The current state of the economy and its trickle-down effect on Main Street is something out of your control. Your neighborhood is trading in gas guzzling SUV’s for economical, fuel efficient vehicles; family vacations are put on hold until ‘next year’ due to the nation’s sky high unemployment rate. These are only a few of the numerous explanations for the most sluggish residential housing market in forty years.

If you are starting to think your home just won’t sell; do not lose hope—updating your window treatments can showcase your home high above your Prius driving neighbors.

When selling a home, window coverings are often neglected during any interior design updates. Here’s a secret: modernizing window fashions can renew the vigor you know your house has to offer to potential buyers.

In this housing market, (not every market is different), any facet that sets your home apart is essential—updating window treatments is a simple way to highlight unique features as well as a tool to conceal any unattractive bumps or bruises.

The perfect window fashion can:

-Add immediate style to any room: For an instant modish appearance, use a woven wood shade in grass weave or bamboo from BlindsandDrapery.com.

-Define the space for smaller rooms to ensure greater appeal: That small bedroom or office can undergo a drastic change by incorporating a shade to add warmth to the space. BlindsandDrapery.com have roller shades in a trendy chocolate color that are ideal for spicing up a room (and making you crave chocolate...)

Additionally, according to Hunter Douglas,“Wholesome brown remains a popular color… consider pairing brown with another vogue color, green, for an especially refreshing look.”

For this, try custom drapery panels under a navajo style cornice; its unique design makes it versatile enough to enhance any room.

-Save you from painting: If you have white or cream walls with a few shoe kisses or loving fingerprints—add a colorful Hunter Douglas Duette honeycomb cellular shade in a rich wine color like classic cabernet and watch imperfections disappear (over your glass of fine wine… is it 5 o’clock somewhere?).

These days, incorporating an interior makeover might seem a touch indulgent. And if you have a Doubting Thomas husband, it’s time to feed him this dose of reality-lowdown: purchasing new window décor (within your budget) can dramatically improve the appeal of your home… and encourage buyers to take that second look.

By utilizing touches of design and color to match your current décor, you’re empowering creativity to save money. Make it even easier by shopping online at www.blindsanddrapery.com.

“What elements you put together and how you blend them results in a highly individual design expression.” Hunter Douglas suggests employing, “Clean lines, open spaces and furnishings that offer a simple, refined style.”

So, if you’re riding in the overcrowded ‘can’t sell my house’ slow boat to no where—get out your oars and start paddling—that SOLD sign is quickly approaching in the window.

by Elizabeth at BlindsandDrapery.com

Imagine wanting to purchase custom window treatments, but your busy schedule will not allow enough time for a visit to the store? Now imagine if you could have the store at your house, and you are in complete control of when and how you shop? Here is a little secret: this dream can be reality. Yes, its true—by going online and visiting a site such as www.blindsanddrapery.com, the process of ordering custom window treatments is ruled entirely by you. There are measuring videos, and you can order samples of all available custom window treatment products you are interested in. From pleated shades, drapery panels and even including Hunter Douglas—the choices and opportunities are endless when it comes to online ordering—all while working around your time clock.

To some, this convenience sounds too good to be true; skeptical shoppers may not trust themselves or websites to purchase such a lasting piece of interior décor. However, there are many perks, including online and over the phone assistance as well as unbelievably low prices that outweigh and overcome those uncertainties.

On a site like www.blindsanddrapery.com, you can order free samples in colors, prints, solids, silks, sheers and more in order to test the look in your rooms. They also send a free guide with measuring instructions for your windows. Note to self: measuring your own windows may appear daunting, but it is not a tough task! With a free guide and online video available, you have all the tools necessary to take measurements on your schedule.

You’ve now received your free samples in the mail but you’ve stumbled upon an issue you cannot figure out—do you pair your custom woven wood shades with a matching valance or drapery panels? Think you’re out of luck? Think again! Go back to that user-friendly site www.blindsanddrapery.com and click on the ‘Ask the Decorator’ link or call the toll-free number to contact a decorator with your question. That’s not all: BlindsandDrapery.com can even set you up with a local window treatment installer.

Remember, this entire process of purchasing new custom window treatments to update, style and beautify your home is according to your agenda. With that said… what are you waiting for? Start shopping today!

by Elizabeth at BlindsandDrapery.com

Color choices say a lot about a person; the same can be said for choices in custom window treatments. The latest buying trends lean toward energy efficiency and ecologically friendly products such as honeycomb cellular shades. However, there is also an emphasis on finding the best deal. Window treatment selections are increasingly decided upon price and less about preference—this is where decorating mistakes can be made. Window coverings are one of the first things noticed in a home; updating custom drapery, blinds, shades or shutters in the latest colors and styles can change the mood of and complete any room.

Newsflash: There is a way to combine custom window coverings that suit an individual’s unique flair while fitting into an affordable cost. This can be achieved by shopping online and installing yourself; DIY (Do-It-Yourself) home improvement projects are popping up everywhere. Suddenly, not just Uncle-Fix-It can help install blinds. Grab a friend and keep reading to find out the latest custom window treatment trends and how to install them (all while not going over budget):

Current Trends:

1. Energy Efficiency: Custom honeycomb cellular shades styled in the shape of a bee’s honeycomb protect your home from light damage and prevent cold/heat from escaping through the windows. Utilizing thermal or blackout lined drapery is also a simple and stylish way to achieve energy efficiency.

2. Contemporary vs. Traditional: Transitional, dynamic jewel tone colors now beat out basic red—enhance this by using metal grommets on drapery. Natural woven shades in bamboo and grass weaves create a modern earth tone décor; they are also made from a renewable resource.

3. Natural Sunlight: Trendy solar shades allow in natural sunlight but keep out the glare, harmful UV rays and heat without obstructing your view.

4. Smooth & Sleek: Create a fresh, modern appearance by adding solid or striped fabrics. Custom honeycomb cellular shades with solid panels will illustrate this look without making the window look heavy.

5. Going Green: For the environmentalists out there: Anti-anything from anti-mold to anti-toxic dyes to fabrics that help people with allergies are all available and eco-friendly.

Do-It-Yourself Installation:

1. Measure, Measure, Measure!: Emphasis on measurement cannot be stressed enough for DIY custom window treatment installation. The perfect double cell honeycomb shade will only look amazing if it is the perfect fit.

1. Dot-Com Sites: Many will visually show how to find the best treatment for each style of window. These sites will even explain how to measure and install custom window treatments. For a great example, visit www.blindsanddrapery.com and click on the “How To Measure” video.

2. Follow Do’s & Don’ts: Pay close attention to online advice from installation experts. Installing treatments yourself can be a fun process, but can quickly take a downward turn if steps aren’t taken to ensure the process is correct.

Once complete, sit down, relax and enjoy your new designer custom window treatments installed with a personal touch. Whoever said cheap is the new chic was seriously mistaken… you can have both!