Grandmother’s Words to Live by:
January 25th, 2010 by CoryMy Grandmother gave me these words to live by- She would be 110! today. These words still ring true.
- Keep life simple.
- Avoid watching for a knock in your motor.
- Learn to like work.
- Have a good hobby.
- Learn to be satisfied.
- Like People.
- Say the cheerful, pleasant thing.
- Turn the defeat of adversity into victory.
- Meet your problems with decision.
- Make the present moment a success.
- Always be planning something.
- Say “Nuts” to irritations.
Lowering Energy Usage
January 25th, 2010 by CoryUncovered windows can cause as much as 40% of a home’s energy loss. (Source: TempAssure Energy Solutions)Lined window treatments pay for themselves by raising the R-Value of all glass openings they cover thereby LOWERING ENERGY USAGE NEEDS FOR HEATING AND COOLING. Keep indoor spaces cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter with lined window treatments. Prevent thermal loss, beautify your home… and experience the savings in the long run.
How Lining and Interlining Work
January 20th, 2010 by CoryThe lining is the backing fabric used in the construction of a custom drape. It is used to create more fullness and protect the fabric from the harmful effects of sunlight. There are different types of lining and interlining, all come in a variety of colors and textures and they each serve specific purpose.
Between the lining and the drape fabric is the Interlining. The interlining is sandwiched between the two fabrics. Interlining is really where all of your options are and can make a huge difference in the value and lifespan of the drape.
Flannel interlining you increase the insulating qualities of your window treatments. Installing custom drapes with a heavy-weight cotton flannel interlining can reduce the loss of heat in the winter and also reduce heat gain in the summer.
For those who live in a frigid climate, you may also want to consider using an Bump Interlining which is about twice the thickness of flannel interlining. Bump is used in cold damp winters to keep homes warm. It is very heavy and you really have to know what your doing but the results are amazing. Bump interlining combined with sateen lining give a smocked panel a luxurious finish.
Blackout lining allows this drapery panel to keep a true color, matching the wall paper. It also lets you sleep late and blocks the sun’s harmful UV rays protecting interior furnishings. French Blackout is a lining method where a layer of black lining material is placed between the interlining and outer lining. This provides blackout with a very soft and high end finish.
You have great options today and there are some important considerations regarding the insulating factor of the curtain, the sound barrier performance and overall look of the product.
Trends 2010 Part 3
January 19th, 2010 by Cory“Color of the year 2010” for apparel and home is turquoise.
This color is said to be an inviting, luminous hue that combines the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green. Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing. It is thought that as the economy improves more and more people will once again book vacations, and tropical island getaways, where turquoise water abounds, will top the list of popular destinations.
In many cultures, turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color. It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy. Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.
In fashion, turquoise makes a statement that can look elegant and dressy in fine silk and gemstones, or casual and fun in cotton and athletic apparel. Because of its versatility, turquoise is a great accent color in jewelry, purses, shoes, hair accessories and even nail polish for women, and ties, shirts and sportswear for men. It is predicted that turquoise will first make its mark in the fashion side of the style industry and slowly move into the home furnishing industry by the end of 2010. To date this seems to be true as most vendors of home furnishing fabrics have not begun to showcase this color in the new items that are being shown at market. This could be a trend that takes some time to cross over and develop from the apparel industry, but it is definitely a trend color to keep an eye on as the year progresses.
Lining and Interlining
January 19th, 2010 by CoryLining and Interlining materials play an important role in the overall function and beauty of custom window coverings.
Some of the benefits of using lining materials:
Adding lining helps to control light, provide insulation, gives a consistent appearance from outside the home, protects face fabrics, adds fullness and adds body allowing face fabrics hang, drape and perform better.
Wow! That’s a lot of benefit out of something so reasonably priced.
Discount for January/February
January 18th, 2010 by Cory- Woven woods 20% off!!!!
- Installation of grass cloth shades/woven woods is free!
- Order Hunter Douglas Architella Shades before January 31, 2010 and get a federal tax credit!
- ***You need to mention this discount when you call us for an estimate! 1-818-999-3468
Why Redecorate?
January 18th, 2010 by CoryEvery day is a new adventure for me as I never know where I am going or who I am going to meet. This is truly the beauty of my daily routine as every new client is a new adventure and a new challenge.
When I walk into a home to give a complimentary estimate on window treatments, I instantly know that the people I am working with are getting their lives to a better place. Our homes are such a base to our mental health and it is has been proven, time and time again, that it is important to have our homes in order and look pretty. This is a huge task for some of us, as interior design vision isn’t a gift everyone can tap into. Luckily for me, I am pretty good at the final touches on making a house a home, whether it be with adding paint to the walls, crown molding painted bright white, or a simple drapery treatment to compliment the french doors.
So, that is why I love what I do for a living. I make people’s lives a better place by dressing up their homes. Think about it… it is a nice place to start.
Trends 2010 Part 2
January 15th, 2010 by CoryHome trends have always been influenced by many things that we encounter in our daily lives. It used to be that apparel was the main gage of what would eventually be popular for the home. While apparel is still an important factor in predicting what colors and styles will make their way into our homes, there are so many more visual factors that play a part today. If we buy color and style in one product, will we not live with the same themes in our homes? More and more the answer is yes. If we plan a wedding, usually one of the most important days in life, and select a color(s) for that event, would we not feel comfortable living with this color(s) daily? Again, probably so! In the following days well be discussing the leading design segments that may influence what we choose to put in our homes in 2010 directly or indirectly.
Trends for 2010
January 11th, 2010 by CoryIt’s a New Year, and in examining what the year will hold, those in style based industries ring in the New Year with color and style predictions for what is ahead for the next twelve months. While predicting color and style may seem like random musings, there really are some key indicators that we as a society may never think about that tend to drive color and style. There is not a crystal ball that makes all of these predictions come true, and the whim of consumer’s buying habits can change more quickly than one would think. Dress designers, for example, may bring out collections full of mini-skirt hemlines, but that does not mean that women will buy them just because they are predicted to be in style. The same is true for what consumers will be looking for in selecting products and colors for their homes.
When we are in conflict, or the economy is weak, we tend to see colors that are “safe” to the point of being drab or grayed out. When the economy is doing well, and we as a society are optimistic about the future, colors are more bold and clean. For 2010 there seems to be some of both of the above predicted for home interior trends. While the economy is far from being well, it is better than it was a year ago, and after twelve horrific months of lagging sales and loss of jobs, most people seem to be looking for the positive in things going forward. With this attitude toward the future, we are seeing “safe” neutral colors blending with bold shots of vibrant tones. In a sea of turmoil we are looking for the tranquil shades of nature. We are also concerned about the “greening” of America and so earth tones are, once again, leading the way in many markets. Looking for sunnier days in our economic conditions, yellows will continue from 2009 to be popular in setting the tone for 2010!
