You have many options available to you when deciding on blinds or curtains.

Key things to consider when making your decision: your budget, the purpose of your blinds or curtains, colour/size/style of your room, the setting of the room and the area of the window. 

If you are the sort of person who regularly changes the appearance of a room, blinds may be a better option as they are more versatile. If you have an old house with tall ceilings, curtains would probably suit the overall look better.

Also think about what room you require the window treatments in. In the bedroom the main purpose is to block out light, so a blind might be preferable. 

On the other hand, for a window above the kitchen sink, curtains would probably be more suitable as you would want to have more access to natural light. For bay windows, meausuring to fit blinds can be very complicated, so curtains are usually a more suitable option.

There is also always the possibility of using both blinds and curtains. Blinds can keep the light out and curtains can be added as an accent.

Advantages of blinds:

• Can easily match the style of the room, regardless of changes to decor, wall colour or furniture
• Depending on the style, they usually a more inexpensive option
• Variety of styles– including roman blinds, venetian blinds, roller blinds, pull up blinds, black out blinds
• Various materials ranging from fabric, plastic, metal, bamboo
• Effective at keeping light out

Disadvantages of blinds:

• Are more fragile than curtains – so can break more easily
• Not suitable for all windows, i.e. for very large windows a blind might be impratical as it would be very heavy to pull up and down
• Sometimes can be hard to clean

 Advantages of curtains:

• Available in many different fabrics, styles and lengths that can be designed to perfectly match your room
• Can be more efficient at keeping heat in, especially if the curtains have thermal or blackout lining
• Depending on style they can easily transform rooms to create airy or cosy atmospheres

Disadvantages of curtains:

• Unless they are in a very neutral fabric, they can be difficult to co-ordinate if you make frequent changes to the room colour, furniture, wall hangings
• Can be a more expensive option
• Take up more space so not always a good option in a small room

Most interior designers work their rooms around where the light comes from, so if you’ve got a window, chances are  it’s a focal point. It is imperative, therefore, that you dress your windows properly, considering a number of factors before you make your final decision. Below is a short guide to help you make the right choice for your curtains.

Tone

The first consideration you might make is the overall formality or intended casualness of the room. A formal living or dining room with elegant furniture requires equally well-dressed windows. Classic drapes in silk damask or velvet with swags or tie-backs over sheer netting is appropriate for this level of formality, whereas a simple, natural, slouchy Tab-top would better suit more laid-back surroundings.

Detail, Coordination & Contrast

Silk fringe or rosettes, and other fancy trimmings are often used in living and dining rooms, but if you prefer a clean, simple line, then by all means use what you like. If you’re a minimalist, you won’t be happy living with fussy details.

For a more casual, but still sophisticated room, panels or drapes of natural silk in colors which coordinate with the floor coverings and upholstery make a nice statement. Wool blends and linen are also chic in this setting, and should meld with your chosen furnishings. For example,  a softly draped wool panel is superb with an overstuffed couch, and dark polished wood tables.

Materials

You’ll need to decide what fabrics and materials best suit the environment, tone and function of your room. For example, if you’re furnishing a bathroom window, it is wise to select a material that is fairly water resistant, like cotton, wool or hemp. If you’re decorating for a bedroom, consider a blackout lining and a heavier fabric to block out the light. Drafty hallway? Interline your draperies with thermal lining to lock in the heat and save on your energy bills. Think carefully about light too. Silk curtains, for example, fade easilly when exposed to harsh sunlight, so if you are going for the luxury look in a naturally illuminated area, be sure to line the material carefully.

Exhibition or Privacy?

A fourth factor to consider is the windows themselves. Think about how you plan to use the windows. Is there a beautiful view, and lots of natural light that you would like to make use of? Or do you live in a city with a view of an alley, and a need for privacy? Voiles and semi sheer fabrics are the chicest way to get the ‘net curtain effect’ with an element of style, allowing you to see out, but preventing others from seeing in.

Tastes, Preference & Fashion

A fifth factor is your own personal likes and dislikes. If you like an eclectic, or even eccentric, look, use the colors and fabrics that you like the best. If you choose colors in the same value, that is all pastels or all brights, and patterns in the same size range, you can mix and match fairly easily. Busy room? Go easy on the paterns and stick with block colour.

Since the beginning of time, mankind has endeavoured to add a sense of individuality to their living environment. Today, we have many spaces we call our own where we can express our personal taste. The interiors and exteriors of our homes are a great potential canvas for our personal creativity. Occasionally, however, we’re out of ideas. Mentally blocked. Completely stumped. While using the colour ‘black’ to perk up a room may seem like a daunting prospect, it’s actually far better decorating option than perhaps it seems. 

 Black is best used to add drama and contrast to a room, and is frequently the colour of mystery, sleekness, and elegance. While many shy away from using large amounts of the colour on walls and panels, it can be a great way to add a luxurious, modern touch to a room, providing it is well illuminated and in a large, open space; it is not advised for small, dark places as it will enhance that hemmed-in feeling.

Black also makes a great accent colour. Accent colours can be picked up in throw pillows, curtains, rugs, and other decorative accessories. Black shutters, accent trim, and front doors can also makes an excellent accent to your exterior paint colour, diffusing borders and highlighting show-off areas.

Black is frequently used in conjunction with white to make the ultimate monochrome contrast. The vibrant pop of primary colours used in contemporary styles aids a room by creating the impression of depth when used alongside black, just like the vivid hues of a sunset against a black landscape. Rugged black iron work can add a whimsical touch to an eclectic interior. Black also works great against any paint colour from soft pastels to jewel tones.

Each room of the house can benefit from a black decorative piece. Black curtains in a bedroom can add a sexy richness to the room. Black curtains also have the added benefit of letting less light in for the late sleepers. Really, black curtains can be used to great effect in any room. The bathroom can be updated with black towels and toiletries. Black appliances give a kitchen a clean, modern look. Lamps with black bases or black shades make excellent accent pieces in any room of the house. A black blown-glass bowl set on a side table can be a great conversation piece.

Searching for the perfect black focal piece can be an adventure in itself.  The Internet provides a great variety of choices, and you can also shop for the best price. Other great places to look are interior decoration stores, home improvement stores and department stores. If you are looking for a deal, try flea markets and garage sales. Hunting for a find at these venues can be like treasure hunting; a productive and exciting way to spend a Saturday morning.

Try decorating with black. Don’t be scared of it. Adding small black accents to update your style, or think ‘big and bold’ to really create a statement. After all, it does go with everything.

Bored of your boudoir but can’t stump up the funds? Tired of your living space, but worried about saving pennies? Decorating your home doesn’t have to be a bank-breaking excerise. Below are a list of tips, hints and suggestions to help you plan your re-design on a budget, whatever your financial situation.

1. Think simple, big, open and neutral. Go for timeless, long-lasting looks that are easilly adjustable. A natural carpet, wooden floor or cream interior allows for multiple changes in soft furnishings and colour-schemes, without the hassle of a complete refurbishment each time you fancy an little something different. Insure you prioritise good lighting. Poor illumination will dampen your colour scheme and shrink your space.
   
2. Save the evnvironment, save your pennies, and steer away from fads and trends, particularly if you’re a sucker for disposable buying! They won’t last long, and be off-trend in a season. So if you are cutting back, cut it out.
   
3. Choose slices of your complete vision. Don’t rush to complete the masterpiece straight away and bull-doze into your overdraft without the cash to cater for it. Save up for a great pair of curtains, a set of vases that may otherwise sit just outside your price range, or a stylish sofa that feels as good as it looks, and will last you a life time. Remember, some things are worth waiting for!
   
4. Prioritise. It’s all well and good splashing out on a vintage candelabra to set off a spectacular mantle piece, but if there’s nowhere to park your derriere, then the function of your living room is lost. Buy the skeleton items first, deck out the innards afterwards. Prioritise on your spending too. It is worth, for example, paying more for a comfortable, great-looking sofa that will last a life time and holding back on ornaments until finances allow. Writing a list separating your room needs and wants is always a good exercise. Number them from most to least, and plan your budget accordingly.
   
5. History, as they say, has a habit of repeating itself; an endless cycle of by-gone styles circulating year on year, just waiting for the chance to be thrown back onto our walls and wardrobes for the on-coming season. The lesson here? Think vintage.  If  you’re lucky enough to have a relative or friend with an attic full of junk, get raiding! If not,  try flea-markets, thrift stores, and auctions for stand-out pieces to add a timeless sense of character to your dwelling. And if the thought of leaving your lovely home brings you up in a rash, why not shop from the sofa, and browse the internet for vintage online.
   
6. Stuck for ideas? Let the décor choose you. Shop for a style, pick an individual item to set off a room, be inspired by a particularly poignant piece of artwork, and let the item work the room. Choose a colour scheme that fits with the item, and carry the theme through the area to be decorated. In this instance, you may wish to spend more on said item of inspiration, and boost it one or two places up the priority list. This needs to be in balance with the rest of the room however, so be wise with the amount you do spend. Be sure to make this treasure the focus of the room and well displayed too!
   
7.  Be unique. Don’t make the mistake of buying all your items from one place. Shop around for an individual style to prevent your space looking like a knocked-off show room.
   
8. Remember, you can do a lot with a little. Think  throws, wall-hangings, rugs, and fairy lights for an instant transformation on a very small budget. Why not paint a panel of the wall to add a splash of colour, instead of saturating the walls with a single shade? An old minimalist Japanese trick to remember is ‘bring the outside in’. Plants, pebbles and natural fabrics can do wonders for your living space, and are well worth forking out for.
   
9. Think DIY, and where you can, customise. Doll up a dull piece of furniture with a fresh coat of paint and a handful of stencils. Transform spare fabrics into throws or cushion covers. If your sewing machine savvy, why not try making your own curtains? Check back at this blog for a great guide on how to create your very own pair. Happy saving!

PART TWO

It’s no secret that the colour of a room has an incredible affect on the way we perceive our interior surroundings. Equip with paint and brush alone, we have the power to manipulate the size of a space, artificially create the appearance of sunlight, conceal flaws and accentuate stand-out features. But have you ever thought of the psychological impact the hue of your home has on your overall well-being?

From lurid yellow, to not-so-grisly grey, here is Part 2 continued from ‘Shades To Suit Your Mood’

Yellow
The colour of natural warmth, cheeriness and optimism, yellow can create the natural impression of sunshine, even where it doesn’t exist. Fantastic for use in an office, study, or, indeed, in the kitchen, research indicates that yellow can increase the metabolism and enhance concentration. However, it is one of the more difficult colours for the eye to take in, and can be overpowering if overused. Subtle furnishings and decor in this shade is advised. A bunch of sunflowers, a yellow-hued painting, or a single wall can really work to your biological advantage. Think saffrons, golds, ocres and creams if the thought of lurid lemon scares you. However, beware. According to science, people lose their tempers more easily in yellow rooms, and babies have been shown to cry more. Avoid in the bedroom.

Orange
Much like yellow, orange can cheer up the darkest room, and provide a welcoming sense of warmth and vivacity in a dull interior. Symbolic of wealth and joy, splashes of apricot and rich terracotta goes fantastically in the kitchen and dining areas. Chance in any north-facing room to cosey-up the walls with a Mediterranean twist.
Green

Symbolically the colour of nature, green is calming and refreshing, and great when used as a relaxant in bright, large spaces. People waiting to go on TV often wind down in the ‘Green Room’ before making their on-screen entrance, while hospitals frequently use the colour to calm patients down. Green is the easiest on the eye, and opticians even suggest that green environments can improve overall vision. Jades, limes, willows and forest, greens are ideal for lounge rooms and living areas.
Purple
Purple denotes luxury, wealth and sophistication. As it is rare in nature, purple can often appear artificial to the eye, so when choosing for the home, it is best to select subtle hues of heather or deep, iris shades. Avoid deep violets and purples in the kitchen, office and living areas, as studies have shown the colour to induce feelings of fatigue. Use deep rich flashes to accent and luxuriate a cream backdrop. Why not a try a panel in the hallway, or a sumptuous throw over a natural cotton bed spread?
Brown
Solid, reliable and abundant in nature, brown can be used anywhere and with any colour. Light shades can imply genuineness and honesty, and thus oats, flaxes and foals are very good for furnishing an office environment, or calming down the busy colours of a jam-packed room.
Grey
Grey, like brown, has the power to harmonise with all colours, and is a great background to use in a richly saturated environment. It has a calming, neutralising effect on the mind and is a designer’s favourite for use in bedrooms and living areas. Best used in combinations however, as grey alone can appear cold and dull the atmosphere. Warm up subtle silvers with with deep greens, ocre yellows, and rich purples.

Blinds offer an attractive alternative to curtains, although aren’t always considered. They are economical, easy to care for, and offer superior privacy. There is a style to fit any budget or room. By choosing a classic style, your blinds can fit into the changing decor of any room. Understanding the options when it comes to window blinds is an important first step in choosing the right kind for your design needs.

Vertical blinds are perhaps the most common in both home and office settings. They consist of plastic or aluminium vanes that run vertically and are held in place with a string. They can be raised to allow light in or the vanes can be rotated to allow light in while affording privacy. Though not as stylish as other options, they are economical and can be dressed up with a fabric swag to conceal the head rail. They are easy to clean, only requiring periodic dusting, and durable.

Wooden Venetian blinds offer similar construction to vertical blinds but are much more sophisticated in appearance. In an office setting they can lend a degree of professionalism that vertical blinds may lack. At home, wood can be chosen to compliment molding and accents in order to tie the room together. There extreme durability and easy upkeep make these a good choice.

Panel blinds are usually made of fabric or wood and come in two styles. Some are similar to a horizontal version of Venetian blinds and others are two or more sliding panels. They are suited especially to floor length windows and sliding glass doors. The wooden styles only require a bit of dusting where as fabric panel blinds may need spot cleaning on occasion.

Roman blinds have long been a favourite window treatment for professional designers. Also called roman shades, they are a panel of fabric that covers the window and when raised pleats attractively. These are perfect if you like the look of curtains but want the practicality of blinds in your home. When the blinds are raised they do not offer as much privacy as other styles but this is offset by their dramatic diffusion of light when they are closed.

Pleated blinds work on the same theory as vertical blinds except they are fabric that is pleated in such a way as to cause a pocket within two layers giving the blinds their pleated appearance. These blinds work well on traditional windows, but can also be made to fit round or curved windows. They can be raised and lowered or left closed where they will diffuse the natural light wonderfully.

When choosing blinds, decide what you are want them to provide. Whether it is privacy, light control, or style there is a choice that will fit your needs.

With the economy in a slump, buying a new home seems to be out of the question. However, there are ways you can brighten up your home and give it a new feeling without having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Buy new curtains or roman blinds.
You can control the amount of light you want in the room with blinds and curtains. The right color and size curtains will make any room pleasant and brighter. Too heavy of curtains will not allow much light to pass through.

Buy a new sofa from sofa.com.
Sofa.com allows you to build your own furniture so that it is right for your space. The furniture that you choose should have lighter fabrics so that vistors will feel welcome to sit down.

Build an extension.
If you can’t afford a new house, why not just add on to the one you have now? Building extensions not only add more square footage to your living space, they also add more value to your home.

Re-paint the house - interior and exterior.
Psychologists often say that color influences our emotions. Dark colors makes a room dismal and too bright a color can make a room not tranquil. Light blues and greens are generally most suitable. Light colors, like white and off-white, reflect light. Regardless of the color you prefer, a different coat of paint will certainly freshen any room up.

Bring the garden inside.
If you enjoy planting and the beauty it can bring to a home, bring the garden inside! Flowers can adorn any home if the colors match and accentuate the space.

Use different lighting fixtures.
Often, people have no idea what kind of lighting works best for certain rooms. Install new lights or replace old lighting fixtures to brighten up a space. Light fixtures that sit upon the wall or ceiling are more long-lasting. They have the convenience of functioning from wall switches, and they supply light from overhead and don’t take up table or floor elbowroom. Flourescent bulbs are great and environmentally friendly because they provide ample amount of lighting yet require less electricity.

Install a skylight.
Skylights bring in natural light - and a lot of it. Some skylights can be accessable for ventilation. Of course, they’re not an option for a building you don’t own or a first-floor room in a multi-story residence.

Use more mirrors.
Mirrors open up space and bring in light. Correctly adorning mirrors will make the room seem copious and they’ll reproduce the light you already have with no further electricity.

Spring cleaning more often than just in the Spring.
In case you haven’t noticed, cob webs make a room seem unapproachable and dirty. Clutter and dust make any space dark and undersized. Light cleaning once a week will make a world of a difference in making any home brighter and inviting. Also, clean your windows frequently. Clean windows will let more light in!

Use bright colors when decorating.
Bright colors are great for gloomy times. Dark spaces are very uninviting. In such bleak times, why not surround yourself and your loved ones with bright and cheery colors?

You don’t have to milk your bank dry or buy a new house in order to have a place that you love. Don’t allow the slump in the economy to darken your home; brighten it up inexpensively with new colors and new furniture.