Window Coverings Save You Energy and Keep You Warm

Rising energy costs are affecting everyone's budget. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat lost through windows can account for 10 to 25% of your heating bill, and even new energy efficient windows allow heat loss. If you've not had an energy audit on your home yet, a simple way to check for heat loss is to simply put your hand on the window sill and see if you feel cold air. Even a small draft means a big heat loss There is also direct conduction through the glass, which make rooms colder when left exposed.

Today’s technology provides us with a huge selection of insulating window treatments, from honeycomb shades to decorative blinds and draperies. These new treatments prevent heat loss and provide insulation to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, as well as beautifying the decor in the room. Additionally, window coverings control light and provide privacy.

Window shade products have R-value (resistance value) ratings which measure a product's resistance to heat loss when in a closed (lowered) position. Window coverings with a high R-value can provide much needed insulation and significantly reduce heat loss. The higher the R-value, the more insulation a window product provides. A single layer of uncovered window glass has a winter R-value of about 0.88, while a double-glazed window has a value of about 1.75. By selecting an energy-efficient window treatment, you can help increase the R-value one to five points.

Combining shades and draperies will increase the insulating value. It is important to install shades and draperies properly to minimize gaps that would allow air to filter through. Consult with me to determine what product is best for your window, budget and style.

Design a New Kitchen

The perfect starting point for a new kitchen is with function. Defining the look is easy, deciding on the layout and function is the hard part. There are so many possibilities that the function needs to be the focus. Once you get the desired layout determine than focus on the look, style, lighting and specifications. Kitchens are a very important space in your home. They require serious attention and a realistic budget to make the most of the space.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Video Clips of Design Ideas

Well, I've finally made the time to create video clips of design ideas. I have created a You Tube Channel to upload video clips as I create them. I'll cover lots of tops. The first round of clips are different versions of the same topic. These are essentially practice clips. As I get more familiar with the format and learn how to edit clips I can give you lots of ideas and advice with more visual examples. Click here to see the first round of clips. Julie's Videos of Design Ideas I welcome feedback and suggestions. I'd also like to hear from you about what topics you'd like for me to discuss. Keep in mind the clips will only be a few minutes each. You can subscribe to my You Tube channel so that you will be notified when new clips are posted. Thanks for taking a look.

The Starting Point for New Furnishings

The starting point is this loveseat and ottoman.
Then we add other pieces.
Open space can be a challenge,
I always start with a floor plan.
I am always amazed at the mistakes that clients have made before they hire me. In an effort to illustrate and explain the benefit of working with a designer (more specifically, me). I can save clients time, headaches and money, it is that easy. In this example, this is one of my own properties. It is a single family home which I have recently transformed into a vacation rental. The goal was to make the interior casual, comfortable and colorful. The first step in any new project is that I always start with a floor plan. Either it is a rough sketch or a detailed computer drawn plan. The plan shows what fits in the space. This is critical! All too often I have seen clients buy furniture too big for the space they have. This is a complete waste of money. Once I had the floor plan, I started shopping. I was open to a color palette but I looked for one piece that would dictate the direction. In this case, it was beautiful colorful ottoman at Parson's Furniture. From there I was lucky enough to find a coordinating loveseat in the Bargain Barn that was a color I love (how lucky was I?). From there it was easy. I bought the ottoman and loveseat from Parson' Furniture and then I started the layering effect. Add rug, pillows, accents, lighting, curtains, etc. I am not a fan of "matching" and "sets" so everything coordinates not matches. Fortunately, I have a retail shop to draw from for the painted accent pieces and lamps. Vintage furniture painted is a great way to get quality, unique furnishings without spending top dollar. Before you think you can't afford a designer, think again. I know I have saved clients money and the end result far exceeded their imagination.




Furnished space

Make your home fun!

Don't have a boring interior. Predictable and safe interiors are no fun. Bring color into your spaces and enrich your home. In these examples I show you different ways to not be boring. Have fun, step out of your comfort zone. Paint your ceiling a color, choose medium or dark toned colors or choose several colors for one room.

Design to Suit Your Busy Life


Lives are busy. Make your home work for you. Before you focus on making your home beautiful focus on the functional needs. If spaces meet your storage, seating and task requirements you will feel good.
  • Design for Everyday Living Step by Step
  • Start with the function.
  • Know what you need to accommodate your lifestyle everyday.
  • Create an organized and efficient everyday entry.
  • Streamline your kitchen storage needs to handle daily tasks.
  • Make your laundry area easy to use and a nice place to be.
  • Look to maximize underutilized spaces and rooms.
  • Analyze your daily habits and work that into your solutions.
  • Create simple furniture layouts.
  • Have fun, don’t stress, think differently about your stuff and home.
Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com