Window treatments

Spring and summer are great for drawing our attention back to our windows. The world outside is beautiful and we want to bring it inside. But the windows are more than just functional. They are important parts of the style of our home and a key way of making them stand out is with our window treatments.

The proper treatment can bring out the character of a room.

When considering treatments, first consider what kind of window it is for. The window itself will help determine what kinds of curtains and draperies work best.

The designers at Michael Nash Design, Build and Home can help you find what works best not just for the window, but also for you and the look you are trying to achieve.

Blinds and shades come in a variety of materials from fabric, wood, faux wood and others, including venetian blinds that can be metal or plastic. There are also blinds made of bamboo and other materials. You may also choose to go with light filtering shades. These also come in a variety of materials, man-made and natural.

For larger windows and patio doors, you might choose to go with curtains. You might even add an additional bit of style to a window by using a sheer curtain over a blind or shade.

As with most home design items, there are many options and materials for curtains, from silk to man-made materials. Curtains can also be insulated, providing a green element to your style by helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Don’t forget this key design element of your curtains – the curtain rod. It can be simple or ornate and comes in a number of looks like pewter, brushed bronze, oil rubbed bronze, burnished brass and a variety of blacks and browns.

Finally, you can add another design element to a window, one that also can provide privacy – a film treatment. This can be as simple as giving your window a frosted and beveled look or it can be a stained glass window look.

Your window brings you the best of what the world outside has to offer at this time of year. It’s right that it should look its best too!

Summer home improvement ideas

Summer officially starts in just a few weeks so we thought it might be time to list some remodeling ideas that are worth considering at this time of year. You’ll notice that they focus on the outside of your home. The reason is simple: the warm weather months are the best time to consider upgrading the outside of your house!
So here are a few things to consider for projects:
Deck:
Nothing says “summer” like a deck. There are many different types but most people go with wood. However, there are also many types of wood, including some that may be more environmentally friendly. So take your time in planning and choosing before making a decision.
Paint or siding:
The most basic of all outdoor remodels is the outside of the house – a new paint color or a new colored siding. And don’t forget, especially where siding is concerned, new siding is a great opportunity to upgrade your insulation to make your home more energy efficient.
Irrigation system (lawn & garden):
Your home is more than your house. It’s also the land it is on including the yards surrounding it. When it comes to selling and “curb appeal” these can become very important.
Even if selling isn’t on your mind, attractive grounds make your home more welcoming while also saying something about who you are. So consider irrigation systems. There are a number of types and they can serve different purposes. Some are more about your lawn (like sprinklers) and some are more about parts of your garden (like a drip system).
Landscaping:
Overall landscaping is about more than cutting the lawn. It’s about the lawn and gardens, where they are and how they are maintained. If you are giving the outside of your home “a makeover” consider starting with a plan.
Windows:
While windows allow light in and can add a stylish aspect to the interior of your home, they also add style to the outside. Windows are where indoor and outdoor meet. So a great summer remodeling project is replacing or upgrading existing windows. It could also be adding new windows, or a dormer or even a skylight. You might also consider installing patio doors.
Summer is a beautiful season. Windows help bring that beauty inside!

Quick design tips for your new kitchen

For most people, the center of the home is the kitchen. This is where people congregate and this is the room around which all the other spaces in your home will revolve. And it is where many of us spend most of our time when we’re at home.

This is why a well-designed kitchen, one crafted around you and how you live, is so important. It has to incorporate beauty but also function. How easy the kitchen is to use will be just as important as how good it looks. So here are some tips to help you achieve both.

Plan

To get the kitchen you both want and need, and to keep costs under control, a plan is essential. Working with a consultant like those at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes will be a key to doing this. With your ideas and their experience, their skills and tools, you can get a plan in place with very specific details so that once work begins, it can go smoothly and be completed so it matches your dream.

Space

An efficient kitchen will depend on space. Will you be able to open the refrigerator door fully? The oven door? The dishwasher? Appliances need enough space around them so their doors can open and to allow comfortable space for you to move. In other words, be sure there is enough space for easy movement and easy use of appliances.

Layout

When choosing countertops, sinks and other elements, make sure you have cleaning up in mind. Some material and color choices will make for easier cleanup than others. You’ll also find it makes clean up easier if you make sure the dishwasher is placed close to the sink.

Light

There are many choices available for lighting and yours will depend on the kind of kitchen you envision. Whatever you choose, remember that dimmer switches allow you to adjust lighting for the time of day and for what you are doing in the kitchen. Also be sure your electrician comes in before you put appliances and cabinets in place.

Floors

You may already know what kind of flooring you want for your kitchen. Still, it’s worthwhile to look at your options and consider the pros and cons of the different materials available. Some will be easier to clean than others. Some will look great but lack the durability you may need. Be realistic about how your kitchen will be used. Will it have a lot of traffic or just a little? Will your kitchen be used a great deal or just every so often? Your choice should reflect how the floor will be used while also matching your design style.

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

Fairfax, Virginia 22031

(703)641-9800