Slats Blind & Shutter Experts

let there be light
(and privacy!)
BY LEE RHODES
Bands of fabric in varying opacities transition past each other providing total light and privacy control in Allure Blinds from Lafayette.
When you think of window blinds and shades, you don’t necessarily think of
beauty. So, you might be surprised to learn that blinds can, in fact, function
beautifully and be beautiful. They cannot only create privacy and filter sunlight, but
they can breathe new (aesthetic) life into a room. Who knew?
We spoke with two expert window blind professionals who gave us the details
on creative blind solutions, what’s trending, and how technology and automation
play a role. ➻

FORM AND FUNCTION
Slats Blind and Shutter Experts in
Cincinnati has a transitional shade
known as Allure that is made of
bands of opaque fabric. The look of
transitional shades is not only clean,
but they require virtually no maintenance,
since dust doesn’t fall or settle
on vertical surfaces. Slats co-owner
Rudy Forte, who started working at
his father’s drapery business as a kid,
likes them so much that he has them
throughout his own home and his
vacation home.
Innovative yet surprisingly simple,
Allure sits snugly and completely
flush with the window and differs
from a traditional slatted blind, being
comprised of two panels of alternating
mesh and translucent fabric.
Manually, or with a motorized feature,
operated remotely or with an
app, homeowners can manipulate the
amount of light passing through the
fabric to allow a preferred amount of
sunlight to fill the space. This style
of shade gives new meaning to the
marriage of beauty and functionality.
Aerolux Blinds and Shades is a family-run
window covering manufacturer
in the Dayton area. They offer
a similar combo blind-shade known
as Shadow Glide. “The bright, clean,
minimalistic look of these blinds
completely transforms the look
and feel of a home,” says Sushmita
Jain, owner of Aerolux. “They can
be adjusted to allow all the light in
or block it out—or any interval in
between.” ➻
1 This versatile window covering can allow maximum sunlight to shine through or
act as a translucent blind. 2 Tucked above the headrail is a rechargeable tubular
motorized system that allows for remote operation. Both photos: Shadow Glide
Blind from Aerolux.
2 slatsblinds.com

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3
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3 Cellular shades create a layer of insulation which helps keep your home warmer
in the winter and cooler in the summer. 4 Motorized blinds can link to smart home
devices and be raised and lowered with your voice or phone. Both photos: Parasol
Cellular Shades from Lafayette.
slats blind & shutter experts 3

STILL-POPULAR STANDARDS
We’d be remiss not to mention the mainstays of the blind world, and the
following remain quite popular: sun-deflecting, energy-saving screen shades;
sleek roller shades; Roman shades with waterfall pleats; and elegant, enduring
plantation shutters, all customizable. Regarding the latter, “The louvres can
range from two inches to up to four-and-a-half inches, for a beachy look,” says
Forte. “They also have them with hidden tilt rods [or no tilt rods] so there’s no
vertical sight line and you don’t have to dust around the rod.”
Removing the need to dust may not sound terribly enterprising, but it’s just
one of many modern conveniences in the blind world. It wasn’t so long ago that
people who wanted motorized blinds had to have them installed as their home
was being built, with wires running up to the windows. Today, rechargeable
battery-operated motors allow homeowners to easily control their blinds, making
installation a cinch and cords non-existent, and smart technology means
you can adjust your blinds from a mobile device app or your voice. “You can be
in Tahiti and can make it look like you’re home,” explains Forte.
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1 These transparent, outdoor blinds can withstand heavy wind and rain while giving
you clear visibility of any landscape. Monsoon Blinds from Aerolux. 2 These
shutters, made of sustainable wood, have no visible tilt rod, but use a built-in gear
system for precise light control. Normandy Shutters by Norman. 3 Roman or roller
shades can be custom designed from a collection of over 2,300 fabrics in the Interior
Masterpieces collection from Lafayette. 4 Roller shades are available in a variety
of shapes, patterns and styles. The opacity can be customized from 1% to 10% in
Genesis Shades from Lafayette.
4 slatsblinds.com

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OUTDOOR OPTIONS
Lest you think blinds are relegated to indoors, consider Aerolux’s outdoor weather solution, the Monsoon Blind. As
the name suggests, this solution, which grew out of a need in the resort areas of the Maldives, was designed to take on
Mother Nature.
“The challenge was to create something non-permanent that can be lowered when inclement weather comes, but goes
completely away when you don’t need it, to give you an unobstructed view of your beautiful landscape,” says Jain. “It’s
made of clear PVC and pleats up like a Roman shade. It can completely close an area to block rain, wind, and in these
parts, snow, allowing homeowners to extend the use of their outdoor space.” ➻
slats blind & shutter experts 5

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ADAPTIVE SOLUTIONS
Also, in keeping with the times, are the
pandemic’s effects on the industry—
yet some of these effects are, thankfully,
positive. First, people are finding
opportunities to invest in their homes,
including in window treatments, whether
incorporating new, creative solutions,
or finally getting around to fixing that
one pesky broken blind. And businesses
have changed the way they do business.
“We’re measuring virtually and
designing virtually,” explains Jain. “Over
Facetime, Zoom, or by phone, I meet my
client and can tour their home to get an
appreciation for their color palette and
preferred style, and even take measurements.
Customers love this option during
the pandemic.”
Finally, if you’re considering making
a change to your home’s blinds or
shades and you want to make your dollars
stretch, she recommends that you
beautify the main living areas first (versus
areas such as garages, laundry rooms
and even kids’ bedrooms, where they
often don’t even open their blinds). In
any case, enjoy the aesthetic appeal—
and amazing functionality—of what
today’s blinds have to offer.
1 Design Studio Roman Shades are paired with side-panel drapes in the Tree of Life
pattern. 2 Perfect for patios and sunrooms, Designer Screen Shades maintain outdoor
views while providing UV protection.
Both photos this page from Hunter Douglas.
RESOURCES
Slats Blind & Shutter Experts
aeroluxblindsandshades.com
hunterdouglas.com
lafvb.com
6 slatsblinds.com

These transitional shades offer solutions for diverse spaces, such as sheer shades that transition to full coverage,
creating two treatments in one. Allure Blinds from Lafayette.
slats blind & shutter experts 7

projectSP TLIGHT
WINDOWS
& WOODS
Contemporary great room in Hyde Park
plays with textures and light
BY PEGGY NACHTRAB | Photos by Ross Van Pelt
Lee Grammas found exactly what he was looking for—a space to design and call home
near his extended family and many business interests. The real estate developer and
restaurant owner loves the location, as it is just a short drive to his E+O Kitchen, a
popular Asian fusion eatery just off Hyde Park Square. ➻
8 slatsblinds.com

Lee managed to find amongst the stately, century-old
homes of the neighborhood, a hidden treasure where
he could create his modern version of a tranquil place
to unwind. “Construction on the home had just begun
when I bought the property,” Lee explains, so he was able
to have creative control from practically the ground up.
The Cincinnatian wanted an environment with a sleek,
contemporary design that evoked a relaxed mood. “Most
importantly, I wanted it to feel like home,” he adds.
Wall of light
Immediately upon entering the two-story brick home’s
foyer, the natural light pouring in demands to be noticed.
The wall of floor-to-ceiling windows features Allure
Transitional Shades by Lafayette Interior Fashions. “These
particular shades fit Lee’s design perfectly,” explains Rudy
Forte, co-owner of Slats, a local blind and shutter company.
“They are lightweight, low maintenance and versatile,
giving Lee the flexibility to let in a lot of light and
enjoy privacy,” the co-owner of the 25-year-old firm adds.
Making the homeowner’s vision a reality is award winning
interior designer Renan Menninger, owner of RM
Interiors. Known for her imaginative, contemporary designs,
Menninger has been working with Lee for 18 months. “I
love creating a clean, crisp look,” Menninger explains. Not
only has she collaborated with Lee on every inch of livable
space, including the kitchen and three bathrooms, she also
has furnished it with many one-of-a-kind pieces that all
help create the perfect space for Lee to relax and recharge.
slats blind & shutter experts 9

OPENING PHOTO American white
oak flooring with gray stonewash
is featured throughout the entire
home, adding to the airy, bright
ambience.
ABOVE Double windows provide
extra lighting in the kitchen corner.
The custom-made maple dining
table’s forward positioning practically
invites guests to take a seat.
Overhead, ultra-thin lighting blends
seamlessly with horizontal cabinet
hardware and shade design.
RIGHT Cedar, maple and white oak
woods meet beneath the fireplace.
The floating custom maple hearth is
made from the same wood as the
dining table, subtly connecting the
rooms.
10 slatsblinds.com

projectSP TLIGHT
To no surprise, Lee’s favorite spot in his home is the great room. A focal point is,
undeniably, the chic, linear gas fireplace, framed by possibly the most understated yet
dramatic room feature. Resting on the floating custom maple hearth is a 10-foot Shou
Sugi Ban treated cedar plank. This exotic, gator-textured wood adds a gorgeous accent
to this minimalist home. “I like to feature mixed materials throughout to add depth
and contrast,” Menninger explains. The designer’s creativity is nowhere more apparent
than where the cedar, maple and American white oak meet. These three custom woods,
all beautifully placed, help Lee realize his dream of a serene place to call home.
ABOVE The entire wall
of floor-to-ceiling windows
features Allure Transitional
Shades by Lafayette Interior
Fashions in anthracite gray.
The lightweight, versatile
blinds, shown here in the
closed position, require
no dusting and are the
perfect complement to
the home’s design.
RESOURCES
Blinds Slats Blind & Shutter Experts; Interior design, furniture and accessories RM
Interiors; Sound system and security Legacy Custom Entertainment and Security
slats blind & shutter experts 11

SLATS
Blind & Shutter Experts
See why Cincinnati’s finest homeowners choose
The
Story
After 13 years in the industry as installers,
business partners Tom Huber and Rudy Forte
founded on a “no frills” approach to
business. There are no pressure sales: just quality
products at competitive prices and a commitment
to trustworthy and reliable service. It is a basic
philosophy based on genuine customer service
that has served the company well.
Buy from and if you ever have a blind that
doesn’t work properly, we’ll fix it for free —for as
long as you live in your home! That is the
warranty!
• Free In-Home Consultation
• Lifetime warranty by Slats
(Motorized blinds 5 year warranty)
• Competitive Pricing
• Expert Installers
• Work with top builders and designers
• Local owners working together since 1994
• Servicing Greater Cincinnati, Dayton and the
Tri-State region.
11928 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati 45249 « 513-616-9835 « www.SlatsBlinds.com
Showroom Hours
Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 11 am – 4 pm
Tuesday & Thursday by Appointment
Saturday from 11 am – 3 pm, Closed on Sunday
OJ2022.22103