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Friday, June 26, 2009

Why choose CustomTreatments?


Why choose custom window treatments and bedding? Why are they so much better than Ready-Made? These are questions window treatment professionals hear on a daily basis - and probably even more often now with everyone tightening their belts and and budgets!


So let's discuss why Custom....


In a previous post I shared with you some of the standards in the construction of custom window treatments, so I'll do my best not to repeat myself here.


Point One: Custom Treatments are Unique!


Celebrities and prom-goers agree...no one likes showing up in the same dress as someone else, so why should your window and bed treatments be the same as your neighbors or co-workers?


Custom window treatments are made to the exact specifications of your project. This means that not only are the measurements (width, length and fullness) made to suit and be proportional to the room and setting, but that they are made with your choice of fabric, trim and details. They are in fact unique! Just like you and your home or business.


Point Two: Custom Treatments actually save $$


Yes, the upfront investment in custom treatments is greater than that of Ready-Made, however, over time, like any major household purchase, they actually end up costing less. In my experience, this happens in at least a couple of different ways.


First, typically custom made treatments are made of better quality fabrics, linings and construction, thus extending their life span. Just like a human - fabrics are effected by our environment - sun, humidity, as well as daily wear and tear - take their toll. So it stands to reason that using quality goods and linings and taking proper care of them will enhance the length of usability. Since, custom tends to last longer - there is less waste (and that's good for the enviorment).


Secondly, Energy usage can be effected by proper use of custom treatments. If you have a window that gets lots of sun or cold - using a functioning treatment to help reduce the amount of sun during peak times of the day - can reduce energy costs - also - it can reduce wear on other interior items such as carpets and furniture (again - saving $$$ by replacing things less).


Third Point:(and my favorite!) Supporting Local Economy!


By using a local workroom and/or design professional you are supporting and helping to sustain your local economy! With the headlines everywhere talking about job losses and layoffs - isn't it nice to know that you can help others, even a little by buying local and supporting the local workers and artisans. I am a huge supporter of small business and believe that even one person can make a difference if we work together to support our local independent businesses - remember the "mom & pop" stores - so that money stays in our local economies and helps everyone!


I truly believe and am passionate that everyone deserves to have a home and/or office environment that they enjoy being in. Our homes are our sanctuaries, no matter how humble or grand, and they should be filled with the people and things that bring us joy and beauty!


So I challenge you to look around your home and find one thing you would would like to improve and then research and find a local craftsman or artisan to assist you in making that change!

4 comments:

  1. I have both custom and ready-made in my house. I can tell you I love my custom window treatments more than the ready-made. I'm also quicker to buy something to replace the ready-mades whereas I don't seem to tire of my custom treatments.

    Nice post Marilie - it's more than just price!

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  2. Thanks, Kathy for the idea! I know there are tons of other reasons too!!!

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  3. Great post and such valid points. I had a potential new client call today. Long story short, she wanted my advice on custom treatments versus store bought and I should have thought about reason #3. I'm not sure she was equipped to appreciate the beauty but #3 might have done the trick.

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  4. thanks...that's the one point I almost didn't include!! LOL - thought it might be a bit off topic!! Guess it's good I went with my gut!!

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