Moravian Hall Square Common Area Is Attractive and Functional

The Background 
Moravian Hall Square is a highly desirable retirement community in Nazareth, PA. The facility recently expanded, adding both a new library and a “hub,” a common space for the residents.

The Challenge 
The space needed to be both attractive and functional. The top priority was for the residents to have a place that felt homey, comfortable, and inviting. All of the furnishings were to be kept with that theme, and the window treatments had to follow suit. When we first met with the Moravian Hall Square executives and the project architects, the addition was still under construction. The windows were just holes in the wall, so the planning took some creative imagining.

Our Solution 

We chose to use decorative fabric valances with fabric shades underneath for light control. For variety and interest, we used different color schemes for the two spaces. The residential-looking drapery style that we chose is inviting and homey, specifically avoiding a commercial look. In everything they do, Moravian Hall Square exhibits a very high attention to detail; it was our pleasure to ensure that the window treatments matched the level of excellence of the rest of the facility.

PPL Building Lights Up the Lehigh Valley

The Backstory
When the PPL Building is lit up in red and green on Thanksgiving Eve, we all know the holidays have begun in the Lehigh Valley. What many people don’t know is that K&H plays a special part to usher in this holiday tradition.

The Challenge
Many years ago, PPL started the popular display using light bulbs and a colored cellophane wrap in each window. Then, after an 18-year hiatus, they turned to K&H to re-institute the holiday light tradition in 1990. Sandy Kuhns, K&H president, remembers, “We were given only a few weeks to come up with a method for projecting the color outside the building.” After noticing several businesses with lit awnings, Kuhns realized that back-lit awning fabric could be used to produce the color effects here as well. Now — all they had to do was plan the designs, buy the fabric, manufacture, and install all those shades — in two weeks! To complicate further, the solution required numerous multi-part shades, designed with both black and color portions to define curves and other graphic details when seen from a distance.

Our Solution
Originally, K&H used roller shades made of back lit awning fabric; now PPL has devised a special system of lights and a plexiglass casing to enhance the color of the shades. The entire process is computerized and set to turn on at a scheduled time each evening–as long as employees remember to pull down their shades each night!

We are grateful for our part in this special Lehigh Valley holiday tradition and hope you enjoy it all during the holidays.

Window Coverings Improve Acoustics in Kutztown University’s Old Main

The Backstory
Old Main, considered to be the centerpiece of Kutztown University, is the University’s most historic building. Built in 1866, the stunning construction hosts many tours, gatherings and classes, and it houses roughly 180 students. In 2015, the University invested in updates and improvements to this prized building, including the window coverings.

The Challenge
The building’s magnificent reception hall, the Georgian Room, features 16 windows, each measuring 15 feet tall, paired with tall ceilings and wood floors. Because the room is used for many musical performances, acoustics were a primary concern for the space. Additionally, the University wished to accentuate the architecture of the windows with dressings, preserve the period and style of the room, and eliminate invasive, direct sunlight.

Our Solution
Using precise measurements and a template of the curved arch, K&H fabricated lined operable draperies and an upholstered cornice to follow the shape of the window. The fabric was a 32-ounce velour, recommended by the acoustical engineer, specially used for acoustics and noise control. The material is thick, highly porous, pleated, and mounted at a specific position for optimal noise control. The design fit the bill, with period-inspired hues and meticulously curved cornice and drapes that matched the arched windows. Additionally, the drapes can traverse closed for light control.

The University was pleased that the curtains enhanced the windows’ architecture, that the treatments significantly improved the room’s acoustics, and that the staff could close the curtains when necessary.

Controlling Glare Creatively at Easton City Hall

The Background 

At K&H, we enjoy working with contractors that we know we can rely on, so we were thrilled to win the bid with Boyle Construction to work on the newly-relocated Easton City Hall. The new offices, which were built as an addition onto the city’s transportation center, feature industrial architecture that mimics the style of the city’s landmark bridge.

The Challenge

The sleek, three-sided addition features industrial architecture with exposed steel beams and open floors at the windows, making the placement for the shades tricky. Light control and glare were a challenge for the space, especially with employees experiencing glare on their computer screens.

Our Solution

Because of the unique style and layout of the rooms, we had to be creative with the shade placement. We mounted some behind beams, some in pockets, and some shades actually went from one floor or another. This was a large-volume job; we used manual clutch-operated roller shades on 88 windows, each measuring between 8- and 13 feet tall. Specially-made charcoal gray mesh shades help control light and glare. We got the job done so the city hall employees could do their jobs.

Windows With Exquisite Views In Rooms With Unique Shapes

The Background

This couple was excited to move into their new home, a gorgeous property with some land, an overlook, and breathtaking views from the windows. The house has a very Tuscan style, with faux painted walls and pillars. The clients wanted to update the window treatments in several of the rooms, and they were insistent about including red and gold in the design.

The Challenge 

The sitting room windows presented a challenge with various angled walls. They wanted to make the most of their windows and exquisite views, and while they had a vision for their home, we had to do some interpreting to get the design just right.

Our Solution

In the master bedroom, dining room, and kitchen we installed decorative drapery panels and valances that fit into the Tuscan style. We used fabrics with red and rust tones, and soft geometric patterns that would not distract from the detail already present in the home. For the sitting room windows we engineered custom mitered rods cut to match each varying angle, with tall drapes attached to draw attention to the cathedral painted ceiling.

A Beautiful, Transitional Style for New Homeowners

The Background 

After having a negative experience with another interior designer, this family reached out to us for help. On their way to becoming empty nesters, they had just purchased the house. The previous owners had a great deal of custom work done to the home, and the new owners were ready to make the space their own. They hired us for updates to the entire first floor and the upstairs master bedroom.

The Challenge

The clients knew they wanted a different look, but they didn’t know exactly what they were looking for. Their previous designer had set them up with heavy, formal and traditional-looking drapes. Instead, the client wanted less fabric and more natural light. They also preferred neutral colors that could flow seamlessly from one room to another, as indicated by the home’s monochromatic paint colors and decorative rugs. The dining room bay window also presented a challenge with its unusual layout.

Our Solution

As the client developed confidence in her sense of taste, the space took on a life of its own. We kept to a transitional style with neutral fabrics, and installed decorative drapery panels, valances, and manufactured roman shades. In the dining room bay window we installed custom mitered rods, with drapes hung directly below to hide the top of the window trim. We then engineered modified brackets to fit into the small spaces, which were then available for mounting. The client was thrilled with the end result.

Window Treatments for Every Room In the House

The Background

This newlywed couple moved into a new construction home in a well-established neighborhood. They wanted window treatments in every room of the house. Since the wife had custom window treatments installed in her previous home, she knew exactly what she was looking for: a very southern, traditional style, with swag and puddled drapes. She presented us with pictures of her furniture and rugs, and gave us creative freedom to go from there. We provided her with sketches, with two choices for each room.

The Challenge

With the client’s distinct style driving the project, we needed our designs to be on point. This was a big job, with every room in the home being made over. The family room presented a challenge with a double story window on one side and single story windows on the other side.

Our Solution 

Once the client chose her favorite design from our sketches, we got to work, installing both manufactured cellular shades and silhouette shadings for privacy and sun control. We installed decorative drapes and valances in a Heavy Traditional style, with earth tone fabrics in main areas, and coastal tone fabrics in the bedrooms and the sun room. We then proceeded to install window dressings in all of the other rooms in the home. In the family room, we designed a special treatment for the largest window, and created a scaled-down version for the smaller windows.

From Traditional to Modern, and Each Room Unique

The Background 

This project began when a client found us in the Lehigh Valley Style Magazine. Since the home had some recent upgrades, the owner decided to update her style. Her previous style was traditional, but she was ready to go with a fresher-looking, modern look.

The Challenge 
In addition to updating the look of her home, the client wanted to make the windows appear more grand. She wanted to add more color and make each room unique and different, while keeping some continuity of style throughout the home.

Our Solution
To make the windows appear larger, we installed wide drapes and cornices that reached up to the ceiling. We used eye-catching fabrics to both draw attention to the window treatments and create a focal point in the room. In the foyer and family rooms, we installed both manufactured roller shades and decorative drapes and cornices, which included vibrant and textured fabrics. We went with an eclectic style, using fabrics that the client truly loved.