Let It Shine Even During The Winter!

One of the most popular interior design trends is to use a combination of curtains and blinds as window dressings. Blinds appear to be gradually replacing the humble net curtain which is used basically to prevent passers by being able to see inside your home during the day time.

New trends have a more open approach with the focus being on making the most of natural light whenever possible. This is not only a cost effective way of reducing lighting bills, but also an effective method of reducing your carbon footprint, why use artificial light when you can have light for free!

White is a great reflector of natural light, as such white blinds and curtains are the perfect solution for harvesting free light within your home. You can also use cheap Venetian blinds, if you need privacy, and by slightly angling the slats upwards you can bounce natural light from a white ceiling back down into the room, another great energy saver!

Despite the typical English weather even when its raining natural light is still available, it's just not as intense! Of course blinds are also ideal for reducing heat build up during the summer, especially if you have south facing windows and snow is white which is also a great reflector of natural light! It's a win, win situation all round!

Image: Style Court

Happy Christmas Everyone!

I hope you have a great day in your own chosen way, receive and give presents to friends and family, along with sitting round the table to tuck into your Christmas diner!

You've probably spent ages making sure your home is neat and tidy, especially if you have guests staying with you during the festive season, as well as decorating your home with your own individual design flair and colour combinations!

If you are spending Christmas at someone's else's home you will no doubt inadvertently look at their décor, colour scheme and interior design style – it's an 'inbred' thing which try as you might you can't shake off!

Obviously its wise not to pass judgement, however, making kind comments and remarks about someone's new curtains and blinds may be just the sort of thing they would like to hear, taking notice of someone else's efforts is a great way to build relationships as well as being a great talking point if you can't bear to sit and watch another repeat on the television!

Other people's interior designs can be very inspirational, rather like reading interior design blogs or thumbing through design magazines!

Image: Surroundings