Fresh Look for Office Serving Veterans

I was recently honored by the City of Denton and the Denton County Veterans Association for work I did in their Service office. Below is the article that appeared in the Denton Record Chronicle. I am deeply touched by the appreciation I received from the City and the Veterans Association as well as individuals who came by or called to thank me.

Article as written by Bj Lewis (Staff Writer for the DRC)
"With the addition of some new furniture and decor, the Denton County Veterans Service Office is a warmer place, officials say.

Roger Cortez, the county's veterans service director, said donations from local businesses have improved the atmosphere in the office and allowed more work with veterans to be done.

Before, the office had a large open window and steel chairs that dated from the 1970s, Cortez said.

It made it so sterile, like being in a hospital or the emergency room, he said.

To fix that, Cortez called around town to find someone to put drapes over the window, but was discouraged a little when job estimates came in at $2000. Then he spoke to Carol Collins of Carol's Custom Draperies and Interiors, and she donated her time and resources to make the drapes for the office.

"It was my pleasure to give back to those who have so courageously served our country," Collins said. "God has so blessed me and my family. It is my privilege to share."

The new drapes made an impact on veterans, many of whom did not care for the open look the office had before.

We deal with a lot of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, Cortez said. It's already hard enough, to come in here and not feel invited...Some people walked right back out. The ones that walked out are the ones who need help the most.

Cortez said he noticed veterans have been a lot less tense when visiting the center since it was redecorated.

Another donation came from Walmart in the form of $1000 that Cortez used to purchase a flat-screen television now hung on a wall.

In addition, a veteran donated a stereo speaker system to make it easier to hear the TV during the busier times in the office.

Cortez said he was moved by the donations, especially in light of the financial hardships being faced by individuals and businesses right now.

It's a sacrifice these days because people don't have the money, he said. I thought it was special.

Denton County commissioners will recognize the contributions of Collins and Walmart at their meeting on Tuesday.

Vision 10

The design industry is an ever changing industry. What was exquisite 10 years ago will most likely be obselete in another 10 years. Why, because our likes and dislikes change just as rapidly. That is one reason that I attend design trade shows and read design magazines and books. I am attending the "window covering industry's annual exposition and educational conference - Vision 10 where the industry comes together to share information about new products, business opportunities and success strategies." There are designers from all over the country here to understand where design is headed and how we, as designers, can best meet our cliets needs. Wednesday was filled with seminars from Color Associations and Psycholoogy to Future Vision. The seminar speakers were excellent and very well informed about their topics.

Now it is Thursday morning. I look forward to the opening of the Exhibit Hall where hundreds of companies will have their latest inovations for the deisgn industry.

Watch for more as I assemilate new ideas to share with each of you.

Spring and Design

Wow, have you looked out the window the last few days? What beautiful sights there are in nature. What a Creator we have! From the beautiful pink Cherry Blossoms in Central Park to the Killdeer sitting on her nest with four eggs out my back door - life is new and refreshing.

Take a look around the inside of your home. We've had a long, cold winter. Has your interior suffered from the bleakness of outside? Ok, now is the time to take inspiration from the beauty of spring! Spruce up a coffee table with fresh spring flowers - pick a couple of brightly colored throw pillow to go on your sofa. You can also add the fragrance of spring by purchasing candles in scents of the season. A bright, new coat of paint or wallpaper in the kitchen, family room or any room that needs sprucing up will bring a refreshing atmosphere to enjoy.

There are so many exciting ways to make your interiors freshing and exciting for spring. I have many wonderful and exciting ideas to share with you. Please give me a call at 940-565-8337. And as always! Happy Decorating.

-Make a big Design Statement with Window Coverings!

Designers and savvy consumers are turning to window fashions as the #1 home improvement and interior design product that can make the biggest difference in their home. Not only can window fashions transform a room from a design standpoint, they can create atmosphere by controlling light and privacy as well as noise.

Today, the products and design styles available to enhance your windows are endless. From simple and contemporary to dramatic and elegant, custom window coverings are the single most important element to make your house a home. They “finish” the room by highlighting the all-important window and they provide a variety of functions that no other home furnishings product can. What other interior design element can affect light control, privacy, and energy conservation beautifully and efficiently?

Providing the right solutions for your windows can save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs – both in the cold of winter and in the heat of summer - stopping that unwelcome heat transfer. Also, UV protection for custom window treatments protects your valuable dining table, fabrics or your wood floors from sun damage.

Custom window coverings are the final touch to transform the rooms of your home. They are that dramatic accessory that finishes an outfit: the right earrings and shoes with the black dress; the perfect bag and scarf for your appointment. Each custom window fashion is specific to you, allowing you to express yourself and create a look all your own.

Leaving your windows “naked” is a design no-no in most cases; the result is a room that feels cold and unfinished, while a "dressed" window gives a room a warm and finished feeling. Beautiful one of kind custom draperies and window coverings will add the finishing look to your home.

As a Window Fashions Certified Professional (WFCP) Expert, I am ready to help you determine the appropriate window fashions for your style and function needs. My staff and I invite you to give us a call at 940-565-8337 to make your appointment to discuss your window coverings needs. We have all you need in Window Coverings and Decorating ideas. You are also invited to visit our showroom at 112 W. Oak St. in Downtown Denton or our website at carolscustomdraperies.hdwfg.com.

As always: Happy Decorating

The world of fashion and interior design often walk hand in hand. But as Madeline Weinrib, painter and designer, says – “I’m not sure I want to walk around looking like my favorite pillow.” That said, I have created “my” space influenced by the emotions that I feel from fashion. I am a traditionalist at heart. But, I enjoy the trends of every season. The drapery and chair design reflect my traditional side. But, the colors pulled from the fashion certainly speak of the color palette from the 2010 color trends. “My sitting room” reflects the subdued grays, blacks and muted yellows of the fashion design. Yet, the crisp, bright yellow used on the chair as well as the crystal beads used on the drapery and chandelier invoke a feeling of warmth that I could sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and my favorite design book every morning. –Carol Collins, WFCP, Expert- Carol’s Custom Draperies & Interior Design, Denton, TX

Decorating To-Do List

Try these updates to perk up your house for Fall:
What better way to start than the front door. Purchase an inviting Fall Wreath with beautiful fall leaves and berries.
Add a warm new coat of paint in the kitchen, family room or any room that needs freshening.
Order window fashions that let in natural light - and provide energy efficiency and cut down on heat loss - including Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades, Silhouette® window shadings and more.
Buy throw pillows, accent pieces, towels and table linens in fall colors, floral patterns and textures.
Remove the summer slipcovers and see if the fabric on your furniture pieces needs updating with new upholstery.
Candles and center pieces in Fall colors and scents help to set the mood.
Rearrange the furniture in your living spaces to create a more warm and cozy feel for the winter.