North Shore Woodworks at The Farmhouse Faire

Today we'd like to showcase a piece from one of our associates. Check out this gorgeous wood-turned bowl, made using fine quality Cherry and Mahogany wood, and measuring 12 inches in diameter. What a beautiful and versatile decorating accessory!


North Shore Woodworks creates wooden bowls, like the one pictured, as well as other miscellaneous home decor, tables and cabinetry. Custom orders are available.  Call (970) 390-0346 for more info.

Although not the subject of our post, notice the table in the photo... this lovely dining table is another example of their artistry! You can see a table example on one of our Pinterest boards.

Why do we recommend North Shore Woodworks?

We value products Made In The USA! Everything from this company is produced right here in Northfield, IL. They're reputable, reliable, reasonably priced, and offer the quality that our customers have come to expect from Bernard Interiors.

We hear through the grapevine that they're going to be featured at The Farmhouse Faire this weekend, if anyone is looking to connect with these fine craftsmen, as well as other great vendors! 

The Farmhouse Faire features Arts, Crafts and Vintage Finds:
Friday 10/26/12  and  Saturday 10/27/12
10am to 5pm
2005 Techny Road, Northbrook, IL 60062

A Tip for New Draperies

So your new draperies have arrived. We understand... the first thing you want to do is play with them, making sure they operate and appear just like you expected when you ordered them. Today's tip, however, will explain why you should, instead, heed your installer's advice!

(If you simply cannot resist moving them, we suggest asking your installer to show you their operation before he steams and sets the panels.)

A Tip for New Draperies:

When the drapery technician installs your draperies, after steaming, (if necessary), he might tie the ends, as pictured above, and ask you to leave that tie in place for several days. Doing so will help your draperies look their best.

Why? Because most fabric has a tendency to retain it's shaping over time. In the trade, folks call that memory. This is especially important with stationary drapery panels, as it helps the fabric to retain the fold of the pleats, all the way to the floor. You'll also find memory useful in other window treatments, such as roman and balloon shades.

At Bernard Interiors, we recommend a minimum of 2 days, and as much as 5 days, if that's possible.

Certain fabrics will develop memory with more ease than others, though, so it's important to trust the instructions of your drapery specialist. For the draperies above, our technician recommended 5 days.

These beautiful panels are goblet pleated, using Pindler's scrumptious Douppioni Travertine silk, and have been showcased on striking rod sets from The Finial Company.

Sleek and Stylish Modern Roller Shades

For many folks, the words roller shades brings to mind the image of those plain white vinyl shades that hung in Grandma's house years ago. You know the kind... they were boring, yellowed and cracked with age, but seemed to serve their purpose in blocking sunlight years ago.

Modern roller shades have now become more sleek and stylish. Companies like Hunter Douglas have updated this classic shade to include design inspirations, such as attractive fabric choices, light-filtering translucency options, operational upgrades, and decorative accents to hide the necessary hardware.

Our Designer Roller Shades book arrived recently. This sample book is fabulous. We are excited to be able to offer these great shades from Hunter Douglas and have already placed orders for some which will soon be installed in several lovely local residences!



Here are some of the advantages of these shades:

1. This brand has unmatched fabric selection, featuring 3 times as many choices as most of their competitors.
2. With innovative technology and stylish accessories, these roller shades can stand alone or be used as an under-treatment.
3. The fabric choices are all organized by opacity, offering different levels of light control and privacy.
4. Customizable options for the top and bottom of the shades allow the client to make design decisions, such as concealing the fabric roll and lift mechanisms, and whether or not to add a shaped bottom hemline
5. Hunter Douglas even offers a cordless option, making this a great choice for children's rooms!

In addition to a wide array of solid fabric choices, these roller shades also offer several print styles. Here are just two photos of the many styles that are available:

Terrace / Mod Charcoal (left)

and

Metro / Hudson (right)

Call,  (or email), us today to preview the samples in the current book and find out how functional, stylish and affordable roller shades can be in your home!
(847) 446-5730
BernardInt@att.net