COVER IT Up Decadent Décor for Your Windows By Kristin Kramer 44 Berks County Living | DECEMBER 2008 w w w. b e r k s c o u n t y l i v i n g . c o m Living in Style Living in Style If your eyes are the windows to your soul, what are windows in relation to your home? Windows provide a portal between the private world of your home and the outside world, allowing elements like warm sunlight and fresh air to enter. They allow a friendly neighbor or passerby a peek inside your world. Open windows allow sounds to escape from your home – dishes clashing as you prepare dinner, tunes from a new CD, your child’s laugh. However, we don’t always want our windows wide open. Good news: there’s a multitude of options for window treatments that offer privacy, protection and decoration. But with so many options, how do you know what’s right for your home? PHOTO COURTESY V2K WINDOW DÉCOR & MORE w w w. b e r k s c o u n t y l i v i n g . c o m Berks County Living | DECEMBER 2008 45 Living in Style Getting Started “Window treatments can serve two purposes; they can either be functional or decorative,” explains Kim Updegraff, owner of V2K Window Décor & More, a custom window treatment business. Updegraff, a certified window fashions professional based in Mohnton, initially dabbled in window treatments as a hobby by installing her own. About five years ago, she was looking for a career change and decided to make the hobby a full-time gig. Through research, she discovered V2K Window Décor & More, a national company from which she purchased a franchise. Updegraff describes the V2K experience as onestop shopping. When meeting with customers, she feels it’s important to see the room first-hand in order to assist in choosing the right window treatment. She looks at lighting as well as the homeowner’s style, décor and type of furniture. “Customers usually do not realize the vast amount of window treatment options that are available today,” explains Carolyn Cruley, co-owner of Blinds & Designs, LLC. “It’s our job to help them narrow down the choices and to determine what they like and what they don’t like.” Updegraff agrees. She will show clients her portfolio to help with this process. Both Updegraff and Cruley say the next step is to have customers review fabric PHOTO COURTESY V2K WINDOW DÉCOR & MORE Precision German engineering goes into it, so cleaner clothes come out. Long before you load a single wool sweater or down comforter, Miele loaded its washers and dryers with 108 years of fabric care expertise. Choosing the proper care program is simple with Miele’s MasterCareTM controls step-by-step menu. 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Berks County Living | DECEMBER 2008 w w w. b e r k s c o u n t y l i v i n g . c o m books, and finally a color and pattern are selected. “I try not to impose my opinion on my clients,” Updegraff explains of her approach. “Ultimately, they have to live in the space and choose what they feel most comfortable with.” But she does make recommendations based on the space and function. “It does come down to the customer’s personal preference,” says Cruley, who sewed for herself and then began selling window treatments to others. Six years ago she opened the Wyomissing-based Blinds & Designs with her husband Bob and daughter Kelly Reynolds. They opened a small showroom in 2005, and last August they moved to their current location at 826 Penn Ave., which is a Hunter Douglas Gallery Dealer, one of only 375 in the country. Cruley does a simple drawing to show the client what the treatments are going to look like on the windows. “Mostly all the choosing is done in the home,” she said. Blinds & Designs treatments are all custommade in their workroom. Cruley, who prides herself on Blinds & Designs’ dedication to customer service, said they stand by the Hunter Douglas motto. “Our clients should have a thoroughly satisfying shopping experience,” she says. “This means that they get exactly what they wanted and the form and function is exactly what they had in mind.” Blinds & Designs’ prices include measurement and installation, and they offer a 100 percent limited warranty for life.   PHOTO COURTESY V2K WINDOW DÉCOR & MORE Exceptional Service and Value Since 1834 West Main Street 103103 West Main Avenue Myerstown, PA 17067 Myerstown, PA 17067 717.866.2035 717.866.2035 610.589.5163 www.bahneys.com www.bahneys.com by w w w. b e r k s c o u n t y l i v i n g . c o m Berks County Living | DECEMBER 2008 47 The Game Room at… Living in Style Feeling Trendy? Updegraff says window treatments are moving towards simpler styles. “When it comes to drapery, people are going with stationary panels and getting away from frou frou,” she says. “Woven Roman shades and roller shades made from poplar are also popular choices. For sliding glass doors, we like Japanesestyle screens, which can also be used as room dividers.” Cruley is also seeing the trend of customers choosing stationary drapery panels, often paired with some kind of privacy shade on the window. “Drapes interlined in either silk or faux silk on a really nice chunky type of rod, with one panel on either side of the window, is a popular choice,” she says.  According to Updegraff, popular functional options include blinds, Hunter Douglas Silhouettes, roller shades, Honey Comb shades and plantation shutters. Valance top treatments and cornice boxes are hot choices. When it comes to drapery, people are going with stationary panels and getting away from frou frou • • • • • www.fronheiser.com 48 Berks County Living | DECEMBER 2008 Billiard Tables Table Tennis Foosball Hot Tubs Accessories & More 408 E. Penn Ave, Robesonia 610.693.6892 “Sheer draperies with a top drapery over it is still a very popular look as well,” she says. “Younger clients want a layered look.” When it comes to decadent treatments, Cruley suggests the use of luxurious fabrics like silk with trim and really elaborate hardware. Updegraff agrees that, for higher-end treatments, lush, more decadent fabrics can take your window treatments to another level. She said you can add embellishments like tassels, swag and bows to be more decorative. And the type of fabric can make all the difference. “Classic treatments like a swag and jabot, that date back to the days of Louis XVI, can be very decadent or simple depending on the fabrics,” Cruley explains. Color is just as important as the style and fabric you choose. Updegraff says a hot color combo is robin’s egg blue and brown. But she said chocolate brown paired with green is also gaining popularity, as is black and yellow. In addition to brown, earth tones like rust, gold and green are favorite selections.   w w w. b e r k s c o u n t y l i v i n g . c o m Something Different Not only does Updegraff create custom treatments, but she now offers custom fabrics. Take a picture your child drew and have it replicated onto a fabric. The same option applies for a coat of arms or a business logo. In some homes, you may not want your windows covered at all. In those cases, you can have your windows tinted to offer UV protection. “It provides the same protection as blinds or curtains, but doesn’t obstruct your view,” Updegraff explains. At the end of the day, you have to make sure your treatments meet your own personal needs and preferences. Working with an expert can help you make your window treatments a lasting investment.   Blinds & Designs, LLC, 826 Penn Ave., Wyomissing; 610.374.9392; www.Blindsanddesignsreading.com. V2K Window Décor & More, 29 Hardwood Lane, Mohnton; 610.777.7288; www.TheWindowDecorator.com.   PHOTO COURTESY BLINDS & DESIGNS Five& divine GALLERY See them smile with a gift from Godfrey’s... Priceless Unique and Delightful Gifts for dogs and dog lovers For Dogs: • Collars & Leashes • Fun Toys • Dining Stations • Fabulous Beds • Natural Holistic Foods, Treats & Supplements & GIFTS For Dog Lovers: • Sterling silver jewelry • Limited edition, signed & custom artwork • Pottery • Apparel ...and more! Godfrey’s Welcome to Dogdom 5 miles South of Reading on Rt. 625 (New Holland Rd.), Knauers 610-777-5755 www.godfreysdogdom.com Hours: Tues. to Fri. 10-6; Sat. 10-4; Sun. 11-4; Closed Mon. Experience the Holidays Open House December 6th 6:30-9:00pm Tues - Sat 10 - 6 • Sun - Noon - 4 27 East Penn Avenue Wernersville, PA 19565 610.670.9700 www.fiveanddivine.com w w w. b e r k s c o u n t y l i v i n g . c o m Professionally Designed. Distinctly Classic. Deer Mountain Kitchens 610-693-5566 deermountainkitchens.com Berks County Living | DECEMBER 2008 49 Living in Style   Awe-Inspiring Awnings As you drive down Penn Avenue in West Reading, you may notice the colorful awnings that don the windows of several local businesses, like the bright orange awnings at Thirstade Fresh Café or the classic black awnings at Winedown Café. The work is courtesy of another local business, Todd Lengle & Co., Inc. Walter Strauss Awnings opened in the 1930s. In 1970, Todd’s father Don purchased the business, and during the mid 70s, Todd’s brother Douglas became involved and ran the company for 16 years until he passed away in 1994. At that time Todd took over his family’s business. The company manufactures commercial and residential awnings from start to finish. “We receive the raw material, which we cut, sew and seam and, in many cases, apply graphics to,” explains Lengle. They bend and weld the tubing to build the framework, which the fabric is then stapled to. “With an awning, business owners get the function of protection and the usage of signage, so you get more bang for your buck,” Lengle says. “They also Custom Cabinetry That Fits add depth and character to your building.” The Shillington-based company has created a wide variety of projects throughout the county, as well as throughout the state. “If you think of it, we can build it,” Lengle says. “It’s really up to the customers imagination. Probably one of our most unique projects is the awnings at Third & Spruce. They look like ski slopes and are really different.” Another unique project is a dome cover that was built for the Reading Hospital & Medical Center fountain. Larger projects include the awnings at the Reading Phillies’ FirstEnergy Stadium and an awning that wraps around a barn at Stonewall Golf Club in Philadelphia. Residential awnings are normally constructed of a steel pipe frame with a material that is attached through Velcro and lacing and can last up to 20 years. For custom-designed awnings for your home or business, Todd Lengle & Co. can create the right awning for you. “We are definitely driven by our customers’ needs and wants,” Lengle said.  Todd Lengle & Co., Inc., 50 S. Brobst St., Shillington; 610.777.0731; www.toddlengleco.com. Your Lifestyle South Sheridan Road, PO Box 570 Newmanstown, PA 17073 www.kountrykraft.com Phone: 610-589-4575 Design & estimates by appointment only Inspiring Designs for Every Room True wealth is about more than money. It’s about achieving life.® Let us help you achieve what matters most to you. Contact: Peter M. Butera, CIMA® First Vice President Wealth Management Advisor (610) 320-5463 985 Berkshire Boulevard Wyomissing, PA 19610 CIMA® is a registered mark and Certified Investment Management Analyst (sm) is a mark of the Investment Management Consultants Assn. Inc. in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and Australia. © 2008 Merrill Lynch, Pierce,Fenner & Smith Incorporated. Member SIPC. Thirstade Fresh Café, 500 Penn Ave., West Reading PHOTO BY ROBYN L. JONES 50 Berks County Living | DECEMBER 2008 w w w. b e r k s c o u n t y l i v i n g . c o m Buying in Berks No time like the PRESENT to buy! LisaTigerHomes.com Magnificent Pennsylvania Estate situated on 64.78 acres in picturesque Oley Valley. The original portion of this farmhouse is circa 1790. No detail has been missed in the restoration and improvements to restore the house to 7,000 sq.ft. Features include a formal living room, den/library, dining room, 6 bdrms, 4 full & 3 half baths, large kitchen, two sunrooms, family room, office & finished basement, walk out lowerlevel w/patios. The barn features two huge finished rooms w/heat & air conditioning. The land features rolling hills, fenced pastures, new run-in sheds & a large spring-fed pond. Additional buildings include a tenant house. 58 Black Smith Road, Oley. $1,850,000 Magnificent Stone Colonial - on 1/2 acre overlooking Wyomissing Park. 3600+ SF of living space offers beautiful architectural details throughout – HW floors, deep sills, crown molding, chair rails, recessed lighting. Amazing Adelphi kitchen w/ tile floors, granite countertops & island w/seating. FR w/ frpl, wet bar, built-in HDTV. Stunning formal DR. Great room has FP, 2 separate sitting areas, opens to gorgeous private yard, patio & pool. 4 BR, 2 full & 2 half BA. 1041 Parkside Drive North, Wyomissing. $750,000 Call us at: 610.372.5633 Karl Becker, ext. 3162 Brad Weisman, ext. 3133 Karl’s mobile: 484.256.5882 Brad’s mobile: 484.256.5836 Incredible in Mohnton view overlooking the Ledge Rock Golf course in the distance, 4 BR, 4.5 bath home perched majestically on 1+ partly wooded acre in upscale Stonehill. Nearly 4,800 SF. includes 2-story family room w/stone fireplace, huge gourmet eat-in kitchen, large screened-in patio, luxury master bath suite, hardwood & tile flooring, upgraded trim, finished basement & much more. 3-car garage, dual zone heating. A showcase from Elite Home Builders. 6 Greystone Lane, Mohnton. NEW PRICE! $735,000 Call Karl & Brad today for a FREE listing analysis and current market condition report. Private Setting - 4,481 SF of living space on 2.77 partially wooded acres. Spectacular 57-handle kitchen w/ maple/cherry cabinetry, granite/wood counters, SS appliances, island & recessed lighting. Formal DR, LR w/stone frpl. & vaulted ceiling, spiral staircase to loft. FR w/ wood stove opens to hot tub rm. Main level MBR suite plus study or 2nd BR. 2nd flr has 2 BR & 2nd BA. Finished LL media rm, dry bar. 4-tier cedar deck & patio, heated in-ground pool. Close to Ledgerock Golf Course. 869 Imperial Dr., Mohnton. NEW PRICE! $599,900 Attention Realtors! Wouldn’t Your Ad Look Great In This Space? Wyomissing Traditional in “Birdland” section w/over 3,000 sq.ft. of living space. 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths including spacious In-Law suite or 2nd master bedroom. Hardwood floors throughout, main floor office w/many build-in bookshelves. Large eat-in kitchen. Central air, stone fireplace w/gas insert. Mud room and walk out great room to huge extraordinary backyard. Many extras. A must see for a great price. 1223 Old Mill Road. $420,000 To advertise in our Buying in Berks advertising section, please call: Stately 2.5-story stone classic style w/ modern amenities & a majestic river view. Spacious main home offers 5 beds, 4.5 baths, kitchen w/ attractive wood cabinetry & mix of corian & granite counters. Main level also includes den and heated sunroom. LL has lg. family room w/ fireplace, hair salon & full bath. Zoned, ductless HVAC. Also on the estate are a lovely cottage (w/ 1 BR, K,DR,LR, 2 full baths & brick patio), lg pond made of stone, gazebo & stone barbeque. 3429 River Road, Reading. $400,000 Susan Anastasio 610.939.2314 Special discounted rates available. Call today for info! w w w. b e r k s c o u n t y l i v i n g . c o m Lisa Tiger Advance Realty 610.779.6585 610.372.4045 610.207.6186 Berks County Living | DECEMBER 2008 51