Theresa KEEPERS

SALES SPECIALIST, BLINDS AND SHADES, ZUERN BUILDING PRODUCTS & DESIGN CENTER

THERESA KEEPERS has worked in interior design for over 25 years, most recently at Zuern, where she helps clients find window coverings, blinds and shades.

What looks are most popular in window dressings right now?

A lot of people are gravitating to roller shades. The clean, simple lines follow popular design trends. In the Midwest, we’re stuck inside so much that people really want that connection to the outdoors in their house. They don’t want to lose their view. For me personally, I love the natural materials of a woven wood shade. It brings warmth and depth and gives you some texture. My other favorite treatment is the silhouette, which is a modern type of sheer shade. It really diffuses and softens the light – it’s beautiful how it transforms the space. For customers looking to conserve energy, the honeycomb shade is the best option. The cellular fabric saves energy in winter and summer. We also have automated shades that operate with a remote or an app. You can set up schedules based on the sun’s movement. They also integrate with home automation systems for voice activation. If Alexa turns off your lights, why not ask her to close the shades, as well?

What factors should people consider when choosing?

I don’t think people realize how many options are available to them. To help my clients find the right solution, I ask questions. What is the reason you want a treatment on this window? Is it for privacy, to cut glare on screens, or maybe you just want to soften the space? Your personality is important, too – what is your design style? Are you a neat person who wants the dressing to look clean and sharp, or do you like a more relaxed, organic look? How important is your view? It is so crucial to help people make the right decisions for their individual needs and to make the process simple and enjoyable.