Natural and Minimal: Current Trends in Window Treatments

by Joe Cooper

Window fashions have left behind the fancy and the floral for a simpler, more contemporary appearance. Focusing on natural colors and simpler materials, these trends have shown up in residences, commercial offices, and hotels during 2008 and continue even as the seasons start to change again.

Straight, sheer, and sparse are some of the words that describe current trends in window treatments. Shades and screens are also popular. Regardless of the material and the color, simple and modern are definitely the direction that window treatments are going.

Materials: Natural and Luxurious are In
Staying natural and even organic is popular today, using materials like wood grain, bamboo, reed, and birch. Natural wood blinds can compliment a home's contemporary style if the right colors are chosen. It can also add to a country style as well.

The other direction in which materials are moving is luxury. Choosing silk, damask, or velvet window treatments is popular among a different set of homeowners.

Colors: Light and Simple
Bright and bold are not trendy these days; instead, lighter hues are establishing their popularity. Lavender, sage green, teal blue are some of the colors being seen in window treatments today.

Lines: Neat and Clean
Most new window treatments have left ornate, flowery designs of the classic tradition behind. Straight, thin, clean lines replace them for a look that is sparser. These looks can be both bold and subtle depending on their surroundings.

Hardware: Thin and Modern
Homeowners are choosing thinner, more contemporary hardware solutions for their window treatments today. Wrought iron is still a favorite, although silver-hued metals like pewter are growing in popularity.

Another hardware trend not to use hardware. Many homeowners choose to hide their hardware or choose treatment options that require minimal hardware altogether.

Whatever your window treatment choice, remember that less is more and natural is beautiful with today's fashions.

Source:
Buzzle
HGTV
Search Warp

About the Author
Joe Cooper writes home services and design articles and manages corporate communications. He holds a bachelor?s in American Literature from UCLA.