The Finishing Touch

Don't Build a Home Until Reading THIS!

There are so many elements to consider when designing and building a home or addition that it is easy to overlook window treatments. This article will show you how to avoid the most common pitfalls, and hopefully save you money.

Window Depths

Window depths should be at least 2-1/2 inches, especially when decorative casing surrounds the window. Homeowners prefer to mount treatments like shutters and plantation size (2") wooden blinds within the window frame. When installing double-hung windows the 2-1/2 inches applies to the bottom window, where space is especially shallow. Some plantation shutters have 4-1/2 inch louvers These and some other treatments require even more room.

Random Objects and Boring Walls Are Reborn Through Bisazza Glass Tiles

A few days ago, I discovered Bisazza, a manufacturer of glass mosaic tiles. As I began to look through the galleries of designers and artists who have successfully used these tiles to create beautiful things, I was overwhelmed by the scale, detail, and color. These tiny tiles, when used together in intricate patterns on walls and buildings, and to cover unique shapes like large-scale teapots, make these spaces and objects come to life. These tiles aren’t just for professionals though. Anyone can purchase them to tile bathrooms, pools, walls, anything.  I am about to purchase tile to cover my entire house. Someone might have to hold me back. Go to their website and see for yourself. If you aren’t mesmerized by these designs, something might be the matter with you. Visit them here. You can purchase, or browse their galleries. I highly recommend doing both.

Some of the pieces that really blew me away:

Alessandro Mendini, "Torrede Filosofoda Arte Architettura"

Earth Day 2009! Go Green Without Spending a Penny

Today is Earth Day, and there are so many ways to love our planet and your wallet at the same time. If you can’t afford pricey solar panels on the roof of your house this year (who can?), and you're not quite ready to trade in your morning car ride for a morning bike ride to work, why not opt to make some free, easy changes? Show the Earth some love and commit to taking just a few green baby steps.

Going green does not have to be time consuming, and all-encompassing. Without making any major adjustments to your life, you can reduce your carbon footprint immediately. All you need is a little consciousness and dedication. Think of Earth Day as the first day of the rest of your green life. Commit to green habits and greener living. I surveyed the staff here at Blinds.com, and together we compiled a list of the 13 things we do that might help you too. Here’s how:

1. What to do: "Replace your dish and clothing detergent with eco-friendly brands."

Why they help: Okay, I can’t promise that the eco-friendly brands will be the exact same price, but I will promise that by making the switch, you’ll be releasing a lot less toxic, harmful chemical into our water systems. Check out this great review of eco-friendly detergents to help you pick the best one for you.

2. What to do: "Reuse your water bottles."

What the Heck is Top Down/Bottom Up?

For most amateur home decorators (read: homeowners) the various options and features can be daunting. If you’re trying to save money, you might be thinking “Why would I want some fancy add-on when I don’t even know what it is or what it does?” Would you be interested in a feature that allows you to utilize natural light, get varied amounts of privacy when you want them, and create a beautiful look? If your answer is “Yes!” you might be in the market for Top Down/Bottom Up. 

Practicing What We Preach

Blinds.com is located in Houston, Texas.For those of you familiar with the soggiest, most humid city in the northern hemisphere (yes, I’m prone to exaggeration), we get a lot of sun. A LOT of sun. And we have a lot of windows around here. One guess what the best way to insulate and prevent energy loss in an office building…

The 2010 Blinds.com Drapery Line Refresh is Here!

The brand new patterns and colors for the 2010 collection of the Thomas Kinkade Drapery Line from Blinds.com are finally here! 80 new fabrics launched today, and many of the old fabrics remain (don’t worry!). The designers chose carefully to select the most gorgeous, in style fabrics; the new collection truly marries fashion with interior design.

It's Window Treatment Safety Week, How Are You Protecting Your Kids?

More than 140 children have died in the United States since 1981 by strangulation from window treatment cords, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It is easy to make today's window treatments safer for young children with just a few simple adjustments, to prevent these tragic accidents.

Cribs and furniture should not be placed near a window.
Even if you have child guards on the windows, young children are tempted to investigate cords dangling from window treatments. Since young children climb, never put a chair or other object near a window with a dangling cord.

Yellow and Black, Not Just for the Bees

Do you doze off out of boredom at the repetitious color schemes in your home? If you'd rather not look like every other beige home on the block, why not try something a little out of the ordinary in one of your rooms? Yellow, is 2009's hottest color. Accentuate your favorite shade of yellow with black accents. Might seem a little out of the ordinary to go for black home accessories, especially since we are in the full swing of Spring, but you'd be amazed by the brightness of black. Don't believe me? Check it:

SNL: "Levolor, yes. Comfortex, no."

If you missed SNL last weekend, this is a must-watch. In the midst of the government takeover of GM, Fake Obama decides the fate of other major players in other industries as well, including window treatments. In his address to the nation, Fake Obama arbitrarily declares which manufacturers of coffee makers, lawnmowers, fake vomit, jackets, and window treatments get govt subsidies. The others "will be asked to cease operation at once." Apparently, Levolor makes the cut, but Comfortex doesn't. "It's not you, it's not me, it's just the situation." Love it!

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

Tricky Design Problem: Alternatives to Vertical Blinds

Q: I have a sliding glass door that I want to cover, but I think vertical blinds are ugly. What are the alternatives? – Brad D., Los Angeles, CA