Window Treats, Inc.

Red Bank, New Jersey, June 24, 2010: New homeowners, design students and community-minded folks came together on Tuesday evening, June 8^th at the Red Bank, New Jersey showroom of Window Treats Inc. to hear great decorating advice … and raise money for a worthwhile cause. Elliot Laniado, owner of the custom window fashions business and his son, Meyer, teamed up with 180 Turning Lives Around – the Monmouth County social service agency that supports victims of domestic and sexual violence – to bring decorating superstar Sally Morse to Red Bank for an evening of “Wine and Design”. Sally, the national director of creative services at Hunter Douglas and a frequent guest on HGTV, led her audience through the “Ten Steps to Decorating the Perfect Room” - resulting in great tips and raising more than $800. to benefit 180 Turning Lives Around.

“This was a wonderful evening of star power and service,” said Barbara Napoli, development associate for the agency. “Sally’s expertise and sense of humor made it a very memorable event!”. Money raised will go directly to 180 Turning Lives Around counseling and prevention programs and services.”

Highlighted are the list of Sally Morse’s ‘Step by Step’ suggestions:

Step 1 – Start with Color. “You don’t start a road trip without a map,” cited Ms. Morse as she began her program. “We all need a starting point. Find a print that you love – whether it’s wallpaper, fabric, a patterned carpet or artwork and build your room around the ‘starting’ color because you’re going to be living with a long time!”

Step 2 – Select your Case Goods – Determine what type of tables, cabinets, counter tops, dressers, headboards, sofas, chair and floor you really like and make sure they are correctly sized for the dimensions and layout of the room.

Step 3 – Placement – Furniture placement is a key element in the overall look of your room. Moore recommends three different layouts for living rooms based on the alphabet: “I love an “L”-shaped set-up for sofas and chairs, but a “U” or “X” layouts can work beautifully, as well.”

Step 4 – Lighting – “I love decorating with chandeliers and wall sconces because they add drama and style to any room. Small interesting lamps on bathrooms vanities, kitchen countertops and in hallways always provide a beautiful soft touch.”

Step 5 – Windows – “Now, more than ever, window treatments are called upon to be both fashionable and functional by bringing privacy, light control, energy efficiency and beauty to any room. With a huge selection of shades, blinds and shutters to choose from, the homeowner can add a fabulous ‘finishing touch’ to any room with custom treatments.”

Step 6 – Flooring – From stone, vinyl and tile to area rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting, selecting beautiful flooring materials can compliment any room. “I personally love wool carpeting as it wears beautifully and cleans easily”.

Step 7 - Walls – This kind of decorating includes wallpapers and paints. Sally suggested that pearlized paints in a variety of lovely hues look great by adding a soft sheen to a room. She also sees a return to flocked wallcoverings and grasscloth and asked the audience to make a pledge to ‘never paint their walls beige or white’!

Step 8 – Hard Accessories – These include paintings and artwork, mirrors, pottery, lamps and lighting – pieces that you love that express your personality and style. “When grouping paintings,” Sally advises, “ place the smaller ones above the large ones to avoid a ‘top-heavy’ look”.

Step 9 –Soft Accessories – Items such as pillows, tablecloths, curtains and draperies, silk flowers and plants soften lines and create warmth. “Try to combine an equal number of hard and soft accessories in one room to achieve balance,” Sally cites. “These details really give your room style and substance.”

Step 10 – Personal Touch – “We need to make our homes less ‘cookie-cutter’ by adding our own personalities in our space. Show off your interests and hobbies in a creative way by starting collections featuring photos, books, pottery, glass or sculpture. Add a sense of humor into your rooms – don’t be so serious!”

This decorating benefit event for 180 Turning Lives Around was coordinated through the efforts of Elliot and Meyer of Window Treats Inc. – both of whom are very active in the community. Elliot serves as a local EMT squad volunteer while Meyer mentors other local business owners with marketing and promotional ideas. For more information about Window Treats Inc. custom window fashions and upholstery services, visit www.windowtreatsinc.com or call 732- 219-0303.