Designed to Disappear: Our Waterfront Cabin’s VistaShades Transformation
When we renovated our waterfront cabin in the Pacific Northwest, one of the things we loved most was the incredible views. The cabin faces south, with expansive windows that make the most of the water and surrounding landscape. But as beautiful as all that glass is, we quickly realized we needed window coverings for two important reasons: protecting our floors from the strong southern exposure and adding some privacy when we wanted it.
Finding the right solution wasn't as simple as picking out blinds from a showroom. We wanted a more personalized experience. We were striving to find something that would work with the design of the cabin without taking away from the views or making the windows feel visually heavy. That's when we found VistaShades, a family-run business specializing in custom blinds, roller shades, motorized window coverings, shutters and exterior shading solutions for homeowners across Vancouver Island, Victoria, the Fraser Valley, Kamloops, Penticton, 100 Mile House and throughout British Columbia. VistaShades offers complimentary in-home consultations, bringing samples directly to your home so you can see everything in your own lighting.
What immediately stood out to us was their approach to customer service. Because our cabin is on a remote island, getting someone to come out to see the space was a little more involved than a typical window-covering project. VistaShades made it easy and it was a free consultation. Before our consultation, they took the time to ask us questions about what we were looking for, our style, how we used the space, and what we wanted the finished product to look like. That preparation meant that when they came to the cabin, we were already on the same page.
And they didn't just arrive with a few samples. They packed up all the options we might want to see and brought them right to us.
Having everything there, in the actual space and in the natural light, made such a difference. We could see how different fabrics, colours, and styles worked against our black framed windows, drywall returns, and the overall aesthetic of the cabin. There was no pressure and, perhaps most importantly, no rushing. They listened, answered our questions, offered expert advice, and gave us the time to make a decision that felt right for our space. So, we sat on the options for a couple weeks and then decided on a winner!
Ultimately, we chose custom motorized roller shades with a black metal fascia for the main rooms and pulldown honeycomb cellular shades for the two bedrooms. It turned out to be exactly what we were hoping for.
Living Room Motorized Roller Shades for Large Windows
As you can see from the photos, the black metal fascia works beautifully with the black window frames and drywall returns, creating a clean, seamless look. When the custom window coverings are up, they practically disappear, allowing the views to remain the star of the room. When we need privacy or protection from the sun when we are away, they can be lowered with the touch of a button.
When the motorized roller shades are down you can see through ever so slightly so it doesn’t feel like a black wall but offers privacy. The material has a UV protection to protect the floors and furniture as well.
The installation was just as impressive as the consultation. As a family run business, the owners were there installing and taking care of every detail. They were incredibly professional, friendly, and lovely to have around. They worked efficiently while still paying attention to the details, which is especially important in a space where every design element has been carefully considered.
Looking back, what I appreciate most about working with VistaShades isn't simply that we love our new custom shades — although we absolutely do. It's the experience of working with a company that genuinely takes the time to understand its customers and the space. Being a family- run business you are speaking to the family!
VistaShades made the entire process feel personal and I am so grateful to Sean and Jena for all their hard work on this project. We couldn't have asked for a better fit and I am truly humbled by the whole experience. VistaShades is offering 25% off window coverings only for orders placed now until April 2027. Call now for your FREE consultation and estimate for custom roller shades or motorized blinds/shades. E-mail info@vistashades.com and mention THE PURPOSEFUL YOU to get your discount.
* Note: This post is sponsored by VistaShades. Images by Lyndsey Eden.