Making a statement
If there's one thing I've learned as an interior designer, it's that the right window dressings can transform a house into a home. Now I've been fortunate to have worked with Hillary's Blinds as one of their interior squad, giving me a special insight into the world of curtains, blinds, shutters and awnings. I had no idea as to the extent of the quality checks they do but more over the number of different fabrics they stock. They offer everything from chic blinds to elegant curtains like these Darcia green velvet fully lined curtains layered over the wood Venetian blinds. They dress the window beautifully without preventing any natural light from flooding in. They are fully lined to keep your home toasty in the cooler months.
Electric blinds
One of the stand-out features of Hillarys is its range of electric blinds. I didn't know i needed these until i had them, game-changer!! I had them fitted in my son's room who struggles to get out of his bed when he's home from university now i simply use the app on my phone and they open, waking him up.
Here are some benefits of electric blinds:
Convenience: Operate your blinds from anywhere in the house or even when you're away from home using your smartphone.
Integration with Smart Home Systems: these blinds can be integrated with systems like Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, making them easy to control with voice commands.
Energy Efficiency: Automating your blinds to open and close at optimal times can help regulate the temperature in your home, potentially lowering heating and cooling costs.
Increased Security: By scheduling your blinds to open and close at different times, you can give the impression that someone is home, enhancing your home security.
Ease of Use: For individuals with mobility issues or for high, hard-to-reach windows, electric blinds eliminate the need to manually adjust blinds.
Customisable Settings: You can program different settings for various times of the day or for different rooms, tailoring the light and privacy levels to your preference.
So what's not to love about them, they come in many different colours and fabrics. Here i chose the Paloma tan Roman blind with the Cadillac noir fully lined curtains.
As you can see they even do matching cushions which can be customised to your needs. Matching cushions can really tie a room together and add a touch of personal style, like having them with a plain black reverse side, offers versatility and a cohesive look. Here are a few more ideas to enhance the style and functionality of your space with such custom features:
Coordinated Decor: Match your cushions with other elements in the room, such as rugs, throws, or even wall art, to create a unified and harmonious look.
Seasonal Swaps: With reversible cushions, you can easily switch between patterns and solids, or lighter and darker colours, to reflect seasonal changes or your mood.
Mix and Match: Experiment with different textures and fabrics to add depth and interest to your decor. For example, pairing velvet with cotton or linen can create a rich, layered effect.
Highlighting Key Colours: Use the cushions to highlight accent colours in your room. This can help to draw attention to certain areas and create a more dynamic space.
Customisable home decor options, like the ones offered by Hillarys, not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also allow you to express your personal style.
The power of layering
Layering is the secret weapon for the perfect window dressing. combining blinds with curtains isnt just about aesthetics: its about functionality. During the summer months, layering helps keep the rooms cool. The blind in here helps keep out the harsh sun, while the curtain adds the extra layer of insulation, ensuring the room stays comfortably cool for my dog, yes that him hiding in the curtains.
When the winter months come, the same layering effect works wonders for keeping the heat in. Blinds trap a layer of air between the window and the room, acting as an insulator, while the curtains provide and additional barrier against the cold. This double-layering approach not only enhances comfort but also contributes to energy efficiency, saving you a fair few pennies on your heating bill.
Awnings: more than just shade
Awnings are seen as a summer accessory, but they offer so much more. Hillarys awnings are designed with UV-tested fabrics, providing a haven from the sun's harmful rays. whether you're having a barbeque, relaxing with a book or just enjoying the fresh air an awning can make your outdoor space a lot more comfortable.
And for those of us with pets - i walk Larry early in the morning and late in the evening, and by walk i mean he walks me (if you have a cockerpoo you will know) he has boundless energy, and having an awning means he can play outside without us worrying about too much sun expose. It's win-win.
The products used in this blog were all part of a paid collaboration with Hillary’s blinds. #ad
