If you don't get recent feedback on Oxford, I'd highly recommend Jason at Dutchwood, also in PA, especially if you are detail-oriented. I just finalized my cabinet order with them. Did most of the planning and tweaking with Lorna, the kitchen designer, and then finished up last clearance details with Jason. They were great to work with at a distance (I live 1 hr 45 mins away)- 1 initial visit to their showroom to check them out, 2 planning visits and everything else by email (LOTS of emails since I had lots of customization). PM me if you need more information on that. Hope you get to hear the feedback you are asking for.

***Updated to say that this is called UltraLaq. It is the smellier product.

Comparing the Shade Store and Steve’s Blinds is like saying a Cadillac is analogous to a Hyundai. They are two different product offerings for entirely different consumers. The Shade Store has designer fabrics like offerings from Nate Berkus, Chilewich, Novogratz, etc (real noted designers, not just using the word ‘designer’). The fabrics and hardware are very high quality and you won’t find any cheapo parts or flimsy valances made of plastic. They are aiming to provide a neutral modern aesthetic of on trend grays and beiges. If you want peach or blush go elsewhere. They are also super expensive and you can find similar offerings from mainstream brands for far far less money. Most of their products are interchangeable with offerings from others (I.e. roller shades, sheer shades, Roman shades) but they have a couple unique lines that seem to be innovative—gorgeous Horizontal blinds in unique wood and metal (not just plain white ones for a country kitchen available from every blind maker under the sun) and their XL Vertical Blind product are examples. They also have the exclusive fabrics mentioned. I will be using two large shades from them in my project but going elsewhere for the rest due to their sky high pricing that can make rip off artist Hunter Douglas look reasonable and the fact that their motorization systems, while reasonably priced, don’t seem to have any plan for future upgrade or support—when a shade breaks you have to buy a new one if out of warranty. In summary look at their stuff and see if you find it unique enough to justify the price. If not then get a similar product from many other vendors, maybe even Steve’s Blinds. If you want to spend twice the money for manual and get motorized, call a local blind expert to consult with you as there are many considerations and I would not just order from online vendors.

Thank you! Hayes Oak was actually the first sample I got, but the texture of the sample piece looked and felt odd to me. I have gone to a store, looked at their samples, brought some home, and ordered others from the Coretec website. but when I see photos of actual installation, they all look so different from the sample! And the bigger problem is that my beach condo is 3 hours from home and currently uninhabitable - contractor has already demolished the old kitchen. So I can’t see how the samples look in the condo’s light and next to the adjacent carpeted living room. Is the bottom photo the Hayes Oak in your home? is the texture ”rough” - the sample i have is. Is Ivory Coast Oak the one in the middle pic, and Ventura chestnut the one on ”top?” Appreciate your help!