How to Incorporate Shutters into Modern Design

How to Incorporate Shutters into Modern Design

We’ve often talked about how shutters are perfect with literally every design aesthetic, but there are still some doubters who don’t believe us. We want to take this blog post to explore how shutters work within the realm of modern design, a design school that is typically very difficult to match to window coverings.

Focus on Clean Lines

One of the most important elements to modern design is the effect that clean, stark lines can have on a space. These lines are used to create drama, tension or unity within a room, and they are a crucial focal point.  Fortunately, the clean, sharp lines of each louver of your interior shutters complement this design element perfectly. Whether you want to use bold contrasts or focus on parallel surfaces throughout the space, the clean lines of shutters will provide you with the modern look you seek.

A Blank Slate

The definition of what constitutes “modern design” can vary pretty drastically from one designer to another. However, that doesn’t actually matter when you install indoor faux shutters. The simple neutral color and clean design of your shutters provides you or your designer with a totally blank slate that can easily fit with any decor decisions they may make.

No Unnecessary Details

The form of your Atlanta shutters directly applies to their function. They have no unnecessary details or accessories to distract from the modern design elements you have used in your space. The straightforward construction includes just the shutters themselves, their louvers, the louver shaft to move them and attaching hinges — anything else is your choice to add or leave off. We truly believe that the timeless design of shutters can work with any design style. We encourage you to share how your custom-made Eclipse Shutters work with your personal design aesthetic, especially if you love modern design.

Why Are Shutters Great for Bathrooms?

Why Are Shutters Great for Bathrooms?

Once you experience a bathroom with shutters, it’s likely that you will wonder why there are some bathrooms in the world that don’t have them on their windows. You’re not alone; it baffles us too. Here are a few of the reasons why shutters are so perfect for bathrooms.

Guaranteed Privacy

The thick louvers and sturdy build of shutters means that once they’re closed, you have complete privacy in your bath. Even if you are trying to bring in fresh air from outside, shutters have a sturdy build that will not budge, meaning you will never be exposed in some of your most intimate moments.

Easy Ventilation

With shutters, it’s easy to ventilate the bathroom and maintain your privacy. Simply open the window and close the shutters. This ease of ventilation is also very useful on cleaning day when harsh chemicals can build up in the tiny bathroom space.

Moisture Resistant

Bathrooms have naturally high humidity levels, which means wood and cloth window coverings can be at risk of growing mold and rotting. Our custom indoor shutters are made of a moisture-resistant material that is made to look and feel exactly like wood — but without any potential to rot.

Fits with Any Decor

Atlanta shutters have endured through the ages because of their incredible utility, but they have also endured because their classic, clean lines are able to fit in perfectly with any decor. Many people like to use their bathroom decorations to create an escape, and whether that escape is to the mountains or to a Tahitian spa, the timeless elegance of shutters matches just perfectly.

Customized to Your Needs

Shutters are also customized to your exact specifications, so you have more flexibility with how your bathroom windows are covered. Many of our customers prefer to only cover the lower half of their bathroom window set so that they can let in natural light while maintaining their privacy. Whatever you choose, we can custom make it at Eclipse Shutters.

Redefining “Neutral” in 2014 Interior Design

Redefining “Neutral” in 2014 Interior Design

Here at Eclipse Shutters, we know that after a long day at work, the first thing you want to do is kick back and relax. Everyone unwinds in their own personal way, but the color of your home’s walls can have a significant impact on how you get to this state of mind. This is no trade secret; many studies have been conducted on the psychological impact of the color spectrum. Bright, bold shades like yellow and green are motivating, uplifting and energizing, while more neutral earth tones are praised for their tranquility-inspiring powers.

A New Approach to Neutral

Armed with this knowledge and a desire to give their customers complete control over how to craft a unique living space, Benjamin Moore has recently launched a new neutral color palette for its 2014 paint inventory. These swatches illustrate an emerging trend, one that focuses more on the experience you get when you walk through the door. Your home is your sanctuary, and these neutral tones were created to make this part of your life stand out and be noticed in a subtle yet captivating manner. The shift away from bold and daring to beautifully humble is here. These colors instantly set the mood and complement existing room decor like our shutters and other window coverings. The neutral palette is organized into four broad color sections. The first is the “Greens and Earthy Neutrals,” and they range from the brightest Van Alen Green to the darker Sparrow. This color scheme is ideal for people wanting to craft a warm and inviting atmosphere. As such, they are recommended in rooms that are meant to be a source of comfort rather than stimulation (e.g. bedrooms, restrooms). The “Plums and Lavender” section is comprised of five tones (Lavender Mist, Super Nova, Nightingale, Black Satin and Iced Mauve). Formal living spaces and master bedrooms are where these colors shine. Purple is a naturally feminine tone and is a great way to add a touch of flair to a much-needed space. Black Satin is the darkest shade on the new neutral palette (some may consider it outside the spectrum) and should be placed in larger rooms when the goal is to direct attention or to form a dramatic focal point. The “Blue Family” is light, cool and airy, but also features some darker colors as well (Van Deusen, Flint and Normandy). The last group is the “Pinks and Neutrals,” which includes Light Peach and Coral Essence.  Every shade in Benjamin Moore’s 2014 collection is intended to mesh well with home furnishings. Neutrals go perfect with artwork, pottery, textiles, carpet and especially your interior shutters from Eclipse Shutters.

Expand Your Outdoor Living Space with Louvered Shutters

Expand Your Outdoor Living Space with Louvered Shutters

When joined with an exterior habitat screen, you will have no troubles whatsoever keeping pests at bay either. There are obviously many factors that must be taken into account when creating any outdoor living area, but custom blinds make your job a whole lot easier. The main feature that distinguishes these models from their interior brethren is the profile of the louvers. To ensure rain and excess sunlight don’t come into contact with you and your furniture, our exterior shutters are equipped with narrower slats that provide the user with more control. They can be opened fully when the weather is nice or closed entirely when needed. Our exterior shutters come in sliding, bi-fold and fixed panel types, each of which has distinct advantages. No matter what type you choose, all of them are outfitted with a locking louver blades; simply select the angle/position at which you want the shutters to be and lock them in place. This feature is particularly beneficial when the space is not being used. Since you will likely be stowing your outdoor valuables (kitchens, furniture, grills, etc.), having something in place to deter wildlife and burglars is very important. As such, exterior shutters give you more than just a beautiful piece of craftsmanship to adore – they also give you the peace of mind knowing your outdoor living space is safe and secure. Once installed, you will never have to worry about replacing your new exterior shutters. We guarantee that they will look just as wonderful 25 years from now. So contact us today about finding the perfect finishing touch for your pergola, sunroom, portico or veranda.

Shutters for Any Design Aesthetic

Shutters for Any Design Aesthetic

It is springtime and you want to make some changes around the house, so you decided to do a design makeover. You bought a few gallons of paint and brought in some new furniture. So far, everything seems to be going well, but something feels off. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but the room does not feel quite complete… Have you paid any attention lately to your windows? A lot of people under-appreciate the power that window treatments can have on a space. Those old plastic mini-blinds are neither functional nor aesthetically pleasing, so make it your goal to replace them as soon as possible. 

Shutters for Interior Design Success

There are wonderful options out there that won’t break the bank. With that in mind, shutters are widely regarded as the end-all, be-all of window treatments. Roman shades, Venetian blinds and fancy drapes are all deserving of praise, but nothing compares to the versatility of these faux wood shutters. Featuring a wide-louvered design and custom-manufactured to fit any window size and shape, they are the perfect selection for any design style.  Though they were originally made to suit the housing needs of those living on s in the south (hence the name), they have since evolved into a major product in the window treatment market. With a seemingly endless array of styles and patterns, you do not have to live in a one-story ranch to experience what interior shutters have to offer.  From a design perspective, they without a doubt make an aesthetic statement. As such, an increasing number of people have turned to incorporating faux shutters with other window treatments (e.g., lower half shutter, upper half roman shades). They look just as great in turn of the century Victorians as they do on modern builds sporting industrial/contemporary themes. No matter what your housing style, be it eclectic or rustic, rural or urban, consider our shutters an ideal design addition. The functional advantages they have over other window treatments cannot be overstated either. Since the shutter covers the window directly, it keeps more air out, meaning your home will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They are also virtually maintenance-free; no need to clean, dust or untangle rope cords. In a word, they are a homeowner’s dream come true and they can be had for much less than you might think. Give us a call today to discuss your options!

A Guide to Decorating with Pantone’s Spring 2014 Colors

A Guide to Decorating with Pantone’s Spring 2014 Colors

It’s that time of year again – spring cleaning. For homeowners, this means finally getting around to those remodeling projects that got placed on the back burner all winter.  Want to know the best way to follow through with those good intentions? Take small steps and work on one room at a time. Having a mindset of tackling an entire house can lead to plenty of frustration, which is not good. What better way to jump on the design bandwagon than by simply changing the color on the walls? Paint does a lot more than people give it credit for. A fresh coat can make a small space larger, a dark space lighter and many other magical things! Knowing what color to choose is not easy though. Thankfully, the folks at Pantone have decided to make your life a whole lot easier. The shades picked by the fashion experts for their spring clothing collections work perfectly for houses both on walls and ceilings or as accents on molding, shelving or our custom indoor shutters.  Warm weather is just around the corner, so now is the time to choose colors that are airy, inviting and relaxing. Here is a brief overview of their spring-worthy shades:

  • Cayenne – This dark red is bold and full of spring flair. Make it work to your benefit by matching it with neutral tone walls and flooring. The color is ideal for bedroom accessories (wall sconces, ornaments, drapes over shutters, etc.) and bedding.
  • Celosia Orange – A bright color that is bound to put anyone in a good mood, Celosia works well in small spaces and entryways. Mudrooms are an ideal spot, but it can also look great in the right bedroom.
  • Dazzling Blue – Blues are trending in 2014, especially rich cobalt. This shade is a bit on the purple side and can work wonders for powder rooms. Half baths are a prime location; remember to pair it with decorative wallpaper to achieve its full effect.
  • Freesia – Paint your four-seasons patio this bright yellow and be prepared to always wake up in a happy mood. This friendly tone is relaxing, but at the same time, perfect for uplifting a dull mood.

Other popular Pantone picks for spring include Hemlock, Paloma, Placid Blue and Radiant Orchid, Pantone’s 2014 Color of the Year. So paint those walls, install some of our interior shutters and watch your room transform before your eyes!