Freshen up doors and windows

Subtle changes can often create amazing results in a room or an entire home. And while these types of changes can break the bank, they don't have to do so.

Window treatments are one of the best and easiest ways to change the look of a room, said Mary Aubry, showroom manager for OHi LLC, a full remodeling business with an 8,000-square-foot showroom in Elk Grove Village.

"We do everything from kitchen and bath remodels, additions (including second-floor additions to ranch homes), window installations and home decor like window coverings, flooring and even bedding and pillows," added John Kautz, OHi's president. "We are a one-stop shop."

"Much of what one decides to do with regard to windows depends on if they are living in the suburbs or the city, their budget and which rooms they are decorating," Aubry said.

"When you talk about window treatments, less is more. People want clean lines and light-diffusing shades. They don't want a heavy look and they only want to use room-darkening shades in bedrooms," she explained.

The most popular window treatments currently are white wooden blinds, fabric roller shades, duette shades with the honeycomb look and woven weaves using PVC material, Aubry said. These are often paired with full-length custom drapery panels (which do not close), hung on grommets at the side edges of the window and/or fabric headrails along the tops of the windows. Wood cornices, which often sport custom molding, are also popular above the windows.

Most of the fabrics chosen by homeowners today are arabesque (scrolling or interlacing foliage) or open prints, Aubry added.

"Homeowners like to keep things simple because they generally want to be able to change the look without sacrificing a hefty investment," Kautz said.

Today OHi exclusively carries HunterDouglas window products because the less expensive lines required too many repairs and returns, he added. "When you are constantly returning things, they are no longer a bargain."

HunterDouglas, on the other hand, has very high quality control and is devoted to child safety, which is important with blinds that raise and lower.

"And HunterDouglas's quality is so high that unless you specifically want the look of side panels, you don't need them with silhouettes or Roman shades or whatever you choose. The quality is that good," Aubry said.

The firm also offers a "Powerview" feature that allows homeowners to close and open their drapes using their smartphones. This allows you to save your furniture from the sun without having the home look constantly closed up. It also allows homeowners to give onlookers the impression that someone is home - even when they are away at work or on vacation.

Another subtle change that makes a huge difference in a home is when you replace its interior doors, leading to bedrooms, bathrooms, closets and so forth.

Replacing a home's interior doors has always made a big difference in the look of a house. But until recently, the mess and expense involved served as a deterrent to making that change. Doors had to be cut, planed and then painted on site. So, it was a time-consuming and messy process.

That is no longer necessarily the case, however, said Kate Zeller, general manager for HomeStory Chicago, also based in Elk Grove Village.

A new proprietary computer technology allows HomeStory Chicago to precisely measure the existing geometry of each door opening, using 13 different reference points, and then doors are made in the factory on an automated door machine so that they fit perfectly. They are also painted in a variety of Sherwin-Williams colors in the factory so that the homeowner doesn't need to endure the mess and fumes.

That factory satin finish also holds up better to the wear and tear caused by children and pets and you will never see brush or roller marks since it is spray-applied. Wood doors may also be purchased either with a clear coat finish or totally unfinished. Homeowners who choose the unfinished doors are urged to find a local craftsman to stain them so that other stains in the house can be accurately matched.

Solid core, hollow core and wood doors in both traditional and bi-fold styles can all be made in all sizes using the process, as can louvered doors, barn doors, pocket doors and doors with inlaid glass. Arched doors, however, are not available.

"You can transform an entire home by replacing old, uninspiring doors with stylish new doors that update a home's style and define its architectural design," according to the company's website.

Doors serve as a backdrop and help make your decor more cohesive, so replacing the interior doors within a home is, arguably, the least expensive remodeling job a homeowner can do with the most overall impact.

For instance, busy-looking hallways filled with an abundance of six-panel doors can be made more contemporary and elegant by substituting calmer, less distracting two-panel doors.

Similarly, homes filled with 1960s and 1970s-era flat surface, or "flush," doors can be enhanced and immeasurably upgraded with the substitution of doors using some sort of panel configuration.

In addition, new solid core or solid wood doors reduce the noise heard between rooms.

Those looking for an even more custom look can enhance their bedrooms, bathrooms and pantries with doors that feature glass panes, mirrors or even designer glass. Another hot trend is for people to mix their stained door frames with white doors, for an updated look.

And when it comes to hardware, those with modern homes are choosing brushed satin nickel knobs and hardware, while homeowners who enjoy a more traditional home are gravitating to leather-rubbed oiled bronze hardware for an Old World look.

For more information on interior doors, visit www.HomeStoryChicago.com or call (847) 258-3417. For additional window treatment information, call OHi at (847) 541-4848 or visit www.contactohi.com.