Governor Shumlin Celebrates GWD!

As the rain poured down over Vermont last Friday night, nothing could dampen the spirits of the GWD team as we celebrated the grand opening of our new factory and showroom with friends, family and Governor Shumlin! Check out the photo of the whole gang.

It was so gratifying to see everyone having a really lovely time in the new space. I think back to when I was just a little kid running around the old GWD and though our old spaced served us well for 25 years we were bursting at the seams and it was time to move on. Seeing my dad speak about this company that he and my mom built from scratch with the Governor standing by made me incredibly proud.

The food by Sugarsnap was amazing, the wine from Cheese Traders was delicious, the many babies who joined us were angels...all in all I'd say it was a perfect evening!

Top Five Style Ideas for Bathroom Windows

We're smitten with the slideshow of bathroom window treatment suggested at BHG.com, but we have a few suggestions of our own that didn't seem to have a spot in their roundup of ideas and slideshow.

Check out these style ideas from Better Homes and Gardens and Gordon's Window Decor:

1. Simple, Sheer Curtains

Sheer drapes can add a sense of grace and softness that are inviting to an otherwise earthy bathroom. Also consider using sheer window curtains or even sheer blinds to offset the darker tones found throughout the remainder of the area, especially in a rugged bathroom, such as one featuring many natural materials or a log cabin. Curtains offer added privacy while still allowing sunlight to brighten the room.

2. Location, location, location.

Aside from style, it's important to keep in mind where your window treatment will be, and what materials you will have to use to ward off the effects of heat and humidity. Avoid mold or mildew buildup and rusting by investing in bathroom-appropriate shades, such as the lines with rust-proof hardware that are manufactured by Gordon's Window Decor.
3. Pair Top Treatment with Shades

A simple top treatment paired with sheer roller shades can create the perfect frame to the great outdoors. Light colored shades allow for privacy, but permits light to bathe the room in sunlight. A top treatment provides the finishing touch. These dignified stripes go well with the floral pattern on the walls.

4. Natural materials for earthy atmosphere

Roller shade material comes in many options.

Manay Wheat Manay Oatmeal

Woven and wood window shades can add style and privacy to your bathroom while enhancing a sense of peace. The shades in the bathroom pictured create the perfect addition to the mosaic tub, and the colors accent one another to add to the earthy atmosphere. Woven shades in the texture thumbnails are available at Gordon's on chain-driven mechanism roller shades, or try the green line of roller shades available in eco-friendly materials. Also take a look at wood blinds to get the same earthy feel.

5. Simple = Elegant. Simple+Practical = Brilliant.
You don't need to go overboard with fabric treatments to get what you need out of your bathroom decor. The main thing to focus on, aside from privacy, of course, is insulation and lighting needs. With top-down insulated cellular shades, you can acheive stylish elegance that speaks through your decorating tastes alone, and get the light and views you love. No more than you need, and no less, either.

How to Mix Patterns (without making a mess)

You've seen it done before. It's in all the magazines. But you aren't quite sure what makes you qualified to do it, right?

Mixing patterns isn't has hard as it looks, thanks to a recent story in Better Homes and Gardens. Simple tips - like stick to one color and white - make it almost criminally easy to get that high-fashion look in your very own home.

Even more hopeful? The fact that just by adding color you can make a major improvment to your visual space without spending a fortune.

Still insecure about your ability to pick the right scheme? That's what Gordon's Window Decor is for. Swing by our Essex Jct. showroom for help and ideas.

Story:
Learn How To Mix Patterns (Better Homes and Gardens)

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Marriages trending later in life: What to gift at the wedding?

According to recent figures by the U.S. Census, more couples are putting off the vows than ever before, with the marrying age for women jumping from 20 in the 1960s to 25 today, and the average age for men at 27, up from 22.

As marriage age shifts, so does the ideal wedding gift, and many retailers are finding shoppers looking for ways to help newly married friends with major home investments instead of the old classics of flatware and linens.

Here are some ideas retailers have for later-in-life wedding gifts:

• Interior Design: Buy a session with an interior designer, feng shui expert or décor consultant for your relatives or loved ones to help them re-start on the right foot

• Prepay for an energy-saving home improvement, like cellular window shades, to help with money-saving long-term investments

• Purchase a gift card at a nearby hardware store or department store for couples who may be facing major fix-it jobs, or encourage engaged friends to register at stores with home improvement products.

• Collaborate with several friends to chip in and buy one major home purchase, gift card, or home improvement cash-equivalent as opposed to several small gifts.

Gordon's Window Decor will work with buyers on deals that cater to wedding gifts, and offer cost-savings for large purchases.

"We talk to many couples who are taking the next step in their relationship by shopping here - often their first investments together are in smart home purchases,” said Kelly Conklin, a sales manager.

“Helping out with those essential household needs fills a big hole in the budget for new couples,” she said.

5 Tips for Saving a Bundle on Baby's Room

It's that time of year when tummies bulge and families look towards making room for the new addition.

Decorating baby's room may be big project, but it doesn't have to be a major splurge. That can wait for college. A few smart purchases with durability will make the difference in designing with growth spurts in mind.

Here are some tips on designing for the new bundle:

1. Think continuity: Keep all the decorative accessories thematically similar - when picking out items, keep the "big picture" in your head.

Window treatments count for a large amount of space in a little room - once you have a theme, make sure the flooring, bedding and windows follow suit. Have window treatments reflect the crib set - it doesn't need to be identical fabric - professional decorators mix and match prints all the time - but keep the same style.

2. Simple life: Swags, balloon shades, layered drapes and cascades might not be the way to go and could interfere with the activity level of children. The simpler the window treatments, the more likely it can grow along with the child's room and decor.

3. Clean decor: It's important not only to stick with materials that are easy to clean and can stand many scrubbings, but it's also easy to reduce airborne allergens and harmful UV exposure with wise choices. Cellular shades are great at reducing dust and allergens, and roller shades are, too. Both are available at Gordon's Window Decor.

4. Neutral tones: Bright colors are eye catching and window coverings come in almost any color or pattern these days. But staying with neutral tones on the windows and using stronger colors on walls and bedding allows more flexibility to change in time or, in the case of first-timers, for do-overs.

5. Safety, safety: Since 1995, window covering cords have been designed with child safety in mind. Newer technology has brought cordless shades - an excellent option for homes with kids and pets.

How to Decorate with Accents of Color

A dark economy doesn't mean we have to surround our living space with doom and gloom. In fact, recent trends show home decorating tastes are moving towards the more bright and lively these days.

A great article in quotes home design experts weighing in on what seems to be a changing face of home fashion. After decades of "brown, brown brown" they're seeing more bold and colorful paints used in interior design.

"With concerns over the gloomy economy, consumers are looking for a spark of brightness -- something that feels like fun and makes them smile," said Jaclyn C. Hirschhaut, spokeswoman for the American Home Furnishing Alliance.

At Gordon's Window Decor, we couldn't agree more. Our online shopping tools and Virtual Decorator make it easy to play with color and swap out fabric swatches with different colors for your walls, trim, and shades!

Gordon's has a limitless supply of colors for shades, and our experienced design consultants can help you with your questions or choices.

Here are some tips on how to decorate with colorful accents:

• Choose a color that's a personal favorite. You will find a spot for it somewhere because you'll love it unconditionally.

• Use a single bright or fun piece in a room with neutral colors or traditional furnishings. Color and whimsy are most effective when they are unexpected.

• Coordinate accent colors with existing colors. Add bright yellow bar stools to a pale yellow kitchen, for example. Or put a coral dresser in an aqua bedroom.

• Don't take yourself too seriously. It's your home; you should decorate in a way that pleases you.

• Don't be afraid of making mistakes. When all you're adding is a single, inexpensive accent, you can afford an oops! occasionally.