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Interiors Addict

8 reasons shutters are a game changer for your home

Sponsored by Half Price Blinds

Boy, do I love shutters! I really do! And I’m definitely not alone. I think most people would pick them if money were no object. And these days they’re actually a lot less expensive than they used to be.

Shutters are also known as plantation shutters and here are the top eight reasons I personally (as someone who has them at home) think they are worth the investment…

They last a long time

Unlike textile curtains or blinds which can fade, get tatty or dirty and dusty over time, shutters are solid and easy to clean. You’ll get many years out of your shutters with them looking the same as the day you installed them.

They work in every type of home

I challenge you to show me a home that shutters don’t look great in. While they’re perhaps traditionally thought of as suiting a Hamptons aesthetic, they really do work in homes of all styles and ages. I have them in our renovated sixties red brick house, they’re in plenty of new builds, and they look amazing in older, more traditional homes too. Their wide slats give a sleek and timeless feel to any interior.

They’re easy to clean

Now, let’s be realistic about it, just like Venetian blinds, they do of course catch dust, so you have to be prepared to dust them relatively often (our cleaner does it once a fortnight and they could definitely go longer than that) but every few months when they need an actual clean, just wipe them with a damp cloth (or a damp sock on your hand — top tip!) and they’re all fresh again.

They’ll add value to your home

With resale in mind, there is no doubt in my mind (and real estate agents agree) that a home with shutters looks more expensive and is one buyers will be prepared to pay that little bit more for, knowing they won’t have to worry about replacing window furnishings for years.

When you change your décor, they’ll still look perfect

Unlike some curtains and blinds, white or timber plantation shutters go with everything, so no matter how many times you change your paint colour, wallpaper or furniture, your shutters will be the perfect complement.

They’re asthma friendly

If you or someone in your family has asthma or allergies, having as few dust-collecting textiles around the place as possible has got to be a good idea, right? Dusty curtains versus wipe-cleanable shutters? It’s a no-brainer!

They’re adjustable

Whether you want full or filtered sunlight in, you can just tilt your shutters’ blades. You can have the blades split to open the top half separately –so you can have some daylight and some privacy–or some people just like the top four or five blades to open separately (this can be requested at the time of ordering). Year round, you can control your privacy and light with ease.

They don’t just come in white

Shutters can be made of wood or aluminium and while most people think of plantation shutters as white, they also come in a number of different timber stains and you can even make a statement by going black or silver!

Find out more about Half Price Blinds’ shutter offering, get a quote online and order six free samples. They come in aluminium or basswood timber and they offer free shipping on all shutter orders.

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Design DIY Expert Tips RENO ADDICT Styling

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).

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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?

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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!

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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.

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