It’s almost time for schools to go back.

The next few weeks are the traditional times for families to start to prepare and to get ready for the start of term. Perhaps that means a lot of shopping for clothes and school uniforms, new shoes and sports kit, or lots of filing and stationery. One way or another you want your kids to be as prepared as possible.

Of course, that also means making sure they are ready for all the homework. The further they go through school the more homework there is, so it helps to be organised and to have somewhere quiet away from the TV to work, and their bedroom is often the solution. So you need desks and storage to make that work.

devoted2home have some excellent solutions, delivered next day direct to the door and easy to assemble.

Desks are the most important item. The best desk in the devoted2home range for a student’s bedroom is the Soho, available in either walnut or oak, which has a small footprint so it will fit into most bedrooms. It has a drawer for all the stationery and two shelves for schoolbooks and work.

If your child has a desktop computer (and computers are invaluable for homework these days, it’s hard to imagine being able to do homework without them), then the Soho 2 Drawer Desk in Pine is for you. It has a slot for the desktop computer to sit in so it is not taking up desk space, so it is great to match it with some additional storage.

But what type of storage works well with a desk?

The traditional way to store all the homework is in a separate, free-standing unit. The Boldon 2 Drawer Filing Cabinet in Beech is perfect, combining a shallow top drawer for all the pens, pencils, paper and other bits and pieces with a deeper lower drawer for suspension files.

If, like a lot of children, your kids prefer to keep each subject in a separate folder or filing box, then the Newmarket 1 Door Office Storage Unit in Walnut is an excellent idea. Instead of drawers it has two shelves, so all those folders can be neatly tucked away - think about how tidy that will make the bedroom!

Of course, it’s not just about tidiness. Being able to find things easily, having space to work, keeping different subjects in separate folders all makes it easier to work more productively, and all of that helps your kids to get the grades they want.

The timeless qualities of Dusky Pink

There is a reason why dusky pink is a best seller on the Aspire Made-to-measure Curtains and Blinds website.  It is calming, versatile and can be used almost like a neutral - with some fabulous results.

Inspired by this article on WGSN I decided to write a short article about why Dusky Pink has such a timeless quality. Starting with its traditional roots, exploring how Farrow and Ball paints has influenced its success and ending with some practical uses.

Traditionally pretty in Pink

We all think of pink as being a very very feminine colour - used classically in a little girl's room you can see how inviting it looks.  Pink is calming and safe, comforting and warm - all with a light, uplifting feel.

Indulge your feminine side and treat the special little ladies in your life to a beautiful dusky pink room,  Be careful not to stray into the sickly pink, bubble-gum hues which is hard to make tasteful or elegant.  

Contrast with sky blue to prevent the room becoming flat and enjoy!

Calming Chamomile

Described as dusty and romantic Smoked Trout from Farrow and Ball is packed with a variety of pigments which gives it a magical quality. In darker areas it appears to be a dark mushroom tone but in well lit rooms it appears almost purple, giving it a romantic and almost ‘dusty' feel. The perfect dusky pink.

But my favourite is the lighter Chamomile, named after the lotion. It is delicately fresh and has a blue undertone which prevents it from being too sugary. Both would match this beautiful fabric from Aspire Curtains and Blinds called Marisa.

In the Pink

Putting a modern twist on pink is easy.  With the current trend for vintage, pink can be seen in every trendy cafe and hotel.  However, clever designers are giving it a really contemporary twist pairing it with grey and mustard.  I love it - but you'd have to be really careful where you used those three colours together!

Eleven Ways to use white for windows

Bright, light whites and creams bring to mind feelings of purity, cleanliness, and airiness. These tones are often lovely for pairing with a bold accent colour or black for a modern feel, or touches of browns or other natural tones for a subdued and elegant look. Shared spaces like living rooms can be made to feel larger and roomier by playing with these psychological effects of the colour white.

Here we address the tonal qualities of white to give you eleven ways to use white soft-furnishings in your room.

1.     Snow White for Children’s Rooms

This crisp, clean white gives the purity of the colour a cold backdrop. The colour snow white as a subtle hint of blue in it, so beware of using snow white in a north facing room or one with very few windows. You may add an unwanted chill which could make the room feel unwelcoming.

The colour  works well in children’s rooms when paired with pastels, which appear to pop when placed next to snow white. It can be remarkable practical for curtains in a child’s room by providing a constant neutral backdrop when the décor in the room is updated as the child grows. However, teaming white curtains with blackout blinds is highly recommended, if you want to get any sleep!

2.     Arctic White in a study

The deep blue tones in arctic white give it a clean crisp finish.  The colour is great when used as a neutral when a modern minimalist finish is desired. And ideal when used with black.  If arctic white is overused it can give the feeling of ‘snow blindness’ making a room appear featureless and dull.  Layer the colour with tonal whites for a more homely look or contrast starkly with a strong colour for impact.  

Arctic white roman blinds are ideal in an office or study.  They serve to keep the room fresh and light, while shielding the worst of the glare of the sun from screens.

3.     Ivory for classy living rooms

Warm tonal shades of white, such as ivory are great for living rooms and communal spaces.  The use of a light colour lifts the energy in the room and gives a far more uplifting neutral than beige.  Installing Ivory coloured curtains and an ivory sofa allows the savvy homeowner to make the room work year round.  Introducing new accessories each season - even moving the furniture - makes the décor in the room as varied and interesting as modern life.

Don’t be afraid of the practicalities of using white in such a busy space.  Modern fabrics are easy to clean and the shabby-chic look relaxes the rules when it comes to perfect white.

4.     White in dining rooms

Think crisp white linen; think sheer white curtains and white folded napkins.  Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or using all the spare chairs in the house on Christmas Day white can unify any space to create a stunning dining room.

If the flooring in your kitchen differs from your dining room, you can unify the two spaces by using white linen and soft furnishings. And white goes with anything! So, whether you’re using the best china or plastic picnic plates you’ll be able to create the perfect atmosphere for your dining room with white curtains, blonds and table linen.

5.     Chrystal white for bathrooms

Where else do we classically see white but in the bathroom?  It is a classic look for a reason.  It works. The more turquoise blue in crystal lends itself to the watery world of bathrooms. When you want a room to appear clean and fresh there is no better colour than chrystal white.

White blinds and soft, sheer curtains soften the light in a bathroom making the first glance in the mirror on a cold winters morning that little bit easier.

Often the smallest room in a house, using white in a bathroom can often make it appear more spacious, especially with added mirrors.  This gives you an ideal backdrop to accessories in line with the personality of your home.

6.     Chalk white in hallways

With a warm tone, chalk white can open up cramped hallways without making them feel cold. Corridors and passages seem to have more space with the light reflecting qualities of chalk white. And what nicer way to welcome someone to your home? Entrances and landings suit the white treatment.

Chalk white never seems boring like beige, yet it can be used in all the same ways. Used in a hallway it has the ability to co-ordinate with all the coloured rooms which open onto it, unifying them.  The ultimate in versatility.

7.     Textured fabrics in white

Where white can be stark and cold, a white textured fabric helps to overcome this.  Softening the appearance with the tonal effects of texture printed or woven into a fabric can give a luxurious, opulent look to a home.

Take care when mixing textures as well as colours. When done well a pair of white curtains with a contrasting blind can look amazing.

8.     Go dotty for spots on white blinds

The upbeat tend for spots, particularly in kitchens, allows the designer to add colour, with the open space of white.  Spots can be in a single colour matched with co-ordinating block colours or choose a curtain fabric which brings your room together with multi-coloured spots on a white background.  Most of all – have fun!

9.     Formal stripes

Stripes have added impact when they include white.  The contrast allows the colours to sing.  Whether bold bright or calming pastels, there are some fabulous fabrics which make use of stripes and white to great effect.

Vertical stripes add height to a room; making a large window into a striking feature. Horizontal stripes are used to declare bands of colour – often ringing a room together. Beware when buying horizontal striped curtains that the stripes exactly match when the curtains are closed.

10.Checks and gingham

Whether contemporary or classic, checks are synonymous with style and so easy to use. Checked curtains instantly give a room status.  We often see them in hotels and castles where their timeless quality adds to the atmosphere.

Make sure to pattern match your checks along the seams of your soft furnishings.  A mis-match is particularly noticeable when the curtains are drawn or when lengths are joined in large windows.

11.Whites and florals

Nothing says summer more than floral white curtains blowing in a gentle breeze. And when it is not sunny outside, remind yourself of hazy, lazy days with summer blooms all year round. Using white a a background to your floral curtains allows the fabric to co-ordinate with the rest of the room.

Beware of using busy floral fabrics in a room which has other fussy features – stick with a dainty design.  Colour match your binds, curtains, tie-backs and cushions by purchasing them from the same supplier.

Using Black for Curtains and Blinds

Never underestimate the power of black in a room.  In this short article we outline ways in which the colour affects the atmosphere of a room and reveal nine shade of black fabrics used for curtains to achieve very specific results.

Choose black as a neutral

Black can be used as a neutral backdrop to give a feeling of depth to your room. At Aspire, we can offer a variety of black curtains, from the simplicity of block colour to interesting textured and print designs. Black can be seen as a non-colour which absorbs light and reflects nothing back. It is best when used in moderation. You can use them to create a blank starting point upon which to build the style of your room.

Use black for contrast

Choosing black curtains will make other colours stand out and create a great contrast. Black can make other colours appear brighter, and combining black with red or orange will create a passionate and powerful colour scheme. And black curtains work well to temper the sugary sweetness of pinks, pastels and florals.

Practical ways to use black to make things cosy

Black curtains are also practical as they help to reduce daylight even without a full blackout lining, and help to keep a room dark during the summer months. Like other dark colours, black can make large rooms appear smaller; making them feel more cosy and homely, and even a well-lit room looks darker with a lot of black.

Choosing the length of curtains to reflect your style

If you want to create a formal feel in your room, use black curtains and let the fabric gather slightly at the floor, or for a more informal feel, use black curtains that are the same length and width as your window opening. Whatever style you go for, your black curtains will refresh your room to create a powerful and elegant statement with minimal effort!

Things to avoid when choosing black curtains:

Don’t use it as a base colour, if not handled correctly – it can be depressing - think of all those angst-ridden teenage bedrooms! Never allow the curtains to come into contact with bleach – and take care the black doesn’t fade with washing, we’d recommend a professional clean.

Great for: 

Black curtains are great for tempering the sweetness of other sugary colours such as pink – especially with slightly textured fabric. They also add great drama to vibrant colours – by creating the biggest of contrasts.

Getting the shade of black curtains ‘just right’

The devil is in the detail! If you can narrow down your choice of black to an exact shade, you’ll get a far more cohesive look to your room.  Compare all these black fabrics from our website which also show a name for their ‘shade’.  To make really sure you have the colour you need make sure you request as many of our free samples as you’d like.

Blacks available on the Aspire Curtains and Blinds website:

Charcoal

The shade ‘Charcoal’ gives a hint of grey to black, softening it.  Here we see a sample of Bethan, a traditional design with a checked pattern, with black accents.  Great use of black as a neutral.

Click to read more and to order a sample of Bethan in Charcoal.

Ebony

The shade ‘Ebony’ gives a much deeper, darker shade of black; useful  when a sense of drama is required.  Here the sample shows the abstract pattern ‘Astrid’. 

Click this link to read more about the use of ‘Astrid’ in ‘ebony’ for curtains in your room – or to order a free fabric swatch.

Graphite

Graphite is a shade of black softened a little with a hint of grey.  Here is it mixed with grey circles on the abstract fabric ‘Sphere’. This fabric would be great subduing intense light or balance vivid colours.

Click this link for more about the use of ‘Sphere’ in ‘graphite’ for curtains in your room – or to order a free fabric swatch.

Jet

When you simply want the blackest of blacks, and nothing else will do, you can do no worse than choose a fabric in the shade ‘jet’.  It will tame the light in a room when used beside vibrant colours and florals – and add a real sense of drama when used as an accent.

To order a swatch of Kendal fabric in the colour jet, simply complete the form and we will rush one out to you.

Liquorice

Bringing forward the playful side of black, the colour ‘liquorice’ has a warm undertone making it ideal for abstract designs in contemporary and modern spaces. Use to make cosy spaces from oversized rooms.

For a free sample of The fabric elegance shown here, simply click this link and complete the form.

Midnight

The shade ‘midnight’ has a deep, dark, cold blue hue behind it.  This gives it a cool masculine feel. It is up to you to exploit this for a bachelor pad or contrast it with hot pinks for balance. A really versatile shade of black, show here in dramatic horizontal stripes.

Follow this link to request a free sample of the striped black and grey fabric ‘Tara’ in the shade ‘midnight’.

Mineral

The shade ‘mineral’ has a subtle brown, making it a great match for stone, cream and neutral rooms.  Here it is shown in the fabric ‘Java’ in an abstract design which would liven up a potentially dull corner in an otherwise neutral room.

Click this link to request a fabric swatch of ‘Java’ in the shade ‘mineral’ and to read more about ordering made to measure curtains and blinds for your project.

Noir

‘Noir’ - being the French term for black, depicts a strong black with a cool undertone.  This fabric called ‘Patrice’ has a subtle pattern allowing it to be used as a softer background than a plain fabric.

Click this link to request a fabric swatch of ‘Patrice’ in the shade ‘noir’ and to read more about ordering made to measure curtains and blinds for your project.

Slate

The shade of black called slate has a definite grey hue to it – indeed it could be argued that slate is a very dark grey. However, with such dark tones it can be used in exactly the same way as a black, where a softer contrast is required.

To see a fabric swatch of the Kiso fabric in slate follow this link and complete the form.

To see the full range of black fabrics available via the Aspire Curtains and Blinds website please follow this link or view our Pinterest Board.

FOUR WAYS TO CLEAN YOUR CURTAINS

Spring is in the air, and after a long dark winter most of us feel energised by the sunny days and like to clean our curtains at this time of year. Heavy curtains, as a general rule, should be dry cleaned periodically or washed according to the label sewn into the lining. But if you are short on time here are a couple of different ways to spruce up your windows this spring.

If you don’t want to go to the trouble of removing your curtains, most fabrics can be vacuumed with an attachment, spot-cleaned or steamed. For a better result remove your curtains from your windows and either tumble dry to remove dust, wash according to instructions or send away for specialist dry cleaning.

You may decide to replace them with a brand new set of made-to-measure curtains or a roman blind from Aspire Curtains and Blinds. Whatever you chose to do this spring, say curtains to dirt and enjoy lovely clean windows.

1. How to Steam Clean Your Curtains

Did you know you can steam most fabrics, using a hand held fabric steamer? The steam will revive them and remove odours giving your room an instant refresh. The whole process should take around 10 minutes per panel, then a further hour or so with the window open to dry the curtains completely.

• Close the windows and curtains.
• With your steamer work from bottom to top to maximise the effectiveness of the steam as it rises.
• Glide the steamer over the curtains in sections, placing the nozzle about an inch away from the fabric. 
• Hold lightweight fabrics taut with one hand; heavier fabrics will do the job for you. You should only need to steam one side.
• Open the windows to help the curtains dry.

Ref: http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/spring-cleaning-short...

2. Vacuuming your curtains whilst still hanging

For those of us who don’t have a steamer and don’t have the time to remove our curtains, we can simply spot-clean any stains and remove dust build up with a vacuum. Allow 15 minutes per window.

• Draw the curtains to maximise the available surface area. Starting with pelmets and Hoover systematically, working from the top to bottom. 
• Use the extension hose so you don’t have to stretch or climb too much
• Reduce the suction so you don’t drag and damage your curtains.
• For embroidered fabrics use the round brush instead of the upholstery tool to prevent damage.

Ref: http://www.spring-cleaning-tips.com/heavy-curtains-cleaning-tips.html

3. Two minute Quick fix to refresh your curtains

For a quick fix simply spray lightly with a fabric refreshener from a distance of about 30 cm. This may be all that is needed to allow you to move on to your next task.

4. Easy way to refresh your curtains without washing or dry cleaning

If you simply don’t have the time to take your curtains to a specialist cleaner, have you thought about removing the dust from them in a cool tumble dryer?  In around 15 minutes all the dust will be removed from your curtains. Providing you hang them while still warm, shouldn’t need to iron them.

• Remove your curtains from your windows, taking care to remove every hook or ring
• Roll the curtains carefully, to help reduce creasing
• Dampen a piece of clean white cotton and place your curtains in your tumble drier for 15 minutes, one piece at a time
• Remember to set dryer to a low temperature and check frequently
• Clean your windows while the curtains are removed
• Re-hang curtains as soon as possible after tumble drying to avoid wrinkling

Your home from the outside - why kerb appeal matters

Whether buying selling, or just wanting to keep friendly with the neighbours, it is interesting to note that even in these enlightened times appearances matter. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

Unlike books and their covers, the overwhelming majority of us judge a family by the appearance of its home.  It's very hard to correct an initial bad impression. If the house looks tatty on the outside it doesn't matter how nice it is inside, the notion of neglect is already there.

Don’t put off those two minute jobs because you can’t see them.  Your neighbours and friends notice neglect every time they pass. Loving your home and making it appear cared for will bring a lot of love and good feeling back into your house.

Here are six simple things you can do today to lift your family’s appeal within your neighbourhood:

1. Clear the driveway of rubbish and weeds.  Take it all to the tip and then sweep up. The kids can help – it won’t take long once you’ve started.
2. Put a planter outside your door – a cheery welcome for caller while they wait on your doorstep. Let everyone who enters your home have a smile on their face.
3. Polish brass work, letterboxes and knockers – all your door furniture should be free from tarnish and your door free from cobwebs.
4. Windows should be clean and curtain linings smart. Co-ordinating blinds and curtains give the home a stylish, co-ordinated look.
5. Look at the house as a whole.  Do curtains ‘match’- or at least co-ordinate with the general colour scheme. What can you do quickly and cheaply to improve things?
6. Keep on top of things.  Once you’ve got your home looking lovely – try to keep it that way and it won’t be such an effort next time.

I’ve got a good feeling about this...How to create atmosphere in your home

A loving home or a productive office space is far more than the way the interior is designed.  There’s far more to it than the perfect colour scheme and the ultimate in accessories.  We need to design our spaces to create atmosphere.  But just how do you do that?  And is it achievable on a budget?

Atmosphere is defined as the pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or creative work. And it exists whether you like it or not - so here are some ways you can control it to get the best out of your space.

Work with all your senses to create the atmosphere you want.

Sound

• Home office? Create a quiet area away from noisy neighbours. 
• Open plan kitchens make it easy to be sociable and allow conversations to flow. 
• Use curtains, blinds and soft furnishings to soften the sounds in a bedroom or snug.  

Scent

• The smell should match the purpose: bathrooms should smell fresh and clean; kitchens should have the comforting smell of baking. Get it the wrong way around and the sense make the atmosphere uncomfortable.
• The quicker you can cover the small of new paint the sooner you will establish the true atmosphere of your new room.

Texture

• Begin at floor level with bare boards or sharp concrete for a clean efficient atmosphere; luxurious deep carpets and rugs for a cosy feel.
• Volumous, made-to-measure curtains will soften an environment and blinds will create a more efficient tone.
• Work with the space to get the flow of energy you aspire to.
• Think how the furniture affects traffic flow or directs the focus of the conversation.
• Use lighting to enhance a feature and make it a focus or to bring in darker areas to the centre of the room.

Details, details, God is in the details

Whether or not you’re a believer – it is what you say without speaking which really set the tone. Make sure all your details are saying the same thing. Co-ordinate and harmonise your accessories so that the tone of your room is cohesive.  Anything which jars or is out of character will unbalance the atmosphere and put your senses on edge.

Most of all – own it!

I can’t say it strong enough – believe in yourself.  Have confidence in your interior design and that confidence will sing-out in the atmosphere of your room.  Be true to yourself and never apologise for the ‘state’ of your room; it simply draws attention to your weaker areas.  Be proud and any visitor to your home will instantly feel welcome.