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Tips for Energy-Saving Window Coverings

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Planning your home design and the products you choose for the interior while keeping energy savings in mind, not only saves you money but it is more environmentally responsible. If you are building your home, consider installing energy efficient windows with the ENERGY STAR ® label. Also, consider the exposure to sunlight in the design of your home as well as placement of your landscaping; a shade tree can help reduce the sunlight that enters your home. A very common way to reduce your home's energy use is through the use of window coverings, either exterior or interior. One such energy saving window treatment is the use of plantation shutters.

Exterior Window Coverings
The outside of your home is a great place to start reducing your energy usage. Placing awnings above windows that receive direct sunlight provides shade and deflects the sun's rays, which keeps the interior temperatures cooler. Awnings can reduce the solar heat gain by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% for east facing windows. Mesh window screens also help to reduce solar radiation and work particularly well on east and west-facing windows. If building a home, also consider the orientation of your roof overhangs, particularly on south facing windows. This is not a viable solution for older homes because it can be very costly to make changes to your home's roof design.

Interior Window Coverings
Interior window coverings not only decrease your energy costs but they also help protect your furnishings, wall coverings, and carpets from fading due to direct sunlight. They also add another layer of protection from the sun's powerful rays. A wonderful solution that is energy-efficient, attractive, and can add value to your home would be plantation shutters. The Smart Energy Alliance rates plantation shutters as having an R-value of 2.77 to 3.17. The R-value measures thermal resistance. There are many styles of draperies that can offer energy-savings due to the thickness and types of materials used. By using a combination of interior shutters with insulating drapes, you can receive even more energy-savings. You may also decide to use reflective window film on your windows which can be particularly effective on window's that receive direct sunlight.

Your energy-savings can quickly add up if you use a combination of these suggestions. Protecting your valuable furnishings, artwork and flooring alone can be well worth the effort. Keep in mind that West-facing windows require the most coverage as they receive the highest levels of solar radiation. Your south-facing windows are a great source for natural sunlight and only need minimal protection. When choosing your interior and exterior window coverings, consider your home's orientation, your climate, latitude, luminance levels, and window size and type. Obviously, you will need to hire professionals to install a few of these options, but you can install your own draperies and even plantation shutters unless you require them to be customized due to odd window size. Your plantation shutter manufacturer can advise you as to the best course of action.


Shannon Hodges is Director of Marketing at Eclipse Shutters. Eclipse Shutters is an Atlanta-based custom shutter provider with a network of licensed fabricators around the country. Their company has grown to become the number one shutter selling company in North America and largest manufacturer of tailor-made plantation shutters. Eclipse Shutters was established in 1992 and offers customers fast delivery and a 25-year warranty. Learn more about plantation window shutters at http://www.eclipseshutters.com/about-eclipse-shutters.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Hodges

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A California House in Soft Shades by Designer Mary McDonald



In a Los Angeles house, designer Mary McDonald made a color statement in a more modern way by showcasing a palette of creams and grays, where even the palest color will stand out. Read on for her neutral decor ideas. 

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Redecorating Your Little Girl's Room for a Teen or Tween

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Expert Author Anne McCormick

When girls are little, lots of parents and caregivers like to decorate their rooms with pastel colors, like pink, lavender, pale yellow, and white. Many of the quilt and comforter sets offered for this age group feature these types of colors. Little girls love princesses, fairies, flowers, hearts, horses, and the like; and parents often love them too for their little girls' rooms. Kind of a soft stepping-up from the baby years, with all that soft-color decor and pastel colors.



But as girls get older, their tastes change. Girls entering the tween and teen years might want something brighter and trendier. The easiest way to upgrade the room is probably to get a new comforter or quilt set; and there are lots to choose from.

Patterns for this age group tend towards more intense or darker colors rather than pastels, with bright or bold usually being the rule. Hearts and flowers are still popular, but this time they're hot pink or neon orange instead of pastel pink or lavender. And let's add peace signs, geometric patterns, and contrasting colors that pop. It's sort of like retro 1960's and 70's with a cool modern twist.

If you decide to update the room to reflect your girl's age, you might have to repaint the walls. Whether or not this is necessary depends on the color of the new bedding and the condition of the old paint job. If your new bed set has colors in the same family as the wall color, you probably don't have to repaint, unless the walls are really beat up. For example, if the walls are pastel pink and you pick a bright pink and purple comforter, that will match. Or if you have pale yellow walls and your new comforter set is lime green, that will also work. Of course, white walls go with almost everything. It's really up to you, and how much work you want to put into it.

You can get matching curtains, maybe some new posters, a few trendy accessories, and you're good. She'll be off and running.

Of course, this time your daughter will want to have a say as to what her new room will look like. When she was younger, you probably picked it, or at least gave her a few choices, all of which you were OK with. Now it may be time to back off and let her express herself; in fact, to encourage it. That's what being a teen is all about. Her room should be a refuge for her, a place she loves to hang out in, where she can get away from the pressure of being a teen. So give her some choices and see what she'll come up with. It'll probably be great.

Redecorating is also a way to ritualize a new stage for both of you and celebrate her growing up. After all, it's going to happen anyway; might as well go with the flow and have fun. So go for it, and enjoy your more grown-up girl!

A great place to start redecorating your girls' room is with a bright new bedding set. We carry lots of cute, colorful girls' and teen girls' comforter and quilt sets. Brighten up her room.

Check us out today @ http://www.Just4GirlsComforterSets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_McCormick

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Plantation Shutters Work Great for Both Traditional and Eclectic Styles

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Norman Shutters

Gorgeous plantation shutters are a great design solution that is also durable and functional. Often, homeowners choose shutters because of the energy savings as well as their beauty. Available in an array of colors and styles, plantation shutters are the right choice for the traditional or the more modern home. They provide an anchor in your overall decorating plan while remaining functional. Another plus is that they add value to your home. Plantation shutters make a great design element because of their versatility. Plantation shutters can fit in almost any of your decorating decisions.

Traditionally Gorgeous Indoor Shutters
Shutters add beauty to any room of your home. They can add elegance to your great room, romance to the bedroom, and a tropical feel to the sunroom. They blend wonderfully with your traditional furnishings and add drama while providing privacy. You can choose interior mounted or exterior mounted installations to fit your window treatments, and they are available in a variety of colors and styles. If you have an odd-shaped window, they can be custom made to fit the window opening.

Keeping It Cool with Plantation Shutters
Modern homes can benefit from plantations shutters as well. These shutters are available in a variety of colors that can add pop to a room as well as definition. Not only are they energy efficient but they can provide drama and style to create a modern, hip décor that will fit into a trendsetter's lifestyle. Throughout your home, shutters can add a finished look while adding value to your home, and in today's economy, every little bit helps.

Whatever your signature style may be, shutters can fit into your décor. They are truly a versatile and gorgeous decorating solution. Combined with window treatments of various colors, textures, and designs, you can develop an amazing effect. These stylish shutters are available in standard sizes or can be custom made to fit any window space. In a child's room, you can change the surrounding décor as the child grows, but the plantation shutter's versatility will allow them to remain a part of the overall decorating schemes as they change. They can be used in a sunroom or a kitchen to let in natural light or in a bedroom for privacy. Plantation shutters can help you avoid fading carpets, wall-coverings, and furniture. They truly are durable, functional, versatile, and gorgeous however you decide to incorporate them in your home's overall décor.


Shannon Hodges is Director of Marketing at Eclipse Shutters. Eclipse Shutters is an Atlanta-based custom shutter provider with a network of licensed fabricators around the country. Their company has grown to become the number one shutter selling company in North America and largest manufacturer of tailor-made plantation shutters. Eclipse Shutters was established in 1992 and offers customers fast delivery and a 25-year warranty. Learn more about plantation window shutters at http://www.eclipseshutters.com/about-eclipse-shutters.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Hodges


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Venetian Window Blinds - An Elegant Addition To Your Property

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Expert Author Vikash Rock

Are you thinking of revamping your home? Are you tired of the same dreary look of your doors and windows? If yes, consider changing the backdrop of your transom dressing. For a lot of homeowners, curtains are the best solution around. However, they're perhaps oblivious to the range of benefits provided by window blinds. For most of the property owners who are planning to renovate their interiors, the biggest challenge is to choose the perfect transom treatments that suit the design of their property.

Hunter Douglas


Casement coverings are a crucial part of every construction, adding elegance, privacy and controlled brightness levels in a room. Drapes and curtains are very popular, but tough to take care of. However, a well-liked alternative is shades or blinds. Proper window furnishings provide effective light control and confidentiality. Nevertheless, other advantages include retaining the in-house warmth during winters and keeping the heat out during summers. The design of your casement fittings is important, particularly if your home's furnishings are old and decaying. The way you accessorize your transoms not only add style to your space, but also increases the energy efficiency of your property.

Window blinds, widely known as transom shades are casings that stop the entrance of excess sunlight into your room during the daytime. What's more, they help boost your privacy by checking outsiders from seeing the interiors of your home. These days, there's a range of blinds available in the market. The installation process is so well planned that closing and opening them is very simple and effortless.

In-house design
If you think that the dream look of your house simply depends on the designs of your furniture, wall paint and bed sheets, then it's time to stop and think again. Windows are an important part of any type of construction; they play an extremely important role in creating a healthy atmosphere inside your residence or workplace. While a lot of effort is given in decorating and adorning different portions of a building, people often fail to give due attention to window renovation or construction. It's important to understand that blinds or shades are an essential part of your home's in-house design. Although different types of window coverings are obtainable in the market, it's essential to choose the one that compliments the theme of your property.

Reduced utility bills
When you use shades for your casements, you also save money on utility bills since these coverings help enhance the heat index of your property. Since excess sunlight stays out, your home is a lot cooler and comfortable. This is highly beneficial during the summer when you can save money on huge air-conditioning bills. Heavy Venetian shades also keep your interiors warm during the cold season.


Vikash Rock writes articles for Playstow, one of the leading agencies dealing in window blinds in Surrey. If you're in search of high quality roller blinds in Surrey, this is the right place to go.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vikash_Rock


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Faux Wooden Blinds - A Good Substitute for the Real Thing?

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In the past decade the machinery used in the mass production of furniture and soft furnishings has improved massively. Machines formerly only capable of crudely replicating the nuances of, for example, a wood like walnut, can now produce a close match. These finishes are so closely matched that it's hard for those with untrained eyes to tell them apart.

Faux wooden blinds are just one of the furnishings that have benefited from these technological advancements. They're typically produced from composite PVC as opposed to real wood. An incredibly flexible material, it's also very durable, which makes them a sound choice for those with small children. Unlike wooden blinds, their faux relations are incredibly cheap. You can get a set from your average blind retailer for around £25. In comparison real wooden blinds can cost significantly more.
Whilst faux wooden blinds certainly have their advantages, are they really good enough to replace the real thing?

A lot depends on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers are renowned for producing fantastic finishes; finishes that successfully replicate the intricacies of a real wood finish. Others try nobly, but ultimately fail miserably. If you're going to install a set of blinds made from faux wood in your own living room, you should ideally aim for a set that look the part. Some blinds can become discoloured under intense sunlight - this automatically impedes the quality of the finish.

They're also slightly heavier than their real counterparts. So, if you're attempting to cover a large bay window, it might be worth have separate blinds for each section. One large blind could weigh down too heavily on the head rail, eventually causing it to break, leaving your faux wooden blinds in a large heap on the floor.

It's not all bad, though. If you're going for a specific look, there are plenty of options to choose from. For example, you could choose your blinds by wood, colour or stain. This is great for those homeowners looking for blinds to complement the existing look of their, say, living room.

If you have the cash at hand it's certainly worth investing in a set of real wooden blinds. There's nothing wrong with a faux set; for the large part they successfully mimic the finish, but they lack the character and charm. With a good set of wooden blinds you don't have the issue of them weighing the head bar rail down, as they're much lighter. This also means that you can have just one large blind covering a large window - rather than multiple blinds split into sections.

Providing you look after them correctly, a set of wooden blinds can last for several years - making them a sound investment.

There's an old adage, which you've probably heard many times before; it states that 'you get what you pay for.' In this case may pay more for a good set of wooden blinds, but that extra amount gets you an added amount of quality - which you aren't going to get if you go for the cheaper option.
Faux wooden blinds have become a popular alternative to their real wood counterparts over the past decade or so. This article discusses whether faux wood blinds could be considered a good substitute for a set of real wood blinds.

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

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36 Things You Obviously Need In Your New Home



In case you wanted some inspiring ideas for all that disposable income you’ve got just sitting around.


http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/things-you-obviously-need-in-your-new-home/

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How to Clean Plantation Shutters

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The beautiful, clean lines of plantation shutters offer your home an elegance and timeless grace that is unparalleled by other window covering options. However, just like any other window covering, plantation shutters need to be cleaned from time to time to ensure that they maintain their classical beauty. The proper cleaning method will keep your plantation shutters looking stunning throughout the lifetime of your home.

Regular Dusting
Every couple of weeks, your plantation shutters will need a basic dusting to ensure that they continue looking their best and do not accumulate grime. Use a dry or lightly dampened microfiber cloth or disposable duster to do your dusting. To begin, open the shutters and dust the entire structure from the top to the bottom. Take special care to open the louvers and dust each individually on both sides. Be sure to also dust the window details and sill to keep your shutters at their cleanest.

More Detailed Cleaning
Although a simple regular dusting should keep your plantation shutters looking amazing for years to come, there are some times when they will need special cleaning for one reason or another. When your shutters clearly need more love than a simple dusting can provide, mix up a solution of a teaspoon of dish soap in a gallon of hot water. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into this solution, and then wring it out thoroughly, until it is just barely still damp. Clean as you would when dusting, starting from the top, working your way through each louver, and finishing by cleaning the window itself. Once the grime has been removed from your shutters and windows, use a fresh cloth that has been dampened in plain water to remove the soap and any other residue.

Remember the Location
Your plantation shutters are going to have different cleaning requirements depending on their location. Shutters that are located in your bathroom, kitchen, dining areas, and children's rooms are more likely to require a more detailed cleaning than shutters in other parts of your home would. These shutters can easily accumulate grease, airborne food particles, accidental food splatters, hairspray, dirt, and other forms of difficult to remove grime. For these locations, it is important for you to give your shutters a deep clean regularly to prevent unsightly grime buildup. Failure to frequently give shutters in these areas a detailed cleaning can make them more difficult to clean in the short term and shorten their lifespan in the long term.

Shannon Hodges is Director of Marketing at Eclipse Shutters. Eclipse Shutters is an Atlanta-based custom shutter provider with a network of licensed fabricators around the country. Their company has grown to become the number one shutter selling company in North America and largest manufacturer of tailor-made plantation shutters. Eclipse Shutters was established in 1992 and offers customers fast delivery and a 25-year warranty. Learn more about plantation window shutters at http://www.eclipseshutters.com/about-eclipse-shutters.html.

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


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When It Comes to Aesthetics and Upkeep, Plantation Shutters Last Long

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Quality faux plantation shutters are popular with homeowners because they maintain their original appearance for many years, and, unlike real wood shutters, they never have to be painted or sanded. With minimal care, they can last as long as you are in your home and improve the resale value when you move.

Well-made Faux Plantation Shutters are Built to Last
Good interior faux plantation shutters will not warp, crack, chip, discolor, or peel. They resist mold and mildew, which makes them perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and other rooms where they may be subject to moisture. They are also the best choice for homes in hot, humid, and/or rainy parts of the country. Good faux plantation shutters are UV resistant, so they will not yellow or fade with exposure to sunlight. They can be easily cleaned with soap and water, so they are great for homes with children and animals.

No Need to Paint or Stain
Faux plantation shutters generally come in neutral colors that blend with the mouldings, paint, and décor of any home or office. Unlike real wood shutters which need to be painted or stained every few years to protect the wood, quality faux wood shutters never need painting. Because they will not flake, fade, or discolour, the finish will last for the life of the blinds.



Maintaining Faux Plantation Shutters
Generally, the only maintenance that faux plantation shutters need is simply regular dusting or vacuuming and an occasional cleaning. Most are made of some type of vinyl, which should be dusted once every week or two depending on how much dust is collected. You can slide a flexible microfiber wand over and between the shutters. You can also use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner hose. Tilt the slats up and gently vacuum them, and then turn them down and do the same. Remember to dust the tops and bottoms of the shutters as well.

When your shutters need to be cleaned, just use distilled water (to avoid spotting), a few drops of mild dish soap, and a soft cloth. Be sure to rinse and then dry the shutters with a clean cloth to ensure that there is no detergent residue.

The best way to ensure that you are providing the proper care for your shutters is to follow the instructions provided by the plantation shutter manufacturers. If you do not have the documentation that came with the shutters, call the manufacturer, or check their website for cleaning and other maintenance information.

Shannon Hodges is Director of Marketing at Eclipse Shutters. Eclipse Shutters is an Atlanta-based custom shutter provider with a network of licensed fabricators around the country. Their company has grown to become the number one shutter selling company in North America and largest manufacturer of tailor-made plantation shutters. Eclipse Shutters was established in 1992 and offers customers fast delivery and a 25-year warranty. Learn more about plantation window shutters at http://www.eclipseshutters.com/about-eclipse-shutters.html.

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

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Window Treatment Ideas for Your Bedroom

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Your bedroom is your space to get away from it all. It should be relaxing and comfortable while making a statement about your personal style. One of the most important design elements in your bedroom is your window treatments. The window treatment has to flow with the all-around design concept of the room. There are a multitude of options to choose from that include floor-to-ceiling silk panels, heavier brocade drapes and even plantation shutters.

Simple Panels
Simple panels are a fresh way to bring a room's décor together. You can accomplish this in many ways via the use of color, pattern and texture. Simple panels are also a great way to create a stunning window treatment when accompanied by plantation shutters. By choosing different materials, you can set the tone of the room. You could choose linen panels for a simple, functional design or silk panels which encourage an elegant or romantic impression.

Valance and Drapery Panels
Valances and drapery panels are a wonderful way to accent a window. Valances can be covered in a pattern or a solid color to pick up the room's mood. They can add drama or invoke simplicity. Drapery panels are a versatile solution that when combined with window coverings such as indoor shutters can make a wonderful impression.

Versatility
Not every window treatment in your bedroom needs to be the same. One window may have plantation shutters and another may have drapery but when pulled together with the rest of the room's design it can create interest and depth.

Creating Intimacy
While a bedroom should be functional, it is always nice to have a romantic air about the room. A great solution is to create intimacy with layered panels such as floating sheer panels combined with panels of varying texture. Pairing luxurious plantation shutters for privacy and energy savings with romantic soft, drapes is another way to create intimacy.

The different styles of window treatments in varied colors, panels and textures can be used in a dizzying array of combinations. Your window treatments can be used as a focal point if they can effectively blend into the room's overall scheme. Regardless, they should be functional as well as beautiful. Plantations shutters are a wonderful way to save energy and to increase the room's privacy. They are elegant, durable, and add value to your home as well as fit well into just about any décor.


Shannon Hodges is Director of Marketing at Eclipse Shutters. Eclipse Shutters is an Atlanta-based custom shutter provider with a network of licensed fabricators around the country. Their company has grown to become the number one shutter selling company in North America and largest manufacturer of tailor-made plantation shutters. Eclipse Shutters was established in 1992 and offers customers fast delivery and a 25-year warranty. Learn more about plantation window shutters at http://www.eclipseshutters.com/about-eclipse-shutters.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Hodges

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