Jessica Simpson's stained glass windows are dreamy — renter-friendly ways to get the look

Window treatments, though often overlooked, play a significant role in defining the aesthetic and perceived age of a home's interior. Many styles that were once popular can now make a home appear dated. Designers Jennifer Jones, Jody Jones, and Ellie Stein highlight four specific types of window treatments that contribute to an outdated look and suggest modern alternatives to refresh a living space. The first category of outdated window treatments encompasses anything overly ornate. Heavy swags, whether on a cornice or a Roman shade, instantly transport a room back to the 1980s. Similarly, tie-back tassels and other excessive ornamentation are considered passé. Oversized valences are also identified as major culprits, as they attempt to hide drapery rods, a practice that is no longer in vogue. Instead of concealing the rod, a more contemporary approach involves using coordinating rings, which offer a cleaner and more modern appearance. Another element contributing to an aged aesthetic is the use of heavy and stiff drapery. Designers note that thick, rigid fabrics, which might resemble a quilt rather than a fluid curtain, contradict the current preference for lived-in, collected, and inviting spaces. The contemporary trend leans towards airy and breathable materials such as linen or lightweight cotton. These fabrics allow for a softer drape and a more relaxed feel, aligning with modern interior design principles focused on comfort and natural textures. Mini blinds, particularly those made from aluminum and reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s, are also firmly placed in the outdated category. These blinds not only look old-fashioned but are also perceived to cheapen the overall appearance of a home. Designers recommend replacing them with more current options, such as natural woven shades, which provide a warmer texture and a more sophisticated look, elevating the home's style. Finally, improper installation significantly contributes to an outdated look, regardless of the treatment style. The length of window treatments is crucial; anything too short, unless intentionally going for a specific cafe curtain style, immediately makes a room appear dated. The preferred length is for the window treatments to just touch the floor, creating an elegant and finished look. Furthermore, attention to width during installation is equally important. Designers suggest installing curtain rods approximately six inches above the window frame and extending them eight to twelve inches past the window trim on each side. This technique makes windows appear larger and more grand, enhancing the room's overall proportions and updating its aesthetic. By addressing these four areas, homeowners can effectively modernize their interiors and prevent window treatments from inadvertently aging their homes. #WindowTreatments #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DecoratingTips #OutdatedTrends #ModernHome #DesignersSay #HomeImprovement

Living in New York City often presents opportunities for spectacular views from higher-floor apartments, and floor-to-ceiling windows are a popular feature that maximizes this advantage. Initially a high-end architectural element popularized by designers like Richard Meier, these expansive windows are now more common across various price points, making them accessible to a wider range of New Yorkers. Additionally, many brownstone owners have incorporated glass walls into their renovations, extending the rear of their homes to capture views of private gardens rather than cityscapes. While these glass walls offer abundant natural light and stunning vistas, they also introduce several interior design challenges, such as maintaining privacy, optimal furniture placement, managing excessive light, and regulating indoor temperatures. Interior designers Jamie Alexander and Guillaume Coutheillas emphasize the importance of accentuating the view when decorating. Coutheillas, for instance, used a neutral color palette and low-profile furniture in a model residence at One United Nations Park to ensure the eye is naturally drawn to the outside. Similarly, Alexander suggests using bold-patterned drapery to frame the view and integrating striking art pieces or decorative objects that complement the outdoor scenery. In some cases, where privacy is not a concern, foregoing window treatments can be the best approach to fully capitalize on the unobstructed view. However, the transparency of floor-to-ceilling windows means a clear view in, especially at night, which necessitates effective privacy solutions. Blackout curtains or blinds are essential for bedrooms to ensure restful sleep. These are available in various styles, including solar and honeycomb shades, with options for manual, cordless, battery-operated, or remote-controlled mechanisms. Brands like Blinds.com, Blinds to Go, Blinds Chalet, and Smith & Noble offer custom sizes. High-tech solutions like Serena Smart Roller Shades by Lutron and MySmartRollerShades by SmarterHome can integrate with smart home systems. For bathrooms or other areas requiring enhanced privacy, window films or strategically designed doors can be employed. Sheer linen and wool curtains, as used by Coutheillas at One United Nations Park, offer a balance of light and privacy, especially when combined with strategic lighting to enhance evening views. Excessive sunlight through large windows can lead to issues such as fading fabrics and artwork, and glare on screens. Solar shades are recommended to mitigate these problems. They block glare and protect against UV damage while allowing light to filter through, and come in varying opacities. These can be layered with drapes for additional light control. Designers frequently favor Lutron solar shades and sheer fabrics, which soften light and provide privacy without completely obstructing views, as demonstrated in residences designed by Pembrooke & Ives and CetraRuddy. Installing window treatments for floor-to-ceiling windows should ideally be done by professionals, as precise measurements and appropriate hardware are crucial due to potential ceiling and floor irregularities and the weight of the fabric. Quality fabrics from vendors like Hartmann & Forbes or Zarin Fabrics are also recommended. Strategic furniture placement is another critical consideration. With a wall of windows, there's less wall space for furniture. Designers suggest floating sculptural sofas in the living area and placing smaller, occasional pieces along the windows. Dining tables can be aligned with glass walls, sometimes paired with a mirror on the opposite side to create an illusion of an expanded glass room. Nancy Ruddy of CetraRuddy advises positioning furniture approximately two feet from windows to create a gracious, airy feel and avoid obstructing sightlines. Flexibility in furniture use is also important, particularly in multi-functional rooms where day and night requirements may differ. Custom-made or easily movable furniture can accommodate these varying needs. Finally, a practical consideration for apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows is the increased heating and cooling costs due to glass's lower insulation properties compared to traditional walls. Well-designed window treatments can, however, contribute to climate control and energy efficiency, especially when integrated into home automation systems. #NYCRealEstate #InteriorDesign #FloorToCeilingWindows #WindowTreatments #ApartmentDecor #SmartHome #Renovation #HomeImprovement #LuxuryLiving

The article explores the growing trend of incorporating floor-to-ceiling glass and steel windows into home architecture. These structures, characterized by large glass panes framed by thin steel, are becoming a popular architectural addition on many desirable streets. They introduce an element of industrial chic into otherwise traditional residences. A primary function of these windows is to create an airy separation between the interior of a house and its outdoor spaces, such as backyards, pools, or gardens. This design choice effectively blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor environments, fostering a seamless transition and connection to nature. The article highlights examples from various designers and firms to illustrate the aesthetic appeal and versatility of this architectural feature. Designer Beth Webb from Atlanta frequently utilizes these windows in her projects, noting their ability to connect the indoors with the outdoors more vividly than traditional casement windows. In one Atlanta kitchen project, inspired by Belgian design, Webb intentionally left the steel and glass windows overlooking the pool area free of window treatments. Instead, a linen panel was strategically placed in the center of the kitchen to provide a subtle division between the cooking and dining areas, complementing the rich material combination of a stone floor and the glass and steel windows. Another example, from designer Tish Mills, showcases a room where a door is integrated seamlessly into a wall of steel and glass windows, emphasizing the fluid connection between spaces. McAlpine Booth & Ferrier also demonstrates the adaptability of these windows in their designs, presenting a room that harmoniously blends indoor and outdoor elements. Further illustrating this, another McAlpine creation at Bloomsbury Farm exemplifies how these windows can be a focal point. The article concludes by emphasizing that floor-to-ceiling glass and steel windows consistently command attention and enhance the overall design of a home, making them a stunning and highly favored design element. #GlassAndSteelWindows #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalTrends #HomeDecor #ModernDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #BethWebb #TishMills #McAlpineBoothFerrier