Tag: blinds

Can DIY measured and installed blinds actually look good? My verdict!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 22, 2021
4 Comments on Can DIY measured and installed blinds actually look good? My verdict!

We recently got almost all new windows at home which left me needing to find new window coverings and fast! We had less than a week’s notice that the new windows were coming and we knew we wouldn’t be able to put our plantation shutters back on afterwards because they simply wouldn’t fit.

Our new roman blinds which we measured and installed ourselves

Roman blinds are a great way to let in maximum light in the daytime

Now I absolutely love the look of shutters and five years ago, when we first bought this house (which looked a lot different!), they were the perfect update and, frankly, a great way to disguise our crappy old windows). However, in time we came to realise that our house isn’t blessed with great natural light in the bedrooms and the living room (although we now have skylights, yay!) so we often had to have the lights on in the daytime. Shutters do block quite a lot of natural light so if it’s in short supply in your home, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them. Looks wise alone? Love ’em!

The same blinds, shown half closed, in the boys’ shared bedroom. The blockout lining is very effective!

We love seeing the greenery out of the window now which was hidden by the previous shutters

Close-up of the blinds in Cotswold Soft Grey with blockout lining

So while I was sad we couldn’t reuse the shutters, it was also a blessing in disguise as it meant we could choose something else to let in not only more light but also the lovely garden and green hedge views we have from many rooms. I gave them away on Facebook Marketplace to some very grateful renovators so they haven’t gone to waste or landfill.

Now I am a big sheer curtains lover too but they weren’t going to work in our living room for several practical and layout reasons (it’s not always easy is it?!) and in our bedrooms we have huge wide windows with beds too close to them for curtains to work in them either. Onto my next favourite: roman blinds! I do genuinely think these are an underrated options these days! While I went for a safe grey for mine (because I have a lot of colour in my home already and I like to have fun with that on a neutral base), there are so many options to add colour and pattern which can make a big statement for not a lot of money.

I ordered lots of free fabric samples, even considering patterns for the boys’ rooms and a pale pink for the master bedroom! This really helps you narrow it down.

Once I decided on romans, I got a quote from a custom blind company which ran into several thousand dollars for just four windows, and having just paid for some rather big reno jobs (like a new driveway!) I decided to go with Tuiss Blinds Online (formerly just Blinds Online) instead. I’d used them before for the navy romans in my kitchen. I remembered the price was ridiculously good and I’ve had so many compliments on them since, many from people who hadn’t considered romans before. Another important factor was that the measuring was easy (I managed not to stuff it up) as was the install (you all know my long suffering husband isn’t the handiest!).

This do it yourself blinds option, combined with the great value, really does seem a bit too good to be true and I get it if you’re skeptical. But do you know what, it ain’t rocket science, and having now used them twice, I’m very confident to honestly recommend the process.

Tuiss Blinds Online also have an insane amount of fabrics to choose from (they also do S-fold and classic curtains, roller blinds, outdoor blinds, honeycomb blinds, plantation shutters and much more, by the way). Their designer textiles include William Morris in collaboration with the V&A, Clarissa Hulse, Emma Bridgewater, Scion, Sanderson Home and Harlequin Additions. But yeah, sorry but I went for a pale grey textured choice! Mine was called Cotswold Soft Grey (fitting for someone who grew up near The Cotswolds in England, no?!).

TUISS Blinds Online roman blinds in a customer’s home

You can order multiple fabric samples online for free which really helps, and they arrive in a few days.

Another example of Tuiss’ patterned fabrics

When it comes to measuring yourself, they give great step by step instructions on the site but there really is no trick to this. You then choose between blockout and light-filtering lining (same price) and recess or face-fitting (again, this is all explained in plain English). I went for blockout in the bedrooms and let me tell you, they do their job! I’m a light sleeper and the shutters didn’t block out as much light as these do, so that’s a welcome benefit too. I didn’t choose a blockout lining for the other rooms as it really wasn’t necessary when nobody sleeps in them. This also keeps down the ‘bulk’ of the fabric when the romans are pulled up (concertina-like).

Then you can choose a manual chain system or electric smart raise (for an extra $139 per blind). The latter is powered by an integrated rechargeable battery pack. While I loved the idea of it, I know what our family is like at losing remote controls (as well as how much my kids would try and play with the blinds!) so decided to keep it simple! Incidentally, the install process of the blinds is just the same either way.

What I love about the website is that you get instant quotes by entering your width height and fabric choice etc, so you know exactly what you’re in for.

The four blinds for the living room and playroom came to just over $1,000 and blinds for our three huge (2.5m long) bedroom windows with blockout lining came to just over $1,200. This is so much cheaper than many other places and I’m thrilled with ours. That’s blinds for more than half the windows in our four-bedroom home for $2,200. Amazing, right?! And most people’s windows are smaller than our bedroom ones so that’s probably on the higher end of your average cost.

As for install, it honestly isn’t hard and Damian would back me up here! You literally need a drill and a screwdriver and you install brackets which the blinds then click into. The bedroom windows were a little trickier being so long, but the ‘normal’ sized windows were an absolute piece of cake!

We are thrilled with the look of our blinds and they fit just perfectly. They were, after all, made to measure!

Apart from shutters and Venetian blinds, the Christmas cutoff for all other products hasn’t happened yet so you still have time to order yours in time for the festive season. I’m still deciding what we will do in a few of our rooms as we are tossing up swapping playroom and office which will affect which room is the guest bedroom (it never ends here!) and the boys are currently enjoying sharing a bedroom having previously had one each (why did we move to a four-bedroom house in the burbs again?!). I like the fact I can just order the rest when I’m ready. They’re dispatched within 10-to-14 days for most of Australia.

The company has been around for 15 years (but much longer offline) and I’d encourage you to check out their online reviews which are excellent. This post isn’t sponsored although Tuiss did gift me the blinds. My views are 100% honest and like I say, I have used them before, independently, at my own cost. Delivery is free on orders over $499 with a few exceptions and there’s a free extended five-year warranty on everything.

If you have any questions or want to check on delivery times of certain products to your area of Australia, you can call customer service on 1300 761 179 or email [email protected]

Get a free quote and browse the range online

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Tags bargain blinds, blinds, blinds online, dit blinds, interiors addict, jen bishop, measure and install your own blinds, online blinds, plantation shutters, roman blinds, self measure blinds, tuiss blinds online

Expert Tips Homewares Shopping

Stylish window furnishings that will warm your home this winter

Post author By Caoimhe Hanrahan-Lawrence
Post date April 15, 2021
No Comments on Stylish window furnishings that will warm your home this winter

We all know that beautiful window furnishings can completely change the look and feel of any room, creating atmosphere and adding another textural layer to your interior palette. What many people don’t consider is just how much of a difference blinds and curtains can make to the thermal properties of your home.

“Putting the right blind into your home reduces the cost of having your heater running at full capacity in the winter months and vice versa in the summer,” explains Matthew Walsh, managing director of Tuiss Blinds Online. “This changes the look and feel of your home while still maintaining the energy efficiency, giving you the best of both worlds.”

It’s definitely worthwhile looking into which types of blinds and curtains will make a difference to your energy bill. Here are some of the best options for keeping warm in winter:

*V&A William Morris Acanthus Celedon Curtain*

Blockout curtains

Did you know that curtains with a blockout lining provide the best thermal insulation out of all window furnishings on the market? They provide a huge benefit all year around, offering complete privacy, total light control and energy savings in both winter and summer. On those cold winter nights, think of them like a big warm blanket on your windows, making sure your entire home stays toasty and warm. With so many different colours and prints to choose from, you can choose to have your curtains be a subtle feature in the space, or be the absolute hero with a fabulous designer fabric to make a statement.

*V&A William Morris Acanthus Velvet Forest roman blind*

Blockout blinds

Opting for blockout lining on your blinds not only keeps the sun from interrupting your sleep-ins on the weekend, but the lining provides a great barrier to keep the chilly winter air out, and the warm interior air in. Again, this works in reverse over summer to keep your home nice and cool.

Honeycomb blinds

For an innovative solution, you can opt for Tuiss Blinds’ blockout honeycomb collection. The blinds are made of rows of hexagonal, aluminium-lined pockets which trap heat inside. This ensures your heater doesn’t have to work overtime to keep you nice and cosy, saving on energy bills and potentially repair costs. They can also help muffle sound, which is a great bonus if you live on a busy road.

*Shade IT outdoor window blinds* *in modern grey*

Outdoor blinds

We often think of outdoor blinds in the summer months to keep the heat out of our homes, but they offer an additional layer of thermal protection in the winter. Open weave designs still offer a view to the outdoors while providing privacy and sunlight protection.

Layering

Think of it this way, just as you layer up your clothing on those cold days to stay nice and cosy, you can layer up your blinds and curtains too! Just because you’ve opted for a blockout roman blind or a honeycomb blind doesn’t mean you need to miss out on the soft dreamy look of curtains. A popular trend we’re seeing is installing a sheer curtain over the top of a blockout blind, giving you the ultimate flexibility when it comes to both thermal insulation and light control. Add an outdoor blind to this combo and you’ve got all bases covered!

For more information.

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Tags blinds, curtains, exterior blinds, insulation, winter

Bedrooms Expert Tips Kids Rooms

Nursery design: five ideas for today’s smart nursery

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date March 19, 2020
No Comments on Nursery design: five ideas for today’s smart nursery

Preparing for a new baby is both a challenging and exciting time. When it comes to designing your baby’s nursery, there are a number of key considerations you want to take into account to ensure the transition is as seamless (and stylish) as possible.

Developing a design plan is a must, as it not only allows you to cover off those non-negotiable nursery items and create a special, unique theme, but also keeps you aligned with your budget. With so much room for creativity, here are five key things to consider when designing your baby’s nursery.

PICK A THEME
Establishing a theme is usually the first point of call when it comes to designing any room, and often one of the most overwhelming. It is important to find a balance between practicality and trend. One of the easiest ways to do this is to choose a gender-neutral colour for your walls – something that we are seeing more often in nursery decor.

Oversized murals and feature walls are fast-emerging, reflected through colour pops pulled from them and echoed across the room. Floral and natural prints, such as leaves and trees, are a favourite, bringing in a hint of the outside.

Many people are becoming bolder with their blind choices, choosing patterned and textured blinds when styling rooms. Monochrome continues to be a popular choice, such as the striking black and white Luxaflex zebra print, available in both blockout and translucent opacities.

GO DARK
Being able to mimic the nighttime at any time in a baby’s room is crucial. The Three Birds Renovations trio recently completed their first new-build in the stunning Byron Bay Hinterland, including a gorgeous, soft, organic nursery.

“Anyone with a baby knows how important it is to have control of the light in a nursery,” says co-founder Lana Taylor. “Luxaflex Duette Shades in blockout opacity provides maximum room darkening and zero view-through when closed, creating the ideal environment for a baby to sleep – even for naps during the day. The pleated fabric design also means they can be stacked tightly up into the head rail to allow light through when open. It’s the perfect balance of light and privacy, and well insulated from heat and noise.”

Newly-launched Luxaflex Duette LightLock Shades deliver the next level in ultimate room darkening capabilities. Outsmarting the sun by blocking the exterior light from entering the room through common window covering light gaps, side channels overlap the front and back of Duette Blockout Shades, achieving unparalleled darkness.

GAMECHANGE: THE WORKSTATION
Not something you would usually think of, however installing a fridge in your baby’s room is a gamechanger. Opt to create a mini workstation, including bottle steriliser and warmer, fridge, bottle stash etc. Ideal for those latenight feeds or emergencies, by having an easily-accessible feeding area, you’ll need fewer trips to the kitchen, resulting in more relaxed, well-rested Mum and happy baby.

SAFETY FIRST
Safety in your baby’s room is a number one priority. By designing a safe space from the get-go, you can factor in things like trip hazards, sharp corners and cupboard locks, right through to ensuring your window coverings are child safe and cord-free.

“All of our window coverings are compliant with the latest ACCC Child Safety Regulations,” says Vera Meharg of Luxaflex Window Fashions. “From cordless alternatives to motorised operation systems, there are many innovative lifting systems that combine safety, convenience and style.”

Motorised blinds are becoming increasingly popular. A cordless solution that combines safety, style and complete convenience, choose for rooms to operate independently, or work together for whole-house synchronisation.

ALL AT ARM’S LENGTH
One of the key things to take into account when planning your nursery is keeping everything easily accessible from one central point. Nappies, wipes, clothes, change table covers, bin, dummy, bub’s favourite teddy – it all needs to be at arm’s length.

As home automation becomes more commonly integrated through gadgets like Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, families are simplifying daily tasks through voice technology. Shades that incorporate Luxaflex Powerview Motorisation are a fantastic choice for babies and children’s rooms, compatible with smart assistants, meaning you can tell them to open or close on demand, or set more specific scenes for ‘nap time’ and ‘wake up’. Better yet, if bub is already asleep, or you’re in a different room, shades can also be controlled via smartphone or tablet on the PowerView App.

For further information, visit www.luxaflex.com.au

Jen’s nursery for baby Charlie

Tags blinds, nursery, nursery design

Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors

Outdoor blinds: Get your backyard ready for summer

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 16, 2019
No Comments on Outdoor blinds: Get your backyard ready for summer

The plans for my new kitchen revealed (and the before!).

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 17, 2017
6 Comments on The plans for my new kitchen revealed (and the before!).

In partnership with Latitude Financial Services

I feel like I’ve been planning my new kitchen for months. Oh yeah, I have been! It’s been five months since we moved into our new (old) home, affectionately called the “nanna house” due to the old lady who lived here for three decades before us. We have been slowly but surely bringing her into the 21st Century but the first major job on the list was the kitchen and now the wheels are finally in motion. We are looking at an imminent demo, so any tips for surviving without a kitchen for a few weeks, will be gratefully received in the comments (thanks in advance!).

So here’s what we’re dealing with now. A very original kitchen which had a little spruce-up prior to the house going on the market. We’re talking old school solid timber cabinets installed long before soft close doors and smooth drawer runners were invented. They’re not even tall enough for most of today’s mod cons, like the Vitamix and the bigger wine glasses, for example. I haven’t unpacked more than the essentials because despite much scrubbing, you can only get that orange floral lining paper (which has become one with the cupboards) so clean. The laminate benchtop is actually in amazingly good condition and the brown oven and electric coil cooktop still work surprisingly well. But the museum piece dishwasher keeps tripping the electric and leaks every time we use it. But at least we have a working dishwasher!

We’ll be replacing those sliding dining room doors with French doors

Then there’s that random half-wall three quarters of the way down on the lefthand side. On the other side of that is, well, dead space! And the beautiful sliding door to the laundry.

The design was always going to be relatively straightforward: maximise use of space by removing the half-wall and bricking up the back door (we have two others!) and move the breakfast bar back into the kitchen as it is currently encroaching on our already-narrow dining room. Making space for a modern fridge-freezer (ours currently lives in the dining room because there’s nowhere for it!) was also pretty important!

While I had a pretty good idea what I wanted to do, when you have talented friends, you’d be mad not ask their advice, and I have several! So when interior designer James Treble (from Channel 10’s The Living Room) was at our place for brunch one day, I made him earn his food by drawing me up a quick plan! And it suddenly all clicked into place.

Poor James wasn’t actually expecting me to publish this when he scribbled it down in 5 minutes!

We than had a designer from Freedom Kitchens come out to tell us what was actually possible, using the drawings as a rough guide. This was really helpful as there were plenty of things I hadn’t considered. She explained everything really well and I felt much more confident in what we were doing after that. Some plans were produced, which I was happy with, and we are now waiting for a site check and measure this Friday before we can go any further. I am dying to lock in my trades and get going! Our friends at Integriti Bathrooms (they did our beautiful bathroom reno at the old place) are coordinating the trades with me (thanks guys, I wouldn’t trust anyone else!) and this has been a huge learning curve for me too, but it was about time I learned a bit more about the process!

So, what will be be doing in here? I’m going for classic with a touch of glam!

Shaker-style cabinetry was always going to be my choice. Due to a very tight budget (we maxed out on our mortgage!), we decided to go with Freedom Kitchens’ new and very affordable flatpack option, The Essential Kitchens Range. My handyman will assemble the cabinets, even though it’s apparently a piece of cake. That stuff just isn’t mine and Damian’s forte!

As this is a longterm home, it had to be a stone benchtop. I’ve chosen Caesarstone’s Noble Grey as a nice contrast to the white cupboards while still being quite light (I had dark benchtops in my last place and hated them). I’ll be taking that up the splashbacks too. Our kitchen is flooded with natural light, the best light in the house, so I wanted to keep it all light and bright in here.

Against many people’s opinions on what will date or what is on trend, I am sticking by my decision to go with brass handles from Kethy, a gold Zip tap and even (wait for it) a gold undermount sink. Controversial!

Personally, I think brass is a classic look. Rose gold, I’d agree, may be having an extended temporary moment, but when you think about it, brass has been around in interiors for a really long time! I don’t have resale in mind as we intend to live here for at least a decade so I’m taking the opportunity to specify what I really want. This is one flatpack kitchen that is being seriously pimped!

To add a little colour, pattern and texture, I’m considering a Roman blind made from some kind of navy-based textile (you knew there’d be navy, right?) and some navy rattan stools like these from Naturally Cane.

I love this kind of look. Image: blinds-2go.co.uk

Or I might add the colour and pattern with wallpaper (away from any water or potential oily splashes, don’t worry!) and have plantation shutters instead. Lots to think about!

Appliances were a learning curve! I’ve chosen mine from Ilve and after dreaming of a freestanding cooker for a really long time, at the last minute, I decided a more streamlined built-in look would be better for our kitchen. What I knew I needed though was quality that would last and something big enough to cope with entertaining and a growing (no, that’s not an announcement!) family. I’ve gone for a 90cm oven, a 90cm induction cooktop, a concealed rangehood and an integrated dishwasher. I won’t pretend this European brand’s style credentials didn’t sway me too!

Flooring is still up in the air after a supplier let me down at the last minute (yes, this happens to media too!), but we are looking to replace the floor everywhere bar the bedrooms (which are newly carpeted) as soon as the kitchen’s finished.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you over the coming weeks!

–Looking to renovate your kitchen? Get some tips on how to finance it from our partners at Latitude Financial Services.

Tags appliances, barr handles, blinds, caesarstone, flatpack, freedom kitchens, ILVE, interiors addict reno, james treble, kitchen, kitchen design, kitchen makeover, new kitchen, zip tap

Expert Tips

How to buy tiles, paint, shutters or rugs online. Yes, really!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 19, 2017
No Comments on How to buy tiles, paint, shutters or rugs online. Yes, really!

When it comes to decorating and furnishing your home, there are a few things you’d probably never dream about buying online. Until now!

They include paint, tiles, window furnishings and rugs. They’re either too hard to buy online because of the necessity to touch or see the product; the fact you’ve never traditionally bought them online, or via a salesperson doing a “free” measure and quote in your home or returning them is just too hard if you get it wrong.

We’ve noticed a definite increase in businesses making it easier than ever for you to buy things from the comfort of your own home with very little risk, so we thought we’d do a roundup for you! They’re things you have probably never considered buying online, but we hope you might now!

TILECLOUD

Buying tiles online is a very new phenomenon and online store TileCloud say there are multiple benefits for the customer. We particularly love how they offer to send you five samples for $5 in the mail. You can quickly and easily browse everything in one place (they only feature what they currently have in stock so you know it’s immediately available) and they promise year-round fair prices so you’ll never see big discount sales from them.

They also have a great range of all the tiles we have seen trending recently such as herringbone, mosaics, timber and concrete-look tiles, encaustic, travertine and natural stone for your bathroom, kitchen, floors or outdoor. They display all their tile and freight prices on the site so there’s no waiting around for a salesperson to get back to you and it’s easy to budget. There’s also customer care via phone and email to help you work out what and how much you need, as well as an online tile visualiser. Shipping (Australia wide, no exceptions!) is cheaper than you’d think, and often free, depending on the size of your order. And there’s a discount for trade customers too.

We say it’s definitely worth order ing your five samples and giving it a go!

MONSTA PAINT

Monsta are redesigning the way people buy paint, enabling you to do so online and have it delivered for free. They claim you’ll pay less than other paint brands with no sacrifice in quality.

Their paint is made in Australia with extras like mould inhibitor included as standard. You can get free white colour cards (they have a range of 20 whites) and buy sample pots online. They also offer free customer advice via phone, email, Facebook Chat and Skype.

We haven’t tried it ourselves, but we like the direct-from-manufacturer model.

DIY ONLINE BLINDS

DIY Online Blinds are making it super easy to buy blinds and plantation shutters (yes, you heard right) from your laptop at home! This is an industry where you are probably used to getting a free at-home measure and quote. But of course, nothing in life is free! DIY Online Blinds cut out the middleman. You can get huge savings on PVC plantation shutters by cutting out the middleman, measuring and installing yourself. It might sound daunting but they give you all the help you need to do it right. It’s actually nowhere near as tricky as you’d imagine! However if you live in metro NSW, VIC or QLD you can choose to have them installed for you, but it will obviously cost more.

We had our shutters installed by DIY Online Blinds and highly recommend them! Because they’re made here, unlike many suppliers, the turnaround time is just a couple of weeks.

DIY Online Blinds’ shutters in the latest reno of former Blockheads Bec and George

MISS AMARA

We’ve written about Miss Amara before but we like their online model so much, they’re getting another mention here. The rug-buying experience is not always the most inspiring, and why is it that those rugs shops (you know the ones) are always having a closing down sale but never actually closing?!

Miss Amara have a great range to suit all tastes and budgets but it’s how you buy (and return them if necessary) that appeals to us. For starters, delivery is free. Then you get to try it in your home for up to 30 days. Because it is really hard to visualise without having it there, don’t you think?! And if you don’t like how it looks, you can return it and they’ll cover the cost of pickup etc. It makes rug-buying online pretty much risk-free. We love it.

There’s even a free styling service so if you send them a photo of your room, they can advise you on some good options.

What do you think? Would you buy tiles, paint, shutters or rugs online after reading this?

Tags blinds, buy online, diy, DIY Online Blinds, ecommerce, homewares, miss amara, monsta paint, paint, plantation shutters, renovating, rug, shopping, tilecloud, tiles

RENO ADDICT Shopping Styling

Quality DIY blinds on a budget

Post author By Naomi Foxall
Post date June 27, 2017
No Comments on Quality DIY blinds on a budget

DIY-ing your blinds? Make sure you check out your local Bunnings! The keen renovators favourite DIY destination now stocks an extensive range of ready-made, easy to install blinds that are available in three popular Dulux colours to match existing decor. Super clever right?!

To help you choose the best blind for each room in your home, Bunnings Design Consultant Leanne Watson has provided her tips and tricks on choosing the perfect blinds for your specific needs.

Quality DIY blinds on a budget

A key part of any new home or re-design are the windows – and how we dress them makes all the difference. Choosing the best blinds for the eyes of your home is important, and with new and exciting innovative products, combining style and practicality has never been easier.

What to consider when choosing blinds

In addition to finding the best style to suit your room, take into consideration the privacy, light control and views. Remember, windows are a major source of heat loss, so the right blinds could even save you on your energy bill!

Living and Entertaining room – A central space in the home, the living room has many uses so it’s important to consider style and functionality. Day/Night roller blinds or full block-out roller blinds are both perfect options to create your desired level of block-out whilst maintaining a chic, minimal look.

Kitchen and Bathroom – The ‘wet zones’ of the home, like the kitchen and bathroom, require moisture resistant blinds such as those made with PVC or polyester – perfect for any areas exposed to water and steam.

Bedroom and nursery – Safety and privacy is key when selecting blinds for the kid’s rooms, and it’s good to know that there is always the option to choose cord-free blinds. Full block-out roller blinds are also a great option to minimise light, creating a tranquil sleeping environment.

To find out more about blinds for your space, visit your local Bunnings store to speak with a team member, or go online to view the widest range of window furnishings for all styles, rooms and budgets.

Tags blinds, window dressing, window furnishings

RENO ADDICT

High-quality, DIY online blinds & shutters at 50% off retail

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 1, 2016
No Comments on High-quality, DIY online blinds & shutters at 50% off retail

Sunscreen roller blinds from DIY Blinds Online

Set the mood with wireless Luxaflex blinds

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date June 16, 2016
No Comments on Set the mood with wireless Luxaflex blinds

If you’ve ever watched The Holiday (I suggest you clear your schedule and prepare the popcorn if you haven’t), you may recall the scene where Iris (Kate Winslet) stays in a gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired mansion. Hands down, the automatic remote controlled window blinds were the most memorable and coveted feature. Ah, the simple luxury of technology, only attainable by the successful likes of Cameron Diaz, right? Wrong.

Thanks to Luxaflex Window Fashions, even those of us who aren’t successful Hollywood producers will be able to enjoy the next generation of wireless technology blinds.

An intelligent operating system, PowerView allows homeowners to control their blinds throughout the day with the simple press of a button, tap of an app or by scheduling personalised settings that will activate automatically.

The ergonomically designed Pebble Remote is available in seven colours, including Black Matte, Clear Frost, Citron, Cobalt, Pewter Frost, Poppy and White.

With no cords, PowerView blinds create the perfect combination of light, privacy and warmth in your modern home. California luxury here I come!

Tags automatic, blinds, luxaflex, pebble, powerview, remote control, window fashions, wireless

Design DIY Expert Tips RENO ADDICT Styling

Alisa & Lysandra on dressing (your windows) for success!

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date December 14, 2015
No Comments on Alisa & Lysandra on dressing (your windows) for success!

We see it all the time, properties where the owners have renovated the home from floor to ceiling covering every detail a potential buyer is looking for, until our gaze reaches the windows (inset cricket sounds).

A beautiful property with inappropriate or dated window furnishings is a deal breaker for buyers. In a human analogy, it’s like a well-dressed woman turning up at a gala dinner wearing a gorgeous gown…in her wellies.

The case of no window treatments

In the hierarchy of your renovation budget, window furnishings should be amongst the top tasks on your expense list. Leaving your newly renovated property without window treatments is an automatic red flag for buyers that signals they need to invest extra dollars they often don’t have.

A house with no window treatments also lacks warmth and elegance, often jeopardizing the perceived value of the home.

The case of dated window treatments

You’ve renovated the entire property, but have run out of budget for new curtains or blinds. The ones currently in the property are still functional albeit a little dated and not matching to the new colour scheme of the home. Do you keep them or do you ditch them?

Replace them immediately!

If dollars are tight, you may be able to sell them online as secondhand window treatments provided that they are still in a good condition. With endless choices available you are bound to find a window treatment that will fit the budget, or stretch it conservatively, but whatever you do don’t have a blind spot when it comes to assessing and dressing your windows.

Curtains, blinds or both?

Your budget will determine your choices. If you’re renovating for profit, versus renovating to live in, you will also have different standards for the window treatments you wish to see. Layering is so important for creating aesthetic abundance and elegance in a home.

Window furnishings have a dual purpose; a functional one (keeping the light out, controlling room temperature) and an aesthetic one (creating the illusion of space, grandeur, softness and warmth)

Block out blinds will tick the functionality box, but why not add another layer of sheer curtains which will give you additional light and mood control!

If you’re adding curtains to the property, it’s best to create the illusion of space by increasing their length so that they appear longer from floor to ceiling, even if your window is considerably smaller in size.

If you’re adding blinds, remember to review all the colour choices available to you. The days of white or beige blinds are long gone, and nowadays you can colour match your blinds to your wall colour therefore creating a seamless look that adds more dimension and flow to your interiors.

Are plantation shutters worth it?

Plantation shutters are gorgeous and opulent yet earthy, and can literally transform not only your windows but the entire look and feel of your home. They are low maintenance, ideal for families with asthma, and will look ‘as new’ in years to come.

Traditionally, renovators steer away from plantation shutters due to their cost, but we’re here to tell you that if you are ruling them out because of the dollars you need to think again! Market competition has really increased, and more suppliers are offering cost-effective options for plantation shutters that look incredibly beautiful but are manufactured at a cost of the usual retail price. Shop around and obtain not only three but four, five or six quotes. You’d be surprised how much you can save.

Balance is key

Not dressing your windows is just as bad as overdressing them.

Be conservative with your choices and always assess for balance. Heavily dressed windows in a minimalist home will stand out and feel out-of-place. Likewise, poorly dressed windows in a beautiful home will also have negative aesthetic repercussions.

Do you have a window furnishing question? We’d love to help.

Read all Alisa & Lysandra’s articles | Read more about Alisa & Lysandra | Visit their online store.

Tags alisa lysandra, blinds, curtains, furnishings, home reno, plantation shutters, reno, renovating, renovation, shutters, window, window dressing, window furnishings, window treatment

Bedrooms Designers Expert Tips

Darren Palmer’s tips on choosing blinds

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date August 24, 2015
1 Comment on Darren Palmer’s tips on choosing blinds

Carpet Court have recently expanded their offering into window treatments, so The Block judge and brand ambassador Darren Palmer put together some exclusive tips for us on how to choose blinds.

1. Always choose the blind option that suits your light requirements. For a room ready for sleep, I recommend a full block-out, but for living spaces you may not want to completely shut off the sun.

2. Always choose the blind option that suits your privacy requirements. Daytime privacy can be achieved with a sheer window treatment, but nighttime privacy generally only comes with an opaque option.

3. Consider spaces that need both light and privacy, but having a sheer and a block-out option installed on the same windows.

4. Blinds and automisation go hand-in-hand, and for a little extra money you can install motors on roller blinds so you get that touch of a button convenience.

5. If you’re renovating or building, allow a rebate in the ceiling where windows are located so you can hide the tracks, rolls or mechanisms of your blinds to give your room the most streamlined look.

[contextly_sidebar id=”mUKwj7EXPkpdWmhAqCGAn0t1ijHHXX4b”]Carpet Court’s exclusive new blinds range, the Aria Window Concepts Collection, is designed to enhance contemporary and timeless interiors, with the added benefit of simple functionality and light control. There’s a range of on-trend blind designs, including neutral plantation shutters (my favourite!), simple shading, high quality window coverings and unique earthy timber venetians.

Darren says: “We’re seeing individuality as the major trend in interior design and the perfect contrast to an often bold or layered room are simple window treatments. Interiors that make statements whether in colour, texture or pattern all receive the perfect final touch with options from the new Aria blinds collection.”

The new range includes roller blinds, sunscreen blinds, roman blinds, vertical blinds, plantation shutters, timber venetians and panel blinds.

For your nearest store and to view the ranges in full, visit www.carpetcourt.com.au

Tags blinds, carpet court, carpets, darren palmer, flooring, roller blinds, roman blinds, sheer blinds, the block, ventetians, vertical blinds, window treatments

Expert Tips Furniture

Finding the perfect window treatment for sliding doors

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date December 29, 2014
No Comments on Finding the perfect window treatment for sliding doors

By Jayde Ferguson

Mastering the look and feel of your home doesn’t mean you need a degree in interior design. It’s about understanding the simple changes that can refresh a dull looking space into one that is comfortable and inviting. As far as interior design elements go, window treatments are one of the easiest to implement in your home – and they don’t always have to cost you a fortune either.

super blinds mart interiors addict — Source: Houzz

There’s absolutely no denying the beauty of glass sliding doors. These days, many homeowners desire the opportunity to merge the outside world with indoors and contemporary glass allows this by visually connecting us with the vibrant surroundings. Unfortunately though, large panels of glass don’t come with privacy and temperature control, so a functional and appealing window treatment is important. Below, we check out the essentials tips to consider and what style will suit your needs best.

1. Function vs. Fashion

Before determining the right window dressing for your sliding doors, it’s important you identify your main concerns. Sliding doors are beneficial for letting a large supply of natural light into a room and offering quick and easy access from indoors to outdoors. Whilst this can be nice at times, it’s ideal to find window treatments that allow full control over the amount of light that enters the room and allows you to step in and out through the sliding doors with ease.

For some homeowners, the visual appeal of window treatments for sliding doors can be a big selling point. You want something that will complement your existing decor and bring life to the space, but is it functional too? Your choice of window treatments shouldn’t hinder the usefulness of the sliding door, rather it should look appealing, be convenient to use and meet your needs.

2. Material Selection

There is a huge variety of choices when it comes to the fabric material of your window treatments. Sliding doors aren’t just limited to standard vertical blinds so let your imagination run wild and get inspired by something that can offer your space that ‘wow’ factor. Materials can be patterned, textured and loaded with colour or simplified and neutral. When selecting your material, keep in mind what your main concerns are – this could simply be the appearance to change the dynamics of the room or much-needed privacy, natural light and temperature control.

Regardless of what window treatment you choose for your sliding doors, there’s a good variety of materials available to help you achieve the best look possible, without sacrificing function. To assist in deciding what fabric you should use, consider the room and its purpose. If the room is small, Panel Glide Blinds are an ideal option because of slim retractable mechanisms. These styles of blinds are specifically designed to retract to the side when opened whilst staying flat to offer a sleek and convenient appeal. They are also ideal for larger sliding doors without overpowering the room’s current decor and design.

For homeowners that are after something a little more elegant and dressed up, Roman Blinds combine the luxurious appeal of curtains with the smartly designed mechanisms of blinds. One of the biggest advantages of these styles is their versatility, making them look stunning in any space. Roman Blinds are made from thicker material so they’re beneficial for homeowners wanting the best of both worlds – privacy control and a sophisticated look that can be matched with almost all decor styles.

3. Temperature Control

For most homes, temperature control is a big priority – especially for those in Australia subjected to the harsh summer sun. One of the greatest benefits of window treatments is their ability to help control the temperature in your home, resulting in better comfort and lower utility bills. As sliding doors let in a lot of natural light, it’s important to select a style and material choice that can keep your home cool in summer and warmer in winter.

UV rays aren’t just damaging to your skin, they also contribute to your furniture and floors fading inside if you don’t have adequate protection on your windows. The best window treatment for sliding doors to help avoid sun damage and maximise energy-efficiency are Roman Blinds because their thicker material options are effective in maintaining a regular room temperature. Roman Blinds can be available in blockout fabrics for extra protection or sunscreen materials which allow light to enter the room without the harmful UV rays and heat or jeopardising those outdoor views.

Both Roller Blinds and Panel Glide Blinds can provide a well-balanced combination of temperature control and contemporary design to boost the ambience of any space. Roller Blinds are also ideal for small spaces as they are simple without excess fabrics getting in the way. For especially sunny locations or to really dim down the flood of natural light through your sliding doors, opt for a higher level of material transparency to accommodate your needs. Like with the other styles of blinds, sunscreen fabric and blockout fabric is available for the ultimate protection.

4. Shroud of Privacy

Sliding doors make for a stunning interior design feature with their visual connections to the outside world but their biggest disadvantage is lack of privacy. And unless you live on a super large block with no prying eyes in sight, this can be a complete pain. This is where the right window treatments come in handy.

Especially for rooms like the bedroom and bathroom, maintaining an adequate level of privacy is essential for many homeowners. Blinds are a simple window solution that allows you to have unabated views of the outside scenery in an instant – when you want. For the best control of privacy opt for materials that are dark and solid in colour. Blockout fabrics are ideal too and offer a complete back out in space – perfect for shift workers that rely on sleep during the day and homeowners that seek a higher level of privacy and temperature control.

– Jayde Ferguson writes for Super Blinds Mart – an online store offering a variety of custom and ready-made blinds to suit any sliding door.

Tags blinds, design, glass sliding doors, interior, interior design, Jayde Ferguson, sliding windows, window treatments

Bedrooms Expert Tips

Keep cool in a stylish and cost-efficient way with Luxaflex

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date December 8, 2014
No Comments on Keep cool in a stylish and cost-efficient way with Luxaflex

The inventor & the napkin sketch behind popular Aussie blinds!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 17, 2014
No Comments on The inventor & the napkin sketch behind popular Aussie blinds!

Shaynna Blaze talks window fashions from Selling Houses Australia

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date October 13, 2014
No Comments on Shaynna Blaze talks window fashions from Selling Houses Australia

Sponsored by Luxaflex Window Fashions.

The LifeStyle Channel’s hit series Selling Houses Australia, has wrapped its seventh and biggest season yet and is already gearing up for another! Interior designer Shaynna Blaze provided practical advice for Australians navigating their way through the real estate market, from a million dollar waterfront mansion, a historic country pub and every home in-between that no one can sell and no one wants to buy.

Luxaflex Window Fashions, the leading blind manufacturer in Australia, was a major sponsor, providing a variety of custom-made window fashion solutions throughout the series. I caught up with them to provide some of the show’s highlights, and offer some practical advice on the best window fashions solution for your requirements, whether you’re looking for privacy, light, energy-efficiency or innovation. Here’s a few of my favourite picks from the season:

1. The ”waterfront wreck” from Gray’s Point had no proper bathroom, no balustrade on the balcony, no steps on the front door, and with a reserve of $1.4 million, it was in need of a major makeover! Shaynna requested Silhouette Shadings to soften the look and light in the bedrooms. I love these shades because soft vanes are suspended between two sheer fabrics, which can be opened for a full, soft focus view, closed for privacy, or tilted for the perfect light control. The white fabric on the back reduces glare and UV rays, whilst ensuring an uninterrupted view from the inside out.

In this episode, she also installed Roller Blinds in the bathroom, in a new fabric called Atmosphere Translucent, featuring Sanitized® Antimicrobial Protection, which effectively reduces the development of bacteria, odour and mildew – ideal for bathrooms, particularly waterfront properties!

2. Recognised as one of the most energy efficient window coverings on the Australian market, Duette Shades feature a unique honeycomb structure, creating cells which trap air and act as insulation for your windows. The Duette Architella Shades Shaynna chose for a property in Monterey, NSW feature a neutral appearance from the outside, while on the inside, can feature one of many modern colours and evolving designer fabric ranges. In this instance, Shaynna chose a Duo-Lite design option combining Elan Translucent and Blockout Fabric in Linen colour, on the one shade, for the ultimate in versatility, privacy and light control. Other than keeping this front-facing family room warm in winter and cool in summer, one of the reasons I love this window fashion is because the 100% polyester fabrics are anti-static, repelling dust, and in most circumstances, light dusting with a feather duster is all the cleaning that is needed to keep clean! (Click here to see how the energy-efficient Luxaflex Duette Range of Shades work.)

3. Effective interior design means having a look that combines functionality and versatility, and Luxaflex Pirouette Shadings deliver just that – the functionality of privacy and a controlled view all in one, with a beautiful fabric appearance. Shaynna chose Pirouette Shadings for a property in Greenwich, NSW, to provide privacy in the small bedroom. The Pirouette Shadings feature soft, horizontal fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing, controlling light and allowing you to look out in a new unique way that doesn’t compromise on privacy. With a sophisticated look inside, the sheer back of the Pirouette also offers functionality by way of reducing glare and harmful UV rays.

In the parents’ retreat, Shaynna chose roller blinds, which are suitable for small, large, narrow or even bay windows. In this instance, they are operated with a classic chain drive, but the whisper quiet Qmotion remote control motorised option is also convenient and affordable. QMotion Technology includes durable batteries hidden in the roller tube, meaning there’s no need for an expensive electrician!

For more information about Luxaflex Window Fashions.

Season 8 of Selling Houses Australia will premiere on Foxtel’s The LifeStyle Channel in early 2015.

Tags blinds, blockout, foxtel, lifestyle channel, luxaflex, roller blinds, selling houses australia, shaynna blaze, window fashions, windws

Interiors Addict

PUTTING SOME WOW INTO WINDOW DRESSING I’ve not been so impressed by a simple yet brilliant int

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date June 12, 2011

PUTTING SOME WOW INTO WINDOW DRESSING

I’ve not been so impressed by a simple yet brilliant interiors concept as Avenue & Co’s designer blinds in a very long time. I really need to move house soon so I can buy some! The Melbourne company has been going for under a year but the response has been overwhelming and I’m sure you can see why. We asked founder Michelle Bialowas, an artist, graphic and interior designer, to tell us more…

What gave you the idea to start the business and how is it going?

Ironically the product found me. Whilst working on an interior project with White Circle Interiors (her other business) I searched high and low to find window treatments to complete my client’s space. This prompted me to think of a product which I had discovered during my recent travels to NYC so I couldn’t resist, I had to introduce it here in Australia and marry my love of interiors and art.

Is there anything else out there like it?

No, not to my knowledge. Our designs are beautiful, distinct and striking. Our clients have been excited, with many praising the introduction of something that is simply so different.

How much of an impact do you think these blinds can have on someone’s interior decor?

Wow! The beauty of this product is it’s absolutely endless – how much or how little is totally up to you. I think we are unique, as we aren’t just your ordinary blinds, we are supported by a boutique and personalised art and design team. They can guide you through what would work with your current interiors and help you select designs – if you desire. We have a select library of designs: sheers, light filtering or block-out blinds, which comprise our shelf range – this is constantly growing! If a client, architect or interior designer would like something outside of our library we do offer a commissioned art service, whereby we create a personalised designs. I particularly love these briefs!

Is it expensive?

Our pricing is quite competitive compared to other good quality brands and we proudly manufacture in Australia using leading hardware and innovative processes.

How do people react when they see the finished product?

Overwhelming! I was almost certain our clients were going to like our product but I never knew it was going to be this well received. Gosh, I love my job!