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The Top 10 Home Tours on Houzz


See the most popular homes from the 1,000 profiled on Houzz, from an edgy garage to a sparkling Southern belle 

Houzz passed a milestone Saturday with its 1,000th Houzz Tour. That's 1,000 unique stories about the most important place on Earth: home.

A thousand roofs covering 1,000 families. One thousand children, dogs, cats, chickens. Thousands of footsteps and Thanksgiving dinners and backyard barbecues. Thousands of laughing voices and snuggly rainy days. Thousands of the best moments of our lives. All of which took thousands upon thousands of hours and dollars; thousands of drops of blood, sweat and tears, to finally get our hands on that special place for which we'd fight 1,000 dragons with 1,000 fire-breathing heads just to hold on to.

We never get tired of hearing about the joyful journey people embark on to obtain their dream house. It's something we could do for 1,000 years. To celebrate, we put together the Top 10 most popular Houzz Tours so far, leaving No. 1 for last.

               

Why Are They Called "Plantation" Shutters?

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Are you thinking about buying new window coverings for your home? If so, know there are plenty of choices on the market. You can choose from standard blinds or an assortment of shutters. One product in particular which has been very popular among homeowners and contractors are plantation shutters. What exactly are these and how did they get their name? The history of these shutters is interesting, so here is a bit of background knowledge regarding how they came to be as well as why you may want to consider purchasing them over other types.

The Origin of Plantation Shutters
Before we discuss the history of plantation shutters, it should be noted that there is a key difference between their layout and those of traditional shutters. The latter have smaller, narrower angled slats and are commonly found in homes which have their roots in the New England region of the country. The architectural style shifts as we head farther south, as their plantation counterparts were first introduced by the Spanish who had lived on large plantation farms in the nation's early years, hence the name. They traditionally have wider louvers, but today's manufacturers make them in all shapes and sizes. When shopping around, be sure to think about how you want the divider rail (the piece which separates the louvers) designed, as this too can be fully customized to meet your personal style preferences.

How Interior Plantation Shutters Work
The main benefit to installing interior plantation shutters and one of the key reasons why they have been historically located in tropical and warmer climates is that they promote the maximization of air flow into a room. The wider slats allow plenty of space for air and light to enter. Before the advent of electricity and climate control, people had to rely on these devices to keep their homes cool. This explains why those living in northern regions (climates subjected to colder temperatures and precipitation) built their houses with narrow-slat window coverings. Another major distinction of plantation shutters is that they are often situated on hinges, which allows them to be fully opened and folded back. In addition, today's shutters can be custom-manufactured to fit any window size or shape, so don't be concerned if the ones in your home are irregular.

Plantation shutters are functional, stylish and can add value to your home. Be sure to research your style options and take the time to find a company that can custom-make ones for your needs.

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


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

Window Treatments Are an Investment

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Your home is probably one of your largest investments. Its upkeep, value and the impression it gives to others are important to you. Whether you are building a new house or redecorating an existing home, you should consider the quality and durability of the choices that you make. An important consideration is what type of window treatments you select, and how they can affect the value and overall look of your home.
Why Should I Choose Quality Window Treatments?
Window treatments should never be taken for granted, as any professional decorator will tell you. They can add to the curbside appeal of your home, increase the resale value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. If you make a poor selection, it can lessen the overall appeal of your house.
Things to look for in an excellent window treatment are the quality of the product, its durability and ease of care. Also take into consideration whether or not it helps improve your home's energy efficiency while allowing control over the amount of light that enters your rooms. Your window treatment should be aesthetically pleasing and fit into your overall decorating plan. A great investment would be faux-wood plantation shutters that are available custom-made in several colors and styles. Combine them with soft window treatments to create a stunning look that adds elegance to your home.

What Value Can Window Treatments Add to My Home?
As you design your new house or plan for redecorating an existing home, each choice should be made while taking into consideration the value added to your house. You may not be in the market to sell your home in the near future, but it may become an eventual concern. If you take the time to make informed choices that improve the look and functionality of your home long-term, you can increase its value and improve its marketability. Custom-made faux-wood plantation shutters will do just that. Their elegant look and long-lasting durability make them a sensible choice for your window treatment.
In today's real estate market, it is imperative that your home offers features that improve its ability to be sold and help it retain its value. As you consider making improvements to your home or replacing outdated features, keep in mind the value each item adds to your home. A gorgeous, well-maintained house will keep its value over the years and become a stronger investment.

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


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




You Get What You Pay For: Faux-Wood Plantation Shutters Last a Lifetime

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There are many types of shutters available today, and they come in varying grades of quality and price points. The less expensive shutters do not withstand the test of time and can eventually become discolored or stained with mildew. Less durable shutters are also susceptible to cracks and breaks. The best bet is to purchase quality, durable shutters that will last and add value to your home. Be sure to consider your overall decorating scheme when selecting the style and color.

What are the Benefits?
These types of shutters are non-porous, fire retardant and protect you and your furnishings from UV light exposure. Because of the non-porous materials used in their construction, mildew growth is deterred. Mildew is not only unsightly, but also a major health hazard. Plantation shutters also increase your home's energy efficiency by reducing the amount of light and heat that can enter a room. Faux-wood plantation shutters are very durable and retain their beauty for a lifetime, as well as come in several different colors and styles.

How Are Faux-wood Plantation Shutters Installed?
Faux-wood shutters are custom-made to fit each of your windows. First, each window space is carefully measured. Then, the plantation shutter is designed and cut using those specifications with state-of-the-art equipment that ensures accuracy within 1/1000th of an inch. Once the fabrication is complete, the shutters can be installed either by yourself or by trained professionals. By fabricating each shutter individually, you get the best fit possible. Professional installation ensures that the product has worry-free operation.
Faux-wood plantation shutters provide many benefits that you would not find in other types of shutters and blinds. They create an elegant yet durable and functional solution to your window treatment needs. They offer complete control over airflow and the amount of light that enters a room. Plantation shutters are also easy to care for and maintain. They can be used in windows, doors and as room dividers.
Wherever you choose to install faux-wood plantation shutters, you will find that the crisp, functional look will add value to your home as well as give your rooms a beautiful finished look. While there may be more inexpensive choices available, by trying to save a few dollars you can end up losing quality, dependability and style.

By choosing faux-wood plantation shutters, you will see that you will get your money's worth and be satisfied for a long time to come.


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

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


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