motorization

As temperatures rise, we’re spending more time outside and also opening our windows a lot more to let in fresh air. While this is great, it also means we’re going to have to deal with more bugs. There’s nothing like creepy, crawly, buzzing bugs to put a damper on your outdoor fun. What can you do? These tips, like using special candles or using window treatments with motorization, can help keep the bugs away:

• Clean Up – Bug are attracted to food, so if there are crumbs or food bits out in your home the bugs will want to come in for a bite. Make sure your countertops and floors are wiped clean and be sure to properly store food away in the fridge or cabinets.
• Seal the Windows – Many windows have gaps that make it easy for bugs to sneak inside your home. Make sure your windows are sealed by investing in new, tight replacement windows or by trying out effective treatments like window shades.
• Try Natural Repellants and Traps – If you’re not a fan of chemical insect repellants or traps, try natural remedies. For example, spray windows and doorframes with white vinegar and water to keep the ants away, or put a small dish of white wine out on your counter to attract and drown fruit flies. Also, spiders hate the smell of fresh peppermint, so spray down your doors and windows with a solution of peppermint essential oil and water.
• Check Your Basement at Attic – These areas are ripe for issues like cracks, open vents, leaky pipes, and other ways that bugs can sneak in. Caulk all openings around laundry vents, chimneys, and pipes, and seal larger openings with steel wool.
• Get Rid of Standing Water – Mosquitos breed in standing water. So, if you want to keep your home free of these biting pests, get rid of any standing water you have in or around your home like barrels, planters, ditches, or dehumidifiers.
• Use a Fan – Oscillating fans often create breezes that are strong enough to blow flying bugs like flies, mosquitos, and bees off course. Use fans inside and outside your home to keep them away from an area like the dinner table or patio.
• Plant Specific Plants – There are plants that bugs cannot stand. For example, mosquitos hate the smell of peppermint, sage, rosemary, and lavender. Plant these plants in flower beds, planters, or pots around seating areas to keep the bugs away.
• Cover Food While Outdoors – Flies and other bugs are always looking for food, so they’ll surely be attracted to your BBQ, salad, or even that glass of wine you like to enjoy on your deck. Cover your food while outdoors so you don’t attract the bugs.

The best way to keep bugs out of your home is to seal them out with quality windows and window treatments, like those with Hunter Douglas PowerView motorization. We are here to help if you’d like to learn more. Call or visit us today.

Your bathroom might not be the most glamorous room in the house, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a relaxing, beautiful space. And you can use these simple ways to update your bathroom, like adding motorization to your bathroom window treatments, as inspiration.

To begin, you can get new blinds. No matter if you’re working with new replacement windows or old models, it’s likely that the window treatments in your bathroom need a little attention. At the very least, take them down and clean them. But if you have it in the budget, it might be nice to bring in some brand-new ones for a fresh start. A good option for bathrooms? Motorized window treatments, as they allow you to open or close them with the touch of a button.

What about storage and mirrors? Tired of having toiletries cluttered about your counter? Add some storage to your bathroom. If you have the space, try installing a hanging shelving unit above the toilet or on a back wall. If you don’t want to bust out the hammer, you can find lots of floor storage units that are just as helpful as they are stylish. The mirror above your bathroom sink is a huge focal point in the space. Plus, you look at it every single day. Ugly, generic, builders-grade mirrors are so blah. Especially when you can usually find a stylish, brand-new mirror for less than $200.

You can also get new linens, hardware, and shower curtains. Bath and hand towels are used a lot, so it might be time to invest in a new set. You don’t have to break the bank to find quality bathroom linens, either. While you’re getting new towels, don’t forget to get a new bathmat, too. Frankly, bathmats can get super gross if not changed out enough. Get a new one to match your new towels for a cohesive look. A simple set of new drawer pulls or cabinet knobs can refresh a space like nothing else! Plus, most hobby stores sell knobs and pulls for pretty cheap. Shower curtains generally cost at most $50, so you can update your bathroom’s style no matter your budget. If you want to get even fancier, try updating your shower curtain rings to go with your new curtain.

Finally, don’t forget to clear out the clutter and freshen things up with new spring scents.

Update your bathroom candle or diffuser with some light, fresh scents for spring. Subtle florals like lilac, mint, and citrus are best for a springtime vibe. It’s easy to let bathroom clutter get away from you, but it’s even easier to tame it again. All you need is a little time to clear out all the unused toiletries, old products, and décor items that are covered in dust.

Make your bathroom the best it can be by giving it a little refresh for spring. We are here to help if you want more home décor tips or information on Hunter Douglas PowerView motorization. We have the expertise necessary to make your windows the best they can be. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you and your home.

Adding blinds to your home is a great way to boost your home’s comfort, value, function, and style. Especially if the blinds have motorization! But many homeowners don’t want to get blinds because they believe some common yet untrue myths about them. What do you know about blinds? If you don’t know very much, that’s OK. Most people don’t know much, or if they think they do, a lot of that information might be incorrect.

There are a concerning number of myths surrounding blinds, which can complicate things for the average customer. To help clear things up, here are some common blind myths and their truths:

• Blinds Spoil Your View – The opposite is often true! The right blinds can actually highlight the view from your window. All you have to do is choose the right size, type and style of blinds to match your window and the rest of your house.
• Blinds are Hard to Clean – Don’t worry if you like to keep a clean home. Blinds, just like window shutters, are actually very easy to clean with the right technique. Just pay attention to the material as vinyl, wood and other common materials require different cleaning techniques. The best way to clean blinds? Lightly wipe them clean about once a week.
• Blinds are Dangerous – This one is based in some truth, as the hanging cords of corded blinds can pose a threat for young children and some pets. However, this problem is easily avoided! All you have to do is wrap up the extra hanging cord to reduce the risk of an accident. You can also choose motorized or cordless window coverings that don’t have any hanging cord at all.
• Blinds Don’t Last Long – Again, this myth isn’t true for all kinds of blinds, as a unit’s longevity depends on what kind of material it’s made from. Some types of blinds, like those made from aluminum, wood, and faux wood, are incredibly durable and can last years.
• There Aren’t That Many Options – Maybe there weren’t that many kinds of blinds to choose from in the past, but these days there are countess options. In fact, it’s simple to find the right blind for any window regardless of its shape, size and style – especially since you can easily order custom made blinds that are specially designed to precisely fit your window and your home. You can even get blinds with Hunter Douglas PowerView motorization to elevate them even more. Just do a little research into what kind you want and decide if you need to have it custom ordered.
• Expensive Blinds are Best – Not at all true! While you can definitely spend a fair chunk of change on premium window treatments, you can easily find affordable yet still high-quality blinds and window shutters for your home. You can choose from a wide range of pocket-friendly blinds that will fit your budget and install blinds in any room of your home without breaking the bank.

We are here to help if you have more questions on window treatments or adding motorization to your window treatments.