Soft sheer shades offer durability and an elegant look for many home designs

Interior decorator Genevieve Gorder begins each episode of her HGTV design show, Dear Genevieve, looking through correspondence she gets from viewers asking for design advice.


These days, with people trying to make the most of what they have and save money on big-ticket items, she finds they want advice on how to make their existing space function better.


"In the years past, I'd have almost a season full of kitchens and that's the most expensive room, as we all know, to do in every home," Gorder told the Toronto Star. "People are refraining from biting off the big chunks that they used to so it's pushing all of us to be a bit more creative and seeing how far we can push."

For the immediate future, Gorder told the newspaper that neutral colors will veer off the traditional beige family and move toward a palate of oyster, cream and blush colors. Bold folk prints are also are taking shape as a major design influence.


In window treatments, homeowners have a wide range of shades and blinds that fit any décor style while providing durability and practical use. Soft sheer shades, for instance, have an elegant translucent look but serve an important function by preventing glare on computer and TV screens.