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When it comes to decorating you probably think of things like paint color, flooring, or window coverings. But what about the windows themselves? As one of your home’s major features, the windows you choose have a big impact on your home’s interior and exterior design.

Add Impact and Architectural Detail with Specialty Shape Windows

Windows don’t have to be rectangles. Instead think circles, pentagons, triangles, trapezoids, and custom geometric shapes. Add a half circle above your front door, or an octagon in your dormer. Get creative and see what a difference specialty windows can make! Visit the Weather Shield Inspiration Design Gallery for ideas.

Use Bows or Bays to Create a Cozy Nook

Nothing adds ambience to a room like the gentle curves of a bow window or the dramatic angles of a bay window. The focal point of any room, bows and bays extend beyond the wall’s exterior, creating a deep interior window sill. Top the sill with a soft cushion and you have a cozy place to read a book or enjoy a cup of coffee. Or, use the area to display plants, photos, or family mementos.

Capture the View with a Wall of Windows

A wall of windows is a spectacular way to frame a beautiful view and bring in more light. You can create this high-end look on a budget by stacking standard window styles and sizes. The result is stunning, both inside and out. Talk with your local Weather Shield dealer to learn more. To find a   dealer, visit http://www.weathershield.com/ and enter your zip code at the top of the page.

Stay tuned for my next post—part two of How to Decorate with Windows and Doors—to learn how to enhance your home with French and sliding patio doors.
 
 

How have you used windows as design elements in your home? Post a picture and/or share your story here!
 
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It’s the first post to WS Blog! A place for sharing the latest industry trends, product news, home improvement ideas, and lifestyle tips. Look for new posts at least every other week. Let’s get started.

Practical Tips for Beating the Heat
This summer sure has been a hot one! Even here in Wisconsin, where our summers are usually pretty comfortable, temperatures have flirted with the 100° mark and the heat index has soared to 115° in some places. So how can you keep your cool until the cooler autumn air arrives? Here are a few tips to help you beat the heat (and cut your energy bills at the same time).

• Clean your air conditioner’s filter. It will run better and keep you cooler.
• Turn on your air conditioner early in the day, before the heat and humidity have a chance to build. It won’t have to work as hard to cool you down, and will get you cooler faster.
• Turn off lights in rooms you aren’t in; they give off heat. So do computers and TVs.
• Avoid heating up your kitchen. Use the microwave or grill instead of the stove or oven. Better yet, how about a picnic or take-out?
• Use a battery-operated misting fan. They are available in a wide variety of styles and prices.

The age of your windows can make a difference, too.

How old are your windows? You’d be surprised at how much window technology has advanced in the past 10 to 15 years. For instance, Weather Shield energy-efficient replacement windows are made with Zo-e-shield glass, which blocks the sun’s heat without blocking the light. So you can enjoy the best of both worlds: bright, sunny rooms that are also cooler and more comfortable. They may also provide you with certain tax credits if purchased and installed before December 31, 2011.
How have you been beating the heat this summer? Share your “hot” story here!
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LINKS
Learn more about the benefits of Weather Shield replacement windows.
http://www.weathershield.com/products/replacement.asp
Learn more about the benefits of Zo-e-shield glass.
http://www.weathershield.com/Energy_Environment/default.asp?title=Zo-e-shield%20Glass%20Solutions
Learn more about tax credits your Weather Shield replacement windows might qualify for.
http://www.weathershield.com/promotions.asp?title=tax%20credits
Learn more energy-saving tips.
Link to: http://www.energysavers.gov/

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Weather Shield, windows, energy-efficient replacement windows, Zo-e-shield glass         
 

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