I received a great question about Hunter Douglas' remote control technology that prompted me to use it as my feature story. It reminds us that the more we know about what we are buying, the better decision we can make about what goes in our home.

Here's the question:

Dear Control-less: I am so glad that you love your Silhouette® window shadings. They truly are one of my favorites! Unfortunately, the remote control technology— PowerRise® with Platinum™Technology—can't be retrofitted. I know this isn't the answer that you're hoping for. But if you and your husband love the idea of remote control technology, let me tell you a bit more about some of our popular motorization options for when you make a future window fashion purchase:

• PowerRise® with Platinum™ Technology allows you to raise or lower individual horizontal shades and shadings simply by pointing the remote at the receiver eye (either built into the headrail or on a satellite eye) and pressing the Up or Down button. As well as Silhouette window shadings, PowerRise is available on our popular Duette® and Applause® honeycomb shades, Designer Roller Shades, Brilliance® pleated shades and Vignette® Modern Roman Shades.
• Similarly, our PowerGlide® with Platinum Technology motorized lifting system allows you to remotely operate vertical vanes and panels on some of our popular window fashions with just the press of a button. PowerGlide is available on Luminette® Privacy Sheers and Skyline™ Gliding Window Panels.
• PowerTilt with Platinum Technology allows you to remotely operate many of our popular wood and aluminum blinds.
• We also offer remote control operation for our popular woven wood shades, roller shades and screen shades. Optional features include a wireless wall switch that allows the shades to be operated from a stationary position and a wireless timer that operates shades automatically at pre-programmed times. For more information, visit our Radio Frequency (RF) Only Remote Control page.

Your question is a reminder that it's not always easy to understand what our options are. Just deciding what choice to make at a car wash takes a little time, as I learned the other day when I had to pick between the Basic, Super and Super Duper washes.

As I've discovered over the years, both as a design consultant and a consumer, the key is to make sure you take the time to educate yourself as much as possible (just like you are by visiting our website) and then to be sure to ask questions.

Don't be shy! When you're looking for the right window fashion, you'll naturally have a lot of questions. Not just about finding the product and material that's perfect for your home and your lifestyle, but what options are ideal too. And remember, if you'd like help sorting through your choices, we're always here and happy to answer your questions.

- Sally