Chatting All Things Window Furnishings with Pavone + Co
A family run business that offers so much more than just blinds and shutters – Pavone + Co treat every space like their own place. They transform ordinary spaces into homes that are warm, relaxing and a reflection of ourselves – a home that tells a story of who we each are as an individual.
Having operated for 12 years now, Pavone + Co first was initially known as Creative Blinds and Shutters and has recently undergone an exciting brand overhaul. Sandro Pavone has been in the blind industry for over 15 years and started his own business as he wanted to offer customers a more personalised service – customer service and offering the right solution to customers was a priority. His wife Angela recently joined so they are now a powerful duo with her interior design background and furniture sales from the last 20 years.
We sat and discussed the ins-and-outs of window furnishings, making a house a home and ultimately maximising its value.
What should be considered when choosing a style of window coverings for your home?
We ask you questions as there is no right answer that works for all.
How do you use the space?
What is important to you?
Cost? Aesthetics? Lighting? Living requirements?
From that, the home and windows dictate to us what can be offered. Sometimes what the customer thought they wanted might not be the best or only solution too so we offer alternatives and suggest what we would do if this was our home.
How should you choose the right colours? Should you complement your décor or pick something that will contrast?
Even though we see a rise in bold colours, they can be subjective and a trend that may pass so it’s important to understand what is important to you – making a statement or the longevity, a timeless solution. Window furnishings should compliment you, your decor and your style.
In saying that, contrasting black shutters or a solid colour block-out curtain can really make a statement to any room!
What do you believe is the impact of styling and quality window furnishings to appeal to buyers and increase a property’s value?
Using the correct quality window furnishings can make a statement and ‘dress’ a room. It can bring warmth and personality. On the other side, the lack of this, or wrong choices, can really hinder the “feel” of a room.
We find adding quality shutters and/or sheer curtains can add elegance, increase value and completely change how light enters your room. We customise every single window and look at the sizes and shapes – customising tricky-shaped/odd windows and doors where needed. Using the right type of quality shutter is also an important decision… a shutter is not just a shutter.
The material it’s made from is so important as you can see a cheap shutter compared to a quality one. And they just don’t stand the test of time – yellowing, chipping, warping. Our curtains are not just stock standard and purchased off a shelf also – every curtain is custom and handmade locally.
How should a customer determine a budget and how should it differ for your own home and an investment property?
Budget would have to be the most important thing for people in deciding a window furnishing – you must do what you can afford, however many customers are beginning to understand the value that they add to a home and are looking to change their roller/venetians blinds or older curtains to shutters.
Some people want to do it in stages for cost reasons which is totally understandable. However when they are installed we 100% guarantee that you will want to do the rest of the home, as customers can then see how it transforms a home. Sometimes people just need to see it to believe it! Spending money on good quality window furnishings will always add value to home and appeal to prospective buyers come time to sell.
If it’s for an investment property – we generally suggest dual roller blinds as this is the most cost-effective and simplest way to dress a window and do what it’s meant to do (provide privacy and block out out light as needed).
How important is it to consider unique solutions for staircases, bi-fold doors, custom window sizes/shapes when designing or purchasing a home?
It’s beautiful to have big windows, frameless corners, large bi-fold or sliding glass doors but window furnishings are most of the time an after-thought. Every window needs a covering or furnishing of some sort! It’s always a good idea to get a window furnishings supplier in as early as possible.
There are a number of solutions for tricky windows, openings, wet areas -that’s why we ask lots of questions on how you use the space and your budget. A lot of the time its gets overlooked and one size does not fit all as tends to be the case with larger commercial window furnishing companies.
It is SO important to look at everything as a whole and not just the easiest solution. We thrive on problem solving and challenges, but we pride ourselves on being honest and sharing our expertise on what is the best solution.
With so much competition in the window furnishing space, what should we look out for when picking someone trusted that delivers what is promised?
Referrals and recommendations are what builds a business with customer service and satisfaction. Do your research and ask family, friends, and local community networks if they have any recommendations.
Working purely on a referral basis for 12 years, we pride ourselves on expertise, knowledge – and customer service – the big one! Clearly explaining to the client what is involved and actually delivering what is promised, all whilst making it an easy and seamless experience.
With larger commercial companies, the person that quotes is not who always installs. The time and explanation Sandro invests during the initial appointment will give the customer an accurate quote with no hidden costs that may arise later on. And then on the day, he is there for the install, so he recalls every window in the home and all of the previous discussions.
A quality product is extremely important too, which is why we use Australian made and high-quality materials. Always ask whoever you chose where their products are made, the quality and the warranty/after-service.
Automation – is it something everyone can consider or just an expensive novelty? What do you foresee in the future?
Automation is definitely becoming more affordable. At the moment the most cost-effective way is adding basic automation to any existing roller blind. You can convert them to a wireless motorised system that is rechargeable and be connected to any smart device.
Full automation can be achieved but is more costly. Everything and anything can be done when it comes to window furnishings – the use of voice activation to open and shut your blinds from anywhere in the world is the way of the future and is here to stay!
You don’t need a new home to have this feature either, just ask us how.
What are the current trends you are seeing recently and which do you think is here to stay?
The current trends we are seeing are people adding softness to there lounge and bedrooms using sheers curtains with many combinations. We are also seeing the rise of people spending on outdoor areas. Use of awnings and zip-screens, even aluminium external bi-fold shutters which gives you complete flexibility – it will add a room to your home which can be used all year round.
Another trend for inside the home and won’t be going away anytime soon is having a complete spare room which is converted to a study/home office. Built-in nooks have proven to not offer enough privacy and quiet during these working-from-home times and people have seen the strain of using their kitchen bench or dining table as a secondary office/remote school learning.
So, for all of your internal and external window furnishings, and home styling and interior design needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sandro and Angela from Pavone + Co for a chat.
pavoneandco.com.au/
@pavoneandco
Beautiful image from a recent curtain, shutter and awning project by Pavone + Co.