Problem windows

Wouldn’t it be nice if every window were “picture perfect”? One common problem is “A room with NO View” (ha, just played off a movie title). If you have a window with nothing to see but another building on the other side, or worse, a two inch wood blind is the perfect answer. Slightly angle the slats, you’ll allow light through, but the eye will stop at the window, without paying much attention to what’s beyond.

When I say “wood blind”, I really mean “faux wood”. These blinds are made of a PVC plastic, but are stamped with a wood design. It’s almost impossible to tell the difference. Do you need custom built? In most cases, no. Any home improvement store or section will carry ready-made blinds. Don’t feel like it has to fit inside the window well. In fact, in many cases where there is no wood trim around the window, I often prefer blinds that sit on the wall, a little beyond the window. Most of these blinds can be shortened.

What should you mount with the blind? In many cases they still need fabric to soften the look. Even with a short window, a beautiful rod with floor length side panels looks fantastic!

Note: sometimes a dumpy little bathroom window can really be jazzed up with a blind like this!

Anyone can Decorate

"Taste can be acquired, style can be learned". It's true, some people just have a natural flair for decorating. Guess I'm one of them. I can see things others can't. But, that's not the only requirement for decorating. And, it's not the only skill I depend on.  Decorators like to keep things exclusive and mysterious, like only they can do the job.  But, that's not true. The ability to observe, copy, and re-invent is also important as natural giftings.  I'd be lost without the guidance of others. Here are key elements that can enable anyone to decorate:

1. Natural born ability: This is helpful, but not necessary in every case.
2. Observance & recording: Take a second look at room settings, or themes that you like. Instead of giving up with, `Oh, I could never do that”, pay attention to what it is you liked. Take note (literally, or you`ll forget), of what it is that appeals to you, and why. Observe the details. ** Have a small digital camera with you wherever you go, along with a small note pad. It`s amazing how many times you`ll unexpectedly come across ideas.
3. Copying & applying: After you`ve thought about what it is you liked, you`ll be surprised how easily, and how many of the ideas can be copied or modified. Do you honestly think that every designer relies on own originality, every time . . . they build on the work of others, and throw in their own expressions.

4. Learned skills: After awhile, you`ll note a common denominator in what you like, e.g. the pictures on the walls are larger than what you have, they are hung much lower.  Fireplace mantles aren`t filled with endless ``do-dads`` but with a few key pieces.

Turn yourself into a Decorating Detective, and you’ll soon be smarter than you think!