Livingston Reporting - page 315

Furnace Tune Ups and Yearly Maintenance Save Families Money

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

With regular furnace tune ups your heating and cooling bills can decrease substantially.  I am sure you have felt the pinch most of us are feeling with the rise of home heating bills.  The national average per year families spent to heat their homes was upwards of one thousand dollars.  It is obvious that anything that can be done to decrease this number and minimize your heating costs should be.  One thing to consider is giving your furnace a professional tune up to ensure that it is working efficiently.

Your homes heating system is made up of essentially different components one is the heating sensor or thermostat.  This piece measures the temperature inside of the home environment and determines when the temperature needs to be increased.

When the room’s temperature decreases the thermostat tells the heater it is time for the blower to turn on.  The ignition in the heater creates heat which is distributed while the furnaces blower moves the air throughout the duct work and distributes it into the house. The cool air in the room is cycled into the return ducts that are placed throughout the house and is warmed.  This warm air out, cool air in sequence continues until the temperature in the room is the temperature requested and then sends an indication that the furnace can shut down.

Something to remember is that HVAC furnaces are mechanical systems.  This means that they need to be maintained in order to continue to work at optimal performance.   It is so important that a tune-up is done by a professional HVAC technician to maintain your heating system.

When a furnace expert is out to complete a tune up on your heating system the first thing they will do is take a look at your furnace.  Professional furnace repair technicians will look for soot and residue around the furnace.  They will follow this by inspecting the furnaces thermostat by increasing the temperature.  This will allow the furnace to ignite and allow the technician to check out the flames within the burner.  The technician will check to ensure the flame is steady and burning blue.  If the flame is orange, yellow and/or flickering this can be an early indicator that the furnace combustion is not adequate.

The next step the technician will undertake is to turn the thermostat down to let the furnace cool down.  They will turn of the circuit breaker to the furnace and continue to examine the interior components.  Once the system has cooled the technician will remove the sides of the furnace and suck out the accumulated dust and debris from the system.  They will then use a clean, damp cloth to continue to clean the system.  A rag can be used to clean the blades of the fans and blowers. While the sides are off this is when oil can be added to the shaft to keep things moving as they should be.

If your furnace has a belt the technician will check to ensure there are no breaks or splits in the belt.  They will also ensure the tension on the belt is correct.  If there are any cracks within the belt or if the tension has become loose the belt will be replaced. Once all of this has been completed the furnace is ready to be put back together and the circuit breaker can be turned back on.

The last thing that the technician will do is put a fresh filter in and remind you that it is good practice to change your furnaces filters once a month during the heating season.  It all seems so simple however should be left up to the professionals.  A HVAC contractor is licensed and trained to work inside the complex heating system.  In the long run it save you money have the professional do the job right the first time instead of coming out to fix your mishap.  You won’t be sorry and you will make up the expense in the money you save on your monthly heating bills.

 

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Maintenance For In Between Professional Furnace Tune ups

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

My favorite memory of my dad and my son revolve around furnace maintenance.  Isn’t that an odd favorite memory?  It’s true though.  My dad was fixing his furnace, as he seemed to do at least one a season, and my son went over and started to tinker with him and hand him tools. Then it happened, frustration.  Thankfully my dad was able to control it when he saw those two eyes peering up at him.

Have you ever felt such frustration when your furnace decides to stop working in the middle of the winter on an incredibly bitter day?  This article can help you avoid frustration by teaching you some basic maintenance techniques that can help stage off aggravation and help to minimize problems that are unexpected.  Although it is best to schedule a professional furnace tune up once a year with a technician the following do it yourself tips help ward off the expensive furnace melt down that is inevitable otherwise.

The first tip whenever doing work on your own furnace without professional assistance is to make sure the power is completely shut off to the furnace.  This ensures the motor does not start while you are tinkering on the furnace.  There are things such as changing the filter that can be done without turning off the furnace however most other maintenance requires caution.  On top of turning off the power it is smart to turn off the fuel supply as well be it gas or oil that your furnace runs off of.  Before you do these steps however make sure you know how to relight the pilot light.  If you don’t know how to do this and you do turn off the power supply you will find yourself calling in the professionals so you won’t have saved yourself any money.

One quick do it yourself tip that will instantly save you money and save energy is by replacing an old model thermostat with a new programmable digital thermostat.  With this type of model thermostat you will be able to program it so that the temperature automatically adjusts the temperature of your home to keep you comfortable when you are there and save money when you are not.

At the very minimum homeowners should change their furnaces air filters in any forced air furnace monthly.  Purchasing a high quality thermostat should allow you a feature to remind you when should change the filter.  It will not matter on the quality of furnace filter chosen to use as long as you remember to regularly change it.  The filter you chose should be based upon the sensitivity to air-borne particles of the members in your family.  If you have pets consider a higher quality filter to help keep down the dander and hair in the air.  You should vacuum the blower and accessible areas of the furnace as well.  Dust will accumulate on the blades of the blower. With regular vacuuming this should be alleviated.

With a regularly schedule furnace tune ups from professionals and these regular maintenance tips you should help yourself avoid many common issues that can arise from maintenance not being kept up on.  It is the same as with a car, professionals do the big stuff but we as the car’s owners keep up on oil changes, washer solvent and tire rotations.  It is a combination of the things professional and homeowners bring to the table that will keep your furnace running smooth.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Home Alarms Offer Security For Your Family

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A security and monitoring system is installed to protect your home from thieves, burglars, trespassers and other dangers including fire.  There are a variety of home alarm systems to decide upon.  When considering one for your home remember that they all offer different operational functions with one thing in common, they are designed to protect your home.  Some of the common types of alarm systems include electrical circuits, motion detectors, infrared alarms and other varieties that are all relatively efficient.  Below is more information about alarms and information to have you select one that best suits your needs.

A monitored system is one that is wired to alert a central call center if the homes alarm is triggered.  In turn the call center contacts the homeowner to check with them if they are okay.  The call center is alerted of an alarm through phone wires.  Clever thieves who are able to locate outdoor phone wires that are exposed could cut them not allowing the call center to be alerted.  When considering a system such as this remember that there is always the option of using cellular or radio back up for your monitored alarm system. This helps ensure that if phone service is cut, or disabled due to weather or equipment failure your backup system will help keep you protected.

One major disadvantage to a monitored alarm system is that once the alarm is activated it takes thirty to forty seconds for the security company to contact the homeowner.  They wait this long to see if the alarm was accidently set off by the homeowner.  The homeowner has a code that they use to deactivate the alarm; if this is not entered and the homeowner not gotten a hold of the security company will alert authorities. The major problem with this type of system is that in the time it takes all of this to occur and experienced thief could have entered the home, caused harm to the family within and stolen a variety of personal possessions.

Another home alarm security system is one that remains unmonitored.  This system provides a loud siren both inside and outside of the home when the alarm is triggered.  This leaves the homeowner and neighbors to contact police and response personal.  Sometimes you will see this type of system include bright flashing lights alone with the siren.  The biggest pro to this variety of alarm is that there are no monitoring fees associated with the alarm.  This system relies heavily on the fact that most thieves and burglars are immediately put off by the sirens and lights.   People that are out to rob homes want to get in and out without being noticed.  This type of alarm does not allow that to happen easily.  Once the alarm is tripped this is difficult.

Monitored or not, home alarms offer security to your family and possessions.  The alarm offers personal security, protection for your personal belongings, discounts on homeowners insurance and increase in the resale value of your home.

 

All Star Alarm

Peace Of Mind For Your Family Found In Home Alarms

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A security and monitoring system is installed to protect your home from thieves, burglars, trespassers and other dangers including fire.  There are a variety of home alarm systems to decide upon.  When considering one for your home remember that they all offer different operational functions with one thing in common, they are designed to protect your home.  Some of the common types of alarm systems include electrical circuits, motion detectors, infrared alarms and other varieties that are all relatively efficient.  Below is more information about alarms and information to have you select one that best suits your needs.

A monitored system is one that is wired to alert a central call center if the homes alarm is triggered.  In turn the call center contacts the homeowner to check with them if they are okay.  The call center is alerted of an alarm through phone wires.  Clever thieves who are able to locate outdoor phone wires that are exposed could cut them not allowing the call center to be alerted.  When considering a system such as this remember that there is always the option of using cellular or radio back up for your monitored alarm system. This helps ensure that if phone service is cut, or disabled due to weather or equipment failure your backup system will help keep you protected.

One major disadvantage to a monitored alarm system is that once the alarm is activated it takes thirty to forty seconds for the security company to contact the homeowner.  They wait this long to see if the alarm was accidently set off by the homeowner.  The homeowner has a code that they use to deactivate the alarm; if this is not entered and the homeowner not gotten a hold of the security company will alert authorities. The major problem with this type of system is that in the time it takes all of this to occur and experienced thief could have entered the home, caused harm to the family within and stolen a variety of personal possessions.

Another home alarm security system is one that remains unmonitored.  This system provides a loud siren both inside and outside of the home when the alarm is triggered.  This leaves the homeowner and neighbors to contact police and response personal.  Sometimes you will see this type of system include bright flashing lights alone with the siren.  The biggest pro to this variety of alarm is that there are no monitoring fees associated with the alarm.  This system relies heavily on the fact that most thieves and burglars are immediately put off by the sirens and lights.   People that are out to rob homes want to get in and out without being noticed.  This type of alarm does not allow that to happen easily.  Once the alarm is tripped this is difficult.

Monitored or not, home alarms offer security to your family and possessions.  The alarm offers personal security, protection for your personal belongings, discounts on homeowners insurance and increase in the resale value of your home.

 

All Star Alarm

Sending A Message With Jewelry

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Jewelry is one of those words that automatically invoke a variety of feelings.  Jewelry has a wonderful way of expressing feelings not easily spoken.  It celebrates achievements, engagements, marriage and the overall feeling of love in its purest form.  No matter the piece selected or size of the gemstone involved, the piece will be a cherished gift and worn to celebrate the feeling that the recipient had the moment the piece was given.  When looking to purchase a piece of jewelry no matter your price point here are some suggestions on what to look for in the piece itself and the store your purchase it from.

One very important tip to remember when buying jewelry is that purchasing from high-end jewelry stores only buys you the name not a better quality piece.  Resist the temptation to purchase from a supposed high class establishment.  Local jewelers provide quality prices without the high markup involved with purchasing the same pieces at companies that are offering a name brand.  Think about this; how many people that will see or wear the jewelry being purchased and immediately know or be concerned with where it was purchased?

When purchasing jewelry for you or as a gift for someone consider the person before going into the jewelers.  It is easy to get carried away and overwhelmed when presented with stones, metals and glitz and glamour.  Also, thinking ahead allows you to come up with a budget, a stone selection and style to build from when coming in to make a purchase.

All three of those objectives are important when considering purchasing jewelry for yourself or someone. Let’s first discuss a budget. When purchasing engagement rings or wedding jewelry in general a consensus was came to that a gentleman should spend the equivalent of two months on a ring for his bride to be. This has been thrown out the window in today’s society.  You buy what you can afford and what is desired.  Many brides are leaning towards vintage pieces while others look towards custom jewelry.  This is why it is important to set a budget that allows you to stay debt free when making a purchase.

The stone selection is another important matter when choosing jewelry.  The right stone should enhance the skin tone of the person wearing the piece while making a statement about the recipient’s personality. Think about choosing a neutral piece that the recipient can wear all the time. We all know that having a beautiful piece of jewelry is worthless if you cannot wear it.

As for the style of the jewelry this is a huge part of the consideration process.  A person who is very modern and likes the look of clean straight lines might not appreciate a vintage piece and the opposite is true also.  When buying jewelry consider favorite pieces already worn by the receiver.  Are they into custom jewelry, large pieces, ornate jewelry or something small, simple and classic?

Jewelry is an ideal gift for so many different occasions. Every piece in a recipient’s collection means something considerable to them. Something as important as jewelry should be purchased with thought about the recipient.  It is a gift that means a lot for the giver to give and the receiver to receive.

DaRoche Jewelers

A Shopper’s Guide to Purchase Jewelry Online or In-Store

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you are in the market to purchase a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love what are the steps you take to ensure you are getting exactly what you desire, at the right price? The very first thing consumers should take into consideration is that shopping around and take a look at all of the options in regards to places you are able to purchase jewelry.  Not every piece needs to be purchased at a large store with trendy mark-ups.  Consider options online and locally to find a piece you will adore for yourself or a gift.  Another tip is to ask family and friends for reputable jewelry stores in your area.  Sometimes there are places that sell jewelry that you would have never considered.

When you find a jewelry store that you are interested in doing business with there are several things to think about.  The first thing you need to do is check out the refund and return policy.  This is an important step.  If you are going to spend this amount of money on a piece as a gift or for yourself you will want to make sure that if you get it home and you find it is not exactly what you wanted or the recipient you want to be able to get a refund or replacement.  Think about if you buy an engagement ring for you soon to be bride that she does not whole heartedly love.  Wouldn’t you want her to be able to get a refund or replacement that fits her style?  She is going to be wearing the piece for a lifetime.

Ask lots of questions! Ask questions about the marking on the metals.  All gold should be marked stating whether the piece is ten carat, twenty four carat etc.  Ask if the pearls that are sold are natural, cultured or imitation.  You are not getting a deal if a pair of imitation pearls from one store is the same price as natural pearls from another. The same is true for gemstones.  You will want to know if you are purchasing a natural, laboratory-created or imitation gemstone before you purchase.  You will also want to know if the gemstone has been treated and whether the change is something permanent or that will need continued special care.

When you make your final purchase it is important that the sales receipt includes all of the information you relied on when deciding on what piece to purchase.  It is important to have the gems weight and size included as well as grading information and information regarding the metals used to create the piece.

If you are choosing to shop online there are some other important things to consider. It is important to know who you are buying from.  Many companies online are local companies that have online stores acting as subsidiaries.  These stores have store fronts where they also provide jewelry for sale.  Others act as outlets selling the jewelry that was not necessarily a huge seller in the store or that was over produced.  You can check reviews, with the better business bureau and other retail consumer outlets before making a purchase to ensure you are dealing with a reputable business.  Often you can avoid the mark up involved with store fronts by buying online.

Buying a piece of jewelry is fun and exciting.  It is often an expensive purchase. Whether you are considering a piece for yourself as a special treat or for someone special take time to research the terms used within the industry.  You will want to be able to understand exactly what you are purchasing to get the best quality and value.  This is true whether you are purchasing diamonds, in the form of earring or engagement rings from a traditional store, online or a catalog.

 

When you are in the market to purchase a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone you love what are the steps you take to ensure you are getting exactly what you desire, at the right price? The very first thing consumers should take into consideration is that shopping around and take a look at all of the options in regards to places you are able to purchase jewelry.  Not every piece needs to be purchased at a large store with trendy mark-ups.  Consider options online and locally to find a piece you will adore for yourself or a gift.  Another tip is to ask family and friends for reputable jewelry stores in your area.  Sometimes there are places that sell jewelry that you would have never considered.

When you find a jewelry store that you are interested in doing business with there are several things to think about.  The first thing you need to do is check out the refund and return policy.  This is an important step.  If you are going to spend this amount of money on a piece as a gift or for yourself you will want to make sure that if you get it home and you find it is not exactly what you wanted or the recipient you want to be able to get a refund or replacement.  Think about if you buy an engagement ring for you soon to be bride that she does not whole heartedly love.  Wouldn’t you want her to be able to get a refund or replacement that fits her style?  She is going to be wearing the piece for a lifetime.

Ask lots of questions! Ask questions about the marking on the metals.  All gold should be marked stating whether the piece is ten carat, twenty four carat etc.  Ask if the pearls that are sold are natural, cultured or imitation.  You are not getting a deal if a pair of imitation pearls from one store is the same price as natural pearls from another. The same is true for gemstones.  You will want to know if you are purchasing a natural, laboratory-created or imitation gemstone before you purchase.  You will also want to know if the gemstone has been treated and whether the change is something permanent or that will need continued special care.

When you make your final purchase it is important that the sales receipt includes all of the information you relied on when deciding on what piece to purchase.  It is important to have the gems weight and size included as well as grading information and information regarding the metals used to create the piece.

If you are choosing to shop online there are some other important things to consider. It is important to know who you are buying from.  Many companies online are local companies that have online stores acting as subsidiaries.  These stores have store fronts where they also provide jewelry for sale.  Others act as outlets selling the jewelry that was not necessarily a huge seller in the store or that was over produced.  You can check reviews, with the better business bureau and other retail consumer outlets before making a purchase to ensure you are dealing with a reputable business.  Often you can avoid the mark up involved with store fronts by buying online.

Buying a piece of jewelry is fun and exciting.  It is often an expensive purchase. Whether you are considering a piece for yourself as a special treat or for someone special take time to research the terms used within the industry.  You will want to be able to understand exactly what you are purchasing to get the best quality and value.  This is true whether you are purchasing diamonds, in the form of earring or engagement rings from a traditional store, online or a catalog.

 

DaRoche Jewelers

Building Comfort Into Your Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Looking for a house to call home often leaves many people stressed out, confused and fed up.  It is such a difficult puzzle to work out.  When you are purchasing a home you are buying so much more than four walls; you are buying your future happiness.  If the space does not make you happy pass right on by.  Because your home will take up so much of your time and money, the way you feel in it will affect how you feel outside of it. Also consider this if you spend any amount of time working from home. This could affect your work performance as well.  When you find a home that speaks to you make the purchase.  Every improvement in making the home yours will in turn boost your happiness.

Making your home comfortable is the first part in home improvement when you purchase a home.  The first rule to remember is that home imperfections are part of home ownership.  The goal is to minimize those imperfections in each f your home improvement projects to in turn maximize the enjoyment you get out of your space.  Of course imperfections that surround the structure or could lead to larger issues should be the first home improvement projects that are considered.

When looking at homes it was easy to envision a home on the water.  Looking for solitude in a world full of neighborhoods and busy roads limits your choices of homes.  So when we found one that was in the perfect location it was easy to decide that we could make any home comfortable however the location was not something we could improve upon.  Immediately comfort was felt when we stepped into the home, imperfection, flaws and alls.

The first thing to improve the comfort of our home was to make sure the home was sound structurally.  This started for us with the quest for a new roof.  The roof on our new river home was old, covered in mildew and ready for an update.  My first thought went to cedar shakes for roofing materials.  However that was not the maintenance free roof my husband had envisioned.  Instead of settling for asphalt shingles and blending into society I decided I would go for a metal roof to appease my husband’s need for maintenance free and by need for something different that feels like a cottage on the water.

Now that the structure was taken care of and the home was sound the next step was flooring and paint.  These two things, floor coverings and color can transform any environment. Comfort to me is maximized when I think and feel a beach space.  I decided to include this in my home to get this feeling all the time.  I didn’t want to go to the point where the house was filled with shells and fishing nets but I wanted the feel and comfort I find on the water.

The color choices were easy.  I adore beige, greens, blues, yellows and maroons.  The choice was a no brainer for me, the walls were going to be the color of sand and I would accentuate the home with the other colors. It was starting to feel more comfortable immediately with the walls transformed into a sandy beach, next is the flooring. I love dark wood and I love frieze carpet.  I decided to combine the two so that I could enjoy the best of all worlds.  The flooring in the kitchen was transformed by adding a nature colored hardwood floor with rustic planks in various sizes. The goal was to take away the monotony that a perfect wood floor brings.  It was amazing!

Next was the addition of extra plush, high grade frieze carpet.  This added a feeling of warmth to the space that words cannot even begin to describe.  It was as if I was walking on sand.  The colors in the carpet were all the colors that made me feel comfort.  The base was a light sand color followed with traces of green, blue, yellow and hints of maroon.  When the carpet was installed and our belongings in place I knew there were upgrades to still make but overall I knew this space would provide me with a peace and clam that would forever bring the best out in me.  The home was not perfect to begin with, that is true.  However, given the setting and some minor upgrades to establish comfort our house was quickly a home.

Home Pro Roofing MI

Ideas In Roofing Material When Replacing Your Homes Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is time to replace your roof.  You have been dreading it which led to putting it off and now there is no denying that the roof needs to be replaced.  It is time to make some key choices in regards to the new roof.  Homeowners need to consider the type of material to use for the new roof, commonly shingles or metal roofs here in the North. They also will need to check into the style, color and cost of the new roof they are looking to install.  If the homeowners are on a limited budget the choices become a bit clearer than those that can choose based on likes not costs.

The first and most commonly used roofing material for homes in the North is composite asphalt shingles.  Although asphalt shingles have very low insulation value and perhaps a shorter lifespan then other material they remain a favorite because they offer a low cost alternative, they are easy to install and are incredible resilient with the changing seasons. You can find shingles in a variety of colors, longevity options and price points. Although shingles are always the most cost effective way to go in roofing one thing to consider is environmentally they are the worst option.

Another common material is metal.  You can choose from a steel roof, aluminum roofing, metal tile roof or copper.  Metals roofs usually come from recycled content so are the most environmentally friendly option in roofing.  It offers a high insulation value and is solar reluctant, durable and lasts twice as long as asphalt shingle roof.  Another bonus with metal roofing is that it is lighter than most roofing options and resistant to a variety of seasons.  The one drawback is that metal roofing material tends to be pricier than other options.

Wood shingles and shakes are another option available in roofing materials.  They are offered in cedar, southern pine and redwood.  Wood shingles are cut from a machine where as shakes are handmade and have a more rustic rough look. The drawbacks with wood shingles are that they are not a good material against fire or water damage.  The natural material is environmentally friendly however not good against mold and dry rot. You will find the maintenance for this type of roof is high.

For a more durable option with the same look as wood shingles opt for a rubber or plastic shake shingle.  These are made to resemble the style of the shakes shingle however offer more durability against the natural elements.

Choosing a material for your new roof should not be taken lightly.  Homeowners are often quick to settle for the exact same roof that was on the house to begin with which is not necessarily the best fit for their family.  Most of the time homeowners are looking for a maintenance free way to maintain their roof, one less thing to be concerned with.  Metal and shingle roofing materials offer this to homeowners.  However if maintenance is not a concern wood shakes and shingles offer a stylish way to set your home apart from the neighbors.  As with any decision around the house you need to consider your personal preferences along with the look of your home.

Home Pro Roofing MI

Add Pizzazz To The Rooms In Your Home With Window Treatments

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The first question most people ask when it comes to updating their homes window treatments is where do I start?  I would advise to set aside style and first focus on the function the window treatment will play.  Think about it, if you are looking for total darkness a sheer fabric curtain will not work for your room, you would instead need something with room darkening qualities.  However if you are okay with light filtering through it is okay to use something more decorative and unlined.  Lining is usually adds an extra expense to window treatments however does have added benefits.  Some added benefits include extra fabric lining to shield the sun, making curtains last longer.

Next consider the fabric, color and texture you would like to use.  The mood of the room will be set based on these qualities so it is best to think about the space and how it is intended to be used.  For example if you are looking for window treatments for a formal dining space where the mood is classic, sophisticated and dramatic.  For a space such as this consider a heavy silk or velvet, both which provide terrific insulation.  If your dining space is more casual and you are looking for an inviting space that lends to sitting and talking maybe lighter, billowing linen or cotton blends work. Color will also play a role.  Reds and maroons are very dramatic, sophisticated colors while greens, beiges and yellows are cozy, comfortable colors that help people to relax and feel at ease.

Another thing to consider is how long the window treatments should be.  When considering curtains I think the only way to go is floor length.  This of course only applies if you do not have radiators or deep sills.  Consider measuring so that the curtains just hit the floor and then hanging the curtain rod for them to be perfectly positioned. The rod placement for the curtains to hang on will depend on the molding placement as well.  Some people might consider curtains that slightly break at the floor.  If you choose this option, in order to make it appear stylish instead consider extending them one to three inches.  It is a more relaxed feel than those that are tailored to sit right at the floor.

The next issue to consider is how wide you would like the curtains to be.  Consider that the panels should look ample and that they flow even when closed you should ensure they are two to two and a half times the width of the actual window. There is an exception to this rule.  If you are only hanging the curtains to frame the window and are never intended to close you can order the curtain width to be only one and a half times the width of the window.  Take into consideration that curtains with pleats contain a certain amount of bulk on their own so you their width should more or less match the span of the window you are covering.

Another thing you will want to consider is if you want to tie the curtains back.  A classic approach to this is with tiebacks.  You will want to purchase a curved decorative metal hook to aide you in pulling the curtains back.  They should be mounted approximately two-thirds down the window or door wall.  Tiebacks can also be fashioned using fabric or ropes.  Something more causal can be fashioned using a wide ribbon or fabric to tie the curtain in the middle of the curtain.

Window treatments are a fun way to add a bit if pizzazz to any room.  It is the perfect way to add a different feel to any room.  Start with the function the window treatment will perform and build on that.  Instantly your room will transform itself.

Comfort Blinds

Easy Custom Window Treatment Options

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Homeowners don’t always have time or the deign skills necessary to make their home unique.  One sure-fire way to create a look in your home that wows is with window treatment updates.  Easier said than done right?  Here are some tips on making your house a home with updated window treatments that offer inspiration to any room.

The one thing I like to remind homeowners is that the minimal look and feel is in.  Heavy curtains need to be taken down and thrown away.  Simply replace them with streamlined shades for a more universally appealing look.  It simply adds to much thickness and weight to a room to have heavy curtains.  Thick window coverings tend to remove the lightness people are attracted to.

One way to have fabric within a room without the thickness of heavy window treatments is to use upholstered cornice or a simple valance.  This adds a bit of color but offers the ability to keep the room light without adding too much fabric.

Another suggestion is to lighten up your window treatments.  This is especially true in kitchens.  When a room such as a kitchen does not offer enough natural light it does not feel comfortable.  One way to fulfill the need for light while maintaining privacy is using light colored pleated shades.  Some pleated shades also come in a subtle pattern.

When picking window treatments that does use color in them consider using current, modern colors to accentuate the room without overpowering it.  Warm shades and modern colors update any room.

Another hot trend in window treatments is using texture.  Roman shades made out of natural materials such as bamboo, rattan and natural fibers add visual interest but remain functional.  Function remains the most important part of having window treatments.  Custom window treatment offer style, functionality and something unique to add to any room.

Speaking of function, adding lightness to a room does not mean including an overabundance of direct sunlight.  Direct sunlight into a room makes the temperature overly hot and unpleasant.  Adding wooden blinds or woven wooden shades light is filtered without the use of a window treatment that is too heavy.

Another way to add interest using window treatments is to use a layering technique. Done correctly you can add interest and appeal using different materials.  This gives a very custom look to your homes window treatments. One example of a layered window treatment is with the use of a natural material in a shade and a rod with airy fabric curtain.  Another way to layer is with the use of window blinds and an additional valance.  The layering technique offers a custom feel to the windows in your home.

It is important to remember the techniques and suggestions in this article in order to create window treatments that will enhance the good qualities in every room in your home.  It is amazing how the way homeowners use blinds and shades can completely transform the rooms in their homes.  Custom window treatments also add tremendous value to your homes resale value.

 

 

Comfort Blinds