The Finishing Touch

Sherwin-Williams Paint Colors Match Blinds.com Blinds and Shades

One of the wonderful things about the Internet is how easily and quickly shoppers can access any information they need. Matching paint to your window blinds is now a sure thing, without ever having to go to a paint or hardware store. The savvy writers over at Good Housekeeping Magazine featured us in a recent issue in an article called “20 Bright Ideas for Your Home.” In the article, they mention that “Blinds.com offers colorful designer blinds that match hues in most of Sherwin-Williams's paints,” and it’s true! Tell us your Sherwin-Williams paint color, and we can identically match blinds to it. It’s that easy. Design Consultants can also help you choose complementary colors. Why go for complementary colors instead of matching?

 

Because complementary colors produced aesthetically pleasing interior designs. Utilizing complementary colors will help you create a vivid and complex color scheme in your home, one that draws people in and makes them want to stay (but not too long!).

 

However, it is often better, or necessary, to match colors. This is true if you’re trying to match wood stains, browns, variations of white and cream, and even bright colors in some cases.

Another tool we LOVE to help you match paint colors in your home is the Sherwin-Williams iPhone app. This amazing little tool allows you to take pictures of your surroundings and colors that inspire you, then match them to Sherwin-Williams paint colors. Love the color of the cardinal that feeds from your birdfeeder every morning? Snap a photo and find the paint that matches his feathers. If you’re moving, and love the color of the paint on your walls but can’t remember what it’s called, use this app to figure it out.

 

The Blinds.com Color Matching System takes all of the guess work out of the process. And when you’re redecorating, one less thing to worry about can make a world of difference.

Happy decorating,

 

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Hidden Treasures: Refinish it, Don’t Throw it Away!

By Larry Hack, Blinds.com Chief Information Officer and Guest Blogger

Do you have an old piece of furniture in your house covered in dark, scratched up varnish? Or maybe a piece with layers of old paint on it? Well if you’re thinking of throwing it way, consider refinishing it instead. It can be easier than you think and you can save a lot of money over replacing it.

The process involves removing the old paint or varnish, staining (optional) and applying one or more protective coats of finish.

 

The remover should remove the paint or varnish without damaging the wood. Many removers use an acid base which raises the grain of the wood, requiring you to spend lots of time sanding. Not how you want to spend your time. Acid-based removers will also damage the patina, which is the natural coloring from the aging of the wood.

 

Many products combine the stain and finish. I prefer to get the color I want first, matching the color to another piece of furniture or trim in the house, and then applying a finish. Stains are either opaque or translucent. Opaque stains are thicker and mask imperfections in the wood; however, they can also cover up the grain somewhat. Translucent stains are thinner and allow the natural wood to shine through.

There are many different types of finishes available; varnish, lacquer, shellac, oils, varnish/oil combination. These different finishes provide different looks and levels of protection.

 

Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area when working with any of these chemicals.

It can be a lot of fun to take on a refinishing project. It is very rewarding to be able to display it afterwards. It may even become a conversation piece.

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Would you like a chance to toss out your rusty, old pots and pans, and get rid of your faded and warped blinds? Have you been envying your neighbors brand new professional stand mixer? Blinds.com, the online leader in custom window treatments, and Cooking.com, the top kitchenware retailer and online community for foodies have teamed up to give away a $1000 shopping spree, good for one kitchen renovation!  Enter to win $500 from Blinds.com, and $500 from Cooking.com, no purchase necessary. If you’ve been dreaming about that new kitchen, dream no more. The winner could be you! 

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You Should Be Watching: DIY Network's Man Caves

Don't know what a man cave is?

"A part of a home specifically reserved for adult male activities, such as drinking beer and watching TV; often a garage or den."

 

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6 Ways to Decorate Your Patio or Backyard for Summer

Are you dreaming of sunning by the pool, margarita in-hand? Ready or not, Summer is here! Birds have headed home, gas prices are steadily climbing, and warm weather wardrobes are just waiting to explode from closets everywhere. There’s no better time than right now to decorate your porch, patio, or backyard. Maybe you’re feeling inclined to opt for a stay-cation this summer. If so, turn your backyard into a relaxing sanctuary for you and your family. Toss out your old white plastic patio furniture, and make your backyard a place you can be proud of. Then, invite your friends, family, and neighbors over for a little Summer vacation barbeque. Bring on the hot dogs… Hebrew National, of course!

Escape the City, Turn Your Room Into a Chic Hotel Suite

So you just got back from NYC after a weekend getaway at the Bryant Park Hotel. The sleek wood floors, the floor-length draperies, and the crisp, white walls against that striking furniture make your boudoir at home feel like a room at a Motel 6. Not that I’m knocking Motel 6… it serves a purpose. But those rooms aren’t known for giving you that I’m-never-getting-out-of-bed feeling. If you’re aching to create a tranquil oasis of your own – or for your guests – there are a few things you can do to make the most impact quickly. A handful of simple touches will make all the difference, especially if you’re working on a limited budget. The goal is to make the room feel charming, without each piece overwhelming the sense of calm. This can be difficult, as modern or interesting pieces of art, furniture, and décor can easily overpower the other elements.

First thing’s first… Buy new linens.

Hotel Max, Seattle, WA / Photo from BusinessWeek