Home Decor Archives -

The Best Blinds For Sliding Glass Doors

July 2, 2014September 24, 2014 Blind Advantage

Every house has its own unique charms, but homes with sliding glass doors enjoy a functional element of design that is also remarkably beautiful, allowing a grand view of the exterior. Dressing up a sliding glass door is a great way to showcase this lovely feature while keeping it practical for everyday use- but most homeowners find it challenging to select a window covering that works best for this area.

Blinds are useful beyond window dressing. They can help control the amount of light that streams into a room, and help address energy costs in every season by trapping in heat or keeping out the cold. If you’re considering blinds, custom drapery or shades installed on your sliding glass doors, here are some of our top picks to dress your door in style.

Custom Drapery and Luminette Privacy Sheers

Custom Drapery and Luminette Privacy Sheers are commonly used window treatments to dress up your space.

Custom Drapery

Chose from a multitude of fabrics, like silk, cotton, nylon, polyester etc. Custom Drapery looks very nice when they puddle on the floor in many applications; however with a door close by it may not be best to be made that way because they will get dirty when sweeping the floor. It is most common for custom drapery to be made within ½” off of the floor. This will be the best way to keep them clean. As an idea you could also consider layering your drapery, which is a popular trend in window coverings. This allows you to have a lightweight pair which offers privacy but allows in light behind a second option that can serve a different purpose or block out a little more light.

Hunter Douglas Luminette Privacy Sheers

Luminette Privacy Sheers by Hunter Douglas are a beautiful twist on traditional vertical shades combined with the elegance of custom drapery. With many fabric and colour choices, the Luminette is a customer favourite especially on doors.

Do you like the look of the Luminette but would prefer a horizontal blind? No problem. The Silhouette blind by Hunter Douglas is the Horizontal version of the Luminette.

Shutters and Shades

Eclipse Shutters

Eclipse Vinyl Shutters are a top quality shutter that are made in and Canada and are always a popular choice for covering doors. Simply because they offer a clean, finished look. Chose from 2 ½”, 3 ½” and 4 ½” sizes, 3 colours and 2 finishes. Do you love the look of wood shutters because of their more matte appearance but want the ease of maintenance like that of a vinyl shutter? Eclipse Vinyl Shutters have recently released the new Ultra Satin Finish which is available at select window covering stores such as Blind Advantage.

Hunter Douglas Skyline Gliding Window Panels

The Skyline Gliding Window Panel by Hunter Douglas is a beautiful choice especially in a more modern setting. Panel sizes are available in 11 ½” and 17” and are operable by cord, wand or remote.

Hunter Douglas Honeycomb Shades

The ease of lift and the lightweight fabrics make the Hunter Douglas Honeycomb shades a great choice for sliding doors. The ever popular two-on-one head rail feature allows each blind to operate separately.

Do you love the Honeycomb but would prefer having a vertical blind to cover your sliding door? You should consider the Duette Vertiglide honeycomb. The Vertiglide is a nice tailored blind with stacks nice and tight to one side or can be split.

Contact us today for an In-Home Consultation

There are many custom options for window treatments for individuals’ looking for something special. Regardless of the type of blind, shutter or curtain, Dressing up a sliding glass door is about so much more than appealing design, it’s also about making your home comfortable and welcoming.

If you’re interested in discussing your window covering needs contact us today.

DuraLee Fabrics now distributed by Joanne Fabrics

February 24, 2014September 22, 2014 Blind Advantage

To our fellow fabric enthusiasts,

Now that Joanne Fabrics have become the exclusive Canadian distributor for DuraLee Fabrics, it’s selling like hot cakes! The ever popular and well known brand DuraLee is now priced at about 20% less than when it was distributed by its last Canadian distributor! Now you can have these beautiful designs and fabrics at a fraction of the cost.

DuraLee prides their fabrics for being timelessly versatile. Their fabrics are outstanding with funky patterns and vibrant colour palettes. With new fabric introductions like the beautiful ‘Fontana Collection’ featured in the above images.. You can have the fabric of your dreams! Large prints and bold colours will liven up even the most dull space.

I also love the whimsical and elaborate designs that they are always coming up with. In the picture below you will see the Chirp Fabric from the Indoor/Outdoor Prints Pavilion Collection designed by Thomas Paul for DuraLee, I especially love how creative his designs are (which by the way … kind of reminds me ‘Alice in Wonderland’)

Expect the unexpected with DuraLee!

Visit us today to view our large selection of Duralee fabrics as well other fabrics by popular manufacturers such as Joanne Fabrics, Unique Fabrics, Alendel Fabrics etc..

Be sure to also visit our Pinterest page dedicated to our favourite DuraLee Fabrics!

Drapery Hardware

February 5, 2014September 22, 2014 Blind Advantage

Selecting the hardware for your custom drapery or ready made drapery is the final way to execute a look. The right hardware will bring your drapery to life. By selecting the rod, brackets, finials & rings you will compliment your drapery – just like the hardware shown in this picture. The clear rod and finials compliment and soften this look.

JF Fabrics Evolutions Silver

The first step in finding the right drapery hardware is figuring whether you want your draperies are constructed to hang in place or to open and close. Lucky for you,

We carry brands such as Soletex, Joanne Fabrics, DuraLee Fabrics, Antex, CDH etc.. We have displays in our showroom that beautifully display the many different finishes and designs available. As they are all made to order and take about 2/3 days to arrive in our showroom.

We love to put together looks for our customers by selecting fabrics and choosing drapery hardware finishes. Since we have each drapery order custom made tailored to your liking, we are capable of making your drapery in any width or length imaginable. And, if you need a little inspiration or some help measuring your windows, just call us.

Metal hardware is available in a variety of finishes such as pewter, brass, black, gold, black, oil rubbed bronze chrome, aluminum.

In our opinion.. if you hang draperies on a metal pole, they will open and close better than on a wooden pole. Natural wood rods sometimes have a slight bow even with little weight which could show a sagging look. When choosing your hardware finish make sure that each piece selected is from the same manufacturer or collection. For example: Antique Bronze from one manufacturers doesn’t guarantee that it will be identical if purchased from a different manufacturer.

How do you chose your hardware?

Choose a colour and finish that matches nicely with the drapery or pull an accent colour that’s in the room.

Most people will chose their drapery hardware based on style or function. Functional hardware is best for those who plan on operating their drapery often. Decorative pieces, on the other hand, are designed to be drooled over and appreciated. Regardless of whether they are functional or serve a decorative purpose, all will require hardware.

Interested in purchasing your drapery hardware but you didn’t purchase your drapery at Blind Advantage?.. No problem! We will supply any of the hardware that you need.

How to Use Animal Print in Décor

January 27, 2014February 20, 2014 Blind Advantage

It’s wild, it’s fun and it’s stylish, but many people shy away from using animal print in their home décor, though they shouldn’t. Incorporating cheetah, tiger, leopard and giraffe patterns into textiles, paint and accessories can quickly liven up a dull room and showcase a bold personality. Check out our Pinterest board to see our favourite uses of this trend!

An excess of the print, as with any bold print, can look tacky or feel overbearing, a few well-placed details add an exotic allure to your home office, bedroom or family room. Ultimately, it’s all about balance.

If you’re eager to try out this popular theme on your favourite room, here are some great ways to use animal print that will add a spark of beastly elegance without attracting the attentions of a zookeeper.

Textiles

The simplest way to add a touch of the jungle to your house, whether it’s the bedroom or dining room, is to use soft textiles to create a warm and lively atmosphere. In a bedroom, you can look to comforters and throw pillows to get in on this trend. Be sure to keep the other colours and various details of the room simple, clean and sophisticated. Be sure to visit our showroom to view the many animal print options available in the Eastern Accents line.

Our personal favourite is the Scalamandre Maison collection. Scalamandre’s legendary style is a sophisticated design that is iconic and sure to impress. The fabrics are extremely luxurious, fashion forward and timeless.

Featured in the picture above:

Trica Barstool fabric: Linoso Fire, Trica Barstool finish Black, Brushed Nickle Finial, Eastern Accents Scalamandre Fabric: Nairobi Midnight, Joanne Fabrics Wallpaper and Hunter Douglas Duette Architella Honeycomb fabric: Batiste Bamboo – Desert Sands. These are all available at Blind Advantage, call or come into our showroom today!

For a larger living or dining room, a large animal print rug could be the centerpiece of a room. It should remain an eye-catching conversation piece relatively unobstructed by other details that may crowd it out.

Draw some attention to your drapery with a band of animal print or even neutral tone full animal print fabric. Let us create your custom drapery and you can have as much or as little animal print as you’d like.

While a variety of textures are encouraged, such as a nubby pillow or furnishings of leather or wood. Try to keep the prints and patterns to a minimum, if using others at all. Otherwise you might find your space overwhelming and busy. Let your textiles remain a focal point, and you have a pulled together, complementary look that never veers too much safari land.

Paint and Wallpaper

Accent walls are quite trendy, and while chevron stripes and polka dots are popular, you can have a distinctive style by using an animal print on a single section of the room. Avoid the temptation to reproduce the pattern literally; you want the print but not necessarily the colours. Soften the appearance of this strong image by going far more neutral.

A tiger’s stripes, for instance, look just as striking in shades of grey and cream as they do in orange and black. Choose the shades that suit the colour scheme already established in your chosen room, and you’re guaranteed to get rave reviews from friends and neighbours. And in case your painting isn’t up to par, there are several websites that offer stencils and vinyl stickers, if you want the option of a removable style.

Accessories

A great way to balance this strong style is to add a few choice accessories that emphasize the look without overplaying it. A pillow or two, a throw blanket tossed casually onto a sofa or artwork that relate back to the original piece are perfect examples of how to harmonize a bold item with the rest of the interior design. Even animal sculptures or African or Indian themed items can help balance an animal print feature, so feel free to use your imagination.

Animal print is undeniably daring, and using it in home décor requires both skill and restraint to look sophisticated rather than untamed. The trick is muting the colours, having a single principal piece and balancing it with suggestive accessories. Follow these recommendations and you can easily have the stylish yet dynamic design you’ve always desired.

If you’re interested in browsing the different animal print décor options we offer, visit our showroom!

10 Ways To Get Inspired For Christmas & The Holiday Season

December 17, 2013December 18, 2013 Blind Advantage

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.. I mean who doesn’t love December!? Maybe it the lights, Christmas decorations and holiday cheer but I can never get enough of December. But I know for some people it’s hard to get into the holiday spirit for various reasons and they sometimes need a little push and some ideas. So I’ll share with you 10 ways to get inspired for the holidays that always help me.

1 – Start listening to Christmas music. I don’t care what people say about how annoying Christmas music gets. And yes I agree towards the end of December I have had enough Christmas music myself. But the long and the short of it is that Christmas music = Feel good music! So go out and buy yourself that Michael Buble cd and get singing!

2 – Do some holiday baking. I have a huge sweet tooth and I look forward to having my house smell like a cookie factory. Almost every family has special memories of decadent treats that remind them of the holidays. I love making White Mice, Kris Kringles and Chocolate bark. Thanks for showing me the Kris Kringle recipe Lynn!

Kraft’s Big Batch Kris Kringle Cookies – CLICK HERE for recipe.

3 – Put on your holiday bedding. Whether it be simple red bed sheets, a complete set or just a few festive decorative pillows. Decorating all areas of your house including your bedroom even if just with the bedding is a great way spread holiday cheer throughout the house. Looking for beautiful quality and luxurious holiday bedding? Eastern Accents manufacturers the most amazing bedding for Christmas and all year round. Visit our Pinterest board featuring beautiful decorative pillows by Eastern Accents here.

4 – Go to a coffee shop and enjoy a festive drink. You know it’s December when every coffee shop you walk into has something peppermint advertised. I’m a sucker for a nice hot cup of coffee and I try to experiment and try as many as possible. I love the Salted Caramel Latte from Starbucks. Next on my list is the Gingerbread White Hot Chocolate from Tim Hortons.

5 – Hang Some Mistletoe. I mean who doesn’t like kisses!!

6 – Go for a drive and look at Christmas lights. If it were up to me I would keep the lights up and plugged in all year round, but I bet the neighbours would hate me … hahaha! In my opinion – Houses always look prettier decked out with lights. Load up your car and go for a cruise to “ooooo and aaaah” over all the cool lights and decorations.. seriously do it!

7 – Flip through the Holiday Editions of Home Décor magazines. I look forward to the new design ideas and recipes that come in each holiday edition magazine and usually will take in 1 new thing per year that will end up becoming a fan favourite. This year I’m loving the sparkles, feathers and bows

8 – Decorate the whole house. Don’t just limit your Holiday décor to the living room.. why not put a small tree in the bedroom on your night table? When you cuddle into bed at night, plug it in and enjoy the magic of the lights. Place a few small ornaments in the bathroom and maybe some pine for a nice clean scent.

9 – Make a list about your favourite things about Christmas. Making a list is a good way for you to take time and think about what you are most thankful for and what you look forward to most about the season. It’s a good way for you to appreciate the little things in life. There are so many things to be thankful for and this is a good way to recognize that.

10 – Relax and Reminisce. Last but not least.. take time to relax and enjoy the season. Don’t spend all of your time running around in search of the new Playstation 4. Remember that spending time with family and friends is far more precious than any gift. Sit by the tree with a cup of hot chocolate, put your feet up and go through photo albums.

We wish you and your family all the best for the holiday season. May your days be merry and bright!