Creating a Colour Scheme for Your Home

Blinds do more than keep out the sun and give you more privacy. They add to the overall style of your home too. So when you are looking to update your home’s colour scheme, make sure you factor in your window coverings, whether they are roller blinds, roman blinds or even curtains. The blinds can either be used to blend in, compliment or even stand out in a room, just like anything else with colour. Here are a few tips to help you pick the right colour scheme for your home.

Colours Create Moods:
The dominant colour in your room is going to set a scene and create a mood. It’s known as the ‘psychology of colour’ and it affects our subconscious. So here is a list of the most common colours, the moods they create and in which room they are best suited:
•Red: This bold colour is known for “raising the blood pressure” as it invokes excitement and increases energy levels. It is best suited to lounges and dining rooms but not bedrooms.
•Yellow: It is generally not a good colour to paint an entire room as it can cause feelings of frustration and anger – it is even said that a yellow room makes a baby cry more! But used in the right way it is a cheery hue that is ideally suited to the kitchen, dining room or small spaces.
•Blue: This colour is considered to be calming and relaxing, making it best for bed-rooms and bathrooms. Different shades of blue can also have an effect on moods –it can evoke feelings of sadness, while light blue has a more calming effect.
•Green: It is regarded as the best colour for any room in the house as it is the most restful. It has a warm and relaxing feel to it, while cooling things down at the same time. Some say it can even help with fertility, making it ideal for the bedroom!
•Orange: This energetic colour invokes excitement and enthusiasm. It’s not a great choice for bedrooms or living rooms.
•Neutrals: Blacks, whites, browns and greys are the basic building blocks of most decor. When you want something functional without being bold, go for neutrals.

Using Different Shades of One Colour:

It’s important not to get stuck on your one favourite colour. Too much of it will be overbearing. Consider toning down the colour to add contrast in different parts of the room. You may have a bright blue wall but darker cushions will add depth. There may even fixtures in a room that can add that extra “oomph” you were looking for. For example, the room may have blue window frames and security doors in a shade that compliments your planned colour scheme.

Consider the whole house as a canvas:

It is important to think of the flow of your colour scheme throughout the entire home, rather than the colours that just works well in one room. This means using the walls, the carpets, blinds, fixtures, ceiling and furniture together. Get colour samples where possible and put them alongside each other to see what works best. If your home is open plan, stand in one room and look through to the others to see how the colours in different rooms will blend. In the end, paint is relatively inexpensive so if it doesn’t work or the colour goes out of fashion, you can easily replace it with the latest colour craze.

The colour of your decor really can have a big impact on the feeling each room in your home evokes. Take care to choose your colours wisely so that your home is a tranquil, relaxing place to be for you, your family and for your guests.

5 Tips To Improving the Look of Your Windows

There are quite a few things you can do to improve the look of your windows. Whether you decide to install curtains or roller blinds, or even improve the security by using security screens, you can make your windows not only look better but also help keep your home cooler during summer, help trap the warm air during winter and guard your home against intruders.

Blinds:

There are a few different types of blinds that you can choose to have on your windows. Roller blinds are a cheaper option and you can even install them yourself. They come in a wide variety of different colors and patterns, or you can choose to have them custom made, which naturally will be more expensive. Roman blinds also make great window coverings. These are made from fabric and when you open them they fold up at the top of your window. They drop down instead of roll and suit a more casual decor. Among your options are Venetian blinds, which can be made from a variety of materials, including timber. Blinds are great when you don't have much space as they don't take up any room around your windows like curtains do.

Curtains:

Curtains look great in a more formal setting but you can also use them in a less formal room by choosing appropriate fabric. Curtains can be quite expensive, although you can cut costs by buying those made from cheaper fabric without backing. You will find, however, that you will keep your home a lot cooler in summer without having to rely on your air conditioner if you have curtains with the proper backing. You will also notice the difference in winter as the temperature inside your home stays warmer for longer without having to turn your heater up too high. By buying properly backed curtains you may spend more money in the short term but you will save on energy bills in the long run.

Retractable Awnings:

Improve the look of the outside of your windows by having retractable awnings. Retractable awnings are great in providing shelter outside your windows. They will keep your windows shaded from the sun in summer, therefore helping keep the inside of your house cooler. You also have an instant sheltered area to sit outside, whether you use it for entertaining or just relaxing in the shade during summer. The bonus is that you can fold it away on cooler days so the sun can come in through your windows and warm your house. With retractable awnings you can quickly change the look of your house.

Security Screens:

Having security screens installed on your windows will not only help keep your home safe from intruders but it will also mean that you can open your windows during summer to let the cool breeze through but keep out the insects. You can buy security screens that are tough enough that intruders cannot break in but they don't impede your view of the outside.

Keep Them Clean:
One simple way of improving the look of your windows is to clean them regularly, both inside and out. Buy proper glass cleaner and use either newspaper or a paper towel that doesn't fall apart to wipe them clean.