Hunter Douglas Window Shades Qualify for Tax Credits

---

(UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ) -- For just a few more months, homeowners have the opportunity to save on their energy bills and their taxes with Duette Architella honeycomb shades from window fashions leader Hunter Douglas.  Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, federal tax credits for energy-efficient products are available for 30 percent of the cost of most Duette Architella shades, up to a maximum of $1,500 in total, when purchased and installed through December 31, 2010, provided the expense meets the tax guidelines.  Highly insulating Duette Architella shades feature a honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb construction that can more than double the energy efficiency of a window.  They are the first and only window shades to qualify for the tax credit without add-on insulation systems.

With 180 color and design choices, Duette Architella offers an extensive interiors design palette. They also preserve their true color and texture in bright sunlight, especially with opaque fabrics.  The Duette Architella design is also the only honeycomb product to provide superior pleat retention for perfect symmetry both front and back.

In addition to energy-friendly solutions, Hunter Douglas has a collection of new window fashions that were recently introduced, including the debut of its Hunter Douglas Design Studio Roman Shades. The new introductions were scheduled to be made available September 14

The collection represents the company's first major entry into traditional soft window treatments.  Design Studio Roman Shades is a traditional Roman shade featuring an exquisite fabric and trim collection and custom quality craftsmanship.  The collection also offers valance options and fabric by the yard.

"Our extensive research determined that there was a need for a traditional sewn Roman shade that offered premium choices, but also provided easy selection, quick delivery and custom quality craftsmanship," said Kim Kiner, Hunter Douglas vice president of product design.  "Design Studio Roman Shades are the answer.  We searched the world for this transitional fabric collection, which includes the finest blends of silks, linens, cottons, sheers and synthetic fibers, offering the perfect design choice for virtually any decorating style."

Other new  enhancements to Hunter Douglas' product line is focused on NewStyle hybrid shutters, principal among them, the state-of-the-art UltraGrain finish that replicates the color and grain pattern of real wood.

"Hunter Douglas offers the only hybrid shutter on the market with a finish like UltraGrain, which brings the natural warmth and beauty of a real wood look into the home with the strength and quality of NewStyle," stated Jim Klawiter, vice president and general manager of the Hunter Douglas Custom Shutter Collection.  "Wood looks are so popular today and UltraGrain and the other enhancements that increase shutter options and coordination within a home provide the solutions today's consumers are seeking."

 Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades and Designer Screen Shades will now have the option of PowerRise 2.0 with Platinum Technology, the patented wireless motorization system.  There are also new fabric collections for Designer Roller Shades and one added to Designer Screen Shades.  All new collections are available within the Harmony Program - allowing the same fabric to be used in a multi-product approach to decorating that includes Designer Roller Shades and Designer Screen Shades in combination with Skyline® Gliding Window Panels.

"These new offerings provide the fashion-forward styling and enhanced functionality that today's consumers are seeking," said Jim Mathews, Hunter Douglas senior vice president of marketing.

Backed by the Hunter Douglas Lifetime Guarantee, NewStyle hybrid shutters are highly energy efficient in winter and summer, with an R-value of 6.01 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.17.  Like most Hunter Douglas product offerings, NewStyle hybrid shutters have passed rigorous standards and test procedures and are Greenguard Indoor Air Certified and also certified by Greenguard for Children & Schools.

"However you look at it, it's clear that Hunter Douglas alone is continuously redefining fashion and function at the window with new designs and innovations that are sure to exceed consumer expectations," Matthews said.

 

---