6 Reasons Plantation Shutters Will Never Go Out of Style

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Plantation shutters outfit the homes of everyone from your favorite movie character to the neighbors on your street. In fact, these shutters were designed centuries ago as a way to block out heat, control sunlight, and provide a layer of home privacy. If you’re thinking of installing plantation shutters in your own home, you may have asked yourself if plantation shutters are going out of style. After all, how much longer can a centuries-old window treatment stay popular? 

The answer, of course, is that plantation shutters really are just as timeless as they appear. Why has this charming window treatment stood the test of time? Take a look at these 6 reasons why plantation shutters will never go out of style:

Plantation Shutters Boost Curb Appeal 

When you’re planning to sell a home, curb appeal is one of the first, most important factors that you take into account before letting prospective buyers tour your house. Curb appeal is considered to be the first impression offered to people who are seeing your home from the street. To boost curb appeal, you might add a wreath to the front door or line the walkway with greenery. Since plantation shutters are an extremely sought after window treatment, these shutters give your home immediate curb appeal. 

There’s nothing like pulling up to a prospective house and seeing elegant plantation shutters through the windows. These window treatments are well-known for being stylish and attractive for homes. Plus, because plantation shutters usually stay with the home even after it’s sold, they actually increase a home’s resale value. 

Plantation shutters are an investment unmatched by any other window treatment. When you hold an open house to sell your home, you’ll also appreciate the soft lighting that the plantation shutters can create. Good lighting helps a room appear more spacious, raising the odds even further of a buyer purchasing your home. 

Plantation Shutters Are Customizable

You may have heard that plantation shutters have to look a certain way or be a certain color. That isn’t true! At Shenandoah Shutters, you can choose from a variety of design types and color selections. We offer rich stains, vibrant cream colors, and custom options. We also offer more traditional or more contemporary design selections. Plantation shutters are more like art or furniture pieces than window treatments. You can easily make a statement with your plantation shutters. 

You could choose a café shutter that only covers part of a window or experience our patented, Softedge technology that offers hidden hinges. Even your traditional, full-length plantation shutter has versatile options. Maybe you want a specific type of tilt rod or louvers of a certain type of size and shape. Or, maybe you want to pair your shutters with fabric draperies. The selections for plantation shutters have changed and grown over time. There are seemingly endless choices to make plantation shutters your own. 

Plantation shutters are uniquely customized to fit windows of any size or shape. At Shenandoah Shutters, you can even install plantation shutters on sliding glass doors, French doors, arches, and sunbursts. We have a special way of installing shutters on tilt-ins and casements for optimal functionality and design. These are customizations and options that you simply can’t get with other window treatments, like blinds or shades.

Plantation Shutters Are Convenient

Plantation shutters are not difficult to clean or maintain. You don’t need any cleaning agents, just a barely damp cloth to clean the shutters. Soft cloths, such as cotton or wool, are preferable as paper towels might scratch the finish. We don’t even use a tension system at Shenandoah Shutters, so you don’t have to worry about the inconvenience of adjusting the tension. 

Plantation shutters allow you to easily and effectively filter sunlight in and out of your home. You have an unmatched level of control over natural light without sacrificing privacy. Plantation shutters are one of the most convenient window treatments available for homes. 

Plantation Shutters Are Safer for Families

Families of young children often worry about the safety of window treatments that include dangling cords or fabrics. Even curtain rods can pose a safety hazard if not properly installed. There are no cords or other dangling materials on plantation shutters, making these shutters a safer option when childproofing your home. 

Plantation Shutters Are Durable

Plantation shutters come in many different materials, from faux wood and vinyl to real wood masterpieces.  Plantation shutters are prized for their durability, and wooden plantation shutters are especially strong. We only use wood at Shenandoah Shutters, because wood is both tough and aesthetically pleasing. Wooden plantation shutters are the most likely to blend with your existing moulding or furniture. 

Shenandoah Shutters builds all plantation shutters with fine basswood, yellow poplar, and requested specialty woods that are always American-grown. Some of our most popularly requested woods include the durable mahogany, cherry, and oak, all staples of the finest furniture pieces. 

Plantation Shutters Are Energy-Efficient

The energy-efficient nature of plantation shutters is especially relevant today. So many of us are looking for ways to make our homes more energy-efficient. Because of their design, plantation shutters naturally keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This could potentially reduce your heating and air bills. This is also another reason why plantation shutters increase the resale value of your home. 

Upgrade Your Window with Plantation Shutters Today

Shenandoah Shutters is local to Richmond, Virginia. We’ve been serving communities in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C for decades. Our talented woodworking employees handcraft and hand-sand custom, authentically wooden plantation shutters that are timeless and reasonably priced. We even offer a warranty on both the shutter and the silken, lacquer finish that seals each plantation shutter. 

In this age of COVID-19, we are still carefully scheduling appointments and providing services. Contact us today for more information on installing plantation shutters in your home, or to schedule an appointment. You can also explore our online photo gallery and read our testimonials.

Plantation Shutters for a Child’s Room

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Deciding on a window treatment is one of many essential choices that parents face when putting together a nursery or children’s room. Like area rugs and, of course, the crib, window treatments serve a purpose for both the function and the design of the room. 

As a parent, you want a window covering that will keep out bright light during your child’s naps, but also let in ample sunlight during playtime. Most importantly, you want a window treatment that is safe for curious toddlers and young children. 

Plantation shutters provide all of these benefits and more. They are excellent window treatment choices for families. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of installing plantation shutters in your child’s room:

Plantation Shutters Are Safer Than Blinds or Curtains

With blinds, curtains, and other window treatments, safety can be a serious concern. Blinds with dangling cords can easily present a danger to a young child, while curtains can be pulled down. When using curtains in a child’s room, you have to very carefully install the hardware, so that the curtain rod doesn’t fall down onto a child if pulled. Particularly decorative curtains could pose a hazard as well, with a young baby able to reach for and eat beads or other decorations on the fabric. 

While you can buy cordless blinds or tie up the cord on other blinds, plantation shutters don’t come with these problems. They are simple, wooden pieces designed without cords or embellishments. If you’re partial to fabric materials, you can still use a valance along with your plantation shutters for added drama and style. Some people do  choose to install curtains with their plantation shutters for these decorative reasons. If you do, you should select a safe curtain design and be sure that your hardware is firmly installed to prevent the rod from collapsing. 

Plantation Shutters Are Easy to Clean and Maintain 

Soft window treatments, like curtains or drapes, experience a lot of wear and tear. This is especially true when children are in the home. Young kids might enjoy wrapping themselves in dangling curtains or wiping their hands on the material. If you have pets, too, then you might notice pet hair easily collecting on the fabric, as well. All of this results in added laundry time and expense. Blinds, meanwhile, are often bent out of place by children who are excited to look outside. 

Hardwood plantation shutters are built to last. These shutters are durable and easy to clean. You can polish your plantation shutters whenever needed using gentle, natural furniture polish and a microfiber cloth. If you’d like, you can use a vacuum attachment to remove dust. You can also access hard to reach places with just a toothbrush. 

At Shenandoah Shutters, we don’t even use a tension system for our plantation shutters for maximum convenience and continued louver tightness. 

Plantation Shutters Are Energy-Efficient

When you bring home a new baby, it’s important to keep the room cool and comfortable. Research has shown that infants sleep best in a room that isn’t too hot. Overheating is also a risk factor for the devastating sudden infant death syndrome. 

Plantation shutters, by their very design, keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They are designed to be energy-efficient, helping to retain the desired temperature in the home. While all window treatments can help at least somewhat with temperature control, plantation shutters are so notoriously energy-efficient that they sometimes even reduce heating and air bills. This is one of many reasons why plantation shutters also add value to your home. 

Plantation Shutters Are Stylish Additions to Your Child’s Room

It’s much more convenient to install plantation shutters than to purchase roller shades or other treatments that need to be decorated in order to fit in with the decor of your nursery. You don’t have to sacrifice style for function with plantation shutters. 

Hardwood plantation shutters are naturally elegant window treatments that will elevate the look of your nursery. If you plan on living in your house for awhile, then you can rest assured that plantation shutters will look just as beautiful in your baby’s room now as they will when your baby grows to become a child and teenager. These are sophisticated treatments that grow with your child, always remaining timeless.

At Shenandoah Shutters, you can choose from a rich stain or beautiful cream color for your plantation shutters. If you’d prefer, you can even choose a custom color for the perfect nursery design fit. You can also select a custom wood, like mahogany, oak, or cherry, to pair your plantation shutters with your existing moulding or furniture pieces. 

Plantation Shutters Give You Unprecedented Light Control 

Plantation shutters give you unmatched variety. Using the tilt rod, you control the horizontal slats (known as louvers) to let in as much sunlight as you’d like. This lets you decide the ambiance of the room at any given time. 

From quiet, darkened nap times to bright, playful playtimes and everything in between, plantation shutters do it all. There’s nothing more magical than watching the falling snow or rain through the plantation shutters with your wide-eyed little one. 

Schedule Your Appointment for Plantation Shutters Today

Shenandoah Shutters will handcraft long-lasting, all wood plantation shutters for your child’s room. We’ve local to Richmond, and have been serving Virginia, Maryland, and D.C for decades. We offer traditional and contemporary design options for maximum flexibility in your plantation shutter choices. Check out our online photo gallery to see the various styles of plantation shutters that we offer, as well your options for valances and other childproof choices. 

At Shenandoah Shutters, we even offer a 100-year limited warranty on our shutters, as well as a 25-year warranty on the silken lacquer finish that is applied to each shutter. 

These are unique times. Currently, Shenandoah Shutters is still providing plantation shutter appointments and services. Call us today at 1-800-733-1549 to schedule your free consultation and to learn more about the changes that we’ve made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also contact us online.

Colors to Work Into Your Home’s Interior

Gorgeous Custom Plantation Shutters in a Yellow Room
Gorgeous Custom Plantation Shutters in a Yellow Room
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It’s amazing how a fresh coat of paint or a pop of color can completely change the look and feel of a room. Color is one of the most important elements of interior design, but it’s also a tricky one for homeowners to get right. Finding the right type of colors for your home is the first step in creating a balanced color scheme within your house. Not sure where to begin? Take a look at these top shades for each room of your home:

Colors for Your Living Room

A living room is often the main space for entertaining guests and spending time with family. It’s understandable, then, that the most common colors for living room design are colors that are either calming or welcoming and inviting. As a general rule, cooler colors result in a more soothing and serene feeling within a room. Warmer colors, meanwhile, make a room feel cozy and even energetic. 

Gray is one of the most popular living room colors. This is an earthy, neutral color that makes a room feel relaxing. Gray is an extremely versatile color, too. Neutral colors let you place any type of furniture or decor in the room without having to worry about the pieces clashing with the paint color. 

Blue is just a step up from the shade of gray, so it makes sense that blue is another common living room choice. Since this is a cool color, a blue room also evokes a sense of calm. 

Prefer a warmer living room? Mix neutral colors, like creamy white, with pops of amber or red. Want a more dramatic statement? A touch of black on the walls paired with white furniture (and vice versa) is a chic design choice for modern homes.  

Colors for the Bedroom

Like the living room, the most common bedroom colors are usually neutrals or cool colors. You want your bedroom to be your oasis, afterall. For the bedroom, you might also want a little splash of personality with unique colors like purple or yellow. Blues, grays, and simple neutrals like white or beige are top choices for bedrooms.

Colors for the Bathroom

Before taking color to the walls of your bathroom, take the time to consider your design goals for the space. The optimal color for your bathroom may depend on your theme. If you have beachy elements in your bathroom, for instance, then you’ll likely want shades of blue or sea green for the walls. These are also ideal colors for a spa theme. Taupes, whites, grays, and shades of brown are solid choices for simple, more traditional bathroom spaces. 

Colors for Your Kitchen

Kitchens are places where warmer colors can really shine. In fact, the next time that you visit a restaurant, notice the colors in the room. Chances are high that the most visible colors will be reds, oranges, and yellows. It is thought that warm colors can stimulate the appetite, making these colors particularly appealing to restaurant owners. Plus, these colors are inviting and welcoming. You can include some of these shades to get the same effect in your own kitchen. 

Prefer a lighter eating area? Try blues with hints of red. You don’t have to stick to paint, either. Wallpaper is trendy again these days and there are many beautiful kitchen patterns to choose from, including bright florals and unique designs. 

Colors for the Kids’ Rooms 

Just like your own bedroom, you want your child’s room to be a space to relax and unwind. For a child, though, you might want to inject even more playfulness and creativity into the space. You can use neutral colors, but you might also choose to play around with bolder colors like hot pink or aqua. Your child’s personality should also influence your choice in color. 

Kids are thought to be especially sensitive to colors and their impact on mood. This means that you might want to use warmer colors in small doses, rather than painting an entire wall red. You don’t want to end up with a child too restless to sleep.

A single wall of fun elements, like stars or polka dots, can be a way to incorporate excitement without involving the entire room. Think, for example, rainbow wallpaper surrounded by otherwise light blue walls. Another creative idea for kids? A chalkboard wall!

Colors for Your Guest Room

A guest room can be a hard room to decorate, because you want the room to be versatile without feeling impersonal. Neutrals are great options for guest rooms, because they easily achieve this result. Give the room a little personality through your decor choices, like a playful WiFi password sign on the end table or a collection of trial size toiletries on the dresser. 

Improve Your Interior Design with Plantation Shutters

Shenandoah Shutters is ready to provide you with beautiful, custom made plantation shutters that effortlessly fit in with every color scheme. We’re local to Richmond, Virginia, within a day’s drive of all of our service areas in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. We’ve been handcrafting all wood plantation shutters for more than 30 years. 

Plantation shutters are timeless, elegant design choices that pay off for years to come thanks to increased resale value, improved energy-efficiency, and ease of maintenance. These are also versatile window treatments. You can choose from standard stains and whites, as well as custom colors that blend in with the chosen colors of each room. The natural hardwood adds character to your living spaces. 

Plantation shutters are terrific choices for every room of your home. Parents will especially appreciate the added safety of plantation shutters for young children, as there are no cords or curtains that could pose a safety risk. As long as you don’t have direct water contact with the plantation shutters, you can even install these shutters in the bathroom. In fact, they offer a beautiful extra light and privacy source for bathrooms. 

If you’re ready to add plantation shutters to your home, contact Shenandoah Shutters today.

6 Fun Facts About Plantation Shutters

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Plantation shutters are a unique window treatment with benefits that aren’t seen in other window choices. As beautiful as they are functional, plantation shutters have existed in some form for hundreds of years. If you’re planning to update your home with plantation shutters, you’re probably already familiar with the basics, but plantation shutters still have some secrets. Here are 6 fun facts about this popular window treatment:

Plantation Shutters are Energy-Efficient

An unexpected perk of choosing plantations shutters for your home is increased energy-efficiency. Because of the way that plantation shutters are built and installed, they allow less air to pass in or out of your windows. As a result, you’ll be able to insulate more cool air in the summer and more heat in the winter. This could result in potentially lowered heating and cooling bills. 

Plantation Shutters Can Increase the Resale Value of Your Home

Plantation shutters are one of the most popular window treatments for homebuyers. When a home has been outfitted with custom plantation shutters, this is a huge selling point. Unlike blinds, curtains, and other treatments, custom made plantation shutters stay with the house for the sale. Plus, this window treatment is timeless. Wooden plantation shutters, in particular, are appreciated for their authenticity and character. 

A special bonus for homebuyers with young families? Plantation shutters are a much safer window treatment choice than blinds for homes with small children. Plantation shutters don’t have cords that could potentially endanger young kids. Many families prefer this peace of mind.

Plantation Shutters are Valued for their Privacy

Hundreds of years ago, plantation shutters were especially valued for their privacy. In fact, one legend says that King Louis XIV of France actually used the privacy of plantation shutters to sneak a peek at the women of his court!

While spying isn’t exactly recommended, homeowners still love the privacy provided by plantation shutters. Because of the way the louvers tilt, you can filter sunlight in or out of your home without jeopardizing your view and without being seen from others outside of the home. This is especially exciting for the many scenic towns throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. 

Plantation Shutters Come in Many Different Materials

Plantation shutters are available in materials like composite, plastic, pvc, foamed synthetics, and beautiful wooden varieties. While each material has its pros and cons, Shenandoah Shutters is proud to manufacture only wooden plantation shutters. The truth is that all other plantation shutter types are made with the goal of trying to make the product as much like wood as possible. Wooden plantation shutters are the most aesthetically pleasing type of plantation shutter. They are natural in every sense of the word, making them tough and long lasting. They also go right alongside your own wooden furniture and home elements.  

At Shenandoah Shutters, we take our wood a step further than the rest. We use only American woods of the highest quality, such as basswood, yellow poplar, cherry, oak, and mahogany. These woods lend themselves to stunning, rich stains and refreshing creams that simply can’t be imitated by other plantation shutter materials. We can even do custom color requests. 

You Can Install Plantation Shutters On Doors and Oddly Shaped Windows

Plantation shutters aren’t just meant for bay windows. You can install plantation shutters on French and sliding glass doors. You can even have plantation shutters customized for circle of life windows, sidelights, triangle panels, and sunbursts. If you have a window, then Shenandoah Shutters has a plantation shutter to fit it.  

Plantation Shutters are Low-Maintenance and Versatile

Wood is naturally durable, but it’s also easy to clean, too. You can clean your plantation shutters with a gentle wood polish, cloth duster, and vacuum attachment. You don’t have to worry about dry cleaning trips or expensive, time-consuming products. 

Plantation shutters are also known for their versatility. While traditional plantation shutters have lasted generations because of their beauty, there are now even more incredible design choices for homeowners. You can select a contemporary design, like our patented Softedge design that neatly hides the hinges, or you can choose café shutters to only cover part of your window. You can even choose your louver size and shape, as well as your tilt rod. 

At Shenandoah Shutters, we offer a single tilt rod, divider rail, split tilt rod, or a hidden tilt rod. You can also choose from 2.5”, 3.5”, or 4.5” louvers (the horizontal slats) and a flat or contoured louver. Your choices will reflect your own individual taste, truly making the plantation shutters your own. Larger louver sizes result in a larger viewing space, while certain tilt rods (like the hidden tilt rod) offer a more contemporary style or privacy advantages (the divider rail). 

Flat louvers are exactly as they sound, while contoured louvers resemble airplane wings. Both are a matter of personal preference and are equally lovely. You may end up wanting different styles depending on each room of your home. Your design consultant can help you plan the right custom shutters for your house. We’ll measure your windows, bring samples, and get an idea of your home goals. 

Plantation Shutters for the 21st Century

Plantation shutters are still prized window treatments for homeowners. If you’re ready to upgrade your window treatment or add plantation shutters to your new home in one of our service areas, contact Shenandoah Shutters today. Our design consultants will work with you to create the perfect custom, all wood plantation shutters for your home. 

Shenandoah Shutters has been handcrafting custom, hardwood plantation shutters since the 1990s. We’re local to Richmond, Virginia, and within a day’s drive of our service areas. All work on your plantation shutters is completed at our woodshop and showroom on Cofer Road. We even offer a 100-year limited transferable warranty on your plantation shutters, as well as a 25-year warranty on the silken lacquer finish that completes each shutter. 

Take a look at our gallery for more insight into our designs and installations.

5 Bathroom Decor Tips

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When it comes to home decorating, the living room, bedrooms, and even the kitchen usually take priority over the bathroom. While it isn’t a common area of your home, a well decorated bathroom ties your whole house together. Of course, the bathroom is also often the smallest room in the house. How can you keep this space well designed and looking fresh? Spruce up your bathroom this spring with some of these home decor ideas:

Fill Your Bathroom with Plants

Plants will add a dramatic pop of style and color to your bathroom. From a few flowy, green plants to a single vase with flowers, plants will leave your bathroom feeling more like an oasis. Plus, houseplants can potentially help purify the air. 

When selecting your plants, you’ll want to look for greenery that can handle the high humidity level and low light of bathrooms. You’ll also want to make sure that your plant is safe for curious pets. 

Favorite plants for bathrooms include bamboo plants, aloe vera plants, ferns, cast iron plants, and spider plants. For flowers, try orchids or gardenias. 

Organize Your Supplies

Keeping your bathroom clutter free will help it look more spacious and inviting. Organize your toiletries and other essentials using decorative bins, wicker baskets, and space saving storage. Apothecary jars look especially clean and stylish while storing common items like cotton balls or swabs. Decorative toilet paper and toothbrush holders are also fun ways to style your bathroom. 

Use Wall Space

Effectively using available wall space is another way to make your bathroom look larger and more appealing. Install floating shelves and hanging storage to house decorations or basic bathroom supplies. Use towel bars on the back of your door for even more space and select color coordinating hand towels to hang from them. You can also roll up several of your bath towels to place in a towel basket on your shelf. Your bathroom will instantly feel like a luxurious hotel!

Photography, paintings, and other artwork will also liven up your bathroom. If you have enough wall space, you could even make a gallery wall using your favorites. 

Try Out a Theme

Beach and spa themes are a popular choice for bathrooms, but your design theme can be anything. Modern themes are a growing bathroom trend, particularly with gold accents. A vintage bathroom with floral wallpaper and a farmhouse sink is another sophisticated idea. 

When implementing a theme, don’t forget to coordinate your shower curtain, sink accessories, and other bathroom pieces with your plan. You might even want to choose hand towels or other pieces based on your theme. For instance, If you choose a beach theme, you could include nautical towels, sailboat tchotchkes, a basket of potpourri with seashells, or an ocean scented diffuser in your room decor. 

Consider Your Colors

Colors make a real difference for any room. Neutral colors are great for promoting relaxation and calm, while dark colors offer a sense of glamour and drama. Neutrals also provide a nice balance to bright, statement colors. There’s been a trend lately toward the unexpected, like a black bathroom with reflective pieces. Your theme will play a significant role in your color choices. Think ocean blues for a spa theme or cheery yellow for a pop of warmth. 

Moisture-resistant wallpaper is still a familiar choice for bathrooms, even over paint. Backsplashes and unique flooring are also favorites of homeowners looking to refresh their bathrooms. 

Look at Your Lighting

In a bathroom, multiple sources of light are recommended. This is known as lighting in layers. Think a combination of sconces, overhead lighting, and hanging lights, as well as the natural window light. Dimmers are also helpful for relaxing in the bath after a long day.

If you have a window in your bathroom, your window treatment can make a huge difference in the lighting of your space. You might wonder, can I have plantation shutters in a bathroom? The answer is yes! As long as your hardwood plantation shutters aren’t subjected to direct water contact, they’ll provide gorgeous lighting choices for your bathroom. 

Plantation shutters are ideal for controlling the sunlight that enters your home. With plantation shutters, you control the louvers (horizontal slats) of the shutter to filter light in and out of your house. The result is the perfect mood lighting.

Plantation Shutters for Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C

Shenandoah Shutters is located in Richmond, where we’ve been handcrafting custom made, all wood plantation shutters since 1990. We can provide high quality plantation shutters for every room in your house, all made by our skilled woodworking employees. Your plantation shutters can easily match the theme of your bathroom, thanks to our color, cream, and stain selections. For modern rooms, take a look at our original Softedge design with hidden hinges. We also have innovative options for the rest of your house, including your French doors, sunbursts, arches, and sliding glass doors. 

Our plantation shutters are built using treasured American woods, including yellow poplar and basswood. You can even request a specialty wood to match your existing moulding or go along with your wooden furniture. Every plantation shutter is hand finished with a rich, silky lacquer for an extra dose of beauty. 

Plantation shutters will give your home a beautiful, well lit ambiance, but there are other benefits, too. These shutters are energy-efficient and they increase the resale value of your home. They’re a terrific option even if you’re getting your home ready to sell. They’re also safer for children than blinds or other options with cords. Plus, they give your home an added layer of privacy and protection. 

Ready to upgrade the rooms of your house with plantation shutters? Call Shenandoah Shutters today to schedule a free, in-home design estimate and consultation. We’ll measure your windows, bring samples, and talk with you about your design plans. Explore our online photo gallery for examples of our work and products. You can also schedule a tour at our woodshop and showroom in Richmond.

5 Ways to Boost Your Home’s Appearance Before You Sell

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Putting your home on the market is a major decision. Maybe you’ve outgrown the space thanks to a growing family, have equity, or would even like to downsize. Whatever the reason you’ve chosen to sell, getting your home ready for open house is exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. You want to make a terrific first impression for any potential buyers. 

Luckily, there are some ways to touch up or even renovate a home that will boost its selling power. This is known as your home’s curb appeal. You real estate agent can let you know what’s helped other homes in your neighborhood sell well, but there are also some things that you can do right now to maximize your home’s curb appeal. 

Turn Your Home Into a Neutral Environment for Buyers

You’ve made so many memories in your home that it can be difficult to think about turning the place into a neutral zone for potential buyers, but that’s the best way to ensure a quick sale. Removing personal photographs from the walls or funny magnets from the refrigerator, for instance, lets future homeowners more easily see themselves in the space. This same philosophy goes for paint colors and decorations. Consider painting over bold colors with taupe, gray, or a light blue. Neutral colors also have a tendency to give the illusion of more space. 

The more neutral your selections, the more that homeowners will start picturing their own memories in the home. 

Clean Inside and Out

The importance of having a neat and tidy home for buyers cannot be overstated. Start by looking critically at your home from the outside and taking note of what steps need to be taken to present your house at its best. Power washing, window polishing, yard care, and landscaping are essential to a solid presentation. If you notice any needed repairs, schedule a time to correct them or arrange to complete them yourself, if possible. You may even need to touch up outdoor paint. Don’t forget to clean any outdoor furniture. If you have a budget for it, you might also consider enhancing your outdoor space by purchasing new items, like a porch swing, for your home.

Once you’re confident in the outdoor presentation of your house, the deep cleaning inside of the home can begin. It’s important to note that the smell of a home is often a big deal for buyers. Thoroughly cleaning your house, getting every nook and cranny, will minimize the potential for any unpleasant odors. 

Just like outdoors, you’ll want to check the inside of your home for anything that could leave a negative impression. Scuff marks on baseboards, dirty grout, chipped paint, or broken tile should all be touched up before visitors arrive. Make sure that your lighting, too, is inviting and really opens up your house. 

Declutter Your Spaces

A cluttered space gives the impression that the house is too small. You want homebuyers to feel like the home is large enough for their needs. Put away the coats and shoes that gather in entry ways. Clear hallways, front porches, and other spots in your house that are prone to clutter. Contain items neatly in bins and organized closets, so that buyers will be able to clearly see the available space in the home. When it comes to decluttering, think minimalism. Bulky furniture, overflowing mail, or an abundance of knick knacks can all make a house feel too personal and too cramped for a buyer to maintain interest. 

Include Plants in Your Home

Having fresh flowers on the coffee table or a small garden outside will really bring your house to life. Plants elevate a home and are a sophisticated way to welcome potential buyers into the space. They’re also another way to make the rooms in your house appear larger. Of course, try to choose plants that aren’t strongly associated with allergies or overly strong in scent. 

Don’t Plan on Selling Right Away? Consider Renovations 

If selling your home is something on your mind, but not necessarily on paper, you might consider boosting your home’s resale value with upgrades. Building a deck, replacing carpet with hardwood floors, and installing energy-efficient, hardwood plantation shutters are all ways to boost your home’s resale value. Of course, any non-luxury repairs, like a leaking roof or a non-working shower, should be repaired before your home is put on the market. 

Plantation Shutters In Virginia, Maryland, and D.C

Shenandoah Shutters provides custom made, all wood plantation shutters for our service areas in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. We handcraft our plantation shutters in Richmond using fine American woods and a silken lacquer finish that results in a beautiful, stylish window treatment for your home. We’re proud to offer a 100-year warranty on our plantation shutters and a 25-year warranty on the finish. 

Plantation shutters are one of the few window treatments that add value to your home. These shutters allow you to control the sunlight that filters in and out of each room, creating an inviting ambiance that future homebuyers will love. They are also energy-efficient and offer an added layer of privacy for the home. Plantation shutters are safer for families with children than blinds or other window treatments that have dangling cords. Plus, they’re easy to clean and pair perfectly with your fine, wooden furniture. 

Plantation shutters are timeless window treatments that never go out of style. That’s why we offer both traditional and modern designs. In fact, we even created our own, patented Softedge design for a modern enhancement on this time honored window treatment. 

Contact Shenandoah Shutters to schedule a free, in-home design estimate and consultation for your home. You can also visit us face-to-face at our Richmond showroom and woodshop, where we’ll take you on a tour of our products and share more about our process. Take a closer look at our products and get to know us online today.

Spooky Ways to Spice Up Your Windows This Halloween

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October is an exciting month with cooler temperatures and frightful fun in the air. It’s the perfect time to switch out your summertime lemon centerpiece for something with pumpkins and a little more fall flair. Many decorations can even be made right at home, giving your house added creativity and originality. It’s also great fun for kids, grandkids, and, of course, the influx of trick-or-treaters. 

Decorating with your plantation shutters is an easy way to incorporate your windows into your fall home designs. For Halloween, think faux spider webs or creepy netting combined with flameless candles for a spooky night inside. Of course, you can also have some fun with your actual windows, too. Give one of these ideas a try for some Halloween fun this month:

Use Halloween Window Decals and Stickers

From elaborate Halloween scenes to simple, popular characters like spiders and ghosts, window decals and clings are easy ways to get in the Halloween spirit. You can find decals in local shops or online. You can even make your own window decals using a variety of materials, such as simple contact paper and printed templates or vinyl adhesive and specialized machines (like the Cricut). The possibilities for DIY window decals are truly endless. 

Get Imaginative with Pretend Window Boards

Give your house that horror movie look by pretending your windows are all boarded up. Battered board decorations are easily found at party supply stores and should be easy to hang using removable mounting putty or other materials. Just make sure that any adhesive you use is safe for use on windows. Just like with the window decals, you can DIY these playful boards, too, using foam board. If you want to take the whole project a step further, pick-up “caution” or “enter if you dare” tape from the party supply store and attach it to your battered board. 

Hang Decorative Curtains

Hanging spooky curtains above your plantation shutters sets the perfect tone for Halloween movie night. Fringe and lace curtains are popular decorations for the holiday. Gauze and cheesecloth are other favorites for outdoor displays. You could even decorate your own curtains, or use streamers in place of fabric. 

Add a Silhouette to Your Window

Similar to window decals, silhouettes make spooky and fun decorations for your windows. It’s easy to make your own using online templates, a printer, and foam or poster boards. Cardboard monster shapes are an especially favored Halloween design, as are the characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas and the silhouettes from the Hocus Pocus sisters. 

String Miniature Lights on Your Windows

Halloween lights can illuminate your window decorations or just serve as a more simple way to participate in the holiday. If you’d rather decorate more for autumn and less for Halloween, then you can even choose lights in warm colors that can last well into November. 

Project Images Onto Your Windows Using a Projector

If your neighborhood is popular with trick-or-treaters, you can really amplify the scare factor with a projector that projects Halloween movies and images onto your windows. Some projectors also project images from other holidays, like Christmas, or create interesting light shows. 

Doodle Your Own Designs Using Window Chalk Markers

Kids will have a blast when you tell them that, yes, this time they can draw on the windows! Chalk markers are easy and inexpensive finds at craft stores, so that your family can decorate the windows with any Halloween design they can imagine. Best of all, glass markers allow you to change up your design as often as you want. Marker art should be simple to remove from the glass using a window cleaning product.

Have an Elegant Halloween with Themed Garland

Garland is a classic, festive way to decorate your windows regardless of the holiday. Bright orange pumpkins or dangling ghosts are perfect for Halloween parties and visiting candy hopefuls. Plus, you can easily make your own garland using paper or fabric. 

What About When It’s Time to Take Down the Display?

When October ends and you’re ready to switch to purely fall decorating, carefully remove your decorations without damaging your windows. Ideally, your decorations won’t leave behind any residue, but if they do, one common trick is to use nail polish remover or an acetone-based glass cleaner to help remove the residue from the glass. As tempting as it may be, try not to scrape your windows to remove residue or decorations, as this could damage the glass. 

Clean your windows gently with a lint-free cloth and a safe, homemade or commercial cleaning product before applying new decorations. It’s also a good time to clean your plantation shutters, as well, using our simple guide. 

Fall Is the Perfect Time for Plantation Shutters

With the cooler temperatures, autumn is the perfect time to think about home upgrades, like installing plantation shutters. Shenandoah Shutters custom builds beautiful, natural  hardwood plantation shutters for the residents of Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. 

Plantation shutters add value and elegance to your home, providing extra privacy and energy efficiency. You can even pair plantation shutters with fabric valances or curtains, if you wish. Our plantation shutters are specifically crafted to fit your windows, from tilt-ins and casements to arches and French doors. Choose from cream or stained plantation shutters, or even a custom color. We also offer specialty woods like cherry and oak to match your plantation shutters with your existing home furnishings. 

Shenandoah Shutters has been building plantation shutters for decades. We’re located in Richmond, within a few hours or less of our service areas. In fact, you can even tour our woodshop and showroom to see our process and examine our products. At Shenandoah Shutters, we usually only fine American woods and our silken lacquer finish to design our plantation shutters. No plastic or vinyl here. We even patented our own plantation shutter design, the Softedge, giving you more options for your plantation shutters. 

Explore our products and photo gallery to see our passion for plantation shutters. When you’re ready, contact us with your questions and to set-up your free, in-home design consultation with a member of our team.

A Quick Guide to Plantation Shutter Terminology

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As you explore your options for hardwood plantation shutters, you’ll also come across a variety of unfamiliar words and descriptions. From louvers to rails, there are certain words associated with plantation shutters that you need to know for the best installation experience. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most heard words and phrases: 

Louver 

This is most likely the word that you’ll come across the most often when researching plantation shutters. The louvers are the main part of the plantation shutter. You’ll immediately recognize louvers as the movable wooden slats that run horizontally across the shutter and filter in or out sunlight to allow for the perfect ambiance. 

Louvers come in different shapes and sizes based on your own preference. At Shenandoah Shutters, you can choose from three different louver sizes. Our louvers are available in 2.5”, 3.5”, or 4.5” sizes. The middle size tends to be the most common choice for custom built plantation shutters, but you might prefer the smallest size if you also have small windows. If you have large windows, or if you just prefer the style of larger louvers, then you might choose to select the 4.5” style. The larger the louver size, the more open your view can be, as well. 

No matter what size louver you choose, your plantation shutters will be classically elegant and provide a warm atmosphere for your home. The same is true of plantation shutter shapes. There are flat and contour shape choices at Shenandoah Shutters. 

Flat louvers are exactly as they sound. They are flat on top and on bottom. A contoured louver, meanwhile, is reminiscent of an airplane’s wings. Contoured louvers start out small, widen in the middle, and then are small again. 

Rail

Rails are the long, horizontal wood pieces that can be found at the bottom and top of each plantation shutter panel. Some plantation shutters, especially double hung windows, may also have a rail in the center, or a divider rail. A divider rail gives you even more freedom for light control, as you can have your louvers set one way on top and another way on the bottom. The divider rail is also a popular choice for its added privacy benefits, as you can have your lower louvers closed for privacy while your top louvers stream in the sunny day.

Tilt Rod

The tilt rod is what allows the louvers to open and close. There are single tilt rods, hidden tilt rods, and split tilt rods. 

A single tilt rod is the long, visible rod in the middle of the plantation shutter that goes from the top to the bottom of the panel. It attaches each louver. A hidden tilt rod, meanwhile, is hidden behind the panels, but has the same functionality. Hidden tilt rods allow for a more modern look, while single tilt rods allow for a more traditional plantation shutter appearance. A split tilt rod is similar to the divider rail in that it also allows for independent light control of the top and bottom shutters. However, the split tilt rod doesn’t actually use a rail.   

Stile

Stiles are the vertical wood pieces that are on each side of the louvers. Stiles hold the mounted louvers with louver pins. 

Shadowbox

A shadowbox accommodates your door handle, so that plantation shutters can be added to your French door. Since we custom build our plantation shutters, we can easily outfit your unique French door.   

Cafe Shutter

Cafe shutters are a popular shutter style, especially in kitchens and breakfast nooks. Cafe shutters have plantation shutters on the bottom and an open window at the top. You can install a valance or other fabric window treatment above the open window. This is another term that is exactly what it sounds like, with the end result looking like the windows of fine cafes. Of course, this plantation shutter style looks equally as beautiful in rooms other than the kitchen. 

Slider

A slider is a design for your sliding glass door. With a slider, you can have plantation shutters on your sliding door without sacrificing your ability to slide the door open and shut. 

Our Patented Softedge Design

Another term that we’re thrilled for you to know is Softedge, the name for our very own, patented design concept. With the Softedge, you can have your hinges discreetly hidden in a style that is similar to European cabinetry. European cabinetry doesn’t use bulky frames and maintains a clean, harmonious focus, just like our Softedge design. While this style is ideal for tilt-in and casement windows, it is also a popular choice for a variety of other window types. The Softedge is our way of adding another modern component to classically elegant plantation shutters. 

Getting to Know Shenandoah Shutters

These are just some of the most commonly used terms at Shenandoah Shutters. Your design consultant will be happy to guide you through the terminology and options to find the plantation shutter design plan that is right for your home. You can also visit our showroom and woodshop in Richmond, just a few hours or less away from our service areas. Since we’re locally owned and operated, you’ll be able to view our products and process firsthand. 

With decades of experience, our woodworkers can craft a plantation shutter for any window size or shape. We have solutions for even the most difficult installations. Give us a call or contact us online today to discuss your plantation shutter needs. We’ll set up a free, in-home design consultation and estimate. 

At Shenandoah Shutters, we use only the finest American woods to build our plantation shutters. No plastics or vinyl here. Our woods of choice are yellow poplar for cream interior shutters and basswood for stained plantation shutters, as these woods provide for a vibrant, rich color. Of course, you’re welcome to request a specialty wood, like cherry, oak, or mahogany, to match your existing furniture. We can also provide a custom color.

How to Decorate Your Home With Plantation Shutters

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Authentic, custom made plantation shutters are a decoration all on their own. The natural wood blends right in with most home furnishings and the controlled light they provide sets the ambiance of each room. Since they bring your window to the forefront of your room in such a vibrant way, many people wonder how exactly to decorate around their plantation shutters. Can you hang photographs or large art pieces in rooms with plantation shutters? Does the color of the shutters have any bearing on the design and style of the room?

The design consultants at Shenandoah Shutters will work with you on any requests or concerns regarding the crafting of your plantation shutters and their installation, but let’s take a look at the answers to some common questions regarding home decoration with plantation shutters: 

How Does Shutter Color Affect a Room’s Décor or Design Theme?

For interior plantation shutters, white, cream, and stained shutters are the most popular choices. To provide the richest possible color, shades of white and cream are best suited to yellow poplar wood, while stained shutters pair best with basswood. Some people have special requests for colors or woods that best match their individual home design. 

When trying to determine the best for your home, remember that white or creamy shades brighten rooms. The soft color combined with the sunlight from the plantation shutters creates an extremely light feel. If you live near the water, you might especially enjoy the lightness of white plantation shutters. This color pairs well with beach-themed rooms and wall colors like blue or gray. 

Of course, you don’t have to have a beach house to enjoy white plantation shutters. These color shades are timeless and allow the shutters to blend more fully into almost any home décor. Depending on your decorating scheme, white plantation shutters can shift into looking classic or modern. If you’re looking for more versatility in your home design choices, then white or cream colored shutters might be the perfect match for you. 

Stained hardwood plantation shutters, on the other hand, look exquisite alongside warm paint colors and other rustic, wooden furniture pieces. The light coming from richly stained plantation shutters lends a cozy atmosphere to any room. If you’re wanting your plantation shutters to add drama to your room and interact with your room theme, then you’ll likely prefer the natural beauty of stained plantation shutters.

What About Faux Wood or Other Plantation Shutter Types?

Faux wood shutters, plastic shutters, and other plantation shutter imitations may cost less, but they simply don’t offer the same authentic style and value as real, hardwood plantation shutters. Those shutters are made to look like the real thing for a reason, after all. All wood plantation shutters are an essential choice for quality window design. At Shenandoah Shutters, we finish every shutter with a lacquer, silken finish that fits right in with any elegant room design.

Can You Combine Plantation Shutters with Fabric Window Treatments?

You might be surprised to learn that it’s not at all uncommon to combine plantation shutters with fabric treatments. This is especially popular with white plantation shutters, as the versatility of white shutters easily pairs with colored drapery panels or curtains for dramatic effect. The combination of lace or sheer fabrics set against the light of the plantation shutters is another particularly gorgeous choice. There are also certain window shutters, like café shutters, that have a fabric valance at the top and plantation shutters at the bottom. This style is often seen in kitchens or breakfast nooks. 

The design consultants at Shenandoah Shutters are extremely familiar with coordinating existing fabric window treatments and plantation shutters. Let us know the vision for your home and we’ll help bring it to life.

Does the Light From Plantation Shutters Change the Design of a Room?  

The soft light of plantation shutters can effortlessly make a room appear larger. Regardless of your choice in room decorations or theme, plantation shutters will make your room feel cozy and spacious all at once. Through the use of plantation shutters and lamps, you may find that you don’t require as much overhead lighting, which is another way to help your home feel larger.

How Can You Decorate with Plantation Shutters?

Installing plantation shutters doesn’t limit your ability to hang art pieces, display framed photographs, or even place furniture or shelving. The best thing to do is to think of your plantation shutters as the foundation of your room design. Use the color, type, and location of your shutters (such as the center of your living room) to coordinate your furniture and décor. Some interesting ideas include matching furniture pieces to stained shutters, incorporating throw pillows or blankets that match white shutters, or treating the shutters like an art piece and constructing gallery walls around the shutter. The possibilities are endless!

Can You Put Plantation Shutters on Doors?

Plantation shutters look beautiful on French and even sliding glass doors. You can use plantation shutters however you wish, choosing only to include them in certain parts of your home, but having plantation shutters throughout your entire house definitely makes a strong design statement. In the past, customers of Shenandoah Shutters have loved the look of their plantation shutters so much that they even put forth special requests for louvered doors from our skilled craftsmen.

Looking to Install Plantation Shutters?

Custom made, hardwood plantation shutters offer more than just beauty. They are energy-efficient and increase the resale value of your home. In terms of style, they are versatile and set the tone of your home. You can decorate around your shutters in any way that suits you, from coordinating your shutters with dramatic drapery panels to hanging valuable art. Shenandoah Shutters offers a variety of types of interior plantation shutters, all locally crafted in Richmond, Virginia. If you’re concerned about how a uniquely shaped window will look with a plantation shutter, ask your consultant about our own, patented Softedge design that conceals the hinges and keeps the shutter appearance clean. No more bulky frames.

Contact Shenandoah Shutters today to set up your free, in-home design estimate and consultation with one of our expert team members. Don’t forget to view our gallery for more ideas on designing and decorating with your plantation shutters.

Have Your Dream Kitchen With These 9 Ideas

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If you’ve recently bought a new house, or if you’ve just been watching a lot of HGTV and are looking to shake things up a bit, one of the first rooms on your list for potential upgrades is probably the kitchen. As the location of family meal planning and holiday cooking, the kitchen is a decidedly special place in any home. There are a seemingly endless number of ways to style your kitchen, but here’s a look at 9 of the most popular kitchen concepts and 2019 trends to help you plan your dream kitchen renovation:

Bring the Technology to the Kitchen

Smart technology has made its way from our phones to our homes. From smart thermostats to smart carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, you can easily maintain your home without lifting a finger. In the kitchen, tools like automatic trash cans, smart refrigerators, and iRobot varieties can make the space feel instantly updated and modern. Some smart technology choices can even make your home more appealing to potential buyers should that time come around. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, go ahead and have some fun exploring the various smart home options for your kitchen. 

Try Quartz on the Countertop

Quartz is the new favorite when it comes to countertop material. The darling of 2019 countertops, quartz is actually an ideal material for kitchen counters. While granite, a previously popular material, has really always been too porous to be an appropriate countertop material, quartz is completely non-porous. Non-porous materials are less likely to harbor bacteria or hold unsightly stains. Quartz is also a stronger and more versatile material. Plus, it’s an equally lovely material to see in a kitchen. 

Choose Darker Colors

For the longest time, all-white kitchens were considered to be the dream. Those kitchens are still beautiful, but the trend in 2019 has been to add more drama and depth to the kitchen. Warm and dark colors, like deep reds, navy blues, browns, and even all-black have been popular choices so far this year. Walls aren’t the only parts of the kitchen being painted, either. Painted cabinets are trendy this year, as well, most notably in shades of blue. 

Declutter

It’s hard to cook in a cluttered kitchen. Too much clutter can also make a space appear smaller. Consider investing in simple organizational tools, like storage bins, or building a walk-in pantry to handle some of the clutter. If you aren’t able to have a big renovation, decluttering your kitchen is an easy way to make the space feel updated without spending a lot of time or money on the task.

Spruce Up Your Kitchen

Adding a plant to your kitchen is an inexpensive way to make the whole room feel cozy and put together. Certain plants, like mint plants, are even thought to keep away insects. You might also enjoy growing and displaying kitchen herbs, like basil or rosemary plants.

Adjust the Lighting

Airy, softly lit kitchens are extremely popular in 2019. Instead of relying on a great deal of overhead lighting, make all-wood plantation shutters apart of your kitchen. Stained wooden plantation shutters, for instance, look magnificent alongside the dark kitchen trend. White or cream colored interior shutters, too, easily blend well with any paint color, adding to the lightness of cool colors or providing a contrast to darker colors. 

Take a look at your options at Shenandoah Shutters. We can craft shutters for any kitchen window. You can also add a splash of color or trendy drama to your plantation shutters by hanging drapery panels alongside your shutters. Café shutters are popular in kitchens and allow potential for a colorful valance. Even more than smart technology, plantation shutters increase your home’s resale value and provide aesthetics that will completely enhance the look and feel of your kitchen. 

Add a Tall and Colorful Backsplash

Backsplashes give your kitchen a pop of color and specialized design. This year, backsplashes in unique or exotic patterns and materials have been hugely popular. These days, as well, backsplashes reach the ceiling as opposed to remaining just a small part of the kitchen wall. This means a greater investment in your backsplash material, but if you love the look, the payoff may well be worth it. A colorful, hexagon tile backsplash is particularly favored and appealing, especially alongside the painted cabinet trend.

Include a Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands never seem to go out of style. You might think that if you’ve seen one kitchen island, you’ve seen them all, but there are actually a variety of types of islands. Adding an island to your kitchen can provide a seating area inside of your kitchen, an extra prep area, or just serve as an inviting addition to your kitchen space. 

Don’t Forget the Kitchen Sink

It’s amazing what a fresh faucet or new sink can do for the look of a kitchen. Farmhouse sinks are still popular, but seamless sinks are also a favorite because they’re so easy to clean. If you have an island and you regularly entertain, you may even want to add a second sink to your kitchen by having one in your island, as well. Want a quick tip on how to keep your sink looking spotless? Use a gentle sponge to scrub with baking soda instead of harsh chemicals that might damage your sink. You can combine baking soda with a little bit of Dawn or vinegar for an even deeper clean. 

Start with the Shutters

When it comes to home improvements, small changes can make big statements. Once  you’ve decided on the color or theme of your kitchen, make plans to pair your window treatment with your décor before moving on to the smaller items in your space. You can use your color scheme and plantation shutter design to guide the rest of your kitchen plans. 
Our online plantation shutter photo gallery can help jumpstart your ideas. Whether you’ve chosen to follow this year’s trends or go your own way, Shenandoah Shutters is ready to contribute to your dream kitchen design.

Contact us today to schedule a free, in-home design estimate and consultation to plan your interior plantation shutters. Live near Richmond? Spend some time visiting and touring our woodshop and showroom on Cofer Road to see personally how we’ll craft your custom hardwood shutters.