Archive for July 2011

Go all out in the guest room with the right cellular shades
Those with an extra room in the house are lucky enough that their guests can be comfortable in their own private space without having to sleep on the couch. For homeowners, having a guestroom is also a great way to showcase their style ...

Designers suggest 'common sense' decorating choices such as factory direct blinds
The huge budgets that interior designers flaunt on Bravo TV's Million Dollar Decorators may be entertaining, but not very realistic, say real-life designers.

Roller shades in a neutral color convey UK designer's style
Chances are, if UK interior designer Atlanta Bartlett is choosing a new window treatment, she'd gravitate to a roller shades in a neutral color.

Wood blinds address mood and function as the 'Meghan Method' advises
Designer and author Meghan Carter has named her current book signing tour the "Anyone Can Decorate Tour," and she means it.

Wood blinds can add to your home's rustic appeal
There's a certain charm to rustic homes and cottages. It could be the minimal design that brings out a cozy atmosphere, or it could be the wood detailings in the home that creates an organic feel in any room.

Honeycomb shades bring modern appeal to any space
In home design, many prefer a minimalist approach that's innovative and modern. According to HGTV, "Modern style is a clean, streamlined furniture and architecture style from the 1930s with roots in the German Bauhaus School of Design ...

The look of outdoor and indoor spaces can be tied together with bamboo shades
Bamboo shades, available in many sizes, can tie together outdoor spaces with interior rooms when they are used over large windows or sliding doors.

Mini blinds can be integrated into design with inherited furnishings
From mini blinds to one-of-a-kind collectibles, homeowners often inherit furnishings and accessories that relatives and friends no longer need.

Honeycomb shades add to the striped look in a stripes-based design
Using stripes in a room, whether in bold colors or by the use of accordian-style honeycomb shades, doesn't have to limit the use of other patterns or mixing different types of stripes together.

Bamboo roman shades can be integrated into design plan for outdoor spaces
There are as many styles of furniture and accessories for outdoor living as there are for indoor décor - including bamboo roman shades for sun protection - but homeowners can simplify their choices by starting with a plan for their patio or deck design.

Color wheel aids in choice of window treatments, from roller shades to mini blinds
If classic color combinations are what home decorators are looking for, the color wheel is the easiest tool to establish which hues work best together.

Ordering factory direct blinds are among quick room updates for homeowners
Homeowners only need to look around their homes for ways to decorate rooms that need new window treatments or lack colorful accessories.

Cellular blinds might just be what you need for the home office
With the advent of technology, more and more people are converting spare rooms into functional office spaces where they can get their work done. Whether you're an entrepreneur running your own home business or ...

Mother and daughter design team takes distinct approach to create unique looks
It took a while for interior designer Carolyn Einstein Dewar to find her calling, but when she did, she had a ready ally in her newfound profession – her mother, Diane Einstein, a veteran of the San Francisco design community.

Choice of roller shades may save fabrics and upholstery from sun damage
Blocking light that can damage custom drapery or upholstered furniture situated near a window can be achieved by choosing the right fabric for roller shades.

Mini blinds can be a versatile and practical addition to a college dorm room
As students begin planning their move back to college in the fall, they need to take stock of the furnishings and accessories that will help them create a home away from home.

Energy-saving cellular blinds arean attractive addition to a basement re-do
Cellular blinds can add a stylish look as well as energy savings when homeowners are considering a makeover of their basement into extended family space. These window treatments, which help conserve heat in winter and cool down hot rooms in summer, come in a variety of colors that can be matched to contemporary or traditional decor.

Classic blue-and-white color scheme coordinates well with wood blinds
Crisp and clean or soft and vintage - either description fits the classic color combination of blue and white, whether it's used as a backdrop to wood blinds, a bed ensemble or chair cushions in a family room.

Bamboo shades are useful for both outdoor and inside spaces
Bamboo shades can have a useful place outdoors as well as within any room in the house. With their natural color and varieated look, they are an ideal fit with greenery and patio furnishings.

Aluminum mini blinds for that industrial look
Different people have different ideas of what looks good. From the traditionalists who opt for old-world furniture to contemporary fans who like the sleek finishes, there's an aesthetic for every taste.

Roller shades in the kitchen
The kitchen is perhaps one of the most functional rooms in a home. Whether you eat in a kitchen nook or prepare your meals on the countertops, the space has to be practical so that anyone can use it with ease.

Energy-efficient cellular blinds fit a kitchen that has function and beauty
The annual House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year has opened on the plaza at Rockefeller Center in New York City, and it brings a little bit of northern California to the East Coast.

A bamboo roman shade can be part of a high quality design scheme
Interior designer Stacey Tapinis always tells her clients to spend most of their decorating budget on a quality sofa, impressive window treatments and a good paint job.

Simple roller shades can spark creativity in a home design
Home decorators who are trying to decide on a new room design or window treatment – from mini blinds or roller shades - should look to the Savannah College of Art and Design for inspiration.

A bamboo roman shade can bring balance to a window with bold drapery
There's a reason why homeowners shy away from using bold colors, whether by adding a splashy hue in a window treatment or painting an accent wall to heighten the look of a room.

Bamboo blinds can add to a Zen-inspired space
Bamboo blinds are not only eco-conscious, they're also the perfect choice for a Zen-inspired space in the home because of their simple and organic nature. Additionally, blinds are convenient window treatments that can function in any home.

Simple roller shades or window blinds can fit a room taken from the Big Screen
Home decorators have often looked at movies that feature beautiful homes and apartments as an inspiration for their own version of what they see on the Big Screen.

Floor decor and wood blinds work seamlessly to make your home standout
When you think about your home decor, you probably have every area covered with chic tables, personal trinkets and rich roller shades in a unique pattern. But one aspect that may have been left as a blank canvas is - your floors.

Take back your family room and brighten up with roller shades
Considering your busy schedule with the kids and all their activities, your home's style may have lost that funky edge simply because you haven't had time to keep up with it.

Wood blinds are a versatile choice to fit the 'undecorating' style of home design
Mixing wood blinds with delicate, sheer curtains is a combination that home furnishings author Christiane Lemieux would probably like.

Bamboo roman shades bridge vintage and natural looks
Toronto interior designer Jane Hall loves the look of vintage furniture and how it coordinates with newer furnishings such as bamboo roman shades.

Create a screened-in haven with breezy window treatments
As the summer goodness continues to roll over much of the country, you may be considering ways to update your old screened-in porch to create a space that will give you a wide array of leisurely options - whether you wish to enjoy the sudden thunderstorms, curl up with a good book after spending the day at the beach, or even have family game night surrounded by a sea of candles for added ambiance.

Consumers can buy factory direct blinds that mirror designs in a TV series or movie
Whether they are contemplating bamboo shades or a new sofa, Nashville-based interior designer Cathy Whitlock believes homeowners should look at their favorite TV shows and movies to get ideas for decorating their homes.

Wood blinds are among classic looks that give a design scheme its foundation
Reality TV star Lauren Conrad learned from experience that decorating a new house can be overwhelming, from choosing window treatments to the latest accent colors.

Transform your attic into a functional bonus room
If you've left your attic as a space to store your seasonal wardrobes and holiday decorations, you may be wasting a potential bonus room by filling it with clutter.

Home decor updates using items you already own
The thought of making home renovations may frighten many away from the idea. However, homeowners would be surprised to discover how simple it is to use items that are already in their possession.

Move toward natural colors in cars can influence home design choices
If homeowners can take their cues from fashion runways to select colors for home decorating, why not consider the newest car colors as well?

Room darkening window shades help ensure better sleep for 'zombie brides'
Anyone who has ever planned a wedding knows how stressful and time-consuming the effort can be.

Wallpaper has surprising adaptability in contemporary, open design layouts
With contemporary, open floor plans, it's difficult to strike the right balance between chic, uncluttered rooms and a look that comes across as stark.

Boost your bathroom's look
Your bathroom should be a place to alleviate stress and enjoy a warm soothing bath or a steamy hot shower aimed at washing away more than just sweat and grime - but also everyday struggles.

Working from home means it's time for a home office
More Americans are beginning to work at home for two main reasons - it's a way to cutback on travel costs and it enables employees to stay involved with family activities without worry.

TV's design couple have different tastes, but both show 'personality'
New York-based interior designers Robert and Cortney Novogratz have different tastes - she likes Southern charm, he goes for downtown coolness - but their advice for would-be decorators is in agreement, according to the Washington Post.

Pretty in pink
If your child is beginning to grow from toddler to a little kid with ideas of her own, it may be time to consider revamping her bedroom to make a place that is fun, functional and easy to clean - as kids sure do know how to make a mess. Better Homes and Gardens recently showcased their favorite kids bedrooms on their website, that promote creativity and relaxation.

Give your space new life
Dining rooms can be a tricky place to decorate, as you've probably been told that you need to have a formal place to dine - uppity furniture and window treatments that look luxurious and rich. But who says it has to be this way? Why can't you create an eating area that is both functional and classic with your own twist?

Use your personality to make your apartment unique
When it comes to decorating a new apartment, even movie stars have trouble implementing their vision. In a recent O magazine special, actress Kerry Washington let the magazine and an interior designer come in to her apartment for a major transformation.

Create a cozy nook in your home to unwind
Creating a cozy spot in your home that is dedicated to such simple luxuries is the best way to relieve some stress. Taking in a good book may be more beneficial than you think. Everyone deserves a convenient space to relax and unwind after a long day, and Freshome.com has put together their best kept secrets for making the perfect nook in your house.

Your formal living room shouldn't be left for special occasions
The living room is the heart and soul of any home, prompting house members and guests alike to let those conversations flow for hours on end. Give the people something extra to talk about when they come into your home by creating a comfortable formal living room.

Using vintage pieces brings character to space in a mix of old and new
Finding vintage items can start at a flea market, an antique store or just by rummaging through a grandparent's attic. Discarded items, or those that haven’t been used in a while, are among the best ones that will give true vintage appeal to a space.

Quick fixes can give new life to the look of a room
Home decorators are frequently looking for a quick fix that will liven up a boring room. While re-painting a room is often cited as one of the most inexpensive fixes to room décor, there are steps that can bring a new look to a room more quickly than a paint job.

Fireplace needs to be balanced with substantial furniture or window treatment
A fireplace has substantial presence in just about any room - it is both a focal point and architectural feature in one.

Simple window covering with roller shades brings light into a small room
All whites are not created the same, and home decorators need to keep that in mind when choosing white as the main color in their design projects.

Change your style with the seasons
Who says your style can't change with the seasons? The DIY pro's at HGTV believe that doing just that is a great way to help remove clutter while updating your home.

Design Star adds judges, a host and mentor in latest TV season
HGTV's hit design show, "Design Star" begins its sixth season on July 11 with a new host, guest judges and a mentor for the contestants who was a contestant himself in a previous season.

Natural window coverings create warmth against backdrop of bathroom fixtures
San Francisco interior designer Ian Stallings was given an interesting assignment when he took on the job of decorating a bathroom for a bachelor client who wanted the room to look masculine, but not too masculine.

Small space made big
If your apartment has a lot of character but the small size is starting to make you feel claustrophobic, consider a few simple updates and organization tips that can help bring your cramped area new life.

Adding color in 'unexpected' ways gives character to rooms and outdoor spaces
Using color in unexpected ways is something that HomesGardenDesign.com recommends that home decorators try throughout their houses as well as in outdoor spaces.

Embrace your small space
If you're faced with the common dilemma of having a small home, simple changes could work to open up some space and breathe new life into the area.

Comfort is key when updating your family room
Revamping your living room to create a space that is both comfortable and fashionable is a hard thing to do. You'll need to make sure there is enough seating for your family and guests as well as keep things simple and easy to organize.

Roller shades are a good window covering for a remodeled basement
Whether it will be used as a family room or another purpose, one of the most important elements to remodeling a basement into livable space is lighting.