The end of summer can be a bummer, but never fear pumpkin spice lattes and cozy throws are here! It’s time to introduce a snuggly makeover to your casa. Adding decor upgrades such as accent pillows, metal art and area rugs can tie in the new season seamlessly. Accent pillows come in all shapes and sizes, plus the color options are endless. Not to mention tossing a few accent pillows on the couch in the living room or in the master bedroom will compliment the furniture and/or fabric color(s), and add a dash of comfy cozy chic to the fall season.
If you have mastered finding the perfect pillows, then finding metal art will be a breeze. Art can be warm and cozy or vibrant and cool, equally important metal art such as sculptures have mixed designs with multiple metal elements like copper, nickel, brass and gold. Mixing metal art decor will compliment the change in the season like the color variation in the leaves.
Given these points you can create your own funky artistic vibes to match your inner interior designer. Once your metal art selections are in place then all thats left is to find an area rug to complete the new look. Bold textures like wool, plush and fury area rugs will make the new season come to light. To be mentioned last is choosing a color and texture like rust or teal wool that will turn your home into a warm, comfy, relaxing space. A wool area rug in any color will change how you feel about summers sudden end. Just add a few candles as well as blanket, and wallah you’re walking into fall the right way.
As the window treatment industry evolves, cordless mechanisms have become integral and not just viewed as additional features to blinds and shades. Cordless blinds and shades have become the main request for most people shopping for window treatments. This is due to the various benefits opting for cordless brings. First, cordless options, with no visible strings dangling, provides a clean look; there are no visual obstructions to your window treatment. Second, going cordless provides the operator with ease of use as the mechanisms are typically very simple and smooth. Additionally, for most parents and caregivers, it is a “no-brainer” when it comes to child safety and durability. As a durable mechanism, cordless uses internalized stringing and therefore doesn’t have exposed cords that fray and may break sooner.
The prevalence of cordless is now for all window treatments whether you’re considering blinds or shades. With lighter weight mini blinds, cordless also includes wandless option where both functions (tilting and lifting) are performed together. On heavier blinds, the tilting mechanism is still present (usually a wand) but the lift which was traditionally corded, is now cordless.
With this huge swing toward cordless mechanisms brings the emergence of an even more modern mechanism, motorization. Motorization maintains all of the aforementioned benefits of cordless but now automates those functions. It allows users to control the window treatments with a remote from anywhere in the room or from a wall unit (similar to a light switch). Powering motorized blinds and shades also offers choices. Most commonly, motorized is offered with a rechargeable battery system. It is easy to think of this as similar to how you charge your cell phone. And, with most newer homes having outlets near the windows, rechargeable battery powered treatments suffice. However, if recharging every year or so is not appealing, hard-wiring shades to the home’s electricity is another (perhaps more costly and time consuming) option. Regardless of how motorization is added, the trend certainly progresses the cordless movement toward technology-driven culture of the modern day.
To end this 5 part series, we figured we would end on an easy note. The sense of somatosensation, touch, is one not often thought about when it comes to home decor. However, with the right textures you can create different environments all over your home. Textures can invoke desired feelings or actions. Adopting textiles and carrying it throughout a home, room by room, creates a grounded and rounded world of design.
Plush carpeting and fuzzy blankets make a room cozy and inviting. Stone, lucite, and glass can appear really clean and sterile, yet also have an organic feel to it as well. Cold, hard surfaces like stone and wood can create a heavy or weighted look, which is why when you add in greenery it helps to counterbalance and soften the space. Woven materials create a rugged and antiquated environment. We highly recommend mixing textures in a room to draw a person in.
Decorate so people want to touch something in your home. Give them that overwhelming desire to feel based on looks. Even if your guest don’t reach out, their eyes will and it can create a memorable bond or strike up a conversation.
While
plastic vertical blinds are on the decline, Panel track blinds maybe on the rise;
with two great styles to choose from (Woven wood, Roller shade) Panel track
blinds has tons of options; unlike traditional vertical blinds. As previous
stated Panel track blinds has many options, for instance Panel track blinds can
come as a translucent shade for privacy but still able to let natural light in
once its close; or a transparent blind that will let light filter in while
seeing through the actual material.
Equally
important Panel track blinds are great if you have a very wide and tall window
that you want to cover; but don’t want the hassle of having a lot of little
slats like on traditional vertical blinds. Panel track blinds cover more space
with limited amount of panels used.
In
conclusion Panel track blinds are very easy to operate, when they are opened
the panels will stack neatly to the side, all overlapping each other; in the
same sense the panel track comes with a continuous cord loop that is mounted on
the side to give a safe and clean look.
If you’re new to the resimercial trend, it may, at first seem like a fictional concept. However, with its
growing success, interior designers are utilizing this very real “blended” trend to revitalize shared spaces in corporate offices. The emergence of resimerical designs stem from an evolving work force wherein diverse groups of employees spend additional time
at their offices beyond the traditional eight hour work day.
The concept includes blending what were two distinct design areas, residential and commerical, together cohesively
to create a comfortable and collaborative space wherein employees can congregate and thrive. It includes deviating from the common white (and often sterile feel) of traditional office spaces to introducing softer, cozier residential elements. Resimericial
designs seek to create clean, efficient and organized common areas that are also relaxing and inviting.
Although there is by no means a uniform approach to achieve this, there are some common elements to creating
a resimerical office space. Having a more open floor plan instead of divisional work spaces is one element. Utilizing wood as common material in your space is another. It brings a more rustic and homier feel to a space as opposed to the traditional use of
metals and plastics in office spaces. Darker-colored hardwood floors, tables, and chairs can also contribute to the design and bring contrast.
The goal is to incorporate residential decor, yet creating true resimerical spaces are a bit more involved
than just transplanting home decor to the office. Vibrant area rugs and brightly colored throw pillows are often present in resimerical spaces to contrast the typical white office walls. Modern multi-person seating with soft cushioning encourages collaboration
and gathering. The seating furniture in resimerical designs should also be comprised of durable materials since it will need to survive consistent use (beyond that of a home) yet be comfortable. Finally, including bold or textured art work and large potted
plants can contribute to your resimercial design.
Rollers as Resimercial Essentials
The successful in implementation of resimercial design to your office space means you probably have a collaborative,
open space with plenty of natural lighting, comfortable seating, and vibrant bright colors. It is probably a space that is both professianal and cozy. However, to ensure that people enjoy spending time in this space without feeling like fish in a fish bowl,
you’ll probably need to make a decision regarding covering the windows. If your space requires privacy, you’ll need to address that without darkening or closing in the space. In the event that you do not require privacy, you may still want to soften the effects
of the sun so that people can work comfortably on their electronic devices. Roller shades, with their versatility, present the perfect window treatment solution to any resimercial space.
Traditionally, when covering office windows, aluminum mini blinds or vinyl vertical blinds were the common choices. These were useful in that they were relatively inexpensive, very durable, and could cover larger windows. However, these blinds contributed to the now old-fashioned sterile and institutional office atmosphere left spaces void of design. In an effort to soften up office spaces emerged the resimercial design approach.
Roller shades are consistent with this approach in both design and in function. Functionally, roller shades are user friendly as they simply go up and down whether they’re cordless, with a cord, or motorized. There are no slats to bend, break, or tilt. Most roller shades have valances that cover the hardware and roll. Their seamless design brings a modern, sleek and clean addition to any room. However, it is really the abundance of fabric options that really make roller shades essential to any resimercial design. If you haven’t added any artwork to the space, perhaps select a bold pattern to cover the window. If you have a lot of design elements already in the space, a simple roller shade in a linen-like fabric may suffice as it will add a little texture and be simple but not plain. Finally, if you’re attempting to keep the view, select a sun-weave material that will reduce sun glare but still be sheer. They are available in wide range of colors and prints and contribute to the openness of the resimercial space.
Having a small kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean you’re limited in your design capacity. Rather, you have the opportunity to really stretch those creative muscles. Here are a few ideas that can make your small kitchen area that much more functional: Try bold colored cabinetry. Hands down, colors pop. More commonly we are used to white or wood colored (spanning from maple to espresso) cabinets in the kitchen. However, why limit yourself? Colored cabinetry is definitely gaining traction in the industry and can be a simple way to add some design to your kitchen without taking up space. If you feel like painting your whole cabinetry is just a little too adventurous for you, try painting just the doors of the cabinets in a complimentary tone. Blue tones and pastels are great options for this approach. Either way, color cabinetry pair well with most granites and stainless steel appliances. Speaking of appliances, if your remodel is bigger in scale and involves large appliances, consider hidden appliances (fridges, microwaves, etc). Hidden appliances provide dual functions: they are both practical and aesthetically pleasing for small kitchen areas as they blend seamlessly into cabinetry without taking up already limited space. Another idea to maximize the design of your small kitchen is to dress up your windows. You may only have one or two, so utilizing them to add something special to your kitchen is important. Consider a soft roman shade for a simpler kitchen, a bamboo shade for a more rustic style, or a textured roller shade for a more modern approach. Be sure to keep the treatment light filtering to take advantage of the natural light your window brings to your space. As far as accessories and smaller appliances, if you opted for more traditional colored cabinets, here is an opportunity to bring in that color. And go bold, use warm colors but limit the prints. Fresh flowers are also a simple, yet impactful addition to smaller areas. Finally, avoid tons of knick knacks and non-essential items as they tend to make smaller kitchens appear cluttered.
With September here and Labor Day behind us, we’re
officially started into the fall season. Its time where work and school pick up
again, and we move away from the lazy days of summer. While we’re getting back
into our routines and potentially a more challenging workload, it can be a
great time for a refresh as we enter this new season.
I love the fall. The air has a crisp feel and the
smell of the autumn outdoors gives me a happy feeling. If your family is like
mine, for much of the summer we have the windows closed and the air
conditioning on because its just too hot and humid. Now that fall is here, I
love opening the windows to let the cool air circulate and refresh the house
naturally. Thinking about window treatments even though I enjoy the open look
in the living room. I highly recommend woven shades. They work great with
giving me the cottage and warm feeling when enjoying my hot cocoa and my fire
place in the fall. Woven shades not only
serve the purpose for the fall but they are also great window treatments for
all seasons, for all styles and for all rooms. With a rich selection of dark
earth tones to white, bone and gray, the weaves are visually striking. Woven shades can be versatile even when you
combine with fabric drapery or drapery panels. Woven wood shades come in a
variety of styles from roman shades to panel tracks. If you need privacy, you
can choose a blackout liner or light filtering liner and all kinds options to
bring more character to your woven shade. The liner can extend the life of your
shade, prevent fading and reduce energy cost.
For the finishing touch your new woven shades, you can frame these
shades with edge bonding in a bold color to contrast or a subtle look.
Holiday decorating can help make the season more
special and get your guest into the spirit of the seasons changing. You can enjoy the season without stressing
about perfection and still be able to look out your windows to watch the leaves
fall and soon the snow falling off the branches.
How quick is summer ending?? Fall season is approaching us! Here are a
few end of summer cleaning tips that I’ve gathered through the last few years.
Scrub outdoor furniture: Throughout the summer, the outdoor chairs accumulate
the buildup of dirt, bugs, etc. from the rainy days. Make sure you give them a
thorough cleaning so you’re able to reuse them next summer!
Clean outdoor cushions: Similar to the furniture, these cushions can
accumulate a great amount of dirt—although you may not see it at the
surface. Different fabrics need
different care, but spot cleaning with some dishwashing detergent and warm
water can help with the cotton, polyester, and acrylic fabrics. Always make
sure to allow time to air dry before storing the cushions away!
Wash beach towels: Swimming and beach season is over, unfortunately!
Give your beach towels a much needed bath, using the hottest water the fabric
allows. Add a small amount of fabric softener to the load and they’ll be ready
for next summer!
Scrub your grill: After all the summer BBQ’s, your grill will most
definitely have some cook on grime that isn’t fully gone! Make sure you clean
it thoroughly before putting it away for the winter!
Clean gardening tools: To prevent your
tools from rusting, keep your gardening tools looking brand new after months of
maintaining your precious gardens. Things you’ll need to get the job done
include gardening gloves, a putty knife, steel wool, a 3 ½ gallon plastic
bucket, 1 tbsp. dish soap, 2 cups of bleach, 1 cup of vegetable oil, 5 oz. can
lighter fluid, all-purpose play sand, bleach-free disinfecting wipes, old
towels and a garden hose.
During your cleanup towards this time of you year, you might have
waste, or extra stuff in the garage you know you need to throw away. I would
clean out the clutter and just get rid of it all to start your fall and winter
months clutter free!
Whether a screened in porch, a condo balcony, or small patio deck, outdoor spaces can provide a relaxing space to unwind and enjoy the weather. However, because these spaces require considerations that inside the home do not, decorating them can seem overwhelming. Here are some tips that will have your outdoor space looking top notch in no time:
Furniture is an essential element to creating an enjoyable outdoor space. Before purchasing any seating or tables, take measurements of your space. This will provide tremendous assistance in choosing what type of furniture. For instance, if you have a condo balcony, you may not have the space for a full loveseat or table. Instead, a café style table and chairs may be more appropriate. Conversely, if you have a sizeable screened in porch, a full patio set complete with side tables, love seats and oversized chairs may fill in the space nicely. And, for a small patio deck, you may consider more creative furnishings such as a hammock. Be sure to find furniture made from materials (like wicker and vinyl) that will hold up in various weather and that can be easily cleaned if need be.
Another consideration is how to manage your exposure to the elements when enjoying your outdoor space. Whether you are reading or enjoying a cold beverage, the sun can impact your comfort level. If you have windows with glass in your space, consider tinting the windows. More commonly though, these outdoor spaces are just screened in without any glass or actual windows. If this is your situation, consider sunweaves or solar shades for your porch. They will reduce sunlight without blocking your view. They also come on simple roller shades and can easily fit under roofing structure. Although some of them may require you to roll them up when it is raining or extremely windy, most are made of materials that can withstand exposure to moisture. Basic awnings that can easily be affixed (and removed from) a wall are another option for small patios or balconies. Finally, beware of wooden or metallic materials to help reduce the sunlight; these materials do not hold up well outside the home.
Other décor ideas for outdoor spaces include adding plants, lights, wind chimes and bird boxes. Adding plants can really spruce up an outdoor space. If you have a smaller space like a balcony or deck, consider hanging plants over potted ones in order to best utilize your limited space. However, if you have a larger room, than potted plants can be beautiful additions. Hanging lights, whether on vines or independent bulbs, can be away to brighten up your space for those lovely summer and fall evenings.
Summertime can be fun but also be very hot, yikes! If you’re trying to cool down the indoor patio a great way to do so would be to add wood blinds. Wood blinds help to keep the room cool, as well as complement any décor that you have. Once you find your feng shui, your new wood blinds will fall into its rightful place.
On the same side of this equation adding natural wood blinds will bring nature to your home instantly. With different finishes such as golden oak, walnut and maple, along with other selections will add style and color; while the wood blinds insulation technology helps to keep heat out. Amazing right! Hey don’t worry when it start to get a little breezy out the insulation in the wood blinds work its magic again, and will help to keep the porch cozy and warm.
That’s the beauty of nature, the benefits of wood blinds are great; and the best part is that you will see that regardless of the decor in your home. Wood blinds will bring log cabin inspiration to reality, and all you need is a little imagination to make it happen.
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