Catherine Wilson, an Interior Designer in Atlanta, Georgia coined a new
phase that the architectural, design, construction and building supply
industry needs to capitalize on! It's the concept of "360 Degrees
around the Window"(c). 360 Degrees Around the Window encompasses
not only a chance to capitalize on additional revenue by specifying or selling additional products but also
a chance to provide those exterior home enhancements that the baby boomer
generation is looking for!
It's the details that matter. These details are often described as "dress
maker" details. It's the details that are not necessary but the ones
that you desire. They are a "want", not a need and once you
have them you never want to go back to the basics again. It's these details
that spoil you. They are decadent. For example, most people have a sofa
and sitting on a sofa is the same despite whether the sofa has the following
or not...down filled, nail head trim, contrast welting, distressed, premium
finish on the legs, numerous coordinating pillows with fringe, trim &
contrast fabric and a serpentine back. When you stop to consider all the
details...the dress maker details, all sofas are not created equal. It's
the extras that make people turn their heads and remember.
Let's take a look at the geography of a window, starting with the window
and traveling around each side to capitalize on opportunities for those
"dress-maker" details that make a house a home.
First, there is the window. The window alone is necessary! Every house
has windows. Some are more strategically placed than others. Some are
architecturally appropriate, some are not. Some have leaded glass that
has miraculously survived for years, others have brand new tempered glass.
Some are double hung, some are casement. Some are round or oval, most
are rectangular. Some have mullions, some contemporary homes do not. Some
are stained and others are frosted. The bottom line is that windows are necessary
to make a house feel comfortable. In fact, have you ever been in a basement
with out daylight access? How dreary! Windows are a must in any home but
it's up to the builder or home owner as to exactly the style.
Now let's travel around the window starting at the top. A window pediment
is optional but certainly makes for an architecturally complete look.
Depending on the style of your house you can choose a peaked pediment,
an acorn design, or a conservative square pediment. Providing your choice
is in keeping with the architecture of your home, you have just made an upgrade on your home.
Many homes do not have window pediments but those that do can claim one
more "dress maker" detail that helps enhance curb appeal.
Now let's travel south, to the right and left of the window, and visit
the topic of shutters.
Whether you live in a coastal area where shutters are a functional necessity
or not, shutters add so much to the façade of a house. In coastal
areas, where storms are prolific, to have a functional shutter is a necessity
but as you move inland shutters often become purely decorative. They can
be installed to look functional but, in fact, are not. In either setting,
shutters add personality to a home. Whether the style is a traditional
louver, raised panel, federal or plantation, the home with shutters gets
more attention than those without.
Finally, let's look below the window and what do we typically see? Typically,
we see nothing. That's right nothing. Unfortunately, below the window
has been underutilized in the quest to create a home with "dress
maker" details that so many homeowners are looking for but have difficulty
articulating. Underneath the window provides a perfect vehicle for window
boxes. Whether the window box is copper, wrought iron with a coconut liner,
wooden or a wood like composite they can be used to enhance the curb appeal
for any home, any type of architecture, in any neighborhood.
Window boxes are a relatively inexpensive way to increase the curb appeal
of a home. The cost is similar to adding shutters. Add one window box
or several below your windows. Fill them with a soil mixture made especially
for containers, the appropriate perennials and annuals, water and enjoy.
Watering can is done simply by attaching to a drip line. Drip lines can
be connected to an existing irrigation system or for around a couple hundred
dollars or less you can purchase a timer, Y connector, pressure reducer
and connect to your outside water faucet. If you establish a drip line,
the time it takes to maintain the window box is minimal. Typically, at
a minimum, a window box only needs to be changed two times per year. Furthermore,
you rarely, if ever, have to deal with weeds. Window boxes and planters
are scattered all over Europe but are not as prolific here in the United
States. Add a window box to your home and realize an instant curb appeal
enhancement!
To enhance the curb appeal of any residence, which has been proven to
increase property values up to as much as 25%, simply stick your head
out of a window, look up, down and all around to see what possibilities
abound. Awareness of the "360 Degrees around the Window"(c)
will help homeowners, contractors and retailers alike.
Article is written by Catherine Wilson, Interior Designer and
owner of Mind Your Manors, Inc. makers of no Rot window boxes and planters.
Visit http://www.windowboxesetc.com
to learn more about Mind Your Manors, Inc. window boxes and planters.
