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Blinds or curtains, which is better? It’s a lifelong debate and many people sit on the fence, but blinds come with a series of benefits you don’t get from curtains. They look much better and can give your home interiors a contemporary look. They’re also far better for people with allergies as blinds aren’t likely to harbor pet fur or other airborne allergens.

When you start shopping around, you get a massive choice of blinds, so which ones are the most practical for your home? We’ve got three quick tips to help you figure out an answer to that question!

Pick an energy-efficient blind material

One complaint about blinds versus curtains is that the former doesn’t provide the energy-saving qualities of curtains. A lot of blinds will not be that insulative - but you can find some that act as a barrier between the window and your home, stopping a lot of heat from escaping and preventing cold air from coming in.

It all depends on the material you choose and some of the best wood blinds are exceptionally energy efficient. They soak up a lot of heat and help your rooms stay warm during the cold months. Other materials do a similarly good job - like metal blinds - just avoid materials that are prone to letting heat escape.

Choose a style with excellent light control

​Blinds let you have more control over how much light is let in your rooms. However, certain styles are better at this than others. Roller blinds are typically quite poor as they only let you roll up or down.

The best option is to go for Venetian blinds or vertical blinds. Both give you two ways to control the light levels inside your house. Firstly, you can pull the blinds down or across the window, choosing how much is covered. Secondly, you can have the entire window covered by the blinds, then open them up, letting light through the slats. It’s the perfect level of light control throughout the day.

Select blinds that are easy to clean

​Again, many blinds are easier to clean than others. It tends to come down to the material here - fabric blinds may look nice, but they’re much harder to clean as dust and things get embedded in the material’s surface.

Opt for any blind that’s hard to the touch. This means dirt, dust, or stains won’t sink into the material and can be wiped away with a cleaning cloth. Look, cleaning any type of blind will be a bit annoying, but choosing the right material will make a huge difference. It’s still better than cleaning curtains anyway!


Use these three tips when shopping for new blinds. It’ll be very easy to remove certain styles or materials from the conversation, giving you a shorter list of options to pick from. Practicality should always be the main thing you think about with blinds - after that, pick whichever ones suit the interior design style of your very humble abode.

1. Choose a dedicated space: Select a quiet and separate area for your home office to minimize distractions.

2. Prioritize natural light: Position your workspace near a window to maximize natural light, which can enhance productivity and mood.

3. Invest in ergonomic furniture: Opt for a comfortable chair and a desk at the right height to promote good posture and reduce strain.

4. Organize and declutter: Keep your home office tidy by organizing cables, decluttering unnecessary items, and creating designated storage spaces.

5. Personalize your space: Add elements that inspire you, such as artwork or plants, to create a motivating and enjoyable work environment.

If you're looking for help designing your home office space (or any office space), I offer a flat rate design - details here: https://www.jillseidnerinteriordesign.com/online-design.html.

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A basement renovation is a fantastic opportunity for you to do something with your unused space, but taking the project on may not be as straightforward as you’d like. For one, you might not know what to do with your basement, and it might be full of junk that doesn’t have a proper place in your house. So, how can you renovate your basement successfully? Here are five steps to follow.

Determine What You’ll Use It For

​Before you start your renovation project, you need to determine what your basement will become. You could use it as a spare bedroom or give one of your teenagers more space by turning it into a bedroom. Other ideas include a games or entertainment room or even a home office. However, you could also use it to generate income by renting the basement out to visitors if you could do with earning some extra money.

Remove Items and Fix Problems

​If you haven’t spent much time in your basement, you will need to handle several potential issues and problems. Your basement may have become a de facto storage room, so you’ll need to remove everything before you start work. There’s also the chance that it could have experienced damage, such as flooding, dampness, or mold. If this is the case, you’ll need to arrange basement flood repair and mold removal before doing anything else. Depending on the severity of these issues, you may also need to repair other parts of your basement before starting the work.

Install Electrics and Running Water

If you want to use your basement as an office, bedroom, or somewhere you and your family will spend a lot of time, it’s worth installing electric and plumbing functions. Some basements already include light fixtures, but this may not be enough. You will also need plug sockets placed strategically, while a sink and even a bathroom (if you have the space) are also essential so people don’t need to go up to the main level.

Insulation, Paint, Flooring

​The basement needs to be comfortable and warm, especially if you live somewhere that experiences sub-zero temperatures during the winter. Installing insulation and drywall can start to make the basement look more like a place to live. Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to paint the walls (any color will do but white is arguably the best base layer to start) as well as install flooring. You can lay carpet or fit laminate floors depending on what you prefer.

Decorate and Install Furniture

Putting the finishing touches on your basement is an exciting time. You can install any furniture and decorations you like depending on what the basement will be. Large sofas and TV stands are ideal for entertainment spaces, while a bed, comfortable chair, bedside tables, and wardrobe are perfect for space bedrooms.

Renovated

​Renovating your basement can be a fun and educational project that could teach you some crucial home improvement skills. A basement can become anything you want, so you have plenty of options to transform it into something unique, functional, or comfortable for you, your family, or any guests.