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Welcome to the world of interior design, where every choice you make has the power to transform your home into a haven of style and comfort. While furniture and colour schemes often take centre stage, it's essential not to overlook the impact of window coverings on the overall mood of a room.

So let’s explore "The Psychology of Interior Design," and uncover how the shutters and blinds you choose can play a pivotal role in influencing the atmosphere of your home. Get ready to delve into the subtle psychological elements that can make your window coverings more than just functional additions to your space.

Let there be Light!

Imagine waking up to the gentle embrace of sunlight filtering through your shutters, casting a warm glow across your bedroom. Light has a profound effect on our mood and well-being, and the ability to control it through your window coverings is a key element of interior design. Here are some considerations for influencing the natural light in your home:

Natural Light Boosts Productivity

It’s no secret that exposure to natural light can elevate your mood and even enhance your productivity. With adjustable window coverings, like plantation shutters, you have the freedom to regulate the amount of sunlight entering your space, creating a bright and invigorating atmosphere that encourages positive emotions and great focus.

Creating Cosy Spaces and Privacy with Elegant Blinds

On the other hand, there are moments when we crave a cosy, intimate ambiance. Panel Glide blinds come in a huge range of fabrics to provide the perfect solution, allowing you to soften the harshness of external light and create a warm, snug environment. This is particularly beneficial during the cooler months, creating a sense of privacy and relaxation.

Colour Psychology in Window Coverings

When selecting your awnings, shutters or blinds, you’ll often be faced with a range of colour options and tones, so how to choose? For a calm and serene space, cool-toned blinds and curtains in white, serene blues, soft greens or a neutral palette can contribute to a calming atmosphere. These light colours are often associated with tranquillity and can turn your space into a peaceful retreat, ideal for bedrooms or relaxation areas.

In contrast, opting for warm-toned window coverings, such as rich browns or earthy reds, can add a touch of welcoming warmth and cosiness. These hues create an inviting atmosphere, making your living areas feel more comfy and sociable.

Material Choices to Create Texture

Looking for luxurious elegance or modern sophistication? The material of your shutters or blinds can evoke different emotions. Timber plantation shutters, for example, provide a sense of timeless elegance and earthy, natural warmth. Their organic texture can instil a connection to nature, promoting a grounded and balanced ambiance to your space. Whereas, if you’re keen for a more modern and sleek aesthetic, aluminium venetian blinds offer a stylish, functional alternative. Their smooth surfaces and metallic finish contribute to a more contemporary atmosphere, perfect for minimalist or industrial-inspired homes.

Conclusion

As you embark on refreshing or renovating your home’s interior, remember that shutters and blinds are not only practical additions but also powerful tools that can shape the mood and atmosphere of your home.

Whether you're aiming for a vibrant, energising space or a serene, calming retreat, the psychology of interior design comes alive through thoughtful choices in both soft furnishing and window coverings. So, don’t underestimate the transformative potential of shutters and blinds, and let the mood-altering magic unfold in your Aussie abode.

Regardless of your personal style and interior design dreams, the team at Factory Direct Shutters Awnings and Blinds is here to help you find the right window treatment to take advantage of the direction of your windows and doors.

Get our Free, Expert Advice on Shutters and Blinds to Suit the Psychology of your Home

If you’re having any trouble deciding on the best window treatments for the direction of your windows and doors, our team of specialists at Factory Direct Shutters Awnings and Blinds can help you make the right choice.

IWe bring our mobile showroom to you to select the best solutions for your home or workspace.  Contact us online or call now on 1300 077 125 for an obligation-free measure and quote, or free advice on the right product for your space.

So you’ve installed the best quality awnings, shutters or blinds and your home is feeling fresher than ever.  As the proud owner of these new window furnishings, you've invested in not just window coverings but an integral part of your home's aesthetics and functionality. To ensure your investment stands the test of time and continues to enhance your living spaces, it's essential to understand the art of proper care and maintenance. Good news – it’s not too tricky! In this guide, we'll take you through a straightforward Maintenance 101, providing you with cleaning tips, seasonal checklists, and ideas to extend the lifespan of your window coverings.

Let’s kick off with cleaning tips:

 

Dust Regularly

Dust may accumulate on your shutters and blinds, especially in older homes or areas exposed to drafts or breezes. Simply use a soft, dry microfibre cloth or a duster to gently wipe away the dust. For those hard-to-reach places, consider using a handheld vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.

Spot Cleaning

Accidents happen! If you’re unlucky enough to need to treat stubborn stains or spots, try mixing a mild detergent with water and dip a soft cloth into the solution. Gently wipe the affected area, avoiding excessive moisture where possible. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and pat or air dry. Make sure to check manufacturer guidelines to ensure the cleaning solution is suitable for your specific shutters, blinds or awning material.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Whatever you do, steer clear of abrasive or harsh chemical cleaners. These are generally not recommended by manufacturers as they can permanently damage the finish or material of your shutters and blinds. Stick to mild, non-abrasive cleaning solutions.

Regular Inspections

While you’re cleaning your home, make it a simple habit to inspect your shutters and blinds regularly for any signs of wear, loose components, or damage. Addressing issues promptly can prevent further damage and prolong the lifespan of your window coverings.

How about Seasonal Checklists:

 

Spring Cleaning

Everyone’s favourite kind of clean! With the arrival of spring, give your shutters and blinds a thorough clean after the harsher winter months. Wipe down all surfaces, paying attention to corners and edges. Check for any signs of wear or damage and tighten any loose screws or hinges.

Summer Sun Protection

We all know how relentless the Australian summer sun can be. Pick your fabric carefully and even consider applying a UV protectant or treatment to prevent fading or discoloration of your shutters and blinds.

Autumn Adjustments

As temperatures begin to fall again, check the functionality of your shutters and blinds. Ensure that mechanisms are working smoothly and make any necessary adjustments to prepare for colder weather. If you’re running an automated system, now is a great time for a check up before winter arrives!

Winter Insulation 

During winter, your shutters and blinds play an important role in insulating your home. Check for drafts around windows and seal any gaps. Curtains are an especially cosy option in winter – make sure they’re dust free!

How about some ideas to extend the lifespan of your window coverings?

 

Careful Operation

Always respect and operate your shutters and blinds with care. Avoid excessive force when opening or closing, and if you notice any resistance, investigate and address the issue promptly to keep everything in tip-top working order.

Protect Against Harsh Weather

In areas prone to extreme weather conditions, such as storms or high winds, consider closing your shutters or blinds to protect them from potential damage. Some shutters are designed to withstand severe weather, but taking proactive measures can extend their lifespan. Automation is another smart way to make it easy to retract awnings and put blinds down where needed.

Storage During Renovations

If you're keeping hold of your window furnishings while undergoing home renovations, consider storing your shutters and blinds properly to protect them from dust, debris, and any unwanted damage. You can consult with the manufacturer or a professional for guidance on safe storage practices.

In the world of home decor, shutters and blinds are not just accessories; they're investments in the comfort, style and functionality of your home. By incorporating these easy maintenance tips into your cleaning routine, you'll not only keep your window coverings in great shape but also prolong their lifespan, ensuring they continue to enhance your living spaces for years to come!

Talk to a Local Expert

Ready to book your free measure and quote? Call us now on 1300 077 125 and our mobile showroom can come to you. We cover some territory – from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Toowoomba and Northern Rivers.

Book your appointment now!

As the mercury starts to rise and the days get longer, it's time to prepare your outdoor space for backyard BBQs, garden get-togethers and weekends spent chilling by the pool. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a poolside oasis, you can create the perfect outdoor garden space by adding a folding arm awning to the exterior of your home. These retractable shades are versatile and stylish, providing an elegant touch to any outdoor space. Here are some reasons why Folding Arm Awnings are a must-have:

Extend Your Living Space

Your garden or outdoor space is an important extension of your home. Introducing a dedicated seating or dining area beneath a folding arm awning can seamlessly open up additional entertaining spaces outdoors. Additionally, awnings are space-efficient as they extend out from the side of your home and don't require additional permanent structures, making them easy to install above your poolside seating or dining area.

Shelter from the Elements

One of the key benefits of folding arm awnings is their ability to provide shelter from the elements and extend the use of your outdoor space through different weather conditions. Whether it's the heat and glare of the sun or a sudden downpour, these awnings have you covered, quite literally. They offer a versatile solution to protect your pool area or patio from the weather, while opening up the opportunity to create a cosy entertaining space under retractable cover.

Protect Your Outdoor Furniture

When designing your garden entertaining space, comfortable outdoor furniture that complements your style and provides ample seating for guests is a great way to bring the indoors outside. Added to this, outdoor cushions and rugs can add personality, pattern and comfort. Yet, outdoor furniture is an investment and folding arm awnings are a great way to help protect it from the harsh elements and prolong the lifespan of your furniture. By providing shade and shelter, awnings can offer your furniture protection from damaging UV rays and rainfall, keeping it looking fresh and vibrant for longer.

Enhance Aesthetic Appeal

Looks matter when creating the perfect pool or backyard space.  These awnings not only enhance the comfort and functionality of your space but also elevate the aesthetic appeal. Folding arm awnings come in various styles, colours, and designs to complement your home's architecture and your décor preferences. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist vibe or a more traditional aesthetic, we offer awnings in a large range of acrylic fabrics with both plain and modern patterns to choose from. Maybe clean and crisp whites and light greys are your preference; or choose a bold colour burst of blue or yellow – our team are happy to assist in creating your perfect entertaining space.

Easy Maintenance

Maintaining your outdoor space should be a piece of cake, and folding arm awnings make it just that. They are designed to be low-maintenance, requiring minimal care to keep them in optimal condition. A mild detergent and warm water can be used on the frames and minor spots on the fabric can typically be simply wiped off with a mild soap and a damp cloth.

Occasional checks and a light clean are typically all that's needed to ensure your awnings look their best. When they’re not in use these shade awnings can retract back into their rollers and be stored out of the way.

Automating Your Awning

Folding arm awnings are crank operated, however, for added convenience, you can consider automation as an option. With a push of a button or a smartphone app, effortlessly extend or retract the awnings to the desired position. Automation is especially handy when you want to quickly roll out or retract the awning, or create the perfect ambiance and shade for outdoor gatherings.

Get our Free, Expert Advice

Whether you are creating a brand new garden space and looking for the perfect shelter and aesthetics, or are looking to increase the use of an existing space, folding arm awnings offer a versatile solution to design your perfect outdoor area.

Are you ready to extend your living area outdoors and protect your entertaining area from the elements? We can help you select the best solutions to protect and enhance your home for ultimate comfort and convenience.

Get in touch online or give us a call on 1300 077 125 . Our experienced, friendly team will be happy to bring the mobile showroom to you and help you select the perfect solutions to enhance your home.

As the weather steadily warms towards summer, the backyard swimming pool is likely becoming a favoured locale for weekend relaxation and after-work dips. Swimming features heavily in Australian culture, so our love affair with backyard pools should be no surprise. A recent survey by Roy Morgan indicated 18 to 20 per cent of Queenslanders had a pool at home, and numbers are increasing.

To make the most of this important feature during the summer months, it makes sense to invest in optimising your poolside space. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of transforming your backyard pool into a tropical resort-style oasis, here are some ideas to get you started.

Add Some Greenery for a Tropical Feel

A splash of luscious greenery can transform your poolside into a delightful resort-inspired oasis, perfect for whiling away those warm summer days. Before you head to the nursery, though, it’s a good idea to do some research on the best types of plants to put next to a pool.

Low maintenance varieties are perfect, particularly those hardy enough to withstand an occasional splash of chlorinated water. Also, you’ll want to avoid any plants likely to drop copious leaves into the pool, or those with invasive root systems that could damage the pool structure.

Succulents work well, provided they don’t have spikes that can catch unwary swimmers by surprise if they brush too close. Ornamental grasses can also create a visually striking statement next to pools. Vines are useful for creating green privacy screens, and can be trained to climb nearby fences or walls.

Create Atmosphere with Strategic Outdoor Lighting

Carefully curated poolside lighting adds a new level of ambience and creates opportunities to enjoy balmy summer evenings by the pool. Underwater pool lights make the pool itself a night-time focal point and invite regular evening swims.

Consider LED feature lighting to illuminate selected plants or architectural features around the pool area. High-quality tiki torches can introduce a festive vibe befitting summer evening barbeques and social gatherings.

Include Some Comfortable Seating Options

No resort-style pool makeover is complete without some comfortable outdoor couches, sun lounges or beanbags to relax on in between swims. A multitude of stylish outdoor furnishings are available to complement your poolside space, depending on your budget and design preferences.

Optimise Your Poolside Shade to Stay Cool All Day Long

While it’s nice to catch some rays on the pool deck from time to time, a little shade is also required to temper the Queensland summer heat. Strategic planting is one way to achieve this – adding shade trees to the pool surrounds will help to create a shadow where it’s needed.

If you don’t like the idea of leaves falling in the pool or would rather not to wait for trees to grow, however, you can customise your poolside shade with large umbrellas or awnings.

Folding arm awnings are a great option for covering large outdoor living spaces. Typically mounted on the side of a building or the edge of a roofline, these awnings feature a retractable fabric roof system. They can be motorised or operated manually, and each awning comfortably covers an area up to 6.5 metres wide by 4 metres deep.

Our folding arm awnings can be customised in a wide range of acrylic fabrics and colours to suit your home. All come with a generous five-year warranty and professional installation, for your peace of mind. Contact us for advice on the best awnings to shade your pool area.

Create a Seamless Transition Between Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Poolside alfresco living spaces are lovely when the weather is balmy and the insects aren’t on a rampage, but you sometimes need a little extra protection from the elements to ensure year-round comfort.

Zipscreens can be the perfect way to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living spaces so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. These zip-up blinds are available in a variety of fabrics, from shade-cloth to complete block-out, mesh, or industrial-strength PVC. They can fully enclose your alfresco spaces when required, or be partially lowered for selective glare reduction at certain times of the day.

A perfect complement to our idyllic Queensland climate, Zipscreens can also be fully motorised for an added touch of luxury. The mesh or shade-cloth options won’t block your views, so you can still enjoy the poolside ambience while staying relatively cool, comfy and bug-free in your enclosed outdoor living space.

All our zipscreens come with a five-year warranty and professional installation. To learn more about your options for optimising alfresco living spaces, get in touch online or give us a call on 1300 077 125. Our experienced team will be happy to bring the mobile showroom to you and help you select the best solutions for your home.

The history of Plantation Shutters might seem to be pretty obvious if one only considers its name, however its origins are far more ancient and interesting than they first appear.

Imagine you’re living on an exposed turquoise coastline in a sub-tropical climate going about your daily chores, when the wind whips up and an almighty tropical storm rolls in blowing wind and debris straight into your glass-less windows. This was the problem facing the ancient Greeks in about 800 B.C. and they decided to solve it with non-adjustable marble shutters. Glass was quite expensive and difficult to source, so it was rarely used until more modern times. This style of shutter worked well in this Mediterranean climate allowing light and air in, while keeping out the elements

 

The Migration of Shutters Across Europe

Like the first shutters of Greece, early shutters were designed to shield the home from the closed green wooden shutters covering a yellow window opening on a red building wallelements and to control light and airflow more than for their aesthetic.

Craftsmen started making shutters from wood about 500 years ago with fixed louvers and hinged panels for opening and closing becoming popular designs throughout Europe. In these medieval times solid shutter panels were used for providing protection from the weather and security. Many European countries have used them since then to retain or reduce heat in their homes.

Window shutters were also in vogue in England during the medieval period. The Victorians were fond of boxed shutter style panels, which were solid and folded back into a box at each side of the window when not in use.  The shaker style solid wooden shutter suits this style of window, and of course will provide insulating properties to reduce heat loss and noise pollution.

 

The evolution of Shutters

In Tudor times, shutters were changed to be made out of wood, making them much easier to open and close. Over the centuries, the style of window shutters has changed to become more decorative as glass became more accessible and popular from around the 18th century.

While still vastly different from the shutters we know today, Tudor style shutters were made from solid timber panels. These panels were secured to the inside wall and folded back to be flush with the internal wall when the window needed to be open. Once closed the wooden panels were secured with a mental bar of large piece of wood for security.

Wealthier families who could afford glass often had glass panels at the top of each window to allow light in without the shutter having to be opened. The bottom half of the window would still be a large wooden shutter. Today this style window furnishing is referred to as cafe style plantation shutters.

 

The ‘Plantation Shutter’ heritage

As England, Spain and France became more powerful and their influence spread across the globe, so too did window shutters with the Spanish first introducing plantation shutters to the southern states of America and beyond. Unsurprisingly, the lasting ‘plantation shutter’ name evolved as they were commonly found in the mansions on the cotton or sugar plantations.

The design changed once again to suit the climate of Southern America and the architectural style preferences of the cotton farmers. These shutters often had larger louvers, and were white, while the narrower louvered versions are said to be influenced by English colonisation and used in other parts of America. The term ‘plantation shutter’ has survived over the centuries and spanned the globe – many companies still use this description today.

 

Urban Legends About Shutters

Shutters rose in popularity and even became an important royal accessory when Ling Louis XIV of France insisted on their presence in his residence.

One urban legend claims that King Louis XIV had the revolutionary shutters installed so that he could watch the women of his court bathe, while the guards roaming the grounds would not become ‘distracted’. Another story claims that he had them installed so that the women could to nap comfortably without blocking air circulation and to allow the cooks to control the sunlight from heating up the kitchen.

Another tail claims that the original Peeping Tom was caught peeping through a plantation shutter at Lady Godiva, who rode naked through the streets as a protest, while the other townsfolk averted their eyes. (hmmm…??)

 

What Makes Plantation Shutters So Popular These Days?

Plantation shutters are a timeless classic with an elegant design which has stood the test of time for both improving living conditions and aesthetic. Below are some of the many reasons plantation shutters are popular all over the world.

Highly customisable

Plantation shutters are incredibly customisable, especially when they are made locally to your home’s specifications. You can get plantation shutters that are fixed, hinged or sliding style shutters, which are available in a range of colours to suit your home aesthetic.

Built to last

All shutters are highly durable and resistant to Australia’s harsh weather, like sun exposure, humidity, thunderstorms, wind and rain. This makes them suitable for a broad range of outdoor and indoor uses.

Energy Efficient

Plantation shutters are one of the most energy efficient window coverings you can install, as they are designed to make your home cooler during summer and warmer during winter.

Enhances Property Value

The luxurious and elegant style of Plantation Shutters can help improve your property’s curb appeal and help increase property value of your home.

Increased Safety

The option of security shutters is an appealing option for homeowners who don’t want to compromise on security and curb appeal. They are also ideal for families with young children concerned about safety, as there are no cords or other dangly bits that could pose a risk to their safety.

What Are the Main Advantages of Shutters?

The main advantages of shutters is that they maximise the best possible air flow in a room. This is especially beneficial in tropical and warm climates and one of the main reasons why they have historically been popular in hotter areas.

The wider slats allow plenty of room for air and light and before the electricity and climate control was invented people had to rely on built materials like shutters to keep their homes cool. This explains why those who live colder climates tend to prefer houses with narrower shutters and smaller windows.

Another important advantage and beautiful feature of plantation shutters is that they are often designed to be on hinges, which allows them to open fully and to fold. Today's shutters can be custom-made to fit any size or shape of window, making them a wonderful addition to any home.

Plantation shutters are stylish, functional, and protective from the elements. They can add value and a touch of timeless elegance to your home. Research your style preferences and take the time to find the right one for your needs.

We bring the showroom to you. Book an in-home consultation today.

 

Gold Coast interior design fashions have evolved dramatically since the 80s in terms of window treatments. Gone are the brightly coloured curtains with geometric shapes or pastel roses on a nicotine-stain background. And gone are the huge wooden curtain rings of the 70s and the vertical blinds we all obsessed over in the 90s. Today it’s all about embracing minimalism, using colour carefully, maximising natural light and clever layering.

While window treatments can really take a room to the next level, comfort is of utmost importance, especially during the Gold Coast’s sweltering Summers. Without shutters or blinds for your home or office, the heat gets in much more easily, making conditions pretty unbearable.

Shutters and blinds can make a huge improvement to the level of comfort and aesthetic of your home. But what’s the best fit for the Gold Coast home style? With the many different types of shutters available, it can be overwhelming to know which type is best for your home or property.

When it comes to styling your Gold Coast home or office space, there’s some wonderful and creative window design options you can play with, which may not be so appropriate in a city home. We break it all down for you below with our top tips on design style for the Gold Coast home and how shutters and blinds can help create the perfect coastal vibe.

Panel Glide Blinds

Light the way

The more natural light the better in a coastal home, so steer clear of heavy drapery and keep your window treatments as minimal as possible. Exposed windows with the ability to allow light through is recommended.

Reflect the bright beach vibe

It’s all about keeping things light and bright in a coastal home, so designs using a neutral, soft colour palette work well, but you can also incorporate the colours of the sea in artwork and ornaments. When you walk into a coastal style home, the first thing you’ll usually notice is light walls and timber flooring. Same goes for your window treatments. Be mindful not to turn your bedroom into a bat cave.

Textures of nature

To keep the beach vibes flowing, it’s best to include organic materials in your room design like jute, rattan, wicker, linen and timber. Keep this in mind when you choose what window style treatment you prefer. It could be the best opportunity to incorporate some natural materials into your home.

The sea is your oyster

Coastal styling centres around reflecting the beautiful beach landscape into your home. How could you incorporate sun, surf and sea elements in your design planning? Surf imagery, sea themed ornaments and vases are all potential options. Be sure to keep it understated as this styling should compliment your home, not dominate it.

Layering tips

Layering curtains over blinds or shades for privacy is an on-trend design for the coastal home, allowing plenty of natural light flow during the day or privacy when it’s needed. There are many types of blinds and shades to choose from such as roman blinds, roller blinds, and venetian blinds.

TIP: Organic, natural materials are on trend for 2021 and perfect for a coastal home. Try hanging woven wood blinds in rattan or bamboo to create a textured, casual look.

If you don’t want to add a liner to block light entirely and is visible outside, installing curtains over your blinds or shades adds softness and privacy – a perfect layered look for the coastal home.

Plantation Shutters

How about Shutters?

Whether it’s a chic resort feeling you would like to create or a relaxed beachside balmy feel,

shutters can add a stunning level of sophistication, luxury and charm to your home.

Plantation shutters are also highly effective at insulating windows and glassed areas and reduce air conditioning cost significantly by preventing cool air from escaping.

Timber shutters are one option which adds an element of elegance and natural finish to your home. Timber shutters are an excellent option to add a natural feeling to a Gold Coast home as well as plenty of airflow, enhanced light quality, privacy and security.

Our range of hand-crafted Adagio Timber Shutters offer all these attributes and are made from hard-wearing premium and sustainable-grade Basswood timber found in slow-growing, cold and high alpine regions.

Our timber shutters have been designed to suit home decorators who want the classic elegance of solid timber to add natural beauty to their home or work environment. Perfect for the balmy Gold Coast home or office, our shutters come with a 25-year warranty in wide range of natural stain or paint finishes, with a choice of blade widths to suit your style preferences.

Polyresin Shutters

Perfect for the coastal climate, polyresin shutters are unaffected by moisture and humidity. Polyresin shutters provide excellent control for privacy, security and light with beautiful internal window options.

Our Alto Polyresin Shutters range allows ample breeze flow while also enhancing the quality of light, privacy and security for the typical balmy, Gold Coast home. This type of shutter has the unique ability to provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation too. And because of the strength of their design, they have inbuilt impact resistance.

Our shutters can be imported or Australian made with a 15-year product and component warranty. They also have a 25-year structural warranty, five year paint warranty and a 3 year hardware warranty.

Shutters and blinds for the Gold Coast Home 

Although trends have moved on since the in-your-face 80s, there’s still plenty you can do with your window treatments and interior design to create a vibrant, engaging and welcoming coastal home.

To find out more about how our range of shutters and blinds can make your lifestyle more comfortable and protect your home including furnishings, contact us on 1300 077 125. We bring our mobile showroom to you, plus decades of experience.

We break it all down for you with plenty of samples and colour options, so you can feel assured that your choices will suit your needs and enhance your coastal home perfectly.