Character – a holistic view

Adding character can really mean adding a purposeful pop of individual personality. Adding character to a living room can vary in terms of design statement impact – subtle to striking. Make it work in terms of the aesthetic, function, ergonomics and enjoyment of the space. Always create a relaxing sanctuary. A space effortlessly yours is how you succeed when adding character to a living room.

This week’s blog from Blind Technique offers 5 easy tips for adding character to a living room.

Adding character to a living room – take on a trend

• Character resonates most effectively when others can relate to it easily. Are you passionate about Minimalism, Retro or Vintage interior design styles, for example? How can you best demonstrate your own take on your tastes?
• Character is all about how we bring something to life, make it tangible to reach out and touch it to understand. Think texture, colour, pattern. Try soft furnishings including custom blinds
• Depending on where you are on your personal design barometer – subtle to striking – this will influence your choices. Roller Blinds, Roman Blinds and made to measure Curtains offer ample space within the fabric to confidently express either a low-key accent or an impactful statement.

Adding character to a living room – take on a theme

• Your living room can be where you share something meaningful about you. You could be a hobbyist interested in amateur photography so you could turn one wall/cosy corner into your studio. If you’re an avid reader create the feel of a mini ‘home library’ with the comfiest chairs and spot-on task lighting. Craft your own branded set of library cards, too!
• Add in nature as character with sole usage of natural fibres for all your furniture and soft-furnishing favourites. Embrace the greenery with signature house plants. Vary size and species plus position them across the living room.
• If you are a film-buff add in the big screen and kit-out your living room as the perfect home cinema experience. VIP ropes at the door, optional.

Adding character to a living room – focus on features

• Work with the architectural features you already have when adding character to a living room. If you have a bay window with built-in window seat create the book nook of your dreams. Consider Plantation Shutters or try the Layered Window look (Roller Blinds or Roman Blinds with made to measure Curtains) to dress your bay.
• If you have sliding doors or a skylight make the most of them with Allusion Blinds or Velux Blinds: Pleated, Venetian, Roller styles, respectively.
• If you have high ceilings and period features try motorised Plantation Shutters for both ease and elegance.

Adding character to a living room – curate your collection

• Art with heart – your family photos could be curated to form a floor to ceiling display on a feature wall painted with your choice of background colour.
• Make your hobby your hero – share all that you know with a visual homage to your favourite artist, author or actor. Let the craft your enjoy take centre stage.
• Get your collection ready for inspection – select your best pieces to be on show. If you have a substantial volume of them, rotate with the seasons or chosen theme

Adding character to a living room – let the light in

• From ceiling chandeliers to subtle spotlights and precise task lighting lamps – adding character to a living room is best set off by the highest quality lighting.
• Choose lighting options in-line with your style. Flex your thinking from classic to quirky, traditional to modern, bold colours to pastel hues.
• Natural light flooding in from your windows is your best asset when adding character to a living room.

Ready to start adding character to a living room? Consult Blind Technique

• Read more blog posts, view our inspiration page, review our FAQ’s
• Visit our Eastcote Showroom
• Book a FREE Home Appointment
• Contact us today

The post 5 Easy Tips for Adding Character to a Living Room appeared first on Blind Technique.

Fill space in the living room – an approach

• Always fill space in the living room with purpose.
• Enable your living room to flow naturally.
• Always aim to maximise enjoyment of the space. You could zone your living room if the space you are looking to fill is substantial.
• Room dividers, if used, don’t need to be a permanent, obtrusive structure – try a large bookcase (open on both sides) or an L-shaped sofa in neutral colours, perhaps.
• Always consider effortless daily usage for all household members (and visitors) when trying to fill space in the living room.
• Allow for tastes to change so consider how you can update easily and cost effectively, when they do
• Top tip – when we fill space in the living room never create clutter – consider this space to be where you just instantly relax and feel right at home.

First way to fill space in the living room

Make a statement – if a large living room feels cold and unloved, one way to remedy this fast is through your choice of home furnishings. Start with your window dressings. Try layering – Roman Blinds or Roller Blinds teamed with made to measure Curtains for a luxurious design statement of your dreams. Continue the theme with accents of the colour palette you select on a statement wall or within your curated artwork choices. Unify your design throughout but take inspiration from your very own custom blinds.

Second way to fill space in the living room

Natural impact – large plants are best suited to being placed in otherwise redundant areas of the living room. Subtlety in terms of uplighting solutions or spotlights on your botanical treasures could increase the sense that you can fill space in the living room with ease – only adding to the sanctuary aesthetic you are trying to create. Always ensure your plants do not get too hot and so dry out, spoiling the effect.

Third way to fill space in the living room

Light the way – beautifully designed lighting can also create a statement of their very own – easily contributing to your plan to fill space in the living room without adding unattractive clutter. Mix up your lighting scheme with a selection of wall lights (soft uplighters), spotlights, floor lamps, table lamps and task lighting. Lighting choices can offer natural room division  – filling the space with a sense of zoning without adding too much in terms of physical furniture items.

Fourth way to fill space in the living room

Express yourself – let your creative juices flow and explore a pop of personality with your very own carefully curated art gallery on a feature wall in the living room. Complement your chosen interior design scheme with a range of family and/or travel photographs. You could also consider displaying a selection of your favourite art purchased over the years from artists you love. There is no better way to fill space in the living room by placing what is meaningful to you, your family and your friends at the very centre of this valuable social space.

Fifth way to fill space in the living room

Cosy corners abound – if you find you have significant space in one area of the room why not invest in creating a cosy corner for yourself and your hobbies? Install a book nook, an art space or a crafting zone for example. Fill space in the living room by accommodating all the things you love to do either by yourself or with family which you simply don’t have space for, in your bedroom. Beautiful home furnishings which you can switch-up every season can easily lend a sense of identity to this designated area.

Looking to fill space in the living room? Consult Blind Technique today

Is it time to fill space in the living room? We can help you do just that plus so much more.

• Contact us for friendly, professional advice.
• Visit our Eastcote Showroom.
• Book a Home Appointment with us.

The post 5 Ways to Fill Space in Your Living Room appeared first on Blind Technique.

As The BBSA confirms, since February 2014 all blinds sold in the UK must comply with child safety standards. This means they must not contain cords or chains or, if they do, they must be fitted with safety devices. The BBSA recommends that blinds which do not contain operating cords or chains or have concealed or tensioned cords are chosen when making blinds safe for children.

For more information, please visit the Make It Safe campaign run by the BBSA. The UK Government also offers these resources and The Child Accident Prevention Trust detail the stark risks.

Rest assured that at Blind Technique we make blinds safe for children by:

• Installing safe blinds to all homes regardless of whether children or babies are present or not
• Limiting cord and chain lengths on the safe blinds we install
• Including safety devices for preventing any cords or chains from creating a hazardous loop
• Providing safety warnings and instructions

When considering how to make blinds safe for children, at Blind Technique, all our products fall into three safety categories.

The categories to help make blinds safe for children are:

1. Products which are inherently safe – such as tensioned Pleated Blinds, spring controlled Roller Blinds, wand operated Vertical Blinds, Velux and Skylight blinds, Perfect-Fit Roller and Pleated Blinds, INTU Blinds, motorised products, crank operated blinds, Plantation Shutters, Awnings. These blind styles do not have any cords present which can form a hazardous loop.
2. Products which have inbuilt safety systems – like chain connectors which pull apart when a certain force is applied to prevent a loop being formed. Restrictions on cord or chain length and minimum distance from the floor once installed.
3. Products which have separate safety devices installed – examples include cord/chain tensions (cleats) to keep unsafe looped cords safe and away from children. Note that these devices can normally be retrofitted to existing blinds to make blinds safe for children.

Also know that the beauty of buying bespoke custom blinds is the ability to design the window blinds of your choice tailored to your exact requirements. Plus, motorisation operated by remote control or wall-mounted switch is also an option to help make blinds safe for children.

Practical tips to help keep blinds safe for children

1. Alert – know the risks in detail, provide constant adult supervision particularly around curious and energetic toddlers and always have your mobile phone to hand and fully charged
2. Aware – ensure children know and understand without question that window dressings are simply not toys and are also very expensive (can be) so please don’t touch
3. Access – keep cots, beds, sofas and highchairs away from your custom blinds so any cords or chains (if present) ae simply always out of reach
4. Area – create a designed play area within the home where all the toys are located to discourage young children from wandering off to find amusement elsewhere
5. Arrange – rethink the flow of the furniture in the dedicated play area. Should young children climb over furniture check they will still not be able to reach the window blinds. Ensure there are no spaces where the young children can’t be seen so that emergency intervention in the event of an accident is always possible as the seconds really count

Making blinds safe for children is all about achieving the optimal balance of safety, security, structure, style and of course – installing effective shading solutions.

Children’s Bedroom Blinds at Blind Technique

Did you know we offer fun character blinds for bedrooms, nurseries and playrooms which are child safe as we have outlined above?

How to Make Your Blinds Safe for Children – consult Blind Technique

• Check out more of our blog posts, try our inspiration page, review our FAQ’s
• Visit our Eastcote Showroom
• Book a FREE Home Appointment to find out more about how to make blinds safe for children

The post How To Make Your Blinds Safe for Children appeared first on Blind Technique.

Enter retractable terrace awnings, the truly flexible outdoor shading solution for both the residential and the commercial setting.

So just what are the reasons you should consider when thinking about installing retractable terrace awnings? Let your local blinds industry expert – Blind Technique, walk you through each one in this week’s blog.

Blind Technique – our top 12 reasons to install retractable terrace awnings

1. Optimise outdoor space during the favourable weather usually synonymous with the summer months
2. Benefit from effective wind and sun protection for you and your family as you dine al fresco
3. Increase privacy at home during such social gatherings so everyone can truly relax
4. Product durability – retractable terrace awnings are available in a wide range of fabrics all of which are offered fully protected and waterproof
5. Solar gain and heat glare control to ensure your outdoor dining experience (especially if your garden is south facing) is a comfortable one for all your friends and family
6. For effortless operation – retractable terrace awnings can be operated manually or you can choose the motorised option which could with quiet and reliable remote control
7. The attention to detail applied at Blind Technique – our retractable terrace awning components are thoroughly tested, gaining both CE and TÜV approval. This quality standard, every step of the way means that our retractable terrace awnings offer a long service life to our customers – even during periods of extreme weather conditions. Trust us, trust the product and trust the expert installation
8. The additional features on offer – all our retractable terrace awnings models can be equipped with wireless Sun and Wind sensors, LED lighting and remote controlled Tungsten Patio Heaters. At Blind Technique we hope that we have really thought of everything you could possibly need from your potential purchase of retractable terrace awnings
9. Temperature control from the shading provided by a retractable terrace awning means that not only are you cooled but the surface temperature of your deck or patio is too – a lot less uncomfortable to walk across the space in your bare feet!
10. Protection against sun faded furniture if your retractable terrace awnings are fully open in hot sunlight, situated above large patio doors or a set of bifold doors, for example
11. A beautiful, impactful, personal design statement naturally adding to the enjoyment of your home
12. Retractable terrace awnings are easy care. They don’t require maintenance as such but it is crucial that they are operated correctly every use. They need to be retracted only when dry and they are not to be left open during heavy rains or when experiencing strong winds.

Blind Technique also offer umbrellas and canopies in addition to retractable terrace awnings

Umbrellas – a versatile shading solution for both patios at home or pub gardens on the high street. Size-wise our umbrellas start at 3m(10 ft) width with up to a giant 10m (33ft) width available. There is a size to fit any space. We can flex on shape too with square, rectangular, octagonal (8 sided) and dodecagon (12 sided) possible to achieve.

Canopies – select a free-standing shading solution which is highly portable and can be sign-written with your bespoke advertising. A great choice for commercial applications such as pop-up venues. Canopies are available up to 6m width and 1.5m projection. You could also opt for colour co-ordinated hardware to any RAL colour.

For all your retractable terrace awnings needs – it can only be Blind Technique

• For more on awnings read What Are Awnings and Are They Right For My Home?
• Check out more of our blog posts, try our inspiration page, review FAQ’s
• Visit our Eastcote Showroom
• Book a FREE Home Appointment to discuss how installing one of our retractable terrace awnings could be the best decision you make all summer

The post Reasons To Install Retractable Terrace Awnings appeared first on Blind Technique.

So, when discovering how to make your room sleep friendly, Blind Technique propose our ideas here in just 3 steps.

Light

• The very first step to finding out how to make your room sleep friendly is to proactively manage your lux (light) levels – as your mind and body need a nightly visual cue that the day is coming to an end and the next natural event will be to get ready for sleep.
• Close your bedroom door routinely to improve the darkness in the room and for sound insulation purposes, plus privacy.
• Invest in quality window dressings to ensure your room becomes as dark as possible once your blinds or curtains (or both) are drawn. Roller Blinds and/or Roman Blinds coupled with made to measure Curtains can be an excellent choice plus consider the use of dimout fabric to maximise light control.
• Nightlights – use one to read before bed but sleep in total darkness if you can. For safety, use nightlights on the landing so you can see your way to the bathroom without turning on a main light.
• An eye mask helps you awaken gently in response to a pleasing (and not irritating) alarm sound so as to minimise a spike in stress as soon as you rise.
• Leave your phone alone al least one hour before bed as the blue light emitting from your small screen can disrupt your ability to fall asleep.

Heat

• The summer months can make for many a warm, uncomfortable night plus the odd heatwave so ensure you are as cool as possible during the night so that you find out just how to make your room sleep friendly.
• Think cool, breathable fabrics for your bedding made from natural fibres like cotton and linen.
• Silk pillowcases can offer a luxurious note to your sleep and can wick moisture away from your face.
• Cool your body before sleep with a winding down routine which could include a cool shower, a cool drink of water and even the use of your fridge to cool your pillowcase or your nightwear before use.
• Hot water bottles can be filled with cold water too – just take the same care as you would with hot liquid to avoid the risk of discomfort.
• Turn off all unnecessary gadgets at the power source to reduce the level of residual ambient heat in your bedroom at least an hour before you turn in.

Comfort

• Talking about comfort – think about the creation of draughts and the use of fans, as you need a cooling breeze to reduce your body temperature to aid restful sleep as you uncover how to make your room sleep friendly.
• If you can open a bedroom window safely during the night, consider putting it on the latch for security.
• Consider the use of a silent-operation fan on a bedside table, too.
• Avoid caffeine before bed and try a light evening meal during the summer to take the pressure off your digestion before sleep.
• Have a mental break from all your electronic devices to ensure your brain has time to relax before you rest for the night. If possible, house your PC/laptop in your home office, not your bedroom as you observe just how to make your room sleep friendly.
• Maintain good sleep hygiene discipline by going to bed and rising at the same times every day – weekdays and weekends. Your circadian rhythm (your 24 cycle which responds to light and dark) needs optimisation so that regular, restful sleep becomes a natural habit – so one of the best ways to achieve this is to maintain a regular sleep schedule. 8 hours is often suggested as the optimal duration for a quality night’s sleep.

How to Make Your Room Sleep Friendly – consult your local blinds industry expert – Blind Technique

• Check out more of our blog posts, try our inspiration page, review FAQ’s
• Visit our Eastcote Showroom
• Book a FREE Home Appointment

The post How to Make Your Room Sleep Friendly in 3 Steps appeared first on Blind Technique.

It’s July and so for many of us it is the welcome start of barbecue season at home in our gardens, sharing the glorious summer weather over good food with our family and friends. So, have you considered your outside space? Do you have (and maintain) a comfortable, shaded dining area on your patio or deck where everyone can relax during these precious social occasions? Have you considered investing in an awning? Just what are awnings?

When thinking about what are awnings – have you seen them in operation at other properties when visiting and ever wondered just what are awnings and are they right for my home? Let’s answer this question in this week’s blog from your local blinds industry expert – Blind Technique.

What are awnings?

• An awning is a form of blind – it is a substantial covering usually made from treated canvas or fabric.
• So what are awnings – an awning acts as an external shading solution.
• It is installed at height into a building for secure, everyday use.
• It tends to shade social spaces so is very popular in both residential and commercial settings.
• During hot weather, an awning acting as external shading which is known to be more effective than internal shading as The BBSA confirms :”…it reduces the solar gain entering the building and reduces internal temperatures.”

Awnings – are they right for my home?

When considering the purchase of an awning it may be prudent to ask yourself a set of initial questions to help you decide. What are awnings to you, for example.

1. Do you use your outdoor seating frequently during the warmer weather?

So, what are awnings? If you and your family and friends enjoy outdoor dining/dining al fresco on a regular basis during the summer months then it could make perfect sense to ensure the space you use is shaded and so comfortably helps you enjoy a relaxed social experience on every occasion.

2. Would your residence/commercial premises support the brackets used to anchor the awning into place?

So what are awnings in detail – an awning is a substantial covering where the shade itself is made from treated canvas or fabric, operated via the stainless steel retractable mechanism which needs to be secured. The installations team at Blind Technique can and do expertly navigate most sites, residential and commercial, by the use of bespoke spreader brackets or gutter brackets which bear the structural weight safely.

3. Would you be mindful of the correct operation and aftercare of your awning once installed?

So what are awnings – awnings are a durable and long lasting solar shading and privacy providing solution enabling you to enjoy your outdoor space so much more during the best weather of the year. They do not require maintenance as such but it is crucial that they are operated correctly every use; so they are retracted only when dry and they are not left open during heavy rains or strong winds.

4. Are you looking to keep your home or office cool in the warmer weather?

Manage the risks of overheating within your home or office with the installation of an external retractable awning. So, what are awnings? They are a highly efficient product when you need to control solar and heat glare, whether you are relaxing at home or working in your home office during the summer. An external retractable awning is incredibly effective if your home or office is south facing, in particular.

The BBSA offer more insights below in relation to overheating risk within the home:

1. Did you know that 20% of UK homes overheat?
2. Did you know that people in the UK spend 90% of their time indoors?
3. Did you know that the recommended operative temperature for living rooms and bedrooms is 23°-25° in summer and 17°-19° in winter.

(Statistics Source for a & b: BBSA and National Energy Foundation Solar Shading Impact Report).

(Statistics Source for c: CIBSE Guide A (2015), ASHRAE Standard 55 and BS EN 1525:2007 (BSI,2008)

Blind Technique – your local what are awnings specialist

Now that you have more information to help you answer the question: “what are awnings and are they right for my home”? – why not contact us to find out more.

Plus…after reading what are awnings and are they right for my home – think about:

• Checking out more of our blog posts, try our inspiration page, review FAQ’s
• Visiting our Eastcote Showroom
• Booking a FREE Home Appointment

The post What Are Awnings and Are They Right for My Home? appeared first on Blind Technique.

Like anything else, blinds and shutters will last longer the better you take care of them. There’ll always be wear and tear, whether it’s from pets and children or condensation from a steamy kitchen or bathroom. To ensure your blinds’ longevity, here’s a guide to help you discover which type of blind works best where, and under what circumstances, so you can select the most durable blinds for your home.

Of course, to invest in the most durable blinds for your home you must also consider the quality. The phrase ‘buy cheap buy twice’ definitely applies here, so pick a reputable supplier who uses quality materials and controlled manufacturing such as Blind Technique.

Aluminium Blinds – An excellent all-rounder

Aluminium blinds are the most durable blinds where temperatures may vary quickly, such as in the kitchen or bathroom. They won’t rust or warp, and they resist corrosion and mould, making them perfect for any condensation prone room, including conservatories. 

They’re also long-wearing, although they can be dented and can bend, perhaps if an excited pet or child mistakes them for a toy. Other than that, they’re one of the most durable types of blinds you can have.

PVC – Even more Durable as a Blind

Waterproof, fire-resistant and easy to clean, a roller blind made from PVC can last you for years. It’s also hardy in that it rarely frays like other fabrics, so rips should be almost non-existent.  

If you have PVC slats, they won’t warp and bend, again marking them out as a top choice for especially durable blinds. 

Real Wood versus Faux Wood

Of course, you want real wood. It’s beautiful, natural and brings nature right into your home. But when it comes to the most durable blinds, faux wood can do what natural wood does, and more. 

With durable faux wood Venetian blinds, you won’t have to worry about scratches and cracks. Nor does it fade in extreme sunlight. They’re also waterproof and won’t rot or warp like real wood in humid conditions. 

You’ll also want to consider the source of the wood if it was responsibly produced. Forced-grown wood can also have its issues and can be prone to warping. This can happen to faux wood too, but only at very extreme temperatures. Unless you live in Death Valley or any other desert, it won’t be a problem, as faux wood can easily cope with the varying temperatures of the kitchen and bathroom, making them another great all-rounder.

If you’re contemplating shutters, you can’t do better than faux wood. They’ll be able to cope with the elements, especially if you live in a coastal area. 

Have you considered Vertical Blinds as the Most Durable Blind?

Perhaps the durability of these blinds comes from their simplicity.  They have a history of lasting longer than other blinds. The chain or string at the bottom may snap if a child or pet collides with them while the louvres are in the closed position, but this can be easily repaired. By their very nature of being vertical, the louvres are less likely to be seriously damaged by an exuberant toddler or family pet. Read about the differences between Vertical and Venetian Blinds in our blog here.

Do you require the most Durable Blinds when there are toddlers, cats and hamsters involved?

Yes, you do. Child safety is really important, learn more about making your home safe here.

To prevent broken chains – and the harm they can cause to the little ones in your family – a motorised blind will increase the durability of the blind itself. All you need to do is recharge the motor a couple of times a year, and you won’t even have to remember to do that if you choose to have them solar-powered.

Cellular shades are another option, as they sit tight in the window itself, making them almost impenetrable to your guinea pig or budgie. 

Say Hello to an old classic – The Roman Blind

Being simple, their low maintenance contributes to their durability, and they won’t collect dust the way curtains do – as long as you don’t leave them in the same position for long periods of time. You’ll also want to make sure the material doesn’t fade unevenly. Their durability can be increased with just a little care. In return, you get to enjoy these beautiful blinds to enhance your bedroom and living rooms. 

If you have any questions about the most durable blinds

You can visit us at our showroom, make an appointment for an advisor to pop over to yours, or just give us a call.

The post The Most Durable Blinds For Your Home  appeared first on Blind Technique.

So What exactly are Day and Night Blinds?

In a nutshell, this blind is suitable for both the daytime and the nighttime. These blinds are perfect for when you need more control over the amount of light that comes into a room. What are Day and Night blinds perfect for? They are perfect for controlling light and privacy no matter what the time of day and this is because they’re made from two types of fabric that either skim over each other or operate independently. One fabric is sheer, allowing in as much light as you wish. The other fabric is more substantial, usually blackout, and you can control how much of it you choose to utilise. The more substantial fabric you use, the more light you cut out, and the more private your room becomes. 

Why are Day and Night Blinds ideal for any room? 

They get rid of the glare on your screens without plunging yourself into darkness. Create a soft light for a restorative nap. Keep them fully open and let the light flood in or close them completely for total privacy and a good night’s sleep. You’ll have total control over the light and therefore the ambiance of any room in your home. They’re also perfect for the office, whether you’re trying to see your own monitor, or making sure you come across at your best during a Zoom meeting. 

Day and Night Blind Fabrics

As there are two fabrics in the make-up of the Day and Night blind, this means you have even more choices to make. They can even help with heating bills, particularly the cellular pleated blinds, as the two layers of fabric, plus the air they have trapped between them, create layers of insulation across your windows. This means cooler working on hot days or in the heat waves. You can select UV-protected material that reflects the sun so you can remain cooler during the hottest part of the day.

What makes Day and Night Blinds different?

If you’re familiar with double roller blinds, you may be wondering what the difference is between them and Day and Night blinds, as both employ two pieces of fabric. The Day and Night blinds require only one roller mechanism, or perfect-fit frame to house the pleated or cellular blinds, whereas the double roller blinds require two mechanisms, one for each fabric. This means that Day and Night Blinds take up less room and are a slimmer profile. This is very important if you have a limited-size recess or inward-opening windows. Of course, it all depends on the overall look that you’re hoping to achieve.

Whilst Day and night blinds are suitable for almost any vertical window, the pleated and cellular version can also be used on sloping windows such as Velux style, or roof blinds that you may have in roof lanterns or skylights. Moreover, the pleated and cellular version of the Day and Night Blind also comes in a perfect fit frame which means there is no screwing or fixing required, and they can be fitter neatly onto inwardly opening windows where there is no recess. This is common in a lot of new build apartments.

How do I choose the correct Day and Night Blinds for me?

As you will read below, choices are endless which is why we are here to help. Our expert advisors have installed hundreds of these blinds in a huge variety of different homes and windows. We make them all locally too, so why not start by contacting Blind Technique or popping into our showroom to find out more? 

With a wide variety of fabrics, from patterns, colours, and textures, to blackout and UV protection, you can match and contrast with your home’s decor and your needs, to your heart’s content. You even have the choice between manually controlling the blinds or having them motorised, which will allow you to control the blind either with remote control or simply ask Alexa to open and close your blinds for you. 

The post What Are Day and Night Blinds? appeared first on Blind Technique.

Find out how to decorate your home office, in palette and practical terms.

Ace your aesthetic

Work is busy and busy can get stressful – very easily and very fast.

• Balance soothing, calming, natural colours like mint, ocean blue and slate grey with ones to help you concentrate too, such as accents of warm yellow
• Colour ‘block’ or ‘zone’ your office space in a carefully managed transition to offer you visual boundaries for separate tasks – such as computer work, desk research and video calls

Are you sitting comfortably?

Your office chair is the centre of your home office, the whole ambience of the room.

• Sit comfortably in a high-quality chair which supports you ergonomically (accommodating any individual mobility needs you may have) in an easy to maintain sedentary position

Bring nature in

Learning how to decorate your home office, can involve the addition of some low-maintenance plants to add interest, colour and relaxing vibes.

• Try a statement Peace Lily, a row of mini potted Succulents, Lavender or a potted Citrus Tree in the corner of the room

Boundaries – built-in

Work-life balance is never more important than when you are working from home.

• When discovering how to decorate your home office in the optimum way that works for you, ensure it can comfortably contain ALL your work/career-related materials. Only choose to re-purpose the spare bedroom if it really will meet your needs, for example
• Avoid letting any work papers, books or IT equipment creep into any other area of the house. When you close your office door at the end of every working day – make sure you are then home

Focus, focus, focus

Consider the benefits of a beautiful new custom blind to deliver focus for you.

• The large ‘blank canvas’ inherently part of the structural design of Roller Blinds offers an amazing space for you to add colour and/or pattern. They are easy to operate using either a sidewinder control, a spring loaded mechanism or the motorised option. They offer significant light, heat and privacy control plus computer screen glare reduction
• Create a signature style from your choice of custom blinds, with accents of the same style echoing around the room creating maximum design impact

Light the way

A variety of lighting options to suit the task at hand and to create a professional mood when determining just how to decorate your home office.

• Spotlights in the ceiling, a desk lamp for close work and uplighting options for a focal point, perhaps

Organise and schedule

Prepare your workday the night before so that you sleep well, wake rested and in control of the challenges ahead with your choice of visual aid.

• Try a wipeable memo board, inspiration board (cork or magnetic), a daily planner, a monthly planner, a wall or desk calendar

Professional productivity is personal

When finding out how to decorate your home office know that it is the one workspace where you have free rein to create the perfect, bespoke and so individualised environment.

• Decorate to reflect pops of your own personality. We spend so long working during our lives that we need to enjoy it – both the nature of the work and where we deliver it. Ideas include: an artwork wall, family photo gallery, helpful ‘work mantra’ set in lights on a feature wall

Secure your storage

Secure your office door during your video calls schedule so as to prevent an often comical ‘tiny human’ interruption or two!

• Invest in all the shelving, filing and lockable cabinets you may need to protect your professional paperwork, at home

Talk tech

Plan and purchase all the I.T. equipment to maximise both your daily effectiveness and efficiency.

• Think both hardware and software – research the best value for money investment options you or your company can afford. Connectivity plus comfort is key – don’t neglect your wrist supports and footrest choices

Contact your local custom blinds industry expert – Blind Technique

Ready to turn your ideas on how to decorate your home office into reality?

• Check our more of our blog posts, try our inspiration page, review FAQ’s
• Visit our Eastcote Showroom
• Book a FREE Home Appointment

The post How to Decorate Your Home Office appeared first on Blind Technique.

How to update your home – an example planning checklist

In order to meet your expectations if you wish to update your home, it can be helpful to make clear what it is you are trying to achieve with your proposed spend, from the outset.

Purpose

Is it a refurbishment or a refresh? Setting the purpose can help you set your budget for the task(s) ahead.

Perception

Where do you spend the most time when you are at home? Which areas of the home do your family enjoy spending the most time together? Which room(s) do you regularly use for family celebrations?

Practicality

When discovering just how to update your home, if it is a busy one, concentrate on what is most practically possible at this time of year, with the least disruption caused and so the least daily stress.

Pleasure

Which kind of updates would increase your overall level of satisfaction with your home? Is it about generating more space or would you like to make the current space more comfortable?

Priorities

Focus on your priority list now and remember – you can find out just how to update your home in phases – budget and time permitting. Larger updates could be scheduled for the much longer summer holidays, at the end of the school year.

Ready?

This is where Blind Technique, your local custom blinds industry expert, can help.

How to update your home –  a custom blinds checklist

One of your update choices could be the purchase of a fresh set of custom blinds. Consider refreshing your home furnishings, too  – lots of tips on individual key piece suggestions for different rooms in the house, here on our blog. Don’t forget our FAQ’s

Ease

Your home needs to work for you so you can return at the end of the day to sanctuary. With the inclusion of motorised custom blinds, you can operate them with ease on a daily basis. And as your window dressings often ‘frame’ your first impressions of the day ahead when you open them – ensure that this moment, at least, is a stress-free one.

Efficiency

Financial pressures abound for all of us, wherever we look these days. Empower yourself to make a considered investment in custom blinds which can deliver energy-savings benefits during every season, helping you run your household budget, that bit more efficiently.

Elegance

Perhaps nod to the modern trends in terms of interior design regularly but remain mindful that the practical benefits of purchase should be timeless. Invest in quality key pieces which will not date and are well crafted with a high level of attention of detail at every step, by trusted experts in the field.

Economy

We can all browse for products online and try to install them ourselves. Is it really worth the risk? True economy is value for money – both in the short and longer-term. With bespoke you are across all the decisions – from design, size, fit, operation, cleaning and maintenance. At Blind Technique we share with you all the industry knowledge you need so you can make an informed choice – without the time pressure of a hovering mouse or a timed-out transaction.

Engagement

At every stage of your plans on how to update your home, always consult. Discuss what is possible in terms of budget and timeframe. Project manage as much as you can before Day One of the updates start. Enjoy the inspiration and planning process as much as we enjoy the delivery and installation process!

Considering how to update your home? Contact Blind Technique

Wondering just how to update your home with custom blinds? Purchase both the perfect fit and the design of your choice – contact Blind Technique, today.

Visit our Eastcote Showroom and/or book a FREE Home Appointment with us at a date and time convenient to you.

The post Our Top Tips on How to Update Your Home appeared first on Blind Technique.