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How To Design A Nursery

 

blogpic4custom-blindsDesigning a nursery doesn’t have to be a complicated and daunting process. Whether you’re expecting a baby or you’re helping a loved one ready their home for the arrival of a new human, designing a nursery can be quite fun! The most important thing to remember before you start picking out baby decor or painting the walls, is the fact that this space is meant to be a happy place. The nursery is where you will hold your little one at night before they fall asleep, and it is where you will spend some of your most intimate moments with your newborn. In this blog, we’ll look at a few important tips to remember as you start to devise your nursery plan.

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The Baby Crib

While many new parents think their newborn will only spend a few months in their crib, the reality is that children can spend up to three years in a crib. Before you choose the first crib you see at the department store, make sure the crib meets all US Safety Standards. When it comes to your newborn, you don’t want to buy repurposed or vintage cribs, as they can be very unsafe. With safety standards evolving over the last decade, it’s critical to give your baby a quality crib that will last for years to come.

Some cribs on the market convert to toddler beds and even full-sized beds. If you’re concerned about your child rolling off of these beds in the middle of the night, you may want to invest in a toddler rail. These are a great solution for babies that start climbing out of cribs early.

The Changing Table

There’s no way around it: babies come with dirty diapers. The only way to make the diaper-changing experience a pleasant one, is to ensure you have all the essentials close at hand. This is where your baby changing table comes into play. While you may not be looking forward to this part of parenting, investing in a quality changing table will help you turn that dull guest room into a full-fledged nursery. A few things to consider for your baby changing table are:

  • If you don’t have room for a free-standing changing table, you can get a changing pad that can be added to the top of any dresser.
  • If you do have room for a free-standing changing table, make sure to invest in one that has a life beyond your baby staying a baby. Can you repurpose the changing table down the line and turn it into a toy storage? How about a bookcase?
  • Use bins or dresser drawers to store any diapering related items like wipes, ointments, and lotions.
  • Be sure to keep baby toys near the changing table so your little one has something to play with while you take care of the dirty deed.

Window Coverings

Another aspect of your child’s nursery to think about are the window coverings. Any new parent will tell you that light control is their main concern when it comes to choosing window treatments for their nursery. While young children need a good amount of sleep every day, have you ever wondered how many hours of shut-eye your little angel actually needs?

In 2015, a panel of six sleep experts and 12 other medical professionals came together to revise the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) sleep recommendations. The panel conducted a formal literature review, making a point to focus on the body of research surrounding sleep duration between the years of 2004 and 2014. From those 312 articles, the panel determined that newborns (0-3 months) require 14 to 17 hours of sleep, infants (4-11 months) require around 12 to 15 hours of sleep, and toddlers (1-2 years) require 11 to 14 hours of sleep.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we’ve helped hundreds of young families find and install the perfect window coverings in their nursery. Most importantly, we offer a wonderful array of child safety solutions to ensure your child does not become entangled in window covering cords.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), window cord strangulations are one of the top hidden hazards of the home. From 2006 to 2012, approximately 1,590 children between the ages of 14 months and eight years old suffered injuries that resulted from entanglements on window covering cords. “As a result of industry innovation, consumers have more choices than ever to purchase cordless products or those with inaccessible cords,” says Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) Executive Director, Peter Rush. “Parents with young children should replace their corded window coverings with the many cordless products available in different styles, colors, and sizes.”

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The Nursery Chair

The nursery chair you choose for your baby’s room is very important. As a new mom, you’ll want a comfortable place to sit as you read to your baby, breastfeed your baby, and sing your little one to sleep. Many new moms opt for a rocking chair or glider for their nursery room. The movement of these chairs will help to lull your baby to sleep, which can be a real blessing for those late night feedings. Choose a rocking chair that has arm rests, as well as one that is roomy enough for you and your baby to cuddle.

Interior Decor

Once you have a handle on the functional pieces of your nursery, you can start decorating the space how you please. A couple things to keep in mind are:

  • If your nursery currently has wood floors, opt for a plush wool or shag rug. This will help to cushion your little one as they start to sit, crawl, roll, and walk. If you decide to go for a shag rug, make sure you get one that features a short pile. Long pile shag rugs can pose a choking hazard to young children.
  • Choose a rug that will be fairly easy for you to clean. Wool rugs can take a real beating and still clean up easily. Some cotton rugs can be machine washed, but it’s always best to look at the tag for proper cleaning instructions.

Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles

We hope that this article helps you as you start to design and organize your nursery. If you live in the Los Angeles area and you’re in need of a professional window covering expert, look no further than Arjay’s Window Fashions. We’ve been serving Southern California since 1975, and we’ll work with you one-on-one to ensure your window covering project meets your needs and budget. Whether you’re interested in installing shutters, blinds, shades, or drapes, our experts are here to help. Contact us to schedule your complimentary appointment!

Bathroom Decorating Ideas You Should Know

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Are you tired of walking into an outdated bathroom day in and day out? Are you dreaming about remodeling your bathroom to achieve that spa-like atmosphere you deserve? If you answered yes to these questions, you’ve come to the right blog!

Your bathroom can say a lot about your home, and there are many affordable and easy ways to improve your bathroom decor. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some popular bathroom decorating ideas you should be aware of.

Decorating Idea #1: Think Budget

Whether you’re thinking about completely remodeling your bathroom or you’re interested in upgrading a few minor things, it’s always important to have a budget in mind. Not only will this have a tremendous impact on the type of materials you select for your bathroom renovation, it will help you set the boundaries of your design. Knowing what you can easily afford, right off the bat, will make it much easier to decide what you want to replace and where you want to get creative.

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Decorating Idea #2: Paint Colors

One easy way to improve the interior of your bathroom is to paint the walls a new color. Take the time to narrow down the colors you’re thinking about using. Are you looking for something a little more neutral? Beige and light green colors tend to work extremely well in these spaces. If you want a color that’s a bit more bold, don’t hesitate to paint one wall of your bathroom a bright red color. If you’re having a hard time deciding which paint color you’d like to use, you can pick up some samples from your local paint store to try them on the wall (if swatches aren’t big enough for you).

Once you’ve decided on the paint color, it’s time to gather the other necessary supplies. Some things you may want to pick up include: a paint roller, a tray, an angled paint brush, painters tape, sandpaper, and a brush.

Decorating Idea #3: Window Coverings

If your bathroom has a window or two, you may want to consider investing in a few window coverings to spruce up your space. The window treatments for your bathroom should meet three requirements, including privacy, durability, and light control. Let’s take a look at some common bathroom window coverings to consider for your home.

Roman Shades

If you’re looking for a functional, practical, and beautiful window covering, roman shades may be the best option for you. These shades allow you to control the natural light of the room, which can add softness to the hard surfaces of your bathroom, and may even help absorb outside sounds. The color and pattern options for these shades are endless, but our window treatment professionals recommend selecting a fabric that is resistant to mildew and can easily be cleaned.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we’re proud to carry a wonderful array of roman shades at our window treatment showroom. From modern and casual designs to traditional and contemporary window coverings, we’re confident you’ll be able to find the perfect roman shades for your bathroom.

Woven Wood Shades

If your home has a contemporary interior decor, you’ll love the natural look of woven wood shades for your bathroom. These shades can enhance your space by adding another layer of textural and visual interest. Woven wood shades are a great option if you still want to let soft light in, while also providing you with privacy.

Vinyl Shutters

Vinyl shutters can give your bathroom the ultimate traditional and clean look. Since these shutters are made from vinyl, they tend to have a rust feel, and they won’t warp or crack like real wood. At Arjay’s Window Fashions, we carry a variety of shutter frames, colors, and operational selection to choose from. To learn more about our professional window coverings, contact our friendly staff today!

Decorating Idea #4: Lighting

Once you’ve decided which window coverings to choose for your bathroom, it’s time to tackle the lighting. If your current bathroom features old or outdated light fixtures, it won’t take much to upgrade them with new, more efficient models. There are a variety of affordable light fixtures on the market today, and many people across Los Angeles turn to hanging pendants or LED light fixtures for their bathrooms.

Decorating Tip #5: Update Fixtures

While a pedestal sink can still be in good shape after decades of use, out-of-date scones and a leaky faucet will need to be replaced. A major fixture to consider is the ventilation in your bathroom. Since moisture is your bathroom’s greatest enemy, it’s very easy for mold and mildew to make themselves known. These days, bathroom ventilation systems are more stylish and quieter than ever. If you’re looking for an easy way to update your bathroom, consider swapping out your old ventilation system for a new, more efficient model.

Decorating Tip #6: Maximize Storage Options

If you have a small bathroom, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Small bathrooms can be found all across the United States, and it’s up to the homeowner to find a stylish yet functional use for every square inch of their bathroom. A simple way to do this is to take some time to declutter your space. Are there areas where you can install floating wall shelves? Would it be beneficial to install pull-out drawers in your cabinets? When it comes to redecorating your bathroom, look for out-of-the-box ways that you can take advantage of the space.

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Decorating Tip #7: Add Mirrors

If your bathroom is small, adding mirrors is a great way to give the illusion of depth. Replace any small mirrors with larger ones when possible, and position your mirrors so your natural lighting can reflect off of them. If you have the wall space to do so, consider installing a mirror on the wall that is opposite from the sink. This will give your bathroom what is known as the “infinity mirror effect,” and will make it appear much larger than it actually is.

Decorating Tip #8: Invest In A Shower Caddy

If your bathroom is like most, it can be challenging to stay organized on a daily basis. Since most bathtubs and showers lack the necessary space for multiple users to keep their personal belongings, it’s always wise to invest in a shower caddy. A multi-tier shower caddy can provide you with the extra storage space you need to keep your personal scrubs, soaps, and shampoos in an orderly fashion. They also provide your shower space with a nice and organized look.

Arjay’s Window Fashions In Los Angeles

As you can see, there are many ways to decorate and organize your bathroom. If you live in the Los Angeles area and you’re thinking about installing window coverings in your bathroom, bedroom, or dining room, contact Arjay’s Window Fashions today. We’ve been providing premier window covering services in Southern California since 1975, and we’re dedicated to your complete satisfaction. Our professionals stay on the cutting edge of technology and design, and we stay up to date with the latest shutters, blinds, shades, and draperies available. We’ve successfully completed thousands of residential and commercial projects across Los Angeles. We would love to do the same for you. Call us for your complimentary appointment!

Tips For Furnishing A Small Dining Room

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If you have a small dining room, you may be struggling with how to furnish and decorate the space. While you may think that entertaining your family and friends during the holidays is completely out of the question, there are a few things you can do to spruce up your dining area. In this blog, we’ll discuss some top tips for furnishing and decorating a small dining room, so you can create an area that complements the rest of your home.

If you live in the Los Angeles area and you’re thinking about installing custom window treatments to the windows in your dining room, contact Arjay’s Window Fashions today. We’ve helped hundreds of California residents transform the look and feel of their dining room with custom blinds, shades, and shutters, and we would be more than happy to help you. Visit our window treatment showroom or check out our testimonials online!

Small Dining Room Tips: How to Turn a Small Space From Drab to Fab

When you have a general understanding of some of the basic interior design principles, you can transform any room in your home into a comfortable and elegant oasis. Let’s take a look at some basic design principles to help you prepare for your dining room remodel ahead.

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Tip #1: Focus on Balance

In interior design, balance is used to create a feeling of equilibrium. When you walk into a well-designed room, it’s easy to sense that everything feels cohesive and put together. Balance can be created through a variety of elements, including the shape, color, pattern, and texture of items in the room. There are three main kinds of balance to consider while decorating your dining room. Let’s look at each of them below.

Symmetrical or Formal Balance
If your dining room is more of a traditional or formal space, you may want to consider symmetrical balance. This occurs when the space is evenly split into two sides that mirror each other. For example, two chairs situated on either side of a coffee table can be said to be symmetrically balanced. This kind of balance is fairly easy to achieve, as the design elements are simply repeated on each side.

Asymmetrical or Informal Balance
Asymmetrical or informal balance often involves the visual elements of lines, colors, and textures that are well balanced without the need for exact duplication.

Radial Balance
Radial balance can be achieved when there is a central focal point in your dining room. For example, your dining room table may be a great focal point to focus on as you decorate your space.

Tip #2: Select a Limited Color Palette

Instead of painting your dining room all the colors of the rainbow, our interior design experts advise you to select a limited color palette before getting started. It can be much easier to work with a lighter or neutral color palette, as it can make your space appear more open and airier. Feel free to use contrasting or contemporary colors as accents. If you’re looking for a more adventurous look, then by all means, go for a bold color scheme!

Tip #3: Choosing the Best Window Treatments

Another simple and easy way to spruce up your small dining room is to add the appropriate window treatments. At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we understand how challenging it can be to decorate a small dining room, and we can help you choose the best window coverings for your style and budget. Let’s take a look at some common dining room window treatments to consider below.

Window Shutters

Window shutters are a wonderful way to decorate and spruce up your dining room’s interior. Shutters provide a functional elegance with a variety of design styles, so you’re sure to find the perfect ones for your home. At Arjay’s, we’re proud to carry a full line of affordable and handcrafted wood and engineered faux wood shutters, as well as custom window shutters that can be made to order. When you visit our showroom, you’ll find a lovely selection of window shutter frames, colors, and designs to choose from.

Window Blinds

Window blinds are a very popular window covering throughout Los Angeles. These window treatments can provide you with a high level of lighting control that cannot be duplicated by any other window covering. Window blinds are available in two distinct forms: vertical and horizontal designs. Horizontal blinds control direct sunlight when the louvers cross-shade each other. Vertical blinds, on the other hand, provide the same cross-shading function, but on a vertical layout.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions, we carry a wonderful selection of decorative and affordable window blinds. If you’re interested in learning more about the various blind styles we have available, contact our window covering experts today! We serve a variety of areas throughout California, including Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, and Simi Valley!

Common Window Treatment Questions

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The window treatments in your home or commercial business can say a lot about your space. At Arjay’s Window Fashions, we’ve helped hundreds of clients throughout the Los Angeles area find the best window coverings for their space. As one of the top window treatment companies in California, many people come to use with questions regarding the best type of blinds, shades, and draperies to use in their home. In this article, we’ll discuss some common window treatment questions to help you along your window treatment journey.

If you live in Los Angeles and you’re looking for custom blinds or shades for your home, be sure to schedule an appointment with one of the experts at Arjay’s Window Fashions. In addition to our window installation services, we can help you find the perfect shutters and draperies for your home or business. Contact us today!

What Are Window Blinds?

Blinds are a wonderful window covering that can be added to virtually any room in your home. Also known as hard window coverings, blinds are composed of slats or vanes that can add a decorative element to your bedroom, dining room, and family room. Many homeowners love these window treatments because they provide the user with a good amount of lighting control. These blinds are available in both vertical and horizontal designs, and a window treatment professional can even create a custom blind design for your home.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions, we’re proud to offer our customers with some of the most high-quality blinds available on the market. Whether you’re shopping for Roman blinds, faux wood blinds, or vertical blinds, we can help you find the best window coverings for your windows.

Are There Different Kinds of Window Blinds Available?

dreamstime_3822818As you begin shopping for blinds, you may be surprised by the variety of styles and types available. Each blind style will offer a unique decorative element and functionality, and working with a window treatment expert can help you narrow down your options. Let’s take a look at some popular window blinds below.

Venetian Blinds – If you’re looking for horizontal window blinds to install in your home or business, venetian blinds make an excellent addition to any room. Generally constructed of plastic, wood, and even metal, these blinds move in a synchronized motion when they are pulled with a cord. The cording system allows these blinds to fully close, partially open, or fully open, depending on how much light you are looking for.

Roller Blinds – If you have a movie room in your home or you’d like to install blinds to block out the sun in your bedroom, roller blinds may be a great option for you. These blinds feature a simple, one-piece design that is specifically built to block out light when closed. These blinds look great behind a decorative curtain or drapery as well.

Wood Blinds – Wood horizontal blinds are a favorite among Los Angeles homeowners, and for good reason. Not only do these blinds offer a timeless appeal, they can be painted with different finishes to match the interior decor of your home. Not only do these blinds look fantastic, they are very easy to maintain as well.

Should All Windows In My Home Have The Same Treatments?

While you may feel tempted to coordinate the window treatments throughout each room in your home, this is not completely necessary. You don’t have to adopt a uniform look when it comes to your windows, and just because you have drapes in one room doesn’t mean you can’t put wood shutters in another.

If you’re having a hard time narrowing down the window treatments for your home, be sure to contact the experts at Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners find the best window coverings for their home at an affordable price, and we would love to help!

Are There Energy-Efficient Window Treatments?

Yes! There are a variety of energy-efficient window treatments that you can choose to install in your home or business. Installing these window treatments can help to reduce the energy consumption of your residential or commercial property, which can lead to lower energy and heating bills. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that consumers can reduce their solar heat gain by over 70 percent in the summer, and heat loss by 25 percent in the winter, just by installing energy-efficient window treatments. Speak to a window treatment expert to learn more about these options!

What Kind Of Window Treatment Should I Install In My Kitchen?

erick-lee-hodge-199317Your kitchen is likely in a centralized area of your home, and choosing the right window treatment can make a huge difference when it comes to your lighting and environment. When it comes to installing a new window treatment in your kitchen, you may want to consider decorative shutters. These window coverings can be easily adjusted to let in or block out natural light during the day, and they also allow for a solid flow of ventilation. If shutters aren’t necessarily your preference, you may want to consider blinds.

What Window Coverings Will Help Me Block Out Noise?

If you’re looking for window coverings to block out exterior noises, there are a variety of options to choose from. If you live next to a noisy outdoor area or highway, you may want to consider installing a window treatment that features heavy fabric such as drapes. For an additional layer of sound protection, you can double up on your window covering materials.

Should I Work With A Window Treatment Expert?

When it comes to finding the best window coverings for your home or commercial business, we always recommend working with a professional. An experienced window covering expert will be able to listen to your unique needs before recommending the best blinds, drapes, and shades for your home.

If you live in Los Angeles and you need assistance choosing the best window coverings and treatments for your space, contact Arjay’s Window Fashions today!

The Art Of Window Draperies

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Draperies are a wonderful way to add elegance and style to virtually any room in your home. With the large selection of full-length draperies available, this window treatment is one of the most popular among California homeowners. At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we understand that trying to pick out window coverings on your own can be a hassle. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping our clients find the perfect window coverings for their unique needs and budget. In this blog, we’ll discuss the art of window draperies and some creative ways you can use them in your home. If you’re in need of window treatment assistance, be sure to contact our professionals today!

Draperies Can Be Used To Set The Scene

Contrary to popular belief, draperies can be used to do more than just frame windows. While many window treatments are specifically designed to adorn the window panes in our home, this is not always a functional necessity. Draperies are also a wonderful way to decorate large archways or hallways in your home. Whether you choose luscious silk draperies or heavy velvet ones, hanging them above an entryway or archway can do wonders for the interior decor of your home.

Utilize Draperies As A Starting Placedreamstime_xxl_11857429

Did you know that decorative draperies can be used for the initial inspiration of a design in your living room, bedroom, or dining room? While the use of draperies is not set in stone, these window coverings are often a great place to start when trying to decide how to paint or decorate a room in your home. Many interior designers suggest starting with one element that you love, such as a flashy fabric or detailed rug, and letting this serve as the attention-getting statement piece in the space.

Customize Your Space

If your home features a room with two or more windows, this is a prime opportunity to pick out some patterned or solid draperies to display in multiple thin panels. When a room has multiple side-by-side windows, the window treatment possibilities are seemingly endless. Whether you choose to display extravagant draperies or you opt for neutral colors that blend into the background of the room, you really can’t go wrong with adding drapes! Some things to consider before you purchase your draperies include:

  • Have a material in mind that you’d like your draperies to be. Most window treatment stores offer a variety of materials from cotton to printed polyester, silk, velvet, and wool.
  • If you’re looking to block out sun in those west-facing rooms, consider looking into panels that are designed to block light.
  • If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider investing in unlined panels. While these tend to have a smaller price tag, they can be semi-transparent at night when your interior lights are on.

As you can see, there are many different ways to use drapes inside your home. If you live in the Los Angeles area and you’re ready to adorn your windows with drapes, blinds, or curtains, contact the professionals at Arjay’s Window Fashions today!