Dressing to the Nine...with a little help from technology

That’s what you’re seeing on fashion conscious windows in upscale homes all over Northern California, thanks to the folks at Rico’s Window Coverings. This family owned Sacramento business, which is celebrating 50 years in their industry, might, at first glance, conjure up images of “Mom and Pop storefront.”

The fact is, however, that Rico’s Window Coverings has “dressed up” thousands of upscale homes in Northern California as well as just about every recognizable high-rise on the Sacramento skyline... both sides of the river.

Much has changed since Rico Morotti’s father (the first Rico—there are three) opened the doors to Draperies by Rico in 1958. Back then, it was draperies and sheers.

To say the least, technology has caught up with art. As far as window coverings in the luxury class are concerned, motorization is the hot item in 2008.

“Motorization started in the commercial segment because of the need to address energy conservation, integration into audio/ visual systems, and ease of use,” says owner Rico Morotti, “And with larger homes, especially those with massive windows, much of this technology has been upgraded and adapted into upscale personal residences. Due in part to the public’s interest in energy conservation, what you might have seen 10 years ago in an office, we’re now installing in homes on a regular basis.”

It’s an increasingly prevalent solution for owners of large, upscale homes to manage heat and glare issues produced by having windows of notable square footage. These homes are well suited to products like solar window films, sunscreens and motorized window shades.

And these aren’t your father’s window shades. These “smart shades” combine brainpower and “green” consciousness.

Booming technological advances combined with increasingly affordable components has helped merge window coverings and tech-savvy home integration. For instance, solar tracking systems are programmed to automatically close shades in concert with direct sunlight, thereby resulting in energy conservation as well as helping remedy sun-fading issues on home furnishings. Besides featuring longevity and ease of use, much like interior lighting set to timers, these programmed, motorized shades offer an added anti-burglary component.

The newest advancement in window films is ceramic technology. This much-improved ceramic film replaces the old technology of metal alloy, which, from the exterior, presented a mirrored look. Ceramic film also has a higher level of heat rejection, greater anti-fade protection, is noticeably more translucent and has the approval of the American Cancer Society.

Paying respect to what started it all, Rico gave praise to the latest trends in draperies. “There are newer and better silk fabrics, higher quality and sustainable and recyclable materials, amazing indoor/outdoor lines and greater selection in customizations with endless options, including custom cornices and valances,” says Rico, “and, just as we have for the last 50 years, we continue to utilize top of the line purveyors such as Donghia, Robert Allen, Kravet, Trend and Pollac.”

For more information about Rico’s Window Coverings call 916-366-RICO or visit their showroom at 9893 Horn Road, Sacramento. RicosWindow.com.