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Unlocking the Secrets of Interior Design


By

Expert Author Lisa Rob


Books, the internet, television, radio... with all of the interior design advice that's out there, you would be forgiven for thinking that you need a degree in design in order to create a pleasing interior for your home. But nothing could be further from the truth. Interior design is more about inspiration, creativity and fun. In fact, interior design is one of the only aspects of home-building where you can really let your wildest fantasies take shape.

Your home is a reflection of yourself: we all change as we age, so it's natural that your idea of interior design will change, too. One of the beauties of interior design is that it's a moveable feast: a bold, striking interior with radical design features might appeal to you when you are in your twenties, but you may feel differently about design when you're in your thirties or forties. Your life circumstances may have changed - you may have married, for example, or you may have children - and this will certainly have an impact on the way in which you choose to design your home's interior.

The first step is understanding your interior. Whether you want to re-design a room, a floor or even a whole house, it's important to know what the space will be used for, and who will be using it. A lounge or bedroom can be ruined by the wrong design style, so make your design project easier by deciding up-front how you intend to use your interior.

The next step is to consider who will be using the space. What sort of person are they? Your interior design should take their age, character and occupation into consideration. A bright, vibrant design may not be suitable for a studious or serious person, for example. And a muted interior will suppress a creative spirit or free thinker. Make it a rule to design your interior around the inhabitants.

With your design foundation in place, it's time to start choosing your colour palette. Aim to include 2 - 4 colours or shades: it will be far flattering to your interior than a single colour. And don't be afraid to contrast: bright reds and blues look stunning against a modern white interior, for example, whereas tranquil greens and turquoises will add warmth to an old-fashioned, beamed interior. Be bold: try painting a 'feature wall' in a single colour, and contrast that with interesting accessories... it's an interior design trick that will really bring a room to life.

As any interior design expert knows, it's the finishing touches that can make all the difference. An oversized cushion with an ethnic design; a long table made from a reclaimed railway sleeper; a fireplace full of candles... little touches of design brilliance that will bring your interior to life.

For expert help and inspiring ideas on interior design, visit http://www.evitavonnilondon.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Rob


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Tips on Selecting Roller Blinds


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Roller blinds are used in many offices and homes as well. They are used mainly to provide shade and privacy. Roller blinds can control the amount of light that is let in compared to curtains. Prior to purchasing your new blinds you need to consider a few tips on selecting roller blinds. You need to know how the blinds will fit into your decor, rugs, furniture and also you will need to know how to operate it.

A wide range of roller blinds is available in the market. They come in different styles and options. Venetian blinds are the hottest style blinds that you can go for. If you need shades that will give you privacy and protect your furniture from fading then roller shades would be a perfect choice. Window shutters are also other types of blinds that are parallel and can be changed so as to alter the level of privacy. There are various styles and choices of blinds, where you can choose from you just need to know the purpose and décor of your room.

 If you do not know what tips on selecting roller binds to look out for, you can always ask for assistance.
Price is also another biggest factor when selecting blinds. There are less expensive mini blinds, bamboo shades or wood blinds. So, you would need to determine your budget and know the amount you intend to spend on window blinds. Purchasing cheap shades is a cost effective way to upgrade your room without spending so much. Since there are plenty of patterns and bolds that can complement your room and add a touch of class for a little price, then take all your time and make the right choice.

Cordless shades are perfect for homes with small children or pets. With, such window shades, it will not be possible for kids to reach. Safety window cords would be an ideal choice compared to traditional cords.
Energy is also another thing that should be considered when choosing blinds. There are energy efficient window blinds. For example, one of the blinds that provide more protection and energy saving benefits is a cell shade. Most of the heat that is lost or gained in a home usually goes through windows that are open. To minimize the amount of energy consumed, you will need to cover them. Or better still, instead of blocking the view, solar screen shades can be used. They are perfect in reducing glare and UV rays without having to block the view completely through the windows.

Finally, you would need to look for qualified installers who will take measurements and install the roller blinds for you. Go for reputable and accredited service providers who will guarantee you of high quality services. Ensure that you have seen their previous work and references. With this, you will be sure that you will not incur any other costs in future for repairs.This is one of the vital tips on selecting roller blinds that should not be forgotten.

If you follow these tips on selecting roller blinds, you will have a stylish and practical roller blind. Remember, your personal design choices will automatically determine what type of fabric, design and color you pick.
Want to get a FREE onsite quotation for window curtain or blinds,

Visit http://www.singaporecurtainsblinds.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_A._Young



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The Benefits of Blackout Blinds


By
Expert Author Stephanie Fandler


They days of candles for light have long since gone with Thomas Edison's creation of the light bulb leading onto to great developments in light technology. But for some, light is not always a welcome factor. Stark light from blaring sunny days can really affect the quality of sleep. Blackout blinds have been helping people the world over to create a peaceful light free room for a restful night's sleep. They come in a range of designs and colours so they can easily fit into your interior décor scheme. Added to this is the advantage of protecting your room from overheating by blocking the sun's harmful rays.



Simplicity -The simple solution to your privacy needs is with the in
stallation of a blackout blind. These blinds can be placed in multiple rooms throughout the house such as the bathroom where privacy is a must. You and your family can be assured of discretion as these blinds block out prying eyes from peeping in. They are easily installed without a fuss and you will wonder what prevented you from making the move long ago.

Décor - Because blackout blinds come in a range of designs and colours, you can easily fit them into the scheme of any room. As it happens, most homeowners decide to get blackout blinds fitted as part of a refurbishment process so it is even easier to match them to their colour palette. The blinds can also be repaired once you have followed your providers after care tips. Check the fine print of the guarantee you have been given.

Investment - Consider how much you would pay for a decent night's sleep and then consider that the price of a blackout blind is a once off payment. People go to great lengths to recover from lost sleep even investing in flotation therapy. With a blackout blind you will never again have to worry about missing sleep, as your room becomes a cocoon of tranquility. It is far easier and less intrusive to have a blind installed rather than seeking out ways to make up for lack of sleep. Prevention is always better than cure!

Entertainment - Many of us know only too well, light stops us not only from sleeping but can also inhibit our enjoyment of our favourite television shows. With the installation of a blackout blind: you can easily control when the light comes in. A sunny day no longer has to get in the way of watching your favourite movie. Simply pull your blind down and block the sun from infringing on your screen.

Work - Office workers often complain that light prevents them from giving good power point presentations. The daylight distracts the audience as well as the presenters. Company bosses are increasingly requesting for blackout blinds to be fitted for this very reason. If you are lucky enough to have your own office, you can also see about having them installed there. This can help relieve stress induced migraines which the sun just seems to irritate more.

For more information on Blackout Blinds check out Blackout Blinds or visit: Blinds Dublin


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


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Window Shades Vs Blinds: Which Window Treatments Are Right for My Home?


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When it comes to choosing between window shades and blinds, you have to think beyond the aesthetic. Convenience, light control, energy-efficiency, and privacy are all factors to consider.
You're decorating a new room or updating an existing space. You've chosen wall colors, floor coverings, and lighting fixtures. You've picked out furniture and accent pieces. But what about window treatments? Will you opt for slim horizontal blinds, wooden vertical blinds, or fabric Roman shades?

Window treatments should never be afterthoughts in your interior design. After all, not only can they tie an entire room together, but they're also one of the only interior design elements visible from outside your home. They also have a variety of functional considerations, from light control to energy efficiency. Consider all of the options available to you, and consult with an interior design or window treatment professional to make an informed decision.

Horizontal Blinds
Horizontal blinds are one of the most common residential window treatments, which is due primarily to the fact that they come in a variety of shapes and materials. You can choose thick wood slats or thin vinyl ones, depending on your design needs and budget. Horizontal blinds can raise to provide a view outside and lower for increased privacy, and you can even rotate the slats to control the amount of light that enters through each window. They can be a great way to cover a window without overwhelming it, and the straight lines of the slats provide a sleek, clean look.

Vertical Blinds
There's a reason that you often see vertical blinds in front of sliding doors. They offer floor-to-ceiling coverage for glass doors and can be pushed out of the way when you need to exit. If you have patio or porch doors that need window treatments, vertical blinds might be your best bet. Vertical blinds offer the same light control and privacy control features as horizontal blinds, though their effectiveness at light control will vary depending on the width of each slat and how closely they're spaced together. One other advantage of vertical blinds is that the individual slats are easy to replace if one gets damaged; with horizontal blinds, on the other hand, all of the slats are connected, top to bottom, making repairs considerably more difficult.

Window Shades
Love the convenience and ease-of-use of horizontal blinds, but want a softer look? Consider installing window shades instead of blinds. Shades operate in the same way as horizontal blinds, either rolling up or folding up to allow light into the room. The main difference is that shades are made up of a single sheet of material, rather than multiple slats. You might purchase sheer shades in a soft colored fabric to diffuse the light in the room when rolled down. You also might prefer Roman shades, which look more like draperies and fold up into themselves. Shades can be engineered to block out all light or to filter out UV rays, and they come in a variety of materials and patterns to match any design scheme.

Your window treatment choice will depend on your design style and your budget. However, functional considerations--such as how much light the room gets and whether you want the blinds or shades to help your home be more energy-efficient--are also important. Whether you choose blinds, shades, or even a completely different option, such as plantation shutters, you'll want something that meets your physical needs and adds the right aesthetic touch to the room.

Aglaia Rara is an interior design buff and a senior Internet marketing strategist for Prospect Genius, a leader in local online advertising.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aglaia_Rara


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Beauty of Vertical Blinds As a Window Treatment


By
Expert Author Nikki Meenlips


Buying your first home is both a daunting and yet exciting experience all at once. For the most part, we want our place to look a bit different from the rest. This in itself is a challenge, with so many stores and catalogues offering cheap furnishings, it can be more than tempting to purchase items that everyone else has. Fortune as they say favours the brave, so if you are feeling like stepping out, vertical blinds could be the way for you to create a unique pad as it is not the most common choice of window treatments among homeowners.

Magazines - The first place to start your search will be in interior magazines. These will have inspiring images for you as well as featuring useful contacts for you. If you ask around you will find that friends have a stack of magazines that they can loan you and failing that you can also consult your local library as well as charity shops which usually sell such magazines second hand.

Materials - The great thing about vertical blinds is that you really aren't limited to the materials you want them in. You could have wooden vertical blinds to give your house a cutting edge look that is heads above the rest. A bespoke option is another way to go and a tailor made blind specifically for your room will have a very small possibility of being replicated elsewhere. It may even be possible to make them yourself! The decision is yours to make.

Blackout - A popular option for most fabric blinds these days is to have them made in black out material. What this means is that, when closed: your blinds will create a darkened space. This is fantastic for rooms that have too much sunlight shining in which can prevent sleep and also penetrate through glass aging furniture. Recent studies have shown that a huge portion of business for most blinds companies comes from requests for black out blinds.

Elegance - The design of the blind is extremely elegant because it runs lengthways and this can help to give a feeling of height to your room. Factors that affect this include the colours you have the blind made up in as well the quality of fabric used. It could be helpful to discuss your options with an interior designer who will tell you the best colours to use for the different scenarios. The blinds company you use will also have very helpful suggestions for you.

Office - Another area to consider using the vertical blind is in your office space whether at home or elsewhere. Vertical blinds, as well as looking elegant, have a distinctly professional look about them. This may be because of the way the eye perceives the shape or just social conditioning in general. Many banks feature vertical blinds on their windows for this very reason. I can also think of several movies I have seen where the hero is a rich executive with these blinds on his office window.

For more information on Vertical Blinds check out Vertical Blinds or visit: Cheap Blinds Dublin




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