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Q. I just moved into a brand new home with over 30 windows, and, lots of neighbors. Where do I begin? Help!A. First, I have 2 words for you - Redi-Shade! This is a temporary pleated shade that will give you privacy and light control until you figure out what you want on your windows. OK, so now that you’re no longer desperate- - let’s think window treatments through. Please don’t tell me you prefer nothing on your windows - that’s like saying “I have a great body so why should I wear clothes?” Trust me, clothes make you look better! Now, let’s think about budget. Clearly there are some rooms that are more important to decorate than others. Figure out which rooms they are for you…probably your family room, your dining room, living room and kitchen - because they are all the public rooms in your home. You’ll most likely want to put most of your decorating dollars into these rooms, i.e. into custom window treatments. Like clothes adorn your body, custom window treatments decorate, complement and finish a room. What makes great window treatments? Answer: Ones that addresses all your needs, such as:
The best way to accomplish all of this “window dressing” - is to work with a trained design professional. Look for someone with a lot of hands-on experience. A professional designer will create your designs, provide accurate measuring of all your windows, be up on all the latest technology and products available, and oversee workroom and your product installations. The outcome will be a guaranteed success. Q. I have an old sofa that I love, but, I’ve heard it’s expensive to re-upholster. Should I buy new or re-upholster? A. Ah, the age old dilemma to buy new or redo. There’s no question that you can go out and buy a new sofa for less than it will cost you to reupholster your existing one. But, is it a good idea? That depends. You need to establish some criteria for the re-upholstering vs. purchasing new. Was the existing sofa originally good quality, i.e. good hardwood frame, eight ways hand- tied, and, importantly do you like it? Does it work size and style- wise in the room? Another issue to consider is what is the seat height? Many older sofas are too low to the ground, making it difficult to get up and down from the sofa. How old are you? Will a low seat height become problematic over the next 15 years? If style and size of your existing sofa fits the use you wish it to - go for it! Re-upholster. Save the landfill. A designer will be happy to help you pick out appropriate new fabric. It’s a good thing. There is an awful lot to be said for working with what you’ve got - on the other hand - if you are cringing at the thought of keeping your sofa - then definitely - get out there and go shopping for a new one! Donate the old sofa to your favorite charity. 
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