Blog

The fall semester is about to begin, and if you're sending one of your kids off to college for the first time, you may be wondering what kinds of things to pack and purchase. It's probably been awhile since you were in his or her shoes, after all! To help you out, here's a list of the top 10 things your student will probably need.

1. New bedding. While you may think it smart to have your kid bring the same sheets and comforter from home to school, this might not work. Many colleges outfit their dorms with extra-long twin beds, which means your son or daughter will need extra-long sheets.

2. Toiletries. Your kid's going to need to pack up everything he or she needs for personal hygiene, from toothpaste to shampoo to contact lens solution. If the dorm he or she is in has a communal bathroom, it's a good idea to get a cheap pair of flip flops and a shower caddy, too.

3. Towels. Bath towels are important, as well as wash cloths, hand towels and maybe even a couple of rags

Whether you're looking to save money or add a bit of vintage decor to your home, buying second hand furniture is a great option. Even if you have brand new items like bamboo window shades or area rugs, used furniture can still fit right into your design plan, especially if you have a DIY streak in you and plan to refurbish the upholstery or touch up the paint job. Here are some tips to help you make good decisions when second hand shopping.

1. Don't rely on descriptions alone. If you're shopping for used items online, you should never decide to buy a piece that doesn't have a picture included in the ad. Most people who have the resources to post online have the ability to snap a quick photo, so if you don't see one, there may be something wrong with the piece that's not mentioned.

2. Perform a thorough visual inspection. Before you agree to take an item off someone's hands, try to

If watching movies and TV shows is how you have fun and relax after a long day of work, chances are you'd like a space that provides all the essentials. A media room is a great choice for the whole family, but there are a few decorative tips to keep in mind.

1. Eliminate messy wires. With so many plugs, cables, cords and wires connecting your electronics, you might end up with a tangled mess that ruins the look of the space. Install them behind the walls if you can, or hide them behind furniture or in storage cabinets if possible.

2. Create optimal lighting. Nothing ruins a TV-watching session like the glare of sun on the screen. Roller shades for windows will make sure that you can see everything with no distractions.

3. Set up the perfect seating arrangement. It's important to ensure that everyone has a good view, so position your sofas and chairs in a way that's as functional

If you're trying to decide on blinds and shades for your home, you may have come across the option of faux wood blinds. While they look like real wood, they can actually be made from a combination of different ingredients, some of which don't include wood at all. So what are the benefits of using faux wood blinds in your home as opposed to real wood blinds?

First of all, faux wood blinds are just as attractive as wooden blinds, lending your home a warm, natural vibe that will meld with any design scheme. It's a great neutral material that can help ground a room that's full of light colors or bold decorations.

Faux wood blinds are also resistant

Many people consider sleeping one of their favorite activities, and why not? There's nothing better than the feeling of sinking into your pillow after a long day knowing that you'll be completely at peace for the next several hours. Unless, of course, you have trouble catching those Zs. If you're a tosser or a turner, here are three ways you can improve your sleeping experience.

1. Upgrade your window treatments. If you have blinds in place that somehow still manage to let rays of sunshine assault your eyes every morning, switching to blackout cellular shades can make all the difference, and they're easy to install. No more rising when the sun does!

2. Consider ear plugs. If you live on a busy street or sleep next to a partner who snores, a pair of earplugs is well worth a couple of bucks. Just make sure

Whether it's a homework desk for your kids, a space where you hunker down to clip coupons or a home office where you actually do work, a workspace shouldn't be solely about function. Yes, you do need certain elements - like blinds and shades that block distracting glare, a comfortable chair and a suitable writing surface - but it's important to have a few decor items that are less utilitarian. Consider these four aesthetic improvements.

1. Paper products. From stationary to sticky notes to calendars, you can certainly bring design elements into your space with paper. Look for prints that match your color palette or patterns, then put them on display like you would a piece of art.

2. Light fixtures. Who said you have to suffer with boring overhead lights or a tiny desk lamp? Get creative with your light fixtures and look for finishes or colors that add flair to the room. A chandelier or a lamp that you could find

Football season is approaching, and if you're more than excited to settle down in front of the TV to cheer on your favorite team, you might be interested in showing off your team spirit through your interior decor. But unless you're a 20-something dude who's cool with bar-room style, you're probably looking for something that's a bit subtler than larger-than-life team logos and bold primary colors. Here are a few ideas for how to give your team a shout-out without making guests question your tastes.

1. Don't hold back in kids' rooms. If your son or daughter is a sports fanatic, it's okay to let that shine through, but there are still attractive ways to do it. While having a theme is a great way to make a child's bedroom look cohesive, you don't want it to overwhelm the space. In addition to a few posters or pieces of sports memorabilia, try sticking to using the team's colors on just the fabric in the room. For example, bedding could be red, white and blue if your son loves the Patriots,

Do you have bare windows that need to be covered up? If you're not sure about which types of window treatments to use to maximize your money while improving your interior decor, you may want to look to some of the hot trends in window treatments. Here are three worth considering.

1. Roman shades. These window coverings work in pretty much any setting, so you shouldn't have trouble finding a variety that matches your decor. They're a great way to add a decorative yet relaxed atmosphere to a space.

2. Bamboo blinds. Made out of one of the most sustainable resources in the world, bamboo blinds are not only attractive neutral additions to a room's style, but they're extremely durable and can reduce your carbon footprint.

3. Cellular

Whether you're a professional sculptor, an amateur painter or an established cartoonist, you might like the idea of having your very own home studio. Not only will you get the chance to design the space based on your needs, but you won't have to worry about getting paint, clay or pastels on your home's furniture or washing those dirty materials in your kitchen sink. But how do you go about setting up this artistic haven? Here are a few ideas to keep in mind.

1. Size matters. If you're choosing to transform an existing space into your studio, be sure to pick a room that's large enough to accommodate your work. This is especially important if you're into large-scale paintings or sculptures. Obviously, if you're building a new space, you'll get to specify exactly how big it should be.

2. Lighting is key. Natural light is your best friend in an artist's studio, so take advantage of large windows and skylights in the area. Of course, some projects may call for shade, in which

Furnishing and decorating a room for a young child is a lot different than how you'd go about doing the same for an adult-only space. Not only do you have to take taste preferences into account, but you have to really think about the functionality, practicality and safety of every aspect. It's enough to give parents a headache, but luckily it's easy to choose blinds and shades that are appropriate.

First and foremost, it should be noted that kids are curious creatures. They're always busy getting themselves into mischief by exploring and evaluating every little thing they can get their hands on. That's why it's important to make sure that nothing dangerous is within reach. Window shades are no exception. Instead of opting for types that have long strings or pulls, go with cordless shades