Whether its runway fashions or window fashions, industry experts have to keep up with current trends, not to mention buzzword lingo. Although, my personal fashion style tends toward the classic Southern male uniform (neatly pressed khakis and a golf shirt), I’m fortunate to have plenty of people on the Strickland’s Window Coverings and Carolina Closet Company teams who have a great sense of style and design. They keep me on top of the current buzzwords coming from the runways and fashion magazines. It’s my job to understand how those trends relate to the window coverings industry. Although some buzzwords seem to only last for a season, others terms prove that they have the staying power to become enduring classics. Here are the top five buzz words on Strickland’s radar and their applications for wardrobes and windows:

1. The Hero Accessory. This fall and winter, you’re bound to hear about the “hero” accessory. It’s that one statement piece that’s going to take your outfit from zero to hero. It could be a necklace, a clutch or a scarf. The hero accessory, in any form, is bound to be the coming season’s must-have item.
   
   Window treatments can have hero accessories too; window hardware has moved beyond brass or nickel one-size-fits-all options to countless colors and finishes available to accent your window treatments. From high-style curtain rods to whimsical glass finials, you’ll find many modern-day “heroes” at the Strickland’s Window Coverings showroom.
    
2. The Arm Party. Have you hosted an “arm party” yet? It refers to the wearer’s ability to mix, match and stack bracelets, watches and other wrist accoutrements. Layered necklaces are also another way to throw your very own jewelry “party.” I like to think that the window coverings industry pioneered this idea of a party based on volume and abundance; pooling fabrics so that they drape on the floor is a classic decorator’s technique that is in the midst of a major resurgence. This high glamour, luxury window treatment effect makes windows seem larger and more impressive. For maximum effect, combine rich, textured fabrics like silk, velvet and grosgrain for the ultimate “window party."
    
3.  For the past couple of seasons, designers and window coverings experts have been going sheer crazy. Sheer skirts, sheer shirts, sheer dresses and sheer draperies – you name it, if it’s sheer, stylish women either want to wear it, or, hang it on their windows!
   
   Even The Wall Street Journal highlighted this popular trend of soft sheers used as high-end window treatments. According to the Journal, some interior designers look to women’s fashion for inspiration – specifically to sheer tops layered over camisoles and tank tops. “The result is a layered, see-through window treatment, whether sheer curtains over half-opened shades, or textured curtains over sheer shades.”
   
   At Strickland’s Window Coverings, we agree that multilayered sheers give a finished look and still allow light to filter in. Paired with solar shades, these sheers can reduce the heat in a room, while maintaining an airy feel, and they can be used with all kinds of décor, including the relaxed coastal-inspired cottage look so popular in Wilmington, N.C. and our surrounding beaches.
    
4. Color Blocking. The fashion world has confirmed that color-blocking is here to stay. Flip through any fashion magazine or shelter magazine and you’ll find plenty of color-blocked clothes, color-blocked accessories, and color-blocked window treatments.  Window coverings are to a room what accessories are to an outfit, so it makes sense – window treatments are a more affordable way of adding color and personality to your rooms while keeping walls and furniture pieces neutral. Think intricate patterns, bold colors and playful touches for a stylish, modern look.
    
5. The Cocoon. This fall and winter, the buzz will be about hibernation or “cocooning.” Cocoon shapes, in particular the trendy cocoon coat, allow for more clothes to be worn underneath; it’s all about the layering.

Indeed, layering window treatments gives a room added depth and dimension, while offering energy efficiency and privacy. Layering is particularly recommended in family rooms and bedrooms, where you will want a warm, cozy, comfortable feeling. Layer windows with a shade, then sheers, and then lined draperies or with a shade, then panels and a valence. At Strickland’s we’ve mastered the art of layering, and we can help you find a perfect combination that suits your needs and your style.

If you’re looking to make your home more fashionable Strickland’s Window Coverings can find the window treatment solution that is ideal for your style. Visit our expansive showroom to discover the latest products, materials and options from timeless to trendy.

Fred Kumpel is the owner of Strickland’s Window Coverings and Carolina Closet Company. Fred has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Strickland’s Window Coverings is a window treatment design center specializing in custom blinds, shades, shutters and fabric treatments for over 70 years. Carolina Closet Company provides professionally designed and custom built organization solutions. Its complete line of home organization solutions includes unique solutions to organize closets, pantries, garages, basements, laundry rooms as well as Murphy Beds. To learn more about our company, visit www.stricklandswindowcoverings.com and www.closetsbythesea.com. Fred can be reached at [email protected] or call 910.762.0944.