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Roman Window Blinds and Formal Design


By
Expert Author Mark Row


Formal, Yet Effective
The beauty of formal interior design lies in a thorough selection of all the elements, furniture and details, colors and materials all for the purpose of creating a dignified and sophisticated, very representable living area. Since windows are the most noticeable parts of every room taking into account that they are visually connecting the inside with the outside, and allowing sunlight to illuminate your living space, they deserve a proper window dressing to enhance not only their value as keepers of privacy and light controllers but also their role as decorative parts of a formal interior design. Roman window blinds can be that perfect window treatment you are looking for and there are many reasons to support this statement.

Hunter Douglas Vignette Tailored Roman Shades


Formal Decor and Roman Blinds
One should keep in mind at all times the basic principles of decorating in formal style and find a way to incorporate Roman blinds into formal design adequately. The pursuit of simplicity and symmetry is one of the main characteristics of this style. Every piece has its place and is in coherence with other elements. There is usually a focal point, a central, most eye catching piece (a fireplace, table, elaborate armoire or armchair). High ceilings, luxurious chandeliers and wall sconces, antique furniture and Oriental rugs tastefully arranged are the hallmarks of formality and refinement. Upholstered furniture, refreshed with trims and ruffles and decorative pillows, as well as the polished wood pieces and valuable paintings on the walls are often found in a formally decorated home.

"How to incorporate Roman blinds into formal style?" you may ask. In order to adapt this style and make it more comfortable for your home, instead of going for the lush and luxurious fabrics (which are after all more expensive and not very easy to maintain), opt for synthetic materials (quality is still required) in subtle and refined patterns and match the colour of your blinds with the dominant color palette of your formal style. The design of these blinds and the way they fold when raised shows their neat yet elegant nature, but the part that makes all the difference is definitely the choice of material (patterned or not) and its color, so choose wisely. The best part is the offer of patterns and colors is very rich so finding the most suitable one should not be a problem.

The Finishing Touch
If you are really keen on adding more texture and you are really determined to make out the most of this decorating design, add a valance or cornice box to your windows. It may be in matching colors to the ones of your Roman window blinds or in a contrasting or neutral color depending on the effect you are trying to make. All things considered, the overall look of your windows would serve as an example of the wonderful potential of these window blinds to enhance the beauty of a formal decor and make it appear more astounding yet unobtrusive.

Take a look at Shaftesburys for more info on our top end Roman Window Blinds. Shaftesburys offers two ranges, one very simple mainly in plain fabrics which are relatively low cost for Roman Blinds and also we offer the Eclipse Range of Fabric Romans, of which there are ample stunning designs in the present book to choose from.

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


Blinds 4 Less
Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
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(951) 924-9435

Spring Decorating Using Your Windows


By
Expert Author Linda A Hammond


Living out West, you are used to enjoying the outdoors most of the year, but probably you most appreciate being out in the Spring. The temperate climate lends itself to outdoor living, and the ability to bring in the outdoors is something that folks across the nation often envy. How to best make use of the outdoors is a matter of personal preference.

I have seen many beautiful gardens, and I am often surprised how little these gardens are used; they can be an easy focal point for many homeowners who are missing a great opportunity. On some level, folks love their interiors and their exterior grounds, but they do not see the connection or realize how easily the two areas can be integrated to a fuller extent.

Your windows are key to that integration. It is one thing to use window coverings for privacy, to protect your furnishings from the sun, to maintain a comfortable interior temperature during the cool months; but to miss the beauty of a garden or the vistas provided by nature is truly unfortunate.

Hunter Douglas vertical blinds


Look at your windows as portals to the outside for your enjoyment-- unless you have a neighbor only a few yards away. Each window with a view that made you fall in love with your home in the first place should be exploited. Try removing heavy drapes and layers of curtains to expose your views; doing so is like a breath of fresh air after months of being closed up inside.

Many potential homebuyers will put a view above many other practical necessities of home ownership, because locations and views are nearly as important to them as kitchens and baths and in some cases more important.

There are many clever ways to protect privacy while still enjoying the outdoors; semi-sheer drapes and window shades are just two. However, consider nothing at all on those windows that afford you the prettiest views when privacy is not a factor. Another option is to use a pleated shade hidden under a cornice box or valance for those times of the day when either privacy or protection from the sun is important.

If you have to replace windows in your home, another way to enjoy your view is to keep the glass plain, that is, panes without grids, common to homes built in the 1980's. When there is no view, these grids may add charm; but where there is a view, they are distracting and further complicate your design if your window treatments have horizontal lines, like shutters or wood blinds. The idea is to open up and love your view.
If you do not have a pretty view, create one! Use props like a trellis to frame a view outside your formerly uninteresting window. Use colorful pots with hardy perennials for structure and annuals for color. Add a simple water feature and feed it with a drip tube attached to your watering system. You will attract birds and butterflies so your newly created view is vibrant with color and song.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_A_Hammond


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


The Best Colours For Blinds


By

You have just spent a lot of time and money re-decorating your house, so choosing the right blinds is an important factor. One of the key considerations is color. The color of your window blinds is just as important as deciding on the color when re-decorating, painting and choosing furniture. You want them to enhance your room and to compliment it, not look out of place or look as of you've just chucked any old blind up.
If you look at most colors in today's blinds they tend to be a single color, or with a minimal pattern. The variation of colors tends to be neutral colors such as blacks, whites and natural creams. These colors are quite simple to incorporate into an existing color scheme or decor. This provides a relaxing feel and gives the impression of a bigger space.

These neutral colors are just as they say 'neutral.' They are neither warm nor cold colors. They subtly blend into the room without overpowering with a dominant color taking over. Neutral colors work so well with nearly every other color, meaning you can add furniture and accessories without causing conflict of colors.
Of cause there are many different types of blinds and here are a few suggestions of colors that work well. Wooden venetian blinds often compliment a room containing wooden furniture, a lovely silver aluminum blind works really well with matching kitchen appliances offering a sleek, clean look. They make cleaning and wiping simple, as splashes are inevitable in a kitchen.

Living rooms need to be light and airy, letting in as much l
ight as possible so with this in mind roller blinds are a good choice. They allow you to let in the light but providing some privacy when needed. A fantastic option for bedrooms is blackout blinds essential for a good night sleep. These could be Roller or Roman blinds.

Bathrooms shouldn't cause problems with moisture and wetness, but if the blinds are in direct line of water then an Aluminum Venetian Blind are probably your best bet. Although wooden blinds are treated to resist water they are not recommended as the wood can warp over time.

Colors basically come into three groups. Warm, which are red, yellow and orange. Aptly named as they represent the sun and can warm a room. These work exceptionally well in rooms that are used a lot such as living rooms, dining rooms and playrooms. The warm bright colors give the feeling of coziness and warmth. Cool colors, which include blues, greens and purples, provide a calm, relaxed feeling to the room and can make the room have an open, bigger space feeling. These colors tend to be used in bedrooms where a calming effect would benefit a good nights sleep. And mentioned before the neutral colors.

This is just a quick guide as the style and colors are an individual preference and designed specifically to your requirements.

C. Ghand working for Colourful blinds supplier for all vertical and roller blind manufacturers, across the UK. Contact us to set up a trade blinds account.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chan_Ghand


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


Venetian Blinds - Don't Dismiss The Old Classic


By
Expert Author Russell Shearer


Legend has it that the Venetian blind did not originate from Venice (Italy), but from Persia (ancient Iran). Considering how the blinds evolved in the terrain of the arid desert, this argument seems more logical than other purported origins of the Venetian blind.

The very first blinds were made of wet vertical strips of cloth to keep out suffocating dust and regulate the hot desert temperature. From there, the blinds made their way to Europe via trade relations with the then European maritime power, Venice.

Graber mini-blinds

From Italy, the blinds were exported to France and the rest of Europe by artisans who wanted to make a living in Paris. By 1841, the very first patent for adjusting the angle of the slats was awarded to American John Hampson of New Orleans.

This is a class of window treatment that is typically installed inside window recesses. Their basic function is to regulate external light and provide a screen from external prying eyes!

Venetian blinds consist of horizontal slats. The slats are either made of wood, vinyl, or aluminum, and stack neatly together when raised. They allow light to pass through when the slats are rotated, and they can be set at an angle so as to regulate the amount of light entering the room.

Venetian blinds of the past may have been more functional rather than decorative, but they have come a long way in the last few years with the unrelenting advance of technology in materials and mode of manufacture. Because these blinds tend to be on the heavy side, aluminum is the more popular choice when home owners want durable yet lightweight and easy to maintain blinds.

Design-wise, Venetian blinds have evolved to become interesting backdrops themselves, given the trend of window blind customization these days. Unlike the monochrome and bland colours of Venetian blinds of the past, choices available today are more eye-catching and complementary to the surrounding design features. They also come in a choice of slat sizes.

Browsing through a catalogue or 'Googling' the internet for window blinds can sometimes be a daunting task when you are offered an endless variety of blinds that seemingly do the same thing. If you are overwhelmed with all the choices, it's maybe safer to stick with what others have discovered,... that good old Venetian blinds still have a role to play in this day and age.

Maintenance-wise, they can be easily wiped down with a soapy sponge and then wiped dry with a towel. Or, they can be given a bath in warm, soapy water and rinsed off in the shower!

About the Author
Russell Shearer is a Contributing Editor to Blinds-UK, one of the latest online shops for effortless ordering of window blinds in the UK. Visit Blinds-UK for the latest fabrics available, and for tips and advice on how to confidently measure your windows for ordering your blinds online. Measuring and installing Venetian blinds is not difficult when you follow some simple guidelines.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russell_Shearer



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

Top 20 World Most Beautiful Living Spaces

If you are browsing internet for Home Ideas, Decoration and Remodeling Tips you are on the right place. In today’s article we collected the top 20 most beautiful living spaces around the world. I am sure you will hate your apartment after checking out the images bellow. Starting from Switzerland, across America and up to Australia, there’s no better interior designs that the ones we collected and attached in the gallery bellow. We hope you will enjoy:

click pic for blog

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2GNT1c/www.ultrahome.org/top-20-world-most-beautiful-living-spaces/
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