Pages

Select Wood Blinds Versus Faux Wood Blinds For Your Home


Hunter Douglas Everwood 
By

In today's home improvement fashions, wood blinds are becoming more popular, with homeowners enjoying the look, feel, and aesthetics of natural blinds. Wood blinds perfectly compliment rooms such as home offices or dens, kitchens, family rooms, and even bedrooms, offering an elegant window treatment. Wood blinds create a warm and inviting feeling while offering much needed shade and temperature control to homes throughout the Nation. However, there are certain advantages to both wood blinds compared to faux wood blinds.

Given the supply and demand of materials, natural wood blinds can oftentimes come at a higher price tag when compared to faux wood. Since budget is typically top of a homeowner's list of importance, this often places faux blinds as a more viable option.

Faux blinds are able to offer the richness and presence of natural wood and their durable construction make them a viable option for high moisture areas in the home such as the kitchen and bathroom. By selecting faux window treatments, the homeowner has more control over both stain and paint finishes.

Here are just a few reasons why faux blinds offer the best in longevity, value and quality for your home:

  1. Faux blinds oftentimes cost less to manufacturer, and in turn, can cost less for the consumer. Since they are crafted using readily available composite materials rather than real wood, this option typically meets most homeowner budgets. It is recommended to find a company that both manufacturers and provides installation services to receive the best price and fastest installation turnaround.
  2. Faux blinds are known to be more durable due to their composite makeup over wood. Vinyl, the main ingredient in the composite material, is very durable and is particularly resistant to warping, cracking, or rotting due to temperature changes. Quality blinds should be manufactured with at least a 500 hour UV rating to make them the most resistant to extreme heat and moisture and also to prevent coloring or turning yellow. Generally speaking, wood can wear a bit faster than composite, making this option a better value long term.
  3. To maintain good quality control, attempt to purchase your faux blinds from manufacturers within the United States. The higher quality in working with a company that both manufacturers and installs their window treatments and blinds will ensure a better overall experience. Lastly, faux blinds offer the most resistance over different seasons such as hot summers and very cold winters.
Jennifer Greenfield writes on interior design and home fashion. 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Greenfield


Blinds 4 Less
Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994
Free In-Home Shopping
(951) 924-9435
Labels:

This Absurdly Extravagant Mansion In Bel Air Just Hit The Market At $58 Million





                                   
Labels:

DIY Box Store Blinds? Can Custom Blinds Be an Affordable Solution?



By

Did you know that custom window coverings can be more affordable than you think? You may think that putting in Box Store white horizontal blinds is the best choice for your budget. You will do your best to measure your windows and then head down to Home Depot or Lowes. They will cut down the width but you will be left to tend with a big stack of slats on the height after you've installed the blinds. You get the blinds home and unpack the first blind. You will have the mounting brackets and Phillip head screws. The fact that they give you Phillip head screws is the first indicator that they want this to be an agonizing experience. The 1/8 in hex screw allows for an easier installation experience. The first blind will be the most difficult but you will find your way and each blind after that will get easier. Along the way you will pop on the valances which are very basic. If you have bull nose corners it is pretty much a guarantee that the valance will not cover the top sill gap. This is just one of the small finishing touches that the box store blinds will not offer. When you lower the blind down you will notice the big stack of slats that I mentioned earlier.

As you lower you'll notice multiple cords that allow you to lower and raise the slats. They do not use cord equalizers which brings multiple cords into a single cord. What you end up getting is multiple cords which constantly tangle and look unsightly. I believe that in the directions it will tell you how easy it is to remove the slats to adjust the blinds to the proper length. If you attempt to remove the slats it will not be long before you realize that it is far from easy and you may decide not to do future blinds. This is why in most cases when I run into these blinds in homes the stack is usually still there. You get through the install, taking off the extra slats or not. You can open and close your new blinds with a wand. When you get close to closing them you will feel a pressure put on the system and fear breaking it. This is actually a good thing because it is a system that breaks fairly easy. I will not sell blinds with a wand. At the end of the day you've saved money on the product but had to invest an endless amount of time installing. The saying "the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten" was made for these blinds.


The solution is Norman Performance Essential Faux Wood. For a few dollars more than DIY you'll get:

  • White or Pearl slats
  • 2" or 2 ½ slats
  • 3 ¼ Designer Crown Valance (will cover the above sill)
  • Cord Tilt (smooth operations)
  • Cord equalizer on lift side (control tangling and cleaner look)
  • Engineered Trapezoidal Bottom Rail (allows for better closure of slats)
  • Smart Privacy - no route holes (tighter closure, enhanced privacy and great light control)


I understand that people have budgets because I have one as well. DIY is great when you can save money as well as get a decent end product. Norman's Performance Essential Blinds will give a custom fit and finish in comparisons to the box store cut down blind. With professional measure and installation you have a winning combination that will not break the bank.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_R_McDole


Blinds 4 Less
Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994
Free In-Home Shopping
(951) 924-9435


Labels:

Curtains and Blinds - Considerations Within The Home


By
Expert Author Graeme KnightsThe windows in your home may not be the first thing that you think about when considering furnishings or design, but they are often the first focal point that people will see and of course let in the light that shows off your designs. The way that you present your windows, from the paint decorating the frame to the drapery used around it.

So it is important to get the correct window dressing that not only suits the style that you have chosen for the room but also the purpose that it and the room itself serves. While cost is always something to consider, you can generally find a style fitting your needs across most spectrums of budgets. Here are some thoughts as to how you can use curtains and blinds within your home.

Curtains
As previously mentioned the nature of the room has to be taken into consideration, so it is a case of practicality and also style when making decisions. You should review the rooms for those you know a curtain is the only option, and then the type of impact you are looking to make. Some examples are below:
Lounge - this is where you not only entertain people, but also where you spend much of your own downtime. So you want something that pleases you and also doesn't just fade into the background. Do you want light curtains to let in light or dark ones to give you a black out for those late night movies? Strong colours to add to colour schemes within the room are often favourable. You

Dining Room - this is a room generally reserved for entertaining in most homes, so you can really choose a curtain for that single purpose. Unlike the lounge, it isn't a day to day room, so if you want to give a certain impression to guests, this is the room that can be all about presentation.

Bedrooms - in a bedroom it is a room where taste and practicality comes into account. Most bedrooms will have a colour scheme or theme and it's important that the curtains integrate well. However in a bedroom the main cause for a curtain is to black out the light. Heavy or lined curtains of course perform well here (and are a must if you want a light coloured curtain) or of course the darker coloured curtain can stop light coming through.

Of course it's not just the type of curtain that determines it's look - the curtain rail or pole can certainly add to a room. A rail can be hidden so that only the curtain displays, or you can choose bold curtain poles that will stand out as a feature themselves.

Blinds
Blinds are not only a very necessary option in many rooms; they also often offer convenience and flexibility that curtains are unable. You can easily open and close blinds or have them at any level of opening you wish. But it is true to say that in some rooms a blind cannot add the look a curtain can. For example a large blind in a lounge wouldn't compare with some thick velvety curtains. There are two main rooms for the blind:

Kitchen - Many people choose to have blinds in the kitchen for practical reasons. Curtains could be a fire hazard in a kitchen and you don't ideally want material hanging loosely around in a kitchen. Kitchen also generally face the morning sun and this could easily cause sun bleaching of the curtains over time which will of course effect their look. The kitchen also generates much heat and often steam, so drapery isn't the choice. Blinds that can be wiped and opened fully are the best option.

Bathroom - Another room where there is a lot of moisture due to baths and showers. Condensation on curtains would of course make the curtains ruin. They would start to get damp and then mould and mildew which not only ruins the curtains, but is bad for health. In the bathroom and many people choose a wooden based blind for ease of wiping / cleanliness while also looking good.

You can also have both! In a room it is possible to choose both options or even have the opposite choice to the norm. The main thing is to think of the style you want to promote and the impression you want to inspire.


Graeme is writing on behalf of Glasswells Furniture Bury St Edmunds - ready made curtains
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graeme_Knights


Blinds 4 Less
Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994
Free In-Home Shopping
(951) 924-9435
Labels: ,

Interior Designers Help Make Your House a Home


By
Expert Author Kay ZeehInterior design is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. There is simply nothing more enjoyable than to relax in your own well-decorated and organized home.

If you have recently purchased a new house, you are probably well aware of the stark walls and the bland carpeting. It may be a good idea for you to hire a professional interior designer to help you make your house feel like a home. Designers will work with you to ensure a gorgeous look that reflects the tastes and the interests of your beloved family members. The benefits of hiring a designer are practically limitless.

There are a few reasons why you would want to hire an interior designer to work on the home's aesthetic appeal for you. Designers have to go to school to learn their trade and profession. They have literally spent years matching colors and palettes to create gorgeous homes in a variety of different areas. These professionals fully understand what looks good in a home and what to avoid.

As a new homeowner, you may not know how to match certain colors and which patterns look right in a particular room. Because of this, your own DIY attempts may come out looking quite ridiculous as far as the home's appeal goes.

Hiring an Interior Designer Makes Decorating Easier
Hiring an interior designer is actually an easy and worthwhile task. The interior design specialist will work with you to get a feel for your interests and your design tastes.
For example, the designer may ask you what colors you like and what type of overall look you are going for when it concerns your home. You may tell the designer that you are going for modern chic or more of a country feel, depending on your interests and the area in which you are living. The professional will then be able to come up with a look that is unique to your tastes so that your home reflects these things.
The interior designer will always shoot ideas and opinions your way before putting any of these things into the finished product. They will show you a room's color scheme and the overall feel of the home before they start painting the walls. This gives you a chance to tell the designer if the outcome is going to be something you will love or if you would like the interior design specialist to come up with another idea that better reflects your tastes.

Save Money on Interior Design
Hiring a professional interior design specialist is often quite affordable. There are a few things that designers can do for you. You can hire an interior designer to come up with a scheme for you and have their own workers get the designing done to save time or you can hire a designer to just create a design scheme. This enables you to do all of the work yourself with your family so that you can save money.
It is important that you speak with your designer to find out what they offer and what their prices are like. Do not be afraid to compare different designers, since all designers charge differently and all of them have their own unique design qualities.

Relax and Enjoy Your Home
After the interior designer finishes the project, you will be left with a home that is gorgeous and well-organized. You will find that it is more enjoyable to come home at night after a long day at work when you actually enjoy the way that your home looks. Entertaining guests can also be quite a thrill when the right type of interior design has been incorporated into the home. There is no reason for you and your loved ones to be stuck in a home that is brand new and stark white. The right colors and the right design theme will make a huge impact on the way every room looks.

Newer homes often have the basic colors added to walls and tan carpeting that does nothing for the home's aesthetic appeal. Hiring a professional interior design specialist will help the entire house to feel more comfortable and for you to actually like the way that each room happens to look. You can not go wrong when hiring this type of professional for your own project needs.

If you need help from an interior designer for your Scottsdale home, look no further than Judy Fox Interiors. Their award-winning design team will help you make your home a warm, comfortable place to live. Visit the site at http://www.judyfoxinteriors.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kay_Zeeh
Labels:

Check Out The 10 Coolest Celebrity Summer Homes


With summer season heating up (quite literally), we can’t help but be obsessed with where the rich and famous spend their downtime. While they’re not busy working on their bikini bods in Pilates class or starring in the next big movie, celebs just want to find a place to relax and enjoy their success — and we mean really enjoy it.
Celebrities and designers alike both enjoy the finer things in life. A luxe trip to the Bahamas is just not enough for the über rich — they want more, like their own private island more (ahem, Johnny Depp). While some stars resist the urge to purchase their own islands, it doesn’t stop them from going all out with their choice of vacation location.
From Italy to Antigua, we put together the top ten celebrity summer houses that are absolutely jaw-dropping. (A resort in Punta Cana owned by none other than Oscar de la Renta is one of our personal favorites).
These celebs don’t stop with location; amenities galore take precedence on just how awesome they are. Come on — outdoor movie theaters? Skateboard ramps? Private yachts? Where does it end?!
Honestly, we’re majorly jealous of what these celebs consider “vacationing.” Sigh.


Read more: http://news.stylecaster.com/10-coolest-celebrity-summer-homes#ixzz1yMrwyMy1


Labels:

HOUSE OF THE DAY: This $12.9 Million Oasis In The Florida Keys Is A Fisherman's Paradise

click pic


                                 
Labels:

Blinds Vs Curtains: Which Are Right For Your Home?


By

Whether decorating or re-decorating your home, there is one debate that surfaces time and time again; curtains or blinds? Whereas curtains were once the staple choice of any home, the versatility and relatively easy maintenance of blinds have seen an increasing number of homeowners adopt them. What the debate really comes down to though is what is right for your home and what you want from your window covering. Here are a couple of things to take into consideration when making your choice.

Size and length
In terms of size, blinds and curtains offer two completely different options, with blinds often perfectly fitted to the size of a window whereas curtains often hang lower for stylistic reasons. Consider your options practically; if your window is directly above a kitchen sink, for example, then curtains have the potential to dangle into the water, damaging them. This makes blinds the better choice.

For longer windows, such as patio doors, then curtains are probably a safer bet as a blind may be too large and heavy to operate. Bedrooms often present somewhat of an issue with sizing, particularly with children; whilst they may want long fairy princess curtains, children have a habit of pulling on curtains and taking down the entire rail with them! If your child is particularly susceptible to this, opt for some cheap Velux blinds!

Design
Elaborate patterns and designs are often associated more with curtains than blinds - think the grandeur of floor length curtains and the wealth of floral patterns available. Blinds, on the other hand, are most commonly associated with Venetian offerings - that is horizontal slats kept together with tape. Classy, but not stand-out.
That's not to say blinds can't be elaborately designed however, especially roller blinds. Roller blinds can be patterned in just about any fashion you can imagine; burberry, plaid or even leopard print! They can also come in a range of odd materials, such as suede and leather. Perhaps best of all, some companies will customise roller blinds with your own pictures and images, offering a one-off, truly unique blind.

Maintenance
It's all well and good picking an elaborately designed curtain or blind that suits your window perfectly, but what about a couple of years down the line. Maintenance issues are often overlooked when making the choice between blinds and curtains, which often leads to regrets later on.

Curtains, on the whole, are quite difficult to keep looking their best. Like carpets, they are subject to the wears and tears of daily living and a spillage can lead permanent stain. Washing curtains involves taking them down and putting them in the washing machine (or hand washing them), which can be a time-consuming process as you unhook the curtain, wait for it to dry and then put it back on again. It also leaves your rooms exposed to the outside world!

Blinds, on the other hand, are relatively easy to maintain. Cleaning a Venetian blind, for example, is as easy as taking a wet cloth and duster to the slats. Roller blinds are slightly trickier to clean, but as they are usually fitted to a window perfectly, the chance of spillage or any such damage is low. Blinds are susceptible to breakages if mistreated, but a well-maintained and looked after blind will last you quite a while!

Christopher Joseph Smith is writing on behalf of Better Blinds, specialists in cheap Velux blinds
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Joseph_Smith


Blinds 4 Less
Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994
Free In-Home Shopping
(951) 924-9435
Labels:

Choosing New Blinds For Your Home


By

Renovating and redecorating the home is often an exciting project. Trying to get a new look for your home is made even more exciting due to all the options available. Decorating the home can be simple or complex depending on the scope of the work. It can also be expensive or cheap depending on your needs and your budget. Choosing blinds is one of the most important projects required for the home.

Blinds are an important accessory to cover the windows in the home. Unlike in the past when options were limited, today you can find very many alternatives. The options available can sometimes be overwhelming when you are trying to find the best style for your home. The blinds come in many different designs, colors, sizes, shapes and materials. All these factors have to be considered when you are looking for the perfect blinds.

There are different companies involved in the manufacture and sale of blinds. The different companies often have various types of blinds that range in cost from those that are expensive, to affordable options. Some of the companies offer free consultations for those who are looking to decorate and are not sure of the best style to choose. Others will charge a fee for the consultation especially when they need to visit your home.

It is important to have an idea of what you are looking for before you start shopping. A good place to start your search is the internet. Many sites have information about blinds and you can compare the various looks as they appear on different walls. By looking at as many sites as you can, you can get a good idea of the look that is most appropriate for your needs.

The blinds you choose have to go well with the rest of the décor in your home. The style of your home will determine the type of blinds that will be most appropriate. The furniture you have in your home, as well as the color and theme, will determine the best blinds for your windows. Available in virtually every shade and color, finding the right match should not be too difficult.

Choosing the right material is one of the most important considerations when buying blinds. They come in different types including those made from vinyl, aluminum, wood or different fabrics. The material you choose will determine texture and design. As you select the materials, you need to bear in mind that these materials vary widely in cost. Your budget will play a key role in making the final choice.

Some of the blinds require more maintenance than others and you should bear this in mind when you are shopping. The size is another important factor as the blinds come in different widths and heights; and they have different openings and size of slate. The type of window you have will be suitable for some types of blinds more than others. Remember, there are vertical and horizontal blinds and they can be used to create any type of look that you need.

Many people have trouble choosing between roller blinds and roman blinds.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_C_Denham


Blinds 4 Less
Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994
Free In-Home Shopping
(951) 924-9435
Labels:

Window Treatment Styles



Pick the right treatments for your windows. Get to know the available options - valances, shades, panels and more - and how to best use each treatment with these easy tips

click pic for article

Choose the Perfect Window Treatments
    Bare windows are rarely the best choice when decorating a room. Window treatments--whether piped, pleated, puddled, or plain--add fluidity and softness to a room's hard edges. And in terms of practicality, they add privacy and light control. They also can help conceal a room's flaws or accentuate its charms.
    Three of design's heavy hitters--fabric, texture, and pattern--come into play when you're selecting the perfect treatment. But choosing the type of treatment your room needs is the first order of business. We've made it easy: These 13 timeless treatments will inspire and guide you through the looks that stylishwindows are wearing.

Labels:

Different Types of Window Blinds


By


Windows are an integral part of every house that brings air, sun and a view of outside world to your home. How to cover your window blinds is an important question while decorating interior of your home as there are plenty of options available. The best option for covering your windows is to use that come in different styles and materials. You have plenty of options available with and you can choose according to your home interior and your life style. With you can control the air, sun light and view of your home from outside.

With window blinds, you have an option to choose from number of different fabrics available in the market according to your interior décor. You can also select from the different styles of blinds according to your lifestyle. The most common type of available is horizontal blinds. These blinds have folds or slats that fit in the window horizontally. You can find horizontal blinds in different materials like metal, wood and vinyl. Venetian blinds are the most common type of horizontal window blinds in which slats are linked together to fit across the window at several points across the width.

The horizontal mostly comes with chain control fixed at one side of the blind. You can close and open the slats of the blind using the chain control. Once closed, the blind is opaque but you can view outside world with open slats. With open slats, it is hard to view inside of your home from outside but you can have a clear view of outside. One of the reasons for common use of horizontal window blinds is the privacy it offers. Office buildings mostly use horizontal as employees can view outside but no one can see what is going on in the building from outside even with open blinds. A new type of horizontal comes in cellular horizontal shades that are made of double layer of fabric as fabric is used in honeycomb pattern.

While deciding about the material of your, make a decision according to the privacy required. You can find window blinds that are available in transparent, opaque or mixed material. You can use chain control to raise horizontal window blinds from bottom to top but some window blinds like cellular ones can be lowered from top to bottom of the window. This is a great way to get some outside light from the upper part while the lower part can still ensure privacy.

Some other types of common window blinds are vertical (Mostly common in school buildings), Specialty, Roller and Roman. Roller blinds are easy to move up and down as these are sheets of fabrics that are rolled up to the blind. A chain clutch drive is attached with the roller blinds that control the roll of the blind. You can roll up or drop down the fabric using the chain clutch drive. There are plenty of window blinds options available so get one that fits with your lifestyle.


About The Author:
Looking for an affordable and stylish blinds for your home. The search is over for San Jose blinds and San Jose Shades because here you can find all the blinds and shades in san jose here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Chu_Bonds


Blinds 4 Less
Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994
Free In-Home Shopping
(951) 924-9435
Labels:

HOUSE OF THE DAY: This $15 Million Mansion In Rural Washington Is Straight Out Of 'The Jetsons'

click pic

                                             
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)