The Finishing Touch

Domino Magazine is Closing?? Say It Isn't So!

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One of my favorite design periodicals, and a source of endless inspiration will close its doors. Nick Olsen, where will I find you when the dust settles?

Trending Towards Brightly Colored Window Treatments in 2009

Though whites, off-whites, and standard wood stains will never lose their appeal in decorator and designer circles, a noticeable rebirth in color is making its way into traditional window treatment trends. Draperies have always been a popular way to add color to a room, as have roman shades, but shoppers are beginning to notice that blinds can make a similar impact. No longer do designers and homeowners feel restricted to using traditional window treatment colors. Many products are available in a myriad of shades, and window treatments are a fun (and temporary, if necessary) way to creatively add a burst of personality to a room. Those who gravitate towards muted beiges and off-whites are tossing green or yellow blinds into the mix to liven up existing décor. Cellular shades, aluminum blinds, pleated shades and roller shades offer the most color choices, though we are beginning to see wood and fauxwood blinds in distinctive hues.

 

Blinds.com Customer Spotlight: Sandy Dorsey

Sandy Dorsey, a long-time vintage and modern doll collector and Blinds.com customer, shares her story and her passion for doll collection. Sandy’s exceptional collection caught my eye when she posted pictures and a review for Blinds.com Premium Room Darkening Roller Shades, which are excellent protection from UV rays.  

Esther: Where are you located?

Sandy: My husband and I chose a rural area in norther San Diego County as our home after we retired.  It is the avocado capital of the world but we also grow citrus, macadamia nut trees, and many exotic flowers.  I am a retired advanced mathematics high school teacher.

E: How long have you been a doll collector? 

S: I have been collecting dolls for thirty-three years.  That’s easy to remember because it’s how long I have been married to my second husband.  He was not prepared for my dolls because when I married him I hadn’t started my collection.

E: What made you begin collecting? 

S: There were some wonderful doll shows at a large mall near where I lived.  I was enthralled with the vintage dolls being shown and couldn’t resist taking at least one home with me each time I went to a show.

The Perfect Way to Say "Thank You" is with a Beautiful Thank You Note

Recently, a group of friends and I were discussing standard thank you note etiquette, contemplating what Emily Post would have to say about today’s electronic communications. Which types of events and gifts require a hand-written, personal thank you, and for which will a quick e-mail suffice? We came to the conclusion that “If you send a paper invitation, you should receive a paper thank you.” Simple enough, but that means everyone should be keeping beautiful, stylish thank you notes on hand. Finding the perfect thank you note, the one that really feels like it came from you, can be more difficult than it seems. That’s where Rosetta Papers comes in. The site itself is beautiful, very conducive to a fun and easy shopping experience. Within each category (wedding, stationary, baby notes, etc.) you will find each style they carry. Everything is customizable, and the selection really is fabulous. In fact, it’s hard to pick just one, but I must admit, I’m partial to more dramatic designs, and brighter colors:

Q & A: What Are Some Unique or Different Uses for Draperies?

Q: I have these old draperies from my last house, and I love them so much I took them with me. The don’t fit my new windows, but I don’t want to cut them up and make tablecloths and napkins. What are some creative ways to reuse my old drapes?

Dalia in the ATL

A: First of all, “Well done you!” for recycling your old draperies instead of tossing them to the curb. There are so many fabulous things you can do with your old draperies that have nothing to do with windows. Any of these techniques can be utilized with new draperies and curtains as well, of course.