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In Style Newsletter |
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| Since it is still the beginning of the year, we thought it nice to start fresh, in the home that is, with decorating. We have created this issue of the newsletter just for decorating purposes. So print out this edition sit back, relax and learn the best way to decorate your home, from motorization to making your own headboard, to low cost decorating…its all here. Once you have completed your education on decorating, what better way to use it than to go around your home and see what needs updating...or what you can change to create good design. Don’t forget about those window treatments. Window treatments are the backbone of design. They sit in the background, but they are the “bones” of the room. |
They are the first thing that brings a touch of you into a space. most often forgot about till last, window treatments should be the first thing updated in a space. Find a fabric you like and build your room around that. Or find a color blind that you like and start there. Wherever you start, let us at BlindsonSale help you along they way. |
Leading the Industry-Motorization |
We at BlindsOnSale have always lead the industry in what we do. We have many firsts under our belt, and now we are the first again as we introduce you to our motorization options. Did you know what we can motorize almost any window covering? That’s right, even if its not on our site, there is a possibility that it could be motorized. BlindsOnSale uses the number one manufacturer of specialized motors in the world, Somfy Systems Inc. on all of our motorization products. Somfy has been in business for over three decades.
Somfy motorization systems are easily integrated with security, HVAC, and lighting systems, providing total home automation. The most significant contribution that Somfy has made to the window covering industry came with the introduction of Radio Technology Somfy. Radio Technology Somfy is a radio frequency control platform that has revolutionized the industry, allowing for the operation of blinds and shades from virtually anywhere in the home. |
The radio signal travels through walls, making it possible to adjust window coverings from almost any location in the home. A variety of control options are available: remote controls, Wireless wall switches, and programmable timers.
Another innovation came with the introduction of the Wirefree range of motors. This ultra-compact motor range is wireless and powered by batteries. As the motors are battery powered, it is not necessary to hire an electrician for installation. Also, the motors are more affordable than their wired counter-parts. WireFree motors are perfect for hard to reach applications where the window covering is difficult to operate-behind a bathtub, high in a foyer, or above a kitchen sink.
Somfy’s latest product addition is Sonesse, a motor that puts roller shades, roman shades, and wood blinds into motion with quiet precision. |
“Sleep is that golden Chain that ties health and our bodies together.” -Thomas Dekker
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| The new motor range, which received the 2006 Most Innovative Overall Design award from the Window Covering Manufacturers Association, is designed using top quality Somfy components but features superior noise-reduction technology. From a distance of three feet, Sonesse is barely audible, creating a peaceful environment for consumers! Want to purchase a Somfy motorization system for your hard to reach blind? Call us at 1-800-919-4301 today. Speak with one of our design staff about the perfect motorization product for you. |
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Designer Tips and Trade Secrets-Making Your Own Upholstered Headboard |
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Your bed is the quintessential piece of furniture in the bedroom. It not only functions as a place to sleep, but it also can define the character and style of your bedroom with its headboard. If your bedroom’s décor needs redefining or improvement, a great place to start is with a custom upholstered headboard you can make yourself. It’s easy, inexpensive, and just the ticket to give flair, personality, and charm to your bedroom. With materials on hand, you can create a beautiful headboard in about three hours and be sleeping in a newly decorated bedroom by nightfall. Here are step-by-step instructions.
Materials Needed:
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½-inch sheet of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) or plywood* |
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(4) 6-foot 1”X4” boards (for the legs and frame) |
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wood glue (such as Titebond III) |
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2-inch upholstery foam (same dimensions as headboard) |
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½-inch thick polyester upholstery batting decorative upholstery fabric-enough to cover front and back |
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1-inch wood screws (one every 12 inches) staple gun-air or manual, and ¼” or 3/8” staples |
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2 nuts and bolts (size determined by bed frame) |
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electric drill and saw |
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wood stain or paint and paint brush |
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fabric scissors |
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Determining Headboard Size:
The standard headboard height is 26 inches with a leg height of 18 inches for a total height of 44 inches. Some new mattress sets, however, are exceptionally tall. If your mattress height is non standard, add to the leg length to bring the bottom of the headboard to the top of the mattress. Measure the width of the mattress and add 2 inches. This will be the width
Making the Frame:
1. Cut the MDF or plywood to the desired headboard size. Cut two legs from the 1 ” X 4” boards. This measurement is determined by the height of the headboard plus the desired leg height (i.e. 18” for leg, 26” for headboard, totaling 44” overall length).
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2. Glue and align the legs along each side edge of the MDF and flush to top edge. Screw in wood screws every 12 inches.
3. To frame the horizontal edges of the headboard, measure the distance between the two legs and cut this length from the remaining two 1” X 4” boards. Glue and screw these in place. This completes the headboard frame.
Upholstering the Frame:
1. Cut the sheet of upholstery foam to fit the headboard exactly. With the headboard facing up, apply the adhesive; lay the foam over it, align all the edges, and let set for a few minutes.
2. Lay the batting out smoothly on a clean surface. Place the headboard frame, foam side down, on the batting. Cut a piece of batting in the shape of the headboard, adding about 6” extra on each side for wrapping over the frame. |
3. Using your staple gun with ¼” staples, begin stapling the batting to the inside edge of the 1” x 4” frame, starting at the top center and working your way to the edge. Trim the corner batting diagonally, removing excess batting, and fold smoothly over the corner and staple.
4. Continue in the same manner across the bottom edge and each side. Smooth your decorative fabric face down on the work area and set the headboard face down on top of it. Cut your fabric, again adding about 6 inches extra on each side.
5. Starting at the center top, begin stapling the fabric over the edge of the frame like the batting, making sure it’s properly centered before stapling. Leave about 2 inches unstapled at each corner. |
Proceed to the bottom edge. Stretch the fabric tautly over the frame to create a smooth front surface, making sure the fabric does not pucker. Staple the fabric in place; cut the fabric from in front of the legs, leaving just enough to neatly fold under and staple.
6. At the top corners, fold unstapled fabric under to form a crisp vertical fold.
Finishing the Headboard:
1. Measure and cut the piece of fabric for the back two inches larger than the headboard. Lay the fabric face up and adjust evenly.
2. Stain or paint legs a complementary color. Allow to dry. Congratulations! Your own custom headboard is complete. |
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Designer Tips and Trade Secrets - Creating a Focal Point |
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Nothing is more monotonous than a blank wall. And a sofa that hangs out in the middle of the floor is unimaginative and boring. Even a fireplace, without a plan, can seem like a big, gaping eyesore. And what about that window, with the lovely view, that has no adornment? Each of these scenarios is a simple example of a room without a focus. The following illustrations should give you a good starting point in creating your own design:
Take your time; let the peace and romance of the moment enfold you.”
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| The Picture Perfect Wall: A plain, uninspired wall can become a commanding focal point when photos and collectibles are displayed artfully. Choose frames of assorted sizes, shapes, and textures. Also vary the size of the mats, and the number and type of pictures within the frame, to add diversity and a more finished look. Practice arranging different groupings, either on paper, a table, or the floor, until you are satisfied with the look. A long sofa table, below the art gallery, can hold items that reflect your taste, like a small lamp, a vase of flowers, and a few photos in stand-up frames. Recessed or track lighting on the ceiling, pointed toward your display, brightens and emphasizes your collection. Point the couch away from the wall, with all other seating facing towards it. |
The Comfortable Couch: Keep decorating expenses to a minimum by dressing up the couch. Start with a new slipcover; something that expresses your personality. Add colorful pillows and throws, in contrasting shades. Go for fabulous texture in subtle tones, if too much color intimidates you. Vibrant accessories on the table behind the sofa should help to draw the eye towards the couch, without being overly distracting. Overstuffed chairs should face the sofa on either side, close enough for conversation, but far enough apart for leg room. A simple low coffee table in between will support drinks or reading material. |
The Cozy Fireplace: Call attention to a lovely mantle by wallpapering just the wall behind it. A tone-on-tone pattern is eye-catching, without being overwhelming. Tastefully top the mantle with a favorite picture and special accessories. |
That Perfect View: A window that captures the sunbeams on cold winter days can be an invitation to a view. A window seat will create an intimate reading nook and provide the perfect spot for contemplating deep thoughts, as you watch the sun rise or set. Frame the outside of the window with a softly draped, sheer scarf - the longer the better. A cheerful area rug will define the space. Position other furniture to face the window so that others can enjoy its glorious view. Add small end tables to provide for drinks or that favorite book. Take your time. Let the peace and romance of the moment enfold you. |
Low Cost Decorating |
Are you tired of the way a certain space in your home looks? It happens to all of us, but sometimes no matter how much we’d like to redecorate, the timing just isn’t right. Instead of feeling blue or spending money that you cannot afford to spend to update the space, change the look and feel or any room with an interior redesign. reflect the added light.
Try these tips:
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Add More Light
Pull lamps or other lighting elements from another room and brighten up the space. This will not only make things brighter, it will also make the space feel larger. Besides, just replacing existing items with those from another space will give you a change of scenery. Your lamp will look different in your living room than it did in your bedroom. You can also bring in a mirror from another space to |
Change the Flow
Rearrange large pieces of furniture to create better traffic patterns or to change the direction of the flow entirely. Angling furniture will set the traffic path on an angle, instead of straight through the room. This can add a new dimension to any space and might be just the change you need. When angling furniture, it’s best to angle large pieces toward a focal point. |
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Create Vignettes or Groupings for Added Interest
Try grouping accent pieces and accessories into vignettes to create more visual interest. Instead of placing a plant in each of three empty corners, gather the three in one corner. Use plants of different heights if possible, or place one on a low stool for added height. When it comes to accessories, group them together instead of lining them up evenly across a shelf or mantel. |
Three pieces to a grouping, with large spaces between groupings, adds a more graphic quality. You can also group furniture, as noted below.
Break Furniture up into Groups
Instead of a standard sofa flanked by end tables and club chairs, break the arrangement up into separate seating areas. Place the chairs near a window with an end table between them. |
The sofa and coffee table will still be the general seating area, but you can break things up to make cozy, separate reading or conversation areas. Bring in another chair, ottoman, bench, or some cushions from another space to make each separate area feel complete.
Note:
You may think your other spaces will feel empty once you begin your interior redesign. |
You can avoid this by moving some items from the redesigned space into other areas and making a trade. Also, think about it. The spaces you are probably most concerned with are the main living areas that other people see. Even if your bedroom or office ends up with a few less accessories temporarily, you’ll be pleased with the affect in your living areas. It’s much simpler and less costly to replace a few accessories here and there over time in other spaces, than it is to completely makeover a large room. |
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Credits |
BlindsOnSale.com
thanks, Hunter Douglas, Comfortex, Graber,
and Better Homes and Gardens.
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About Our Organization |
| You will enjoy shopping here because, BlindsOnSale.com is a family owned and operated business based in Oklahoma City. We have been in the blind industry for over thirty years, and work with some of the top designers and name brands. We back every product with a limited warranty and guarantee the quality of our products. |
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