Exterior shutters can induce shudders when they are installed incorrectly or neglected near the windows on a home.

Historically, examples of early exterior shutters were pairs of hinged wood pieces, or panels, mounted on either side of a window and made to cover the opening, while providing security and privacy when closed. With the advent of air conditioning and high-efficiency windows using built-in screens, the installation of shutters has moved from functional to decorative, says Laurissa Doonan, the marketing director of Timberlane, Inc., a Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, company that has been manufacturing custom-made shutters for more than 20 years.

"Shutters have become part of the symmetry and details on a home that add to a house's curb appeal -- when they're installed properly," Doonan says. "Even though most people don't open and close their shutters, the detail of installing the correct shutters on a window is important."

Doonan says the lack of shutter functionality shouldn't compromise its form. The most common mistake is installing an improperly sized shutter for the height and width of the window. While the height of the shutter must be the same size as that of the window casing, the width of each shutter must equal half the size of the inside of the window casing, so that as both shutters are closed, they fill the casing to protect the window.

"Humans are perceptive, and if a shutter is hung incorrectly, it is noticeable. While it might not be readily apparent, if you start to pay attention to the shutters, errors in installation begin to pop out," Doonan says. "Common sense would also dictate that shutters need to match the shape of a window, but all too often you will see a beautifully arched window with narrow, rectangular shutters on either side, and it becomes an almost comical, if not tragic, design misstep."

While people are drawn to the symmetrical design of windows with proper shutters, many homeowners have become less knowledgeable and pay less attention to these details. During the mid-20th-century building boom, contractors began to mount purely decorative shutters directly onto a building's siding, instead of correctly attaching functioning shutters to the window's casing.

But Doonan says for the homeowner with a historical house, or one who pays attention to design details, proper shutters can be the decorative touch on which a home's curb appeal can hang in the balance.

Even though shutters are among the final decorative touches to be installed on the outside of a home, the plan for installation needs to be addressed early on during the design process of a front facade facelift or new construction.

Shutters historically have been built with wood, but they can also be made of metal or low-maintenance synthetic materials, such as vinyl or extruded plastics. While the one-size-fits-most mentality of shutters found in home maintenance stores can cost less than $30 for a pair measuring 31 by 12 inches, these aren't custom-made to fit specific windows.

Doonan says Timberlane's made-to-order shutters cost less than the standard 32-by-60-inch window they surround. A custom cedar pair made-to-order for that window will cost around $450, while a nearly maintenance-free pair made from formed PVC (or polyvinyl chloride) plastic lists around $690.

Seeing how the proper shutters on a home can set yours apart from others on the street helps homeowners get beyond the customized shutter sticker shock, says Doonan. "But, having the proper shutters on windows isn't just for show," she says. "Especially in coastal areas that are prone to storms, having shutters you can close over your windows can actually protect your home. We witnessed that during 'Superstorm Sandy' on the Atlantic coast in 2012."

Just as one shutter size doesn't fit all windows, neither does one shutter style fit all houses:

-- Paneled Shutters. The most conventional, but with many variations ranging from raised to recessed designs.

-- Louvered Shutters. Originally created for ventilation when opened and privacy in homes when closed, these shutters have horizontal slats that can be operable or set in a fixed position. These shutters can also come in the "Bermuda" style, which is hinged from the top and can open and close over a window for maximum sun and storm protection.

-- Stylish Shutters. These are built to emulate the architecture of a home. Board & Batten shutters have a rustic feel, while Mission-style shutters can be at home on a Craftsman or contemporary house. Custom cutouts can personalize panels in shutters to reflect design motifs.

Doonan says shutters can also be built using a combination of panels, louvers and beaded trim with cutouts on the top. Whether or not shutters are used to cover windows, the hinges and hardware -- such as decorative tiebacks and shutter locks -- all add to the authenticity and appearance of these design details. Shutter colors can range from bright to natural hues, matching a home's trim colors or complementing them.

"Shutters can be stately and subdued or really showcase a homeowner's personality with color and style," Doonan says. "We like to refer to shutters as the earrings to a home's windows, knowing that whatever shutters a house wears will make a statement."

Shutter Shy?

Go to Timberlane.com and choose "Selecting the Right Shutter" under the "Our Shutters" tab. You can also upload a picture of the front of your home under "Shutter Snapshot" in the "Resource Center" to virtually try out different shutter styles on your home.

(For editorial questions, please contact Clint Hooker at chooker@amuniversal.com.)

The foyer of a home is a first impression and a nonverbal welcome to houseguests. After walking through a home's front door, the entryway space should make a statement about what lies inside, says Mary Carol Garrity, author, designer and owner of Nell Hill's, a home furnishings store located in the Kansas City area.

"The way a foyer looks can set the tone for the rest of the home," Garrity says. "Whether the foyer is a grand entry or a smaller space, it should entice you to come in."

The key to a fabulous foyer starts at the front door. "People will wait at the front door before entering, and when the door opens, there should be an element of excitement," Garrity says. "Don't be afraid to make a statement at the front door with a wreath, bold doorknocker or paint color, and treat it as a foreshadowing of the foyer."

Even the best-dressed entryway will look tired with a dingy door. So, if the welcome has been worn out on your home's front door, it might be time for an upgrade.

Replacing an old door with a new, energy-efficient one usually involves the installation of an entire door unit. This includes the posts or jambs (the vertical parts of the doorframe); the head (the upper horizontal part of the doorframe); and the sill or threshold (the lower horizontal part of the frame), which is installed into the opening.

It's also easy to let light shine into your foyer with decorative glass door options that can be beveled or etched. Sidelights -- glass panels on either side of a front door -- or a transom window above the door create entryway appeal and encourage sunshine, not scrutiny, from the street.

Garrity views the foyer as a prime piece of decorative real estate, which starts on the entry-level floor. "The flooring is part of the decorative element of a foyer," she says. "Some people might have an intricate parquet wood flooring laid, while others might put down a beautiful rug."

Guests should be falling head-over-heels for decorative entryway elements, not tripping over a trail of items tracked and stacked inside the foyer. "Have a place to stow shoes and other things family members bring inside," Garrity says. "You don't want people tripping over things. It should be a clutter-free zone."

Paint is the easiest way to bring color and life into a space. A foyer can become instantly cool with a shade of blue or warm with a deep, rich red on the wall. "Some people keep the walls a neutral color to serve as a backdrop to artwork hung in the foyer," Garrity says. "Depending on its configuration, you can also create a focal point in your foyer by hanging a beautiful wallpaper on just one wall."

A foyer's design can often be taken to the next level by extending decorative elements to a home's staircase, which is often seen from the entryway in a multi-level house.

"The artwork hung in a home can begin in the foyer and continue up the wall by a staircase," Garrity says. "A stairway in view from the foyer is just a naturally dramatic design element, so use the flat newel post at the bottom of a staircase as a place to put a tray with a bouquet of flowers."

A foyer's furnishings should be spare and chosen with care. "You don't want a lot of furniture in the foyer, but there are some pieces you need," Garrity says. "Depending on the foyer space, it's great if you can have a console table and a couple of chairs, or a bench to sit on or place a visitor's coat or purse. A wall mirror enlarges the space, but it's also great to catch one last glimpse of yourself before you head out the door."

The type of furniture used in your foyer should reflect your personal taste, which can be formal or fun. It can also be a combination of both. "In decorating, not everything has to be all matchy-matchy," Garrity says. "Have pieces you love in your home and it will be a reflection of your personal sense of style."

A bright tip to set the mood in the foyer is to pay attention to the light fixtures. Whether you're hanging a vintage chandelier or a modernly sleek, colorful pendant from the ceiling, Garrity says it's important to also have accent lighting. "Burning candles not only cast a pretty glow, they also makes the space smell good," she says. "I also like having a lamp on a foyer table and always leaving the light on for guests."

For the Foyer:

-- NellHills.com or call 816-746-4320.

-- Pella.com or see Store Locator.

-- CaliforniaClosets.com or call 877-905-6128.

(For editorial questions, please contact Clint Hooker at chooker@amuniversal.com.)

You don't need a mountaintop experience or woodland dwelling to treat your cabin fever. The warm, rustic design details of a cabin getaway can be brought into your home no matter where you live, says Jeff Balmer, a fourth-generation builder, cabin designer and an owner of Lands End Development in Crosslake, Minnesota.

"Most everyone has those childhood memories of escaping to the lake house or going down to a beach home for vacation," Balmer says. "The first step to bringing a little cabin into your own home is to create informal, rustic spaces meant for entertaining people."

While it might not be in the budget to build a new mountain retreat or a house by the water's edge, Balmer says the relaxed energy found in a cabin can flow through an existing home. "We do renovations to a home's lower level, the master suite or a bonus room above the garage to create a getaway," he says. "The cabin feel in a home is about getting back to basics and using natural materials."

Combining Natural Elements

While beach cottages tend to be light, bright and white with cool colors throughout, Balmer says many traditional cabins tend toward warmer color tones, utilizing stained pinewood and natural stonework to achieve a rustic look and feel.

"A cabin should feel cozy, without being suffocating," he says. "An open floor plan or vaulted ceilings give cabins an air about them."

The four earth elements are often represented in a cabin's design: land, air, water and fire. "In a family room we see this all coming together: the stone and woodwork; the airiness of vaulted ceilings, the views through the windows of the lake outside; and, of course, the fireplace," Balmer says. "For those who are remodeling and don't live near water, people can purchase an indoor fountain and have the added benefit of hearing the water trickling, too."

Bringing the Indoors Outside

Cavorting with nature is part of the cabin experience. "There's always talk about bringing the outdoors inside a home," Balmer says. "But, in a cabin, you also bring the indoors outside, and building a porch is a good way to start."

Whether you're shooting the breeze or just catching one, a porch is a natural place to gather without having to stray too far from home. A transitional space by its very nature, a porch connects a home to the outside world.

"Some people enclose their porch, so they can enjoy it all four seasons," Balmer says. "Even on the smallest house, building a porch is high on the list for those who want to enjoy a cabin lifestyle."

Of course, a porch swing is a prerequisite for many, but having comfortable seating, surrounded by fragrant flowers and landscaping, is also an essential part of creating an inviting atmosphere.

An invigorating way to bring the cabin experience home is to install an outdoor shower, Balmer says. "It's not for everyone and certainly won't work in every residential situation, but if you're close to the beach, it makes sense to have one to get the sand off before going into the house," he says. "Some people even use them as part of their regular showering routine."

Balmer says installing an outdoor shower isn't difficult, but it requires a drain and a water source that can be shut off during the winter months in colder climates. Of course, the shower surround can be private or open to nature, but Balmer says there's nothing like washing up at sun-up in an outdoor shower.

Building Built-Ins

A cabin is meant to be a gathering place, so space can be at a premium with a house full of people. "It's in the cabin style to use every nook and cranny of a home, whether you're building a bookshelf or a bunk bed," Balmer says. "To create that rustic look, the trick is to use solid modern-day craftsmanship, but build in details that are usable and look like they've been there for decades."

A wide hallway became a bedroom in an O'Brien Lake, Minnesota, home when Balmer's team constructed a double set of built-in bunks along the walls. "A higher ceiling and plenty of light gives that bedroom-hallway a warm, cozy feeling," Balmer says. "And when you have a bunch of people staying with you, you need to use every bit of space you have."

Kitchen is Central

While the kitchen is most often considered the heart of the home, it is also the core to cabin-style living. "When it comes to home design, we often start with the kitchen, and the rest of the house flows from there," Balmer says. "You want the kitchen to be open, not only to the house, but to the outdoor spaces, where people can cook and eat outside."

There's no need to rough it in today's rustic kitchen. Built with modern amenities -- including a large range, refrigerator, well-stocked pantry and kitchen island -- the rustic charm comes from the use of antique decor and distressed cabinet finishes, which give the space character and warmth.

For a growing number of homeowners, the great outdoors has also become the newest frontier for culinary construction. An outdoor kitchen is built with amenities often found in its indoor counterpart, with appliances, countertops or cabinetry built to withstand a wide range of temperatures. A large gas or charcoal grill is often the center of the outdoor kitchen, but before purchasing any other outdoor appliances, look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratory) seal approving items for outdoor use.

A cabin's aesthetic doesn't have to be watered-down into an all-or-nothing endeavor in your home, Balmer says. "At the end of the day, creating a cabin is about creating a space where you can go to get away," he says. "If you can build another vacation home, that's great, but it doesn't take as much to transform a room or basement into your personal retreat."

Rustic Pleasures

For more information, go to LandsEndDev.com or call 218-692-LAND (5263).

(For editorial questions, please contact Clint Hooker at chooker@amuniversal.com.)