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By Chrysa Smith
I love interior design. Playing with color, texture, decorative objects is one of my greatest joys (in addition to writing.) So, it was no surprise just how much I enjoyed speaking with Robert Kline of the custom window treatment company by the same name. We talked products, trends and just how his long career has flourished, despite changing times and trends.
Custom Window by Robert A. Kline has been framing windows for over 49 years. Geographically situated in South Jersey, Robert, owner and sole installer can be found anywhere from Princeton to the shore to The Greater Philadelphia Area, including some favorites in Bucks County. Most recently, he worked on a New Hope remodel with six windows located in the master bedroom. The owner wanted to sit up in bed and be able to operate his shades. So, Robert went to work designing a system that contained a power source in the headrail of the shade, allowing the client to charge while sleeping. Just add a remote control and voila—it gave the homeowner the option for full sun, shade or anywhere in-between.
His knowledge is old school, having begun his career at JC Penney. Decades ago, the retailer was known for its custom window-covering department. I knew it well, having purchased family room drapes there myself. Robert worked as a subcontractor installing their window treatments. After several years, he decided to go out on his own, working with a variety of custom designers. And it grew to include challenging projects, like greenhouses, skylights and sunrooms, plus custom upholstery to round it all off. And he’s still doing it all—as an army of one.
I found out why. His aim is high. His thought process is way more involved than just providing a homeowner with a pretty window dressing. It’s about real estate, for one. “Quality products at a window will help a house sell better than the one next door. It’s ready to move into—one less thing for the new owner to deal with.” He likens it to a renovated kitchen or bath. “I can’t guarantee window treatments make you money, but it will help the house move quicker.”
But resale is only part of his strategy. It’s about how a window treatment will be used. What’s possible in the space. It’s about lifestyle. Are there children? Are there pets? Are you looking for privacy? Insulation? Specific colors and patterns? Will you want to open and close regularly? Will the furnishings be staying? “I don’t want to design around something temporary,” he says. After all, like all other functional, beautifying products in the home, it is an investment. Something that will endure for the long-term.
He's had to adapt a bit along the way. “There’s a lot more products available today. A lot of innovation. Engineers have come up with treatments that I didn’t think possible.” One he mentioned is the silhouette shade. Essentially two flat pieces of material with privacy ‘veins’ sandwiched in between. “It’s come into major prominence, as well as motorization,” adds Robert. “Motorized shades had to be hard-wired in the past. An electrician was required to install or fix,” because of fire risk. Today, these are totally rechargeable, like a solar panel.
“A client may look at a product as aesthetically pleasing. But I ask if it’s the right treatment for what the client is expecting,” says Robert. “Will it mechanically fit? What are the unforeseen surprises?”
It’s full disclosure with this man. From roller shades to blinds to shutters to honeycomb shades, he’s done it all. Many times, at the bequest of an interior designer. “We do a lot of repeat business, referrals and collaborate with interior designers.” He likens it to working with a conductor of an orchestra. “They have the overall vision—the carpeting, lighting, color palette. But when it’s time for window treatments, they call Robert,” he jokes. And they do.
He particularly likes working in Bucks County, he says. “They seem to embrace more traditional draperies, classic design. I can work with any style, but I like classic.” It’s a good thing too, because he says, it’s all coming back. “What people want is all recycled. Everyone was predicting the death of drapery. But I believe in addition to adding color and warmth, it’s visually and aesthetically pleasing.” And according to the expert, it’s back in a big way, complete with all the bells and whistles, like tassels, beading and tie backs. It’s like the Apparel Industry everything old is new again.”
So, Robert’s plan? To keep working. To keep the personal service clients receive from dealing directly with the owner—especially one with an abundance of experience. It’s clear he loves it, and as he says, if the business becomes even busier, he can always bring in additional installers if need be. But, he realizes he realistically can’t do it forever, so he’s also got his eye on a future owner—a gal with a special place in his heart—a granddaughter who’s expressed an interest in his business and studying interior design. Makes him happy. Me too.
You can reach Custom Window by Robert A. Kline by phone at 609-707-7742. For more information, visit www.cwrak.com.
Chrysa Smith is the Style columnist, with a certificate in and passion for design.