little resistance to heat flow. Because of this, windows are “energy holes.” Compared to the well-insulated walls and roofs of modern homes, standard double-pane windows allow 10 to 15 times more heat energy to flow through them. So, despite the fact that windows make up only 10 percent of a home’s exterior, approximately 50 percent of the home’s heating and cooling energy pours through them… which means that about half of what is paid for heating and cooling utility bills pours through them, too.

Slowing the energy flow...
The infrared photo above graphically shows the energy loss through windows. Notice the dramatic color difference between the walls and windows, highlighting the contrast in resistance to heat flow. How do we make the windows more like walls? We add insulation. Not with the fiberglass you would find in the walls, of course, but with window coverings like Hunter Douglas new Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades. The patented honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb construction forms three air pockets for superior insulation between the window and the room.

Expected savings...
Hunter Douglas new Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades have the highest energy rating that I have found in the window covering world of blinds and shade options available. It triples the energy efficiency of standard double-pane windows when fully recessed inside the window opening. This significantly decreases heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, providing substantial energy and cost savings. One of our clients, who in an accountant, recently purchased Duette Architella shades for their lake house. They called to tell me, that in one winter month, it saved them about 25% on their monthly energy bill! Needless to say, he was happy to have such a quick return on his investment. Hunter Douglas is offering incredible rebates back too now on their Architella® shades, plus with our sale, you will save energy and investment dollars!

Call Interior Spaces in Portland Oregon now to schedule your free in-home consultation for window treatments, blinds and shades, custom draperies and panels and more. 503-692-6077  Visit our website at: InteriorSpacesForYou

For more information on the new Hunter Douglas Architella Duette window shade that adds insulation to your window visit Hunter Douglas website too.

Top 10 reasons to hire an Interior Designer!

Many people are intimidated at the thought of hiring an interior designer. They worry it’s too expensive or that the end result will be something they do not like. Following are 10 reasons you would want to hire a professional interior designer.

1. Education & training is the difference between a decorator or designer and a professional interior designer. Be sure to hire a designer with appropriate credentials for your project.

2. Professional eye will not only help you in selection of the colors that flow through out your house, but also make sure your space is proportioned well and balanced. Often times I go into homes where the clients tell me, “We just don’t feel good in this room”. Generally I have found the problem lies in proportion and balance in either color or layout.

3. Experience does count and it is the best teacher! Many things in good design are learned the hard way. Remember when you hire a professional designer with experience that you are eliminating a lot of frustration on your part because they have learned the hard way through their years of experience and that is part of the design fee!

4. Master planning is a key to an interior designer’s magic. Ever notice your home is full many things you’ve collected, art, knick-knacks, furniture… and all seemed to be a good idea at the time… but you have no idea how to make them all look right together? Having a master plan does help you work in all the things you already have decreases the need to buy everything new.

5. Color consulting for interior wall paint is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to bring new life to your space. Professional color consultants will not only analyze what colors make you personally feel good, but also what colors will work the magic with your existing surroundings.

6. Space planning and traffic flow through your living space will make the difference in not only how you feel, but also enjoyment of living and working in your home. The pictures show an example of how a professional floor plan can help you visualize the furniture layout.

7. Finish Selection – From cabinetry and countertop choices to hardware finishes and lighting fixtures… there are so many options that it can be overwhelming to clients. Having professional help can simplify your life and the decision making process.

8. Access to designer products such as fabrics and furniture other than what you see in local retail stores is very positive to most clients we work with. From High Point North Carolina to Las Vegas new Furniture Market, hiring a designer opens up a world of possibilities you normally do not have access to.

9. Saves you time which is a rare commodity these days. Many clients express frustration in not having enough time to get everything thing done. Hiring a professional who does this every day will save you so much time.

10. Saves you money when your home is just how you like it… we have found clients no longer feel the need to change it so often. Remember, a professional designer will always work within your budget and your style.

Give Anita at Interior Spaces a call at 503-692-6077 to set up an appointment.

How to select and Window Covering

~ A Shopper’s Guide ~

 Selecting window coverings is one of the most complicated decorating decisions homeowners face, as there are many practical and aesthetic considerations. Following is a brief guide to help you select custom window coverings that will provide the best practical performance and add pleasing decorative qualities to every room in your house. For more information visit our website or give us a call at Interior Spaces for on-site consultation in the Portland Oregon and Vancouver Washington area. 503-692-6077.

What are your needs for privacy?  A general rule of thumb is that if you can see out through closed treatments during the day, others can see in at night. Interior Spaces offers a range of products that offer options ranging from sheer to privacy and all the degrees in between. For example, our top selling product, Silhouette® window shadings, which feature fabric vanes suspended between sheer fabric panels, rotate for varying degrees of privacy and light control allow you to see your view and at the same time provide privacy and best of all eliminate those tan lines on your furniture!

What are your needs for light control?  Many window coverings go up and down and make all stops in between. Another favorite and top seller are the Duette® honeycomb shades, Roman shades and Provenance® woven woods which offer the added option of being lowered from the top down, thus allowing light to enter a room while still providing privacy and offering maximum light control. And there is now a Top-Down / Bottom-Up and TiltAnywhere™ option for the popular Silhouette window shadings which allows you to operate the shadings from the top down, or the bottom up or in combination and tilt the product when it is in any position.  Of course, how much light control you need depends what your room will be used for. For media rooms, Duette honeycomb shades in opaque fabrics with an aluminized polyester core that provides total room darkening are a good choice.

Which direction does your window face? And what are your needs for UV-ray protection and energy efficiency?

• North-facing windows bring in the most even and consistent light. It is also the coldest exposure, so for energy conservation these windows are often treated with insulated shades – like the new Duette® Architella shades, which trap air in the honeycomb shaped cells, or stop the energy flow with wood shutters or even cornice board with insulated draperies.
• South-facing windows receive sunlight year-round, casting a warm, golden glow on interiors. Heat and UV rays in this consistent light will cause the most damage, so, choose products that can protect fabric and furniture from the sun’s harmful rays. The right window covering can block up to 99 percent of UV rays. Look for a “% UV blockage” rating. The higher a product’s rating, the better the home’s interior is protected from UV rays. For example, Duette honeycomb shades can block up to 99.9 percent of UV rays. Roman shades, hardwood shutters and cellular shades in opaque fabrics are also good choices.  
• East-facing windows admit the most balanced or full-spectrum light, however, its brightness and clarity may render it warm, especially in the morning. Window treatments with two layers that diffuse light, such as Silhouette window shadings with companion Luminette Privacy Sheers and Duette honeycomb shades are good choices here.  
• If your windows face west they are exposed to the hottest light and also the haziest because by day’s end, there are so many impurities in the atmosphere. Many of the same treatments as south-facing windows are good selections here. Products like Silhouette window shadings and Luminette sheers can also provide UV protection while still allowing a view.

Is noise a problem?
If your windows face a crowded street, sound can be a problem, especially at night. It’s good to know that fabric window coverings can provide a solution. Cellular shades with the triple layer of honeycomb cells absorb almost three quarters of all reflected sound.

Do your windows open and, if so, do you open them often?
Some windows open up, some out and some in. Other slide from side to side. Analyze which direction your window coverings need to open in relationship to how the room is laid out for accessibility.

Is the window covering child-safe?
Particularly if you have young children or pets at home safety is important. Look for Break-Thru® Safety Tassel, Safety Wands, cordless, wireless PowerRise motorization; the UltraGlide® patented lifting system which features a single, retractable cord that is easily kept out of the way of children.

Aesthetic Considerations to consider when choosing window treatments for your home or office:

What are the proportions of the room?
The window treatment should be considered within the overall scale of the interior in terms of both height and size to maintain proper proportions. If, for example, the window is small in relation to the rest of the room, you may want to extend the covering to make the window seem larger. For a large window with a beautiful view you may want a simple covering, which will enable you to control light without obscuring the views. For a window with an interesting architectural frame, place the covering within the frame so as not to obscure it. Also, for a room with a low ceiling, remember that vertical lines can enhance the height of a room.

What colors do you prefer in window decor?
Color intensifies as you increase areas of coverage. A small amount of bright red might be suitable for a decorative tape or trim, but overwhelming in an entire window treatment. To visually expand a window or rooms choose soft, light or cool colors. Another hint: Coordinate the window coverings with the wall color, as low contrasts will keep the eye moving around the room. Reverse the technique to make the window or room appear smaller and cozier by using dark, warm colors and high contrast between the window and wall. Also remember what your window looks like from the outside. Many window coverings have neutral white backings for a consistent from the exterior.

How does pattern work at the window?
Always consider the effect pattern at the window will have on the whole room. Are there other patterns in the decoration? Will they complement each other or create chaos? Pattern, like color, can be surprisingly intense in large quantities.

Considering Texture?
The rich subtlety of texture is increasingly appreciated in home decoration. Textures can be both casual (rough, nubbly or earthy) or formal (smooth, elegant fabrics). Texture is particularly important at the window where light penetrates the fabric or material. Always put the sample to be used in an application up to the window to judge the effect of light coming through it, as the texture will alter the diffusion of the light.

Top questions and answers regarding FEDERAL TAX CREDIT OPPORTUNITY on Window Coverings!

1. What is the Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency?On 2/17/09, President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – a stimulus bill that includes federal tax credits on selected energy efficient products purchased during 2009 and 2010.

2. Which products currently qualify for the Federal Tax Credit?
Hunter Douglas has been a leader in innovation and current affairs. As of this time, certain Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades with qualifying fabrics and lifting systems that are inside mounted over double glazed windows now qualify for this Tax Credit. Call us for free on-site product showing.

3. How much is the Federal Tax Credit?Qualifying products are eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost, up to $1,500 in total during the 2009 & 2010 tax years $1,500 is the maximum combined total amount that can be claimed for all purchases of qualifying energy efficient products placed in service during this period. Call us for more information.

4. What is the time frame during which tax credits can be earned on qualifying Hunter Douglas products?The qualifying shades must be purchased and installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, for existing homes, not new construction. The home must be considered your principal residence. Be sure to consult your tax advisor for further details regarding your eligibility for this tax credit and proper forms to fill out.

5. Are installation costs for my qualifying Hunter Douglas products covered by the tax credits?
The tax credit applies to the product purchase price only and does not cover the installation/labor costs for measuring or installing your qualifying shades.
For more information go to Hunter Douglas website
Or give us a call for on-site evaluation.

New Interior Spaces Website is Growing!

We are very exited to announce that our new website is growing! Interior Spaces is a full service interior design and decoration specializing in master planning, space planning, color consulting, window treatments, Hunter Douglas blinds and shades, custom drapery and valances, furniture, lighting and accessories. We are located in the Portland Oregon area servicing, Tualatin, West Linn, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Tigard, Wilsonville, Hillsboro, Gresham and Vancouver Washington.