Archive for June 2010

Make rooms more appealing with sheer shades
Although the first time home buyers tax credit expired at the end of April, according to the Voorhees Sun, it is still a buyers' market.

Give rooms a summery feel with Roman shades
Most people automatically change their wardrobe when summer begins to turn the heat up. While wearing different clothes is a no brainer, according to the Indiana Gazette, making one's house look more summer ready is not as obvious.

Combine green design an energy efficiency with woven bamboo shades
Over the last 10 years, the amount of green-building initiatives has been continually growing and while building an intelligent, energy efficient home has also become popular, according to TriplePundit.com, doing both at the same time as proven to be difficult.

Consider wood blinds when renovating
Taos, New Mexico residents Cathy Ducaj and Tony Ortiz took on quite a project. According to the San Antonio Express-News, the homeowners purchased an almost 90-year-old San Antonio home with plans to renovate it while still living in New Mexico.

Roller shades can keep dogs safe in the summer heat
The dangers of summer heat are widely known. When people step outside they are always sure to protect themselves from the harsh UV rays and high temperatures that are there to greet them. While many individuals are aware of the threats, they can forget to take the same precautions when it comes to their dogs. According to the Hudson Sun, the summer heat can have a deadly impact on pets.

Meditation found to be good for brain
Youngey Mingyur Rinpoche is a Tibetan Buddhist lama who travels the world to teach people the art of meditation, according to the Huffington Post. He has been called the happiest man in the world and tries to convince everyone to at least try to meditate.

Complete a home office with vertical blinds
Many people now work from home or have to continue working once they get home. The best way to separate the work world from home, according to MarthaStewart.com, is to find a small room or area to convert into an office.

Control light with cordless top down bottom up shades
Shades traditionally offer two options - either the window is covered or it isn't. This can be fine for privacy, but sometimes a shade can end up blocking too much incoming light. There can be times when one wants to allow different angles of light into the home and cordless top down bottom up shades do just that.

Report finds that almost 50 percent of energy bill is due to heating and cooling
The US Department of Energy has recorded that an American family spends nearly $1,900 a year on household utility bills, according to BobtheBlindGuy.com.

Faux wood blinds are ideal for beach houses
It's summer - temperatures are high and the air gets humid very early. It's this time of year that beach houses get the most use and abuse - from pets, children and the elements.

Custom drapery adds a finishing touch to custom rooms
Summer is often the time to change the feel of a room, and interior designer Sherry Worth told the Columbus Dispatch that drapes can transform the feeling of a house.

Remodeling a deck with vertical blinds
A deck can help anyone appreciate summer, whether one just wants to read outside in the sun or have a barbecue with twenty guests. Better Homes and Gardens has recently offered suggestions for making a deck just as cozy as the inside of your home, but without sacrificing the element of the outdoors.

Creating an accessible home for the disabled and elderly with motorized blinds
Whether a disabled or elderly person is living in a home alone or with company, it's best to ensure that the house can be used by everyone. Tiresias.com and Family-Friendly-Fun.com list a number of ideas for making a home as accessible as possible.

New home in Martha's Vineyard is made with old wood
Andy Goldman and Susan Heilbron wanted to build a house, but they wanted it to look like it had been there for a while by following the traditions of Japanese architecture, Arts and Crafts design and the plans of Frank Lloyd Wright, according to the Boston Globe.

Insulating shades can dull noisy footsteps and doors
Peter Hotton, the Boston Globe's staff handyman, recently discussed the trouble of living in a divided or crowded home. If you are on the bottom floor of a home and the upstairs resident is stepping on the floor too loudly, he recommends that you gently tell the resident and suggest advise a carpet with thick pads to dampen the sounds.

Drowning out cell phone conversations with noise reduction shades
A recent Ball State University survey found that 99.8% of all college students own cell phones, reports the Daily Nebraskan. The study took five years and found out that students use cell phones much more than computers.

Interior shutters can let air and sun while being private
When humidity and heat stick in a room and windows have to be opened to ventilate the house, this can sometimes lead to an uncomfortable compromise - either fully opening windows in places like the bathroom or bedroom, or just letting the heat accumulate.

Turn a home theater into the real thing with Roman blackout shades
Pew Research Center surveys continually find that roughly three-quarters of adults now prefer to watch movies at home. Whether the movie is on a laptop or on a giant, high-definition flat-screen, it's crucial to have the perfect set up.

Preventing crow's feet with solar screen shades
People tend to assume crow's feet, the wrinkles at the corners of your eyes, come with age. This isn't necessarily the case, suggests AllAntiAging.com. The development of crow's feet is preventable, given the right approach.

Reduce stress by going natural with bamboo woven wood shades
One of the best solutions to a high stress level is to try and make a peaceful place for yourself, according to Better Homes and Gardens.

Faux wood blinds easy to match to surroundings
A Germantown, Pennsylvania woman is racking up the interior design awards. According to the Germantown News, after being named one of the top five designers by Memphis Magazine, Fran Winstock took home five awards at the recent Vesta Home Show.

Woven shades can provide energy efficiency
The home of a Northampton, Massachusetts couple sits among a relatively ordinary street, but it stands out among the rest of the houses because of an eco-friendly design and the way it blends into its surroundings, the Boston Globe reports.

Take advantage of tax breaks with cell shades
With the economy still lagging, the housing market continues to struggle. According to the Herald Times Reporter, as fewer homes are being built, many homeowners are turning to renovation rather than looking for a new house altogether.

Honeycomb shades can help children sleep, prepare them for school
While summer may have just started, it is never too soon to start thinking about the return of the school year. Making the transition from summer living to the rigors of the school year can be a difficult transition for any child but the Creston News Advertiser reports that simple design changes to any kid's bedroom can make all the difference when September comes along.

Aluminum mini blinds can offer allergy relief
For allergy sufferers, summer is typically the most difficult season and, according to the Statesman Journal, this allergy season has been especially bad. The news source reports that since pollen dispersion peaks primarily between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, that doesn't make it any more tolerable.

A cost efficient design found in mini blinds
Although purchasing an older house can have benefits, like a rich sense of history or a unique appearance, the Seattle Times reports that there can be a number of pitfalls as well.

Motorized blinds easy to use from far away
When Annie Hosken was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2006, she and her husband Bill knew they would have to make changes to accomodate her ailment. Thanks to local home builders, they constructed a wheelchair accessible and ALS friendly house, mlive.com reports.

Pleated shades provide somnolent settings for afternoon naps
A long day at work or a hot summer day can sometimes inspire the need for rest during the middle of the day when the sun is still shining. People who have just gotten through a commute, a day at the beach or who are caring for an infant may be interested in pleated shades to help create an environment that blocks out the daylight.

Faux wood blinds are perfect for an active household
Now that children are out of school and people are outside more often, there's bound to be some wear and tear around the house. Anyone with kids and pets knows that it's hard to keep any room clean for long.

Reduce energy bill, temperature with honeycomb shades
Summer has been burning on all cylinders and temperatures have been consistently rising. With higher temperatures inevitably comes higher cooling costs. According to KATV - Middleton, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that 49 percent of the average home's electric bill is spent on heating and cooling.

Roman shades offer traditional, effective option
A Toronto-based interior designer is creating a unique idea for window treatment. The National Post reports that Lois Macaulay is using the wardrobe from a 1961 French film as inspiration for drapes. She began to watch the film to learn French terms for interior design as she wants to work some day Paris, but she ended up learning something else.

New book offers green design tips
Decorating a house so it is eco-friendly can certainly be a daunting task. If the homeowner has no guidance it can be even more difficult. Luckily, thanks to a new book, those looking to reduce their impact on the environment can find the help they need, reports ExpressNightOut.com.

Noise reduction shades may help in noisy concert areas
The Coney Island concert series has been a community event for 32 years and now locals want to end the shows due to excessive noises. The Matzav reports that those affected have filed a lawsuit because they say that the concerts are already in violation of a law that prohibits "amplified sound within 500 feet of religious institutions."

Take advantage of layered lighting with soft sheer or solar shades
The summer is a perfect time to experiment with different lighting for the rooms of one's house. Joanne Granger, a lighting expert from EzineArticles.com, writes that the fastest way to redirect a room's lighting is by arranging the furniture in a new pattern and enhancing the effect with strategic window shades.

Rethink the kitchen with honeycomb shades
Kitchens used to be a place used soley for cooking and were a place where people rarely congregated. That's beginning to change, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports, as kitchens are being reborn into a focal point of the house.

Bamboo shades provide a natural feel for less
A house in western Canada recently named one of the top 100 houses by architecture experts is going on the market financialpost.com reports.

Be safe when it comes to blinds with cords
With June coming to a close, that also means it is the end of home saftey month. While the month may be almost over, taking the proper precautions to make sure one's house is safe is still crucial, reports the McAlester News-Capital.

Too little sleep can lead to premature death
A recent study conducted by British scientists has concluded that poor sleeping habits can actually lead to early death, according to the Huffington Post.

Install cellular shades to keep rooms cooler
Windows don't just serve aesthetic purposes, they also provide important ventilation functions throughout the entire house. If there is a draft suddenly blowing on the first floor, or the second floor has become burning hot, chances are that faulty windows are the culprit.

Faux wood blinds add natural feel to rooms
Joni Kaplan started working for a design firm 15 years ago to earn some extra money to help pay for her husband's graduate school. Now, over a decade later, Kaplan is opening her own business, Springfield News-Sun reported.

Keep blinds closed to lower temperature, conserve energy
Temperatures are beginning to climb as summer inches forward and not everybody is lucky enough to have air conditioning, but according to Eye Weekly, that doesn't mean there aren't other ways to ensure that one's house stays cool.

Let light in with vertical blinds
With so much going on their world, most people could use a room for them to unwind. Bev and Craig St. Charles have such a room in their suburban Chicago home but, as the Daily Herald reports, decorating it for optimum relaxation is not as easy as it sounds and since Bev wants to spend more time in the room, it should be properly furnished.

Make room look larger with wood blinds
For some people, having a small apartment might seem like a bad thing. That's not the case for Houston resident Chris Nguyen, whose 450 square foot abode recently won the Apartment Therapy’s Small, Cool 2010 contest, the Daily Comet reports.

A poor real estate market means that it's time to personalize the home
A few years ago, when people were continually buying and selling houses, it was always advisable to keep rooms neutral and plain. The Marin Independent Journal suggests that now is the time for that trend to change.

Summer calls for safe decorations in the baby's room
The Reporter Online has recently found that there has been a surge in personalizing rooms for babies. Summer is the ideal time for redecorating a bedroom to suit your child's personality, because there are long daylight hours and it can be a fun activity that involves the family.

Keep rooms private with vertical blinds
A recent survey has found that 80 percent of 2009 college graduates have moved back with their families and suggests that an equal number of 2010 graduates could be living at home, reports the Huffington Post.

Filtered sunlight can provide major health benefits
A recent study in the Huffington Post claims that sunlight, which many people try to avoid, is actually vital to health due to the production of vitamin D.

Wood blinds with fabric tape can pull a room together
When redesigning one's home, individuals may often forget about dressing the windows. Picking the appropriate blinds, however, can unify a decor, as long as homeowners remember to use the same type of window treatments throughout the room.

Clean wood blinds and mini-blinds to help reduce allergens
As allergy season rears its ugly head, those with a sensitivity to plant life and pollen may take cover in their homes. But, those with allergies may not be safe indoors.

Cell shades may help reduce cooling expenses
During the hot summer months, many individuals run inside to beat the heat and cool down in air conditioned spaces. While turning down the AC may feel great at first, it can take a toll on homeowners' energy bills. But experts suggest that utilizing the proper window blinds may help individuals save money on summer cooling costs.

Cellular shades can block light, improve sleep
It's widely known that not getting enough sleep can be bad for one's mood, but according to Newsweek it can negatively affect nearly every aspect of healthy living.

Woven shades part of eco-friendly trend
Grad students at Ball State University are helping save a house from destruction by making it environmentally friendly, the Ball State Daily News reports.

Hang bamboo shades to beat the summer heat
As summer grows closer and the temperatures continue to rise, homeowners may soon start looking for ways to keep cool while inside. Experts suggest that maintaining a comfortable living space may be as easy as opening the windows and installing the appropriate blinds.

Faux wood blinds versatile, cost efficient
Decorating a home can certainly be an intimidating task, and it can be especially stressful when one takes into consideration the amount of money that it can cost. But by taking the appropriate steps, decorating a house does not have to break the bank.

Bamboo shades key to eco-friendly design
When Seattle resident Wendy Jan wanted to rebuild her house she wanted to do it her own way. As a result, she ended up with a such an eco-friendly home that it became certified under the National Green Building Standard of the National Association of Home Builders - the first such certified house in Washington state.

Reduce glare with mini blinds
Researchers in Germany are working feverishly to eliminate the irritating glare from TV screens. The Christian Science Monitor reports that The Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials are attempting to replicate the composition of a moth's eye on a TV screen to create a reflection- and glare-free surface.

Save money, environment with honeycomb shades
West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin announced this week that the state would be offering a rebate program for anybody who purchases an energy saving appliance, West Virginia MetroNews reports. The program is one of many across the country aimed at encouraging people to be more energy efficient.

Decorate a bathroom with faux wood blinds
Whether it be with a warm shower or a long soak in the tub, many people unwind in their bathrooms, so creating a peaceful environment is key when decorating the space. Homeowners should aim to blend form and function, and select relaxing items suited to the specific conditions of the oft-used room.

Roman shades can help open up a small living space
Many homeowners often face a similar problem - how to make a small home appear bigger. The secret to creating a larger-feeling space may be picking the appropriate window treatments.

Honeycomb shades can keep pets cool
With the official start of summer only days away, keeping cool may become increasingly important. Climbing temperatures will affect more than just people - indoor pets can easily become overheated without proper protection from the sun.

Prevent fading with solar screen shades
Letting natural light into a room can have a lot of benefits. It can add ambiance, warmth and may have a positive effect on one's mood. However, natural light may also cause fabric and furniture to fade.

Offices may benefit from Roman shades
When decorating offices, people tend to opt for function over fashion. Shades are needed to keep glare off computer screens and to block sun rays from heating up the rooms. But those looking to combine practicality and aesthetics may want to consider hanging Roman shades.

Energy saving blinds may help reduce costs until new bill is passed
A new bill being pushed in the Senate is seeking to reduce energy costs in American households. The Associated Press reports that the American Power Act aims to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping greenhouse gases by 17 percent by 2020 and by more than 80 percent by 2050.

Reduce noise, stress with cellular shades
According to the Washington Post, 54 percent of American's report being concerned about the level of stress in their lives. While there are a number of supposed remedies for stress, the Huffington Post reports that one of the best ways to combat it is simply relaxing and getting more sleep.

Consider layering roller shades, valance
Although the common assumption might be that homeowners have to choose only one window treatment, interior designers claim that's not necessarily the case. According to Better Homes and Gardens, layering different window treatments allows for more freedom when decorating and can also manipulate the size of the window to make it appear larger.

Combining Roman shades, valance can obscure ugly view
Regardless of how nicely decorated the interior of a home is, the view of the outdoors is often out of the hands of the homeowner. Whether it be a neighbors unkempt yard or a less than ideal landscape, there are ways to mask what's outside by making use of creative window treatments inside.

Cellular shades may help block out noisy traffic
Construction on I-94 in Michigan is not only proving to be a nuisance to motorists, but to those who live near by as well. According to MLive.com, noise from construction and vehicles forced to drive over rumble strips has caused residents, like Mike Maillard, significant agitation.

Decorate a cabin with woven shades
Many people who decorate windows in their cabins face a difficult decision - they want to enjoy the beautiful lake-side views, but also maintain privacy and light control. Those who face this problem may want to hang woven shades.

Wood blinds great addition to a rustic abode
When Debbie Farrand and her husband, Tim, decorated their home, they opted for a style that blended natural elements with nostalgia. According to The Baltimore Sun, the couple's Harford County home boasts rustic wooden furniture, flooring and lace curtains.

Woven shades can can complete kitchen
Windows may not be the first thing on a homeowner's mind when they are decorating their kitchen. Choosing the right window treatment, however, can be the final ingredient that makes a kitchen complete says HGTV.com.

Wood blinds easy to clean, help prevent allergies
Although one's home should be a sanctuary, the amount of dust that can accumulate may make it a nightmare for some allergy sufferers, as dust can collect anywhere such as in area rugs and the upholstery on couches.

Blinds can be as useful as they are stylish
Some people may view window treatments as a little more than a decorative addition to a room. Blinds, however, can serve many other purposes beyond infusing rooms with style.

Natural light beneficial to health
While most green movements typically champion the benefits eco-friendly practices have on the environment, one particular green initiative is having a positive impact on the people as well.

Cellular shades can help block summer noise
Summer is usually welcomed with open arms by individuals ready to enjoy the nicer weather and more time spent out doors. However, the warm weather may bring an increase of loud, potential harmful, noise.

Textured blinds can help create a living space both genders will enjoy
Decorating one's house can be quite a daunting task - especially when you must accommodate both male and female design preferences. But, by carefully selecting wall colors and adding a bit of texture, experts suggest that decorating a gender-neutral living space is easy.

Cell shades may help reduce cooling costs
As the weather heats up, many homeowners may turn down the temperature on their air conditioner units to cool off - which may get expensive. MSNBC.com reports that cooling costs run homeowners approximately $400/year on average. But investing in new window shades may help individuals save money on energy bills.

Going green on a budget
Homeowners looking for eco-friendly ways to decorate their room don't have to sacrifice style, experts say.

Roller shades can help reduce sleepiness
Researchers have found that Americans are sleepier on average than Europeans. According to the Christian Science Monitor, 19.5 percent of U.S. adults reported moderate to excessive sleepiness during the day, compared to 15 percent of the Europeans surveyed.

Faux wood blinds may be a good alternative for those with allergies
While many individuals think that they can escape summertime allergies by staying indoors, few realize that the same allergens may be lurking inside their homes as well.

Eco-friendly shades bring style to any room
Green living is an ever-growing trend and many homeowners may be constantly searching for the next great way to make their decor more eco-friendly without sacrificing style. While some individuals may grow weary of this ongoing quest, making one's home greener may not be too difficult.

Summer vacation is the time to childproof windows and blinds
Summer vacation is almost here and children will undoubtedly be spending more time at home. Parents who want to make their homes more "kid-friendly" may want to start with the windows.

Pennslyvania gardner reuses woven shades outside
Ann Stookey's Chestnut Hill, Pennslyvania garden is pretty unusual. In addition to the lack of bright colors, the outdoor garden is adorned with outdoor garden is adorned with many things that used to reside inside Stookey's house.

Bamboo blinds efficient, eco-friendly
When Shanghai Expo organizers launched the Low Carbon Expo Tour on June 5, they revealed a slue of eco-friendly homes on the public. Most unique, however may have been the Madrid Case Pavilion - a house made entirely of bamboo.

The right shades may help aid insomnia
Approximately one third of people worldwide suffer from some form of insomnia, according to Cannotsleep.net. Those who have trouble falling or staying asleep may want to consider installing new window treatments.

When decorating, don't forget the windows
Decorating a home can certainly be a harrowing process and there are a litany of areas where people can make mistakes. With so many places to furnish, dressing the windows can easily be overlooked.

Cleaning aluminum blinds
Aluminum blinds are a great addition to any room - they add instant privacy and are available in a wide range of finishes, easily blending with any room's decor. But many homeowners may not be aware of the proper way to care for their aluminum blinds.

As heat goes up, keep costs down
The temperature isn't the only thing that rises during the summer - the high costs of keeping rooms cool can get people just as hot. According to the Washington Examiner, homeowner's utility in Montgomery County, Washington should expect an average 300 percent jump in energy taxes until July 2010.

Canadian Research Council releases window blinds guidelines
Canada's National Research Council Institute for Research in Construction (NRC-IRC) has issued guidelines for the selection and operation of residential window blinds that reduce overheating in summer and heat losses in winter. The NRC-IRC used computer simulations and field energy performance data from houses at the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology.

Distressed wood blinds may help to create an energy efficient home
Dressing up one's windows may usually be regarded as a decorative afterthought, but homeowners may want to think twice before ignoring the blinds. Blinds are not only a stylish addition to one's home, they may also help save energy.

Bamboo shades create exotic bedroom
When Mark and Taylor Bliese bought their 100-year-old home in Austin, Texas, they knew that they wanted to remodel the space, and incorporate their modern tastes. From a Thai-styled bedroom to a whimsical child's room, the couple paired the home's classic hardwood flooring with new wall, ceiling and window treatments.

Finding the right blinds for your apartment
While people moving into condominiums and apartments may not think they have the same amount of creative and decorative freedom, they may want to reconsider. Those living in smaller spaces may have an opportunity to take advantage of dramatic and interesting window treatments.

UK making a push for blind-safety
An English coroner has urged parents with small children to be safer when choosing and installing blinds for their homes, after two tragic incidents occurred within five days of each other. According to the Daily Mail, Coroner Andrew Haigh, of Staffordshire, England, has also asked his government to follow America's lead and ban blinds with looped cords.

Connecticut seminar teaches parents about child-safe blinds
New parents who are unsure of how to best decorate their child's room are in luck. According to NorwalkPlus.com, Ring's End Lumber is hosting a free seminar in Wilton, Connecticut, on June 8. Experts will share recommendations on how to dress children's living spaces, including child-safe paint and window blinds.

Washing windows may enhance a home's aesthetic
Homeowners spend time and money finding the perfect window treatments, as well they should - the right blinds can bring a room's decor together. But dull and dirty panes can detract from your beautifully decorated windows.

Adhere to condo regulations with faux wood blinds
Living in a condominium boasts a multitude of benefits, but can also infringe upon one's decorating possibilities. According to the Chicago Tribune, a condo's board of directors can control the exterior appearance of the building, which includes window treatments, as they are visible to the outside.

Noise reduction shades great in city homes
While living in the city may boast many advantages - great restaurants, shops and music venues a mere minute away - city dwellers must also deal with the constant noise of traffic and other residents.

Redecorating a bathroom may help homeowners sell their house
When decorating a home, bathrooms always seem to get ignored. Homeowners who are looking to sell their home, however, may want to spruce up the washroom with new blinds and bathroom fabrics.