It was so overwhelming to choose window shades because 1) I had so many windows and 2) (I’ll admit) I’d never purchased blinds or shades before—only curtains.
What I liked about Décorview is that they come to your home, so no hours stuck in a store with a screaming child (hello terrible twos!), and they send an interior designer to help you pick the right design and fabric for your home. Bonus, because if it were up to me and me alone, we’d have the world’s most boringly generic window shades on every single window. Having a designer was going to help force me out of ye olde comfort zone.
Local San Diego designer Linda Hodnett showed up at my door and we immediately hit it off. She’s from New York, and I’m from New Jersey, so she got my sense of humor sarcasm. I’m not an easy one to please and I have a tough time taking risks, but she was pretty convincing. We agreed immediately to do the Designer Roller Shades for the cleanest look. She told me right away that the anodized fascia would be the most modern option for my home. Essentially, the roll part of the roller shade is hidden by a simple box that comes in a few different finishes, including aluminum. I thought, “She gets me.”
I almost chose this fabric. I really loved it but it was just a teensy bit too bold for me.
The next part of the process was choosing the fabric, which is much more time consuming because I have a lot of windows, but also because there were a lot of different factors that come into play. First, we had to choose opacity—how much light do I want to come through? Secondly, style—based on what fabrics are available in which opacities, I had to pick my favorites. And third, size; some fabrics did not come wide enough to accommodate certain windows. I had the option of motorizing them like Emily’s but I decided that it wasn’t necessary for us. I loved a lot of the fabric options, but some were too bold for multiple windows (like the Accent fabric pictured above). Had it been just one or two windows, I think I would’ve been more adventurous.
Urban Loft fabric detail
The fabric I chose for most of my home was a semi-opaque Urban Loft fabric (above). The fabric selection for the Master Bedroom, though, is my favorite—Brunswick in silver pearl (pictured below). Unfortunately, we couldn’t use it for the entire house because it only comes in a blackout option. I wished that more of the fabrics were available in multiple opacities for different applications (Hunter Douglas: take note!). I paired it the Brunswick with the aluminum fascia and it’s definitely my favorite combination.
Brunswick silver pearl shade fabric detail
Anodized aluminum finish fascia with silver pearl Brunswick opaque designer roller shade
We had a few obstacles, such as me changing my mind (as I always do), some factory changes, as well as some minor snafus with fabric choices and measurements, but overall the experience was pleasant. Linda even came to show me some new fabric options during the recent San Diego wildfires—and in the midst of our conversation I had to evacuate! (luckily everything was OK!) Now that’s commitment to your clients :-)
Scenes from installation day
The measurement and installation process was also painless. I didn’t really have to do anything at all. Normally, I don’t mind doing some tasks myself, but having someone else handle window coverings installation is a luxury worth investing in, especially if you have quite a few windows and hate ladders. I was glad to leave it to the experts, anyway, because at least they’re all straight and level, despite my not-perfectly-straight windows! Overall, I was satisfied with the experience and thrilled with my new shades—the quality is excellent… It’s a shame to cover some of them up with curtains. Oh, did I mention Décorview does curtains, too?
Brunswick silver pearl shade fabric
Living room shades
Since we have a toddler, we chose special child-proof pulls for safety. So much less messy than hanging cords.
Although we discussed window coverings for main rooms to start, I ended up purchasing shades for the entire house all at once. It was easier, more affordable and—most importantly—done.
Love the white shade fabric I chose for my office, called Fiji.
Thank you, Décorview, for coming to my rescue. And my neighbors thank you, too.
I received a discount on Decorview window coverings and installation for my home. All opinions are my own.
