May is just around the corner and I am so excited. It is one of my most favorite months of the year. We will leave April's mainly moist weather and emerse ourselves in May's continuing greening and blooming blossoms. May causes me to throw open the windows, fill the flower pots, and rearrange every room in the house. This May I can also look forward to the Grand Rapids Magazine's Home of the Month feature which we, The Shade Shop, have been laboring all winter to produce with the gracious help of our dear designer friend, Margaux Drake of The M.Drake Co. She generously opened her home and let us share in its gorgeous transformation by supplying all the window coverings pictured in the magazine spread. We are thankful to all the talented hands that were involved in this project. An especially BIG thank you to Jessica Maycroft of Slipcovers Plus Home Decor who waved her magic wand and literally made the elegant taffeta draperies appear overnight. (Pictures will be forthcoming to my site as soon as I purchase rights!) It was an amazing project resulting in amazing pictures by Johnny Quirin and a superb story by Brenda Cook. Such work, such scary deadlines, such fun!

Adios Good Friends

I am sure you all have heard by now that our designer "haven of help", Michigan Design Resources, is closing its doors. Another sad victim of this present economy and a sad loss to our design trade family. We will miss the friendly and inviting atmosphere of their cozy operation and the welcoming smiles that always greeted us from each staff member. Fortunately, it is not disappearing completely, but being absorbed by our giant friend in the industry, Israels Designs For Living, who will combine it with their John Widdicomb Trade Center operation. Fortunate, also, for us is the fact that the staff at MDR will carry on as Design For Living employees and we will continue to enjoy their expert knowledge and friendly, helpful personalities. All of us wish MDR the very best as they morph into their new roll within the trade giant, Israels, and look forward to the new & fresh flavor of assistance and hospitality it will bring to the Design For Living team.

Is it Spring yet?

I don't know about you, but I need a little bit of fun color right about now! It has been rainy and dreary! I have been looking at dirty snow melting on dirty ground and longing for a sprig of "pretty" color to appear. Spring is around the corner but I know it will be just a while before "spring color" arrives. Greenhousedesign.net has fantastic new Lifestyle Collection available for viewing. This picture is their "Bright and Fun" collection and there are twenty-two more collections to view and dream about. Find your favorite and start dreaming and planning your upcoming spring color combinations. Spring will be here before we know it! Yes, it will!

Just one of the many latest trends

I LOVE SHEER FABRIC !
I love the way if feels on my skin and I love the way if magically alters my skin tone and physical flaws. Sheer fabrics are making a comeback in women's wear in scarves and tops and these soft translucent fabrics are being used more in home interiors. The trend is migrating from Asia, where sheer textiles have long been favored by fashion and interior designers. Luxurious and sensual sheer materials elevate the style of any room. Hunter Douglas Window Fashions uses hundreds of sheer fabrics across their product lines. Just as they can transform your skin tone when worn, they can transform the light entering a window into a soft glow. This year, add them to your home as well as your wardrobe! (pictured is the Hunter Douglas Silhouette - text courtesy of Sally Morse, Dir. of Creative Services at Hunter Douglas.)

Maiden Posting

I am venturing into unchartered blogging territory and declare our new blogging site to be officially "open" even if under construction. Please bear with me as I discover how it all works and I invite you to continue revisit for the latest in window covering news, creative ideas, and completed projects!