Add some sparkle to your window treatments!

There are many different ways to add glitz and glamour to any soft furnishing. Our favorite way is to add gems! Here is a pagoda cornice with some brush fringe trim and sparkly upholstered nail heads. What do you think?

So in love with Bohemia Finish from ORION art,it brings a little hollywood glam into any window treatment.http://www.ironartbyorion.com/bohemia.asp?catid=47

Check out of the before and after for a recent project that we worked on. The addition of a backsplash in this newly renovated kitchen makes a big impact.

Are you a know-it-all?

This is a little story that I like to call the curse of the know-it-all. We have all met one, seen one, avoided one or perhaps you ARE one! Regardless, I want to share a little story from my life that I hope will help you at some point in the future. Last week, I was asked to install what was described as a very simple drapery job. Original installer had hung the 4 motorized drapery tracks and the sheer drapes closest to the window. I was to arrive, hang outer drapes, program the remote control and steam out any wrinkles- easy enough (or so I thought). Upon arrival, homeowner had informed me of what they thought was a wiring issue. While, I don't claim know everything there is to know about home automation- I have the necessary contacts to find out what I need to get the job done. So while I was on the phone with the drapery track motorization company (and sending pictures to the company of the current wiring) they determined that the initial installer did not set up system with all correct parts to program the draperies to function properly. Furthermore, since the home automation system runs these drapery track motors an infrared remote would not work. I realized soon after this why the original installer was not asked back to finish the job, incompetence. As soon as the necessary parts arrive later this week I will be going back to program the system alongside the home automation company next Tuesday. I will never claim to know all there is to know about the home furnishings industry, that is a ridiculous thought. We live in a world where items are updated and outdated constantly. All I can stress is to have a great support team to call if you do have problems. Get to know your reps, sales staff, customer service and product manuals. It is not embarrassing to call a support line and get the right answers. It is however embarrassing to lose a job because you were too embarrassed you did not know everything. Hint: you will never know everything.

Pantone's top color for Spring 2014 is.....

Dazzling Blue! When I see this color, royalty comes to mind. Specifically Kate Middleton in that smashing blue lace dress she wore a few months back. Or perhaps my fondness stems from its keen resemblance to Facebook. Nonetheless, what a rich, luxurious addition for 2014. Can you imagine injecting a little of this hue into your wardrobe- or your homes interior?

SteamPunk Interior Design

Steampunk style gained its popularity through a compilation of different literature genres, such as science fiction, fantasy, and alternative history. Now that it has evolved from fashion to interior design, you can clearly see the Victorian Era elements throughout. What distinguishes Steampunk interior design from other design styles are of course the gadgets that are supposedly designed during the Victorian Era. These details of interior are the future’s elements seen in a Victorian Era perspective. Even if it is a computer, a machine for XXI century, it is visually perceived as a machine designed in XIX. Additionally, the colors that are used in Steampunk design are often tinted with copper.

I recently had the pleasure of attending MinneCon in Minneapolis, MN. Although a relatively new design tradeshow, I was delighted to come out of the show with some great inspiration. Formica, one of the oldest laminate companies, has come up with a few new "woodsy-like" patterns! Okay they are not actually supposed to be "woodsy" but that is what immediately came to mind when I saw these featured earlier this year. I thought these would go perfect in the bar area of that "man cave" or a cabin kitchen. What do you think?

Cord Safety for Workrooms

Cord Safety for Workrooms with MaryAnn Plumlee Friday, September 20, 2013 10 am CDT/11 am EDT/ 9 am MT/ 8 am PDT This webinar explores the hazards posed by corded window products. The objectives of this webinar are to learn ways to prevent death and injury, discover hidden hazards, and learn about exposure to risk and liability. Attendees will learn what "safety standards" mean, specifics of how many accidents have been reported, and what types of products have been involved. WFCP Members $35 Non Members $50 LINK to PURCHASE

Granite versus Quartz

One of the most costly per square foot home renovations occur in the kitchen. Since this is one of the largest investments that you will probably make in your home it is important to educate yourself on solid surfaces for your countertops. Solid surfaces are certainly not a budget-friendly alternative by any means. However, many homeowners have been swayed in recent years into choosing granite by the misrepresentation that it is maintenance-free, this is false. Granite can chip, crack and stain if not taken care of properly. One solution I suggest to those homeowners that are interested in solid surfaces is to consider quartz, an engineered solid surface. View the pros and cons of quartz countertops here.

What is in a name??? Time is running out!

C'mon people get creative and keep those wonderful entries coming in-AND WIN WIN WIN! WHAT IS THE CONTEST ALL ABOUT? Today through 7/31/2012, I will be having a contest to rename my Impressive Windows & Interiors 'e-newsletter' and my Impressive Windows & Interiors 'blog'. Each person is allowed five entries for each category (10 total). There will be two winners, one for the new e-newsletter name and one for the new blog name. There are no geographical restrictions to this contest, anyone can enter (if you are over 18). Remember, if you are a winner and live out of state you can take advantage of Eye4Design, a virtual design service that we offer. So really there is no reason not to enter. Each winner (2) will receive 1-$250 gift certificate for Impressive Windows & Interiors. It is valid on anything that you would like...a product, a service or even to be used as a gift (transferred to someone else). There is no limit to how many you can win, so one person could win BOTH and could combine them for a really awesome room makeover!!! The gift certificates expire after a two year period. How do you enter? There are five ways. 1) You can 'message me' on facebook via my personal page, Jill Ragan Scully. 2) You can 'message me' on facebook, via my business fan page Impressive Windows & Interiors. 3) You can send me a 'direct message' on Twitter @JillRaganScully 4) You can send me an 'email' at Jill@ImpressiveWindowsandInteriors.com 5) You can 'respond to this post' and write your suggestion(s).

Please submit entries as soon as possible. If your brilliant idea is the same as someone else and it ends up be a winner, the first one to submit will be the winner!!! Judging (by me) will take place the first two weeks in August 2012 (1-15) and the winner(s) will be notified as soon as possible (on or before August 16, 2012)

Intro to Impressive Windows & Interiors Part 3

View video here

Intro Impressive Windows & Interiors Part 2

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Introduction to Impressive Windows & Interiors part 1

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Visit our newest listing on Thumbtack.com

Visit us on thumbtack at Interior Decorator

And please stay tuned for our fabric line debuting in late 2012 and our design book available in early 2013.

As always, if you need some inspiration to make your "before" house a home, we would love to help. Visit our website at www.ImpressiveWindowsandInteriors.com and give us a call at 651-437-5512 today and we will get started on your "after".

Impressive Windows & Interiors LLC - Hastings, MN (Minnesota) | (651) 437-5512

Impressive Windows & Interiors LLC - Hastings, MN (Minnesota) | (651) 437-5512

Time after time...love it!

Great ideas for unique clocks that would be perfect for your home or office

We now have our very own QR code...

Scan with your smartphone to link to our website!

Daily Inspiration

Just a bit of inspiration for your midweek madness :

5 Non Paint Wall Ideas- Very Cool!

http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/08/16/decorating-wall-without-paint?ncid=dynaldusshel00000001

Sew What? Sew Buttons!

I have had the pleasure over the last few months to have subscribed to a fantastic email newsletter. It is from the sewing magazine, Threads; which is available on newstands all around the country. This week, the editors sent out a video on "How to Sew Buttons" that I thought was certainly worth sharing with all of you.

Enjoy