Are Your Shades and Blinds Child-Safe?

Cordless Child-safe Blinds ShadesThe recent recall of more than 50 million roman shades and roll-up blinds has once again brought the topic of window treatment safety into the public’s eye. According the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200 infants and young children have died due to accidental strangulation in window covering cords since 1990.

Take the Quiz

  • Were your window coverings, such as blinds and shades, manufactured before 2001?
  • Do you have furniture or other large items within two feet of your window coverings?
  • If your window coverings have inner lift cords, are those cords within reach of children?
  • Do your window coverings have continuous loop cords?Do you have horizontal blinds or shades with excess cord?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should take immediate action to keep little ones in your home safe from potential window treatment hazards. Make sure all cords are properly anchored to the floor or wall to keep them tight and out of reach. Cords for horizontal blinds and shades can be wrapped around a cord cleat high on the wall to reduce risk.

Explore Your Options

Leaders in the window treatments industry, such as Hunter Douglas, have gone above and beyond basic safety features by offering consumers window covering options designed with safety in mind:

  • LiteRise® cordless operating systems eliminate the window covering’s pull cord completely and are adjusted by hand in a gentle movement. These systems can be installed with select Hunter Douglas honeycomb shades, wood blinds, faux wood blinds, aluminum blinds and roman shades.
  • Motorization eliminates lift cords and allows the window covering to be opened and closed with the touch of a button. Qualified Hunter Douglas installation experts can apply automation systems to a variety of honeycomb shades, pleated shades, roller shades, vertical shades, screen shades, privacy sheers, window shadings, roman shades and window panels.
  • Cordless lifting systems replace a traditional lift cord with a short decorative pull that lowers the risk of accidents
  • Vertiglide by Hunter Douglas, an innovative vertical pleat system that doesn’t use cords or chains, is a stylish and safe window treatment choice for sliding glass doors or other vertical openings
  • Custom interior shutters, available in a variety of styles and textures, eliminate cords and provide enhanced functionality and timeless beauty.

You can learn more about the many window covering options that are safe for small children by viewing the functional displays at Ross Howard Design’s Dallas showroom. For more information or to schedule your free consultation, call 972-490-0088.

Why Ross Howard?

Ross Howard Design has been the Dallas area’s leader in interior design, home fashions, and custom window treatment for homes and businesses since 1981. The professional designers at Ross Howard are committed to bringing you the latest styles, current trends, and innovative technologies. For more expert information on window treatments and interior design, or for a consultation, give us a call today – 972-490-0088. We invite you to stop by our showroom, look at over 80 displays and pick up your free design book!

Ross Howard Designs showroom hours: Monday-Friday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday: closed.

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Motorization: PowerRise Battery-operated or Hardwired Window Shades for Commercial or Residential Needs

Motorized Blinds and ShadesWhen looking to motorize your window treatments either commercially or in your home, there are multiple options from which to choose: battery-operated motorization and hardwired motorization. At Ross Howard Designs, when people come to our Dallas showroom, we work hard to make sure each customer understands both motorization options clearly so they can make the best choice for their needs.

Consider Janet Harrison and her experience when visiting Ross Howard Designs. Janet Harrison stopped by our showroom on her way home from work.  She had found us through the Internet when searching for “Motorized Window Coverings.” When Janet came into our showroom, she told us that she had been on vacation in Florida and stayed in a condo that had motorized window coverings and was interested in some type of motorization for her home. She wasn’t sure if she wanted PowerRise shades by Hunter Douglas, which are a battery-operated option, or if she wanted her custom shades to be hardwired and be compatible with the Creston home automated system currently installed in her home.

After carefully listening to Janet’s needs and evaluating her existing home design, we explained the following options to motorize her window shades:

Commercial Motorized Blinds and ShadesIf Janet were to go PowerRise-battery operated shades, the lifetime span on the batteries is up to three to four years. The custom shades could be operated with a wireless wall switch anywhere in the room or a remote control. If Janet were to use the Hardwiring option, it would be more costly up front, but she wouldn’t have to worry about changing out the batteries over time, and she would not need any additional controls.

Janet then asked what her options were for motorized window coverings that would give her privacy and UV protection for her leather couch and wood furniture. Together we explored the Hunter Douglas Gallery displays and first stopped at the Hunter Douglas Duette Architella sample, which is a honeycomb shade that provides more insulation for blocking the heat and cold out and is one of the most energy efficient shades in our showroom. Janet also considered purchasing Hunter Douglas Silhouettes, a sheer shading with a light and airy feel that allows 65 percent UV protection in the open position and 99 percent UV protection in the closed position. Lastly, we looked at Hunter Douglas Vignettes, a roman shade style shade that comes in the traditional fold and flat fold. She discovered that all these products are available in room darkening and light filtering and that her choice would simply be based on her interior design needs.

Commercial Motorized Blinds and ShadesAfter looking at the different styles of the window shades, Janet selected the Hunter Douglas Silhouette Light Filtering PowerRise shade. She thought this style of shade suited the décor of her home and stayed within her allotted budget.

Since then Janet has been very happy with her shades. She is enjoying pushing the button on her remote and all the shades coming up or down together.

Visit our showroom in Dallas, TX and find out how you can make your home more comfortable with motorized window coverings! Our showroom has over 70 displays with the latest Hunter Douglas window fashions. Give us a call at 972-490-0088 for our current specials and promotions. If you decide to stop by our showroom make sure you ask us for a free design book!

Ross Howard Designs showroom hours: Monday-Friday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday: closed.

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From Window Treatments to Upholstery to the Latest Trends – Avoid These Major Interior Design Mistakes

To turn your home into your dream home takes a lot of work and just the right touch of creative flair. If you’re considering a makeover for your entire home, or even for just a single room, avoid the following common interior design mistakes.

Purchasing Before Planning

As with any project, home design requires up-front planning. Too many people pick out their favorite pieces first, then try to force-fit them into a plan. The best room design strategy is to consider the space you have available first, then take your time determining the best use of that space.

Poorly Fit Window Treatments

Nothing pulls a room together like the perfect window treatment. And nothing can tear a look apart easier than window coverings that aren’t installed properly. Whether you’re looking for custom drapery, shutters, or shades, explore all your options for custom window treatments to ensure your selection is an effective element in your overall room design. Measuring and installing of window treatments is not as easy at it looks – leave those tasks to the experts!

Skimping on Upholstery

Almost everyone is operating on a budget, and you’ll likely have to prioritize your interior design elements and make appropriate adjustments as you develop your room design plan. One element of your design that should be at the top of your budget is upholstery. Go for longevity here – inexpensive upholstery won’t stand the test of time, and you’ll spend much more in the long run. Your money is best spent on a high-quality piece in a versatile fabric can easily be updated with custom-made pillows and other accessories.

Decorating With the Trend of the Day

It’s easy to get caught up in the latest interior design trends and fads, and this can be the downfall of many do-it-yourselfers. If there’s a trend you really like, you can usually find a way to implement it into your room design without it leading your entire plan. This way, you’ll save money and still keep up with the design trends you like. You’ll save money but not be left behind the decorating curve.

Going it Alone — Not Always a Cost-effective Approach

You many think that working with a professional interior designer is too expensive, but that’s not always the case. If you find a partner who truly wants to see you accomplish the vision of your design, they can help you avoid costly mistakes and add their experience to your plan – saving you money along the way. Most designers offer free consultations, so it’s always worth it to spend some time talking with experts about your project. You can choose how to work with professional interior designers, depending on your needs and budget.

Why Ross Howard?

Ross Howard Design has been the Dallas area’s leader in interior design, home fashions, and custom window treatment for homes and businesses since 1981. The professional designers at Ross Howard are committed to bringing you the latest styles, current trends, and innovative technologies. For more expert information on interior design, or for a free consultation, give us a call today – 972-490-0088. If you decide to stop by our showroom make sure you ask us for a free design book!

Ross Howard Designs showroom hours: Monday-Friday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday: closed.

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How to Choose the Perfect Window Treatment for Your Home

These days, you have more window treatment choices than ever before. How do you know what type of window coverings will work best in your home? Focus on the following factors to help you select the besst window fashions.

Window treatment type

Window treatments come in a very large variety of types and styles. The most popular are shutters, shades, blinds, toppers and draperies. Each of these types serves a specific purpose and creates a particular style. Plantation shutters, for example, have a classic air that can complement décor types from rustic to European. Blinds work well with contemporary and traditional décors. The large variety of available shades can complement any interior trend or style. Custom draperies and toppers – either standing alone or paired with another window covering – can create a unique look all its own.

Color and texture

The color and texture you choose for your window treatment should complement the rest of your décor without locking you into keeping things just as you have them today. Choose a color and texture that can flow nicely with a range of décor elements so you’re free to adjust other pieces of the room without having to change your window coverings.

Functionality

While window coverings can be the cornerstone of your overall interior décor, they also exist to serve a purpose – to cover your windows! Be careful not to lose sight of what you need your window treatments to do for you. Carefully consider issues such as light and privacy control when selecting your window treatments.

Quality

Window treatments aren’t just a purchase, they’re a true investment in your home. When considering your options, look for leading window treatment brands that have a solid warranty and easily available repair centers, such as the Hunter Douglas brand.

Blind & Shade Safety

If you have small children in your home, limit your options to those window coverings that utilize a cordless, safe operation. Many blinds and shades, such as Hunter Douglas blinds and shades, can be customized for maximum safety without sacrificing style.

Still not Sure About Which Window Covering to Select?

With so many window covering options available, the choices can sometimes seem overwhelming. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go it alone. Most reputable window treatment dealers offer free consultations where a qualified window treatment expert can help you narrow down the options to the ones that fit best with your interior design goals.

Why Ross Howard?

Ross Howard Design has been the Dallas area’s leader in interior design, home fashions, and custom window treatment for homes and businesses since 1981. The professional designers at Ross Howard are committed to bringing you the latest styles, current trends, and innovative technologies. For more expert information on interior design, or for a free consultation, give us a call today – 972-490-0088. If you decide to stop by our showroom make sure you ask us for a free design book!

Ross Howard Designs showroom hours: Monday-Friday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday: closed.

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Enjoy Your Patio This Winter with an Innovative Outdoor Heater from Ross Howard Designs

The summer months are coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean your outdoor entertaining needs to take a break until next spring. Ross Howard Designs in Dallas has partnered with Somfy Systems, the industry leader in automation, to bring you the latest in outdoor patio heating.

Automation and Simplicity

Somfy’s exclusive RTS technology integrates an outdoor heater with your existing home automation system so you can control the heat with the same remote you use to control your awning, patio lights, and shades. To make it even easier, the Somfy outdoor heaters come with optional mounting brackets that attach under your existing awning. Don’t have an awning or an existing automation system? Don’t worry, these weather-proof outdoor heaters can easily be installed as a separate stand-alone complement to your patio or garden area.

Heat Has Never Been So Green

Unlike traditional gas heaters, the new Somfy outdoor patio heaters use infrared heat. A few benefits of infrared heat include:

  • Lower cost. You’ll spend about 30 cents per hour in electricity to run your infrared patio heater, compared to about $2 per hour to run a gas heater.
  • Environmentally responsible. Over time, infrared heaters have a Co2 footprint that is less than 15% of gas heaters.
  • Comfort. Infrared heaters don’t require time to heat up, and they are not affected by the wind like gas heaters. With your outdoor heater from Ross Howard Designs, you and your guests will stay warmer, longer.

Why Ross Howard?

Ross Howard Design has been the Dallas area’s leader in interior design, home fashions, and custom window treatment for homes and businesses since 1981. The professional designers at Ross Howard are committed to bringing you the latest styles, current trends, and innovative technologies. The Somfy outdoor patio heater is the latest product from Ross Howard to enhance the comfort of you home with the perfect blend of style and practicality. For more information on the heaters, or for free demo or consultation, give us a call today – 972-490-0088. If you decide to stop by our showroom make sure you ask us for a free design book!

Ross Howard Designs showroom hours: Monday-Friday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday: closed.

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Motorization | Hunter Douglas Window Treatments | Drapery | Plantation Shutters | Cornices | Pirouette Window Shadings | Fabrics | Custom Bedding | Window Tinting | Design Consultation | Upholstery | Commercial Window Coverings | Vignette® Roman Shades | Silhouettes® | Duette® Honeycomb | Vertical Blinds | Providence® Woven Woods | Screen Shades

Ross Howard Designs provides custom window treatments, motorized blinds and shades and Hunter Douglas window fashions to residents not only in Dallas but also Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Colleyville, Coppell, Desoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Flower Mound, Forney, Frisco, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Highland Park, Irving, Lewisville, Little Elm, McKinney, Mesquite, Parker County, Plano, Prosper, Richardson, Rowlett, Southlake, The Colony, University Park, TX