Blinds.com Increases Revenue Using Interactive Intelligence IP Business Communications Solution

Custom window treatment provider deploys all-in-one IP communications software suite and more than doubles its customer conversion rate

Interactive Intelligence is the owner of the marks INTERACTIVE INTELLIGENCE, its associated LOGO and numerous other marks. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.Blinds.com selected CIC based on its open, single-platform software architecture. “We liked that CIC was developed from the ground up by one vendor and designed to run on a single, open platform,” Riddell said. “This eliminated the finger-pointing of a multi-vendor system, and ensured simplified management and flexible customization options.”Interactive Intelligence Group Inc. (Nasdaq: ININ) is a global provider of unified business communications solutions for contact center automation, enterprise IP telephony, and business process automation. The company’s solutions, which can be deployed via an on-premise or hosted model, include vertical-specific applications for insurance and collections. Interactive Intelligence was founded in 1994 and has more than 4,000 customers worldwide. The company is among Software Magazine’s 2010 Top 500 Global Software and Services Suppliers, and Forbes Magazine’s 2010 Best Small Companies in America. It employs approximately 1,000 people and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company has offices throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Interactive Intelligence can be reached at 1 317.872.3000 or info@inin.com; on the Net: www.inin.com. Or follow Interactive on Twitter: http://www.inin.com/twitter; Blog: www.inin.com/blog; YouTube: http://www.inin.com/YouTube; Facebook: http://www.inin.com/facebook; and LinkedIn: http://www.inin.com/linkedin.CIC’s performance monitoring capabilities have also contributed to the company’s success. “Of our total employee base, 80 percent are contact center agents who play a key role in driving revenue for our company,” Riddell said. “The better trained these agents are, the fewer customer problems we have. CIC’s call recording and reporting features have enabled us to easily monitor and evaluate performance so we can constantly improve agent skills.”Prior to CIC, Blinds.com was using an Avaya system. It replaced the system after several acquisitions led to the need for more sophisticated features and simplified management. “At the time, we were forced to run six different websites from two locations and two phone systems,” Riddell said. “The Avaya system gave us no way to transfer calls between locations, no way to listen in on calls, and no way to add queues to respond to call volume. In addition, anytime we wanted to make changes we had to involve IT.”Blinds.com has also added a work-from-home option to its business continuity plan, which uses CIC to support remote agents in the event of a natural disaster or outage.About Blinds.comBlinds.com purchased CIC from Interactive Intelligence reseller, Automated Voice & Data Solutions (AVDS), who also helped deploy the software.This release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are described in the company's SEC filings.In addition, Blinds.com has used CIC to create 30 new automated processes that assign workflow tasks to agents. “CIC has enabled us to go beyond the management of communications to structure, automate, and monitor tasks, which has resulted in increased operational efficiencies and improved customer satisfaction,” Riddell said.ININ-GBlinds.com has also used CIC’s multichannel routing capabilities to further improve service. “We’ve customized CIC to route calls and emails to the agents best qualified to handle these channels,” Riddell said. “We’re also using multichannel queuing to manage overflow. So, for instance, if a call has been in-queue for more than two minutes, it is prioritized and re-routed to our email team.”INDIANAPOLIS & HOUSTON -- Blinds.com, the largest online provider of custom window treatments, has reported increased sales revenue as a result of deploying the Interactive Intelligence (Nasdaq: ININ) all-in-one IP communications software suite, Customer Interaction Center™ (CIC).Blinds.com has also reported benefits as a result of CIC’s interactive voice response application. “CIC’s IVR application has helped us reduce live agent service calls by 30 percent,” Riddell said. “This is especially impressive given that we’ve simultaneously increased sales by 50 percent.”CIC has continued to effectively support the company’s growth. “Following our initial CIC deployment, we consolidated our two offices into one,” Riddell said. “Less than a year later we acquired another major competitor. Our staff grew by 60 percent and we had to move 900 toll-free numbers overnight to CIC. Had it not been for CIC’s open, software-based architecture, that move would’ve caused lost business and major disruption.”“CIC has helped us increase customer conversion rates from 18 to 36 percent, which has contributed to an increase in revenue from just under $42 million to more than $70 million,” said COO and VP for Blinds.com, Steve Riddell. “CIC has helped us increase these conversion rates through a number of flexible features, including its skills-based multichannel routing and customer feedback surveys.”About Interactive IntelligenceBlinds.com is the largest online provider of custom window treatments in the world. The company serves more than one million customers throughout the U.S. and Canada and offers huge savings on high-quality window blinds, shades, plantation shutters, and draperies. Blinds.com is the 10th fastest-growing e-commerce company in America. It employs more than 100 people at its headquarters in Houston, Texas. For more information, call 800.505-1905 or visit www.blinds.com. Or follow Blinds.com on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/BlindsDotCom; Blog: http://blog.Blinds.com; YouTube: http://www.YouTube.com/Blindscom; and Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/Blinds.com.

ININ-G

Different Types of Window Treatments Used in Tampa

When decorating your home there are many elements and areas one has to consider to get a certain look. The interior design of a house in Tampa is a crucial element of any home design. One element of home d�cor that is often missed out in Tampa is the windows.

Curtains hung in a Tampa house are often stationary and can be adjusted with tie-backs. Curtains can be hung several ways in a house in Tampa, from using pleated ones that are hung from rings, hung from tabs or rings, or gathered on a rod. Using the same pattern of the bedding for the curtains in one�s house in Tampa can also be done.One can use shades in their homes in Tampa. Shades come in many shapes and sizes that can be used in a house in Tampa. Using shades in a house in Tampa is a great way to diffuse the amount of sunlight that will enter one�s home. A shade for a Tampa house is often attached to a system of rigged cords or a spring loaded roller that allows the shades to be raised or lowered.Shades for a house in TampaDraperies for a Tampa houseOne can use a variety of materials for their shades. Pleated shades and Roman shades are generally made from fabric and pull up like blinds, which is perfect for a house in Tampa since this still allows light without bringing in the heat of the sun.Putting up curtains or blinds on windows in a Tampa home is the most common type of window treatment. Curtains are the simplest and quickest way to bring an element of design to a Tampa home. Choosing the appropriate curtain for a window in a Tampa house will cohesively bring design to a room.Using blinds for a house in TampaWindow treatments add a design element to any window in a home in Tampa. There are several types of windows one can choose from to get cohesive interior design for any house in Tampa. The type of window treatment appropriate for any home in Tampa can only be limited to one�s imagination and creativity.Aside from being a good option as window treatments, blinds are also a great way to cover and bring an element of design to doors in a Tampa house. One can choose from a variety of materials for blinds for their homes in Tampa. Gorgeous shades and blinds made from bamboo, wood, textured or soft honeycomb designs are available at Hunter Douglas manufacturers in Tampa.One does not only have to limit themselves to just putting up curtains in their Tampa home. Draperies will provide an element of elegance and texture to the windows of any house in Tampa. Putting up draperies will definitely compliment a formal room in a Tampa home.Using shutters in a Tampa houseCurtains in a Tampa homeDraperies are a type of window treatment�pleated panels that are hung around any Tampa house through decorative poles and rings or a traverse rod. The pleat arrangement on a drapery to be used in a Tampa home can be made done in different ways, depending on one�s preference.

One does not only have to limit themselves to just putting up curtains in their Tampa home. Draperies will provide an element of elegance and texture to the windows of any house in Tampa. Putting up draperies will definitely compliment a formal room in a Tampa home.

Empire Today® Expands Service In Arizona For Next Day Carpet & Flooring

A Leading National Provider in the Installed Home Improvement and Home Furnishings Industry Expands Service into the Tucson Arizona Area.

About Empire TodayEmpire Carpet YouTubeAlso, visit the following sites for more information:In 2011 and 2010, Empire Today was a finalist for the prestigious national awards for Best Customer Service Organization and Best Overall Company from the American Business Awards. As a Better Business Bureau® accredited organization, Empire has an A rating.Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6839234&lang=enEmpire Carpet TipsEmpire Carpet (Photo: Business Wire)“We are very excited to begin servicing the Tucson area,” said Steve Silvers, chief executive officer for Empire Today. “We are now able to offer more customers in the state of Arizona our quality products, shop-at-home convenience and next day installation service. We make it easy and convenient for customers to update their homes or businesses with our Empire carpet and Empire flooring products.”Empire also offers free in-home estimates or on-site consultations, a Low Price Guarantee and one year financing options with approved credit.Empire Carpet ReviewsEmpire Today, LLC, also commonly known as Empire Carpet, has been a leading provider of installed home improvement and home furnishings for over 50 years. Empire provides services to residential and business customers with a wide selection of products suitable for homes, small businesses, organizations and commercial applications. Our line of quality, name-brand products includes: carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic, vinyl flooring and window treatments. The company provides shop-at-home convenience or on-site consultation, next day professional installation on many products, quality products at great prices, and world-class service to more than 45 major metropolitan areas in the United States. With over one million satisfied customers, Empire Today is dedicated to customer satisfaction. For more information, call 800-588-2300®, visit empiretoday.com or follow us: Empire Today twitter.Empire Flooring Tips

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6839234&lang=en

Finding The Right Window Treatment In Los Angeles And Chicago

Some of the most unique and individual d�cor consultants can be found in smaller centers, but for a truly competitive field that will supply window treatments for your home, you're looking at the larger cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.

Wherever you live, window treatments are going to be a major component of your home d�cor, and you want it to turn out just the way you imagined. Sometimes it means doing all the work yourself, to get every detail as you envisioned it, and occasionally it may mean ordering drapes or extras from consultants who design window treatments in places like Los Angeles or Chicago.Whether your window treatment is a stand alone, or cooperative effort, the results will be exactly what you want, and in the end, that's what really matters.Larger dealers have more contacts, often further afield both in distance, and in tastes, so that they can lay their hands on virtually any accessory, material, or extras that you need to create the right window treatment.

Whether your window treatment is a stand alone, or cooperative effort, the results will be exactly what you want, and in the end, that's what really matters.

Author: Sarah Peters

Locating Discount Window Blinds Doesn't Have To Be Difficult

Discount window blinds is something that a lot of people all over the world are searching for, but not everyone has the knowledge needed to locate them. Finding these blinds doesn't have to be hard, you just need to know the steps to take to make it easier for you.

One: Use the internet - The internet is your best resource for finding blinds that are discounted. This will let you check out more than one type of blind and more than one company. T.ZING! It never fails - I hate it when women do that! You�d never see a guy order something, look over at another guy who�s ordered something different, and say, �Gosh Ben, you ordered something pretty tasty there. Mind if I try some of it when they bring it out?� If you did happen to hear a guy say something like that, he�d probably also be discussing interior decorating, window treatments, or worse yet, why Clint Eastwood movies are too violent. Not exactly a man�s man, for sure.Two: Ask if they offer a discount - There are many companies that will offer a discount, but they don't always advertise it. You have to ask them to find out for sure. It never hurts to ask and if it can save you money, then it will be well worth it.You can even locate companies that give you discounts on their blinds on a daily basis, if you take time to look. Other companies will only offer discounts once in a while, so watch for those also.Roller shades are good protection against the rays of the sun. It can provide you shade especially when the heat of the sun makes you sweat. If you want private moments to yourself, this suits your needs and it minimizes the noise that surrounds your home. With this, you experience something quiet and peaceful which makes you enjoy your solitariness.

There�s just something inherently unsanitary about something jabbing a fork they�re been eating off of into your food. I mean, just think about it, it can�t be a good thing. I can almost visualize hordes of germs pole vaulting off that tainted fork right down into my food. Then, I can see them running around all over my steak, planting little germ country victory flags on it that say, �Conquered, in the name of Germobia.� Finally, I can almost hear the germs laughing as they jump up on my fork, saying, �Well boys, let�s deal a little dysentery to our good friend Ed here!�Plus, the internet gives you a way to ensure that the company you want to purchase blinds from is trustworthy and reliable. This way you don't end up purchasing blinds that you never receive or that arrive in bad condition.The materials used for these shades do matter when you select one of these. This is because prices vary depending on the materials used. Roller shades also come in varied sizes and its thickness provides shade whenever needed. And when you choose the one roller shade from the many designs available in stores, ensure that it complements your inner d�cor. Making your room look good and feel good is important as you want to come home to a beautiful haven.Woman (to the man): �Gosh honey, I almost ordered that myself. It sure does look good, and I just couldn�t decide between the scallops and the Italian chicken. No mind then, I may just eat one or two of yours. You won�t mind, will you?�So ladies, I love ya�ll, but please stay the hell away from my plate. We guys need a few things that we can enjoy alone - stuff like going to the bathroom, ultimate fighting on TV, and the food on our plates. If you ladies will promise not to interfere with these three things, then we�ll gladly promise to stay the meek, hen-pecked, whupped types that ya�ll have come to know and love...

Now that you know how to find discount window blinds, you just need to get started. The sooner you start your search, the sooner you will be able to add the perfect blinds to your home that will add beauty that everyone, including you can enjoy. Just remember to use these steps to find the discount blinds because it is much easier than it seems to be to find them.

Author: Jeff Schuman

Being Scared Through Food That's Shared

Most of you who read my columns know that I love women. Absolutely love them. To me, women are God�s finest creation, and then some. The most pleasurable and meaningful things I�ve ever done in my life involve women, and I�m more than proud to admit it. But, even with all the things they have going for them, even with all of their plusses, women do manage to do one thing that drives me absolutely crazy. And then some.

Four: Free consultation or estimate - There are many companies that offer free estimates for their blinds. There are also some that offer a free consultation.Three: Talk to others online - You can easily talk to other people or read reviews on different blinds or companies. Many times when people find prices that are good for everyone, they will write a review and put this information in there.No matter what the company offers, you want to take advantage of either one of these. This will allow you to talk to an expert about the blinds you want. It will also give you a good chance to ask about discounts.To illustrate what I�m talking about, imagine a man and a woman at a nice restaurant. They�re checking out the menu, and are about to order dinner. The waiter comes up to take their order, and proceeds to take the lady�s first. After taking it, he asks the man what he would like to order. And from here the conversation goes something like this...Asking others about it is a good way for you to find the discount prices. It is also a good way to use because you will be getting a referral from someone you trust or at least know.The following are the essential steps that need to be taken so you can easily locate the blinds you need for a price that is discounted.Roller shades are affordable items to add to your windows. In fact, it is a unique way to cover your windows. These come in fabric, vinyl, wood and aluminum and this can be either rolled up and down or side to side. This also come hand or machine operated. Whenever you have children around, you can choose cordless shades to protect your children against untoward incidents.You will also need to choose a theme for your roller shades. This is because you want it to suit your room. As it closely identifies your personality, choosing the right color will make it conducive to live in. When the color of the shades and your furnishings complement each other, you feel comfortable and relaxed in your room.

So ladies, I love ya�ll, but please stay the hell away from my plate. We guys need a few things that we can enjoy alone - stuff like going to the bathroom, ultimate fighting on TV, and the food on our plates. If you ladies will promise not to interfere with these three things, then we�ll gladly promise to stay the meek, hen-pecked, whupped types that ya�ll have come to know and love...

Author: Ed Williams

Why Select Roller Shades

Whenever people want to redecorate their homes, they think about ways to enhance its beauty. That is why they begin searching for the right window treatments that will fit their windows. And they need to shop wisely especially if they have many windows to cover. Price does matter when it comes to these treatments and you can begin by choosing roller shades.

If a woman wants your food badly enough to eat some off your plate, why doesn�t she just order the item in the first place? That�s never made sense to me - I�ve even asked a couple of ladies in the past why they didn�t just do that, and I was told, �I only want a little, and you should be glad that I want to be close enough to you that I even want to share the food you eat.� Well, that sounds romantic and all, but here�s how it really works out. If a lady takes something from your plate, eats it, and likes it, she�s gonna knock a major hole in your helping. A major hole. The worst thing is, the more she eats, the more she�ll protest that she just wants a bite or two. Famous last words. You�ll end up with a plate with not much food on it, and she�ll be so full that she falls asleep on you during the trip back home. On the other hand, if she takes something from your plate and doesn�t like it, she still leaves behind a small hole in your plate. Then, you have to deal with the fact that your food is cold from all the conversation that has occurred up to this point. Either way, you�re out of food, money, and are still hungry afterwards. Now that you know how to find discount window blinds, you just need to get started. The sooner you start your search, the sooner you will be able to add the perfect blinds to your home that will add beauty that everyone, including you can enjoy. Just remember to use these steps to find the discount blinds because it is much easier than it seems to be to find them.Man: �Waiter, I�ll take the grilled scallops with just a touch of lemon juice on them.�

Roller shades are good protection against the rays of the sun. It can provide you shade especially when the heat of the sun makes you sweat. If you want private moments to yourself, this suits your needs and it minimizes the noise that surrounds your home. With this, you experience something quiet and peaceful which makes you enjoy your solitariness.

Author: Gabriel Eskin

First aid for pets

First Aid for Pets

Two of these key programs, one by Lees Curtains, the other by Aberdeen, have taken markedly different approaches, but both aim to increase sales either by increasing product appeal or through a more efficient use of space.Pets suffering from exposure to the cold,or hypothermia, will appear weak and will be cold to the touch--at the paws, for instance. Usually, animals with hypothermia have been left outdoors for a very long time when the temperatures are extremely low."When you get to 18 numbers, I guarantee that six of them are look-alikes. Most stores can't support 18 tiers. It's very hard to get 12 or 14 winners that are not look-alikes," he said.The display system is the key element of the program and it revolves around two curtain fixtures -- preassembled by the supplier -- that allow maximum use of space while presenting considerably more sku's in the curtain department.The relationship between the economy and redecorating is expressed succintly by Frank Ruggieri, director of franchise sales with Window Works, Inc., based in Pompano Beach, Fla.: "What happens if we hit a recessionary time and people aren't building or buying? They'll stay in their existing homes. What do people do when they stay in their existing homes? They redecorate.'Industry insiders trace the current raised expectations back a couple of years to strategic decisions by department stores like Macy's to drastically reduce their position in curtains because of lagging sales. Not long after that, major discount chains became even more sensitive to the need for improvement in the category.From a first-aid standpoint, foreignobjects lodged in the throat should be removed immediately. Whether that is safe to do with one's own pet is an individual decision. It helps if one person restrains the pet while someone else dislodges the object. If the object is visible, use your fingers to remove it. But if it can't be seen, the use of tweezers or some other gripping device is best left to a veterinarian, who is familiar with the animal's anatomy.For a small wound, apply direct pressureabove the wound with a finger. Clean the wound with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide: about one part peroxide to three parts water. A minor cut not caused by a bite can then be bandaged, but bite wounds should never be covered as that makes an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria that can lead to infection. If the wound is caused by a broken leg (called a compound fracture), keep the leg from moving by gently placing it between two sticks and wrapping it with gauze. Take the pet to the veterinarian promptly. If you don't know whether the victim or the attacking animal has been vaccinated for rabies, tell this to the doctor.Aberdeen has taken a bold new approach of its own by joining its kitchen curtain and kitchen textiles division with a line of ceramics, all in two coordinated patterns -- its top selling Curio Shelf and Kissing Cousins."The stores are choregraphed. The products are put in actual room environments, and the people in the store are there to demonstrate,' says Michael Boehm, whose Space Options stores provide space-planning services and merchandise for homes, offices and automobiles.A major retail decision yet to be made involves choosing the right method of presenting such a broad category of merchandise, as well as choosing the right in-store location.At Lees Curtains, a division of Arlee, company president Bud Frankell said the company is offering a new system of fixtures, which, when combined with polybags and a pegboard system, can boost turns far above the industry average of 2.3 to 2.4.Frankell said the displays have the potential to generate sales of $500 per square foot because they take up so little space."We're different from home centers,' he adds. "They'll replace products if they're defective, but that's about all they'll do. If you buy the product that's inappropriate, that's your problem.'Cuts from sharp objects or bite woundscan sever blood vessels, so the first objective is to control bleeding.The proverbial ounce of preventionthat's worth a pound of cure for dogs and other pets starts with a pet first-aid kit. Here's what such a kit should have:tweezers or small pliers, to remove objectssuch as thorns from the skinTheir marketing strategy is based on offering design consultation and installation.At the National Home Center Show in March, Kenney introduced a space-saving merchandise program for window shades. The assortment creates interest at the point of sale without forcing overstock on retailers, according to a company spokesman."I think the average consumer would opt to spend more money and buy a quality product if he or she really knew the difference,' says Streb, whose franchise offers finished and unfinished furniture and a full range of finishing services.When combined with the pegboard underneath, the display stands 102 inches high and can be used to display several patterns and colors that formerly would have required at least twice as much space.Photo: Today's busy, double-income homeowners don't want to spend their limited free time on do-it-yourself home projects. Increasingly, they are turning to custom home-decorating franchises such as Susan Howe's Decorating Den, which brings samples and a consultant's services to your door from the back of a van.Custom home-decorator franchisors see personal service and high quality as the keys to expanding their 10 percent share of this market.It's not that window treatments have had a free ride all these years, but as the impact of sluggish overall sales has made itself felt, chains are becoming ever more sensitive to the need for maximum performance from every category and some buyers for window treatments are now being pushed to produce more from the same space, or less.POISONINGCustom home-decorator franchisors call their salespeople "design consultants' and train them to provide customers with advice on how to use what the franchise offers."Purchases ordinarily made during a boom time are put off, but what people might do to compensate for that is to buy something to spruce up their homes, remodel a bathroom, a kitchen --something that will stay with them,' he says.Home-decorator franchisors take account of economic realities in another way: When the economy makes buying a home difficult, they orient their marketing towards remodeling existing homes, as opposed to work that is tied to housing startsAnother fixture measures 48 inches by 36 inches and is designed to be dropped onto a gondola. It, too, offers the pegboard system of poly-bagged curtains underneath in complete sets.And combined with the advantages of the space-saving fixture comes a caution from Frankell that retailers sometimes exacerbate their own space problems by too many choices that, in the final analysis, are not all that different.The effectiveness of Kenney's field staff has been heightened by a lap-top computer system that gives field staffers the ability to transmit orders direct from stores to headquarters via telephone modems.Decorating Den's James Bugg counters such questions by asserting that home-decorator franchises have filled the middle ground between pricey interior designers and what he terms impersonal home centers.One fixture measuring 30 inches by 60 inches is designed for use on an endcap and allows for interchangeable valance, tier and swag in the same window display.Frankell said that 1988 is going to be a tough year, a year in which retailers will need all the support they can get from their suppliers while using their own merchandising expertise to make the most of a tough situation."Store for store, the retail business is going to be off, and the home textile business is bearing the brunt of it," concluded Frankell.SHOCK"If she is going to buy a curtain, why shouldn't she buy the whole accessory program that matches it?" Especially when Aberdeen has used its two hottest patterns for the program.

Photo: Stocking a first-aid kit for kitty or any other pet is agood way to prepare for possible emergencies.

Author: Dianne McRae, Melba Smith

Sprucing up with decorating franchises

Sprucing Up With Decorating Franchises

Home centers are large warehouse-type stores that sell furnishings and home-decorating supplies--usually at a lower price--but generally offer none of the extra services, such as planning and installation.Shock is a medical condition in whichthe circulatory system collapses. The pet will have rapid shallow breathing, a fast feeble pulse, dilated pupils, and cold legs, ears and tail. Factors that can cause shock include: poisoning, excessive blood loss, and allergic reaction (to a drug, for instance), or an injury, such as being hit by a car.For larger cuts, especially on a leg,apply a tourniquet between the wound and the torso, tightening it until the bleeding stops. Be sure to release the tourniquet every 10 to 15 minutes to prevent gangrene. A large gaping wound requires immediate veterinary attention because excessive blood loss may cause shock, and possibly death.two small sticks, to keep a broken legfrom movingIt's almost impossible for a discount chain to call itself a full-line store without offering a substantial curtain assortment, yet merchandisers who buy the category are getting more and more pressure from management to improve productivity for the sizeable in-store space these displays often require.The coordinated lines will consist of curtains -- the curtain, valance, tier and the topper. In textiles the line offers towels, mitts, pot holders, dish towels, tea towels and place mats. In housewares there will be a 20-piece dinnerware set, a four-piece canister set, a mug tree, a ceramic utensil holder with utensils, a three-piece mixing and storage set, a wooden napkin holder with salt and pepper shakers and a spoon rest.If your pet starts acting sick--mopesaround, loses its appetite, vomits, has diarrhea --and you don't know why, call the veterinarian.Decorating Den's franchisees do not have shops; they have vans containing samples of fabric, wallpaper and floor covering that they can bring to a customer's house.There's no question about the value offirst aid for your injured pet. Keeping the pooch or other pet in a stable condition until medical attention is available provides a better chance for recovery and may even save its life. For anything but the most minor injuries, though, first aid is only an intermediate step. So, remember: Take an injured pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.Though home-decorator franchisors tout this higher quality and personal service, interior decorators and other groups in the industry have raised questions about the franchisors' levels of expertise.Animals with symptoms of overheatingshould be placed in the shade. To bring the body temperature down, sponge or spray the pet with cold water. If possible, immerse the animal in cold water. Heatstroke is life-threatening, so the pet should be taken to a veterinarian right away."At the American Society of Interior Designers convention last year, their president talked about the many people out there who need $100 curtains and who are being completely ignored by members,' says Bugg, whose wife is a member of ASID.Poisoning is hard to diagnose becausethe most common symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea) can be caused by many conditions. If you see a pet eat a poisonous substance, check the product's package for instructions about what to do for accidental poisoning--whatever is suggested for humans can usually be applied to pets since treatment for poisoning generally is specific to the poison. If the poison is a petroleum product, acid or alkali (such as motor oil or dishwasher detergent), do not induce vomiting; give a few spoonfuls of milk, olive oil, or egg whites to reduce absorption of the poison. If the poison is a chemical like aspirin, antifreeze or insecticide, do induce vomiting by giving equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water with an eyedropper or teaspoon. It's best to check with a veterinarian before giving other drug antidotes such as syrup of ipecac or activated charcoal. Pets that like to chew should be kept away from poisonous chemicals and house plants. (See accompanying chart for some common household items that can poison pets.)"We're selling more than product. We're selling service,' says Joe Esposito, vice president of Four Seasons Greenhouses in Holbrook, N.Y. "We have salesmen who will come to your house, and they'll generally have the ability to make a drawing that shows how our product would fit.'Norma Devito, vice president of Aberdeen's curtain and kitchen division, said, "We are doing totally coordinated kitchen curtains, kitchen textiles and total ceramic houseware and dinnerware. Nobody under one roof has ever done this. We are doing something that is hot as hell and the people we have shown it to feel the same way."The overheated animal pants excesivelyand may faint within just a few minutes. Initially, the lining of the mouth is bright red as the body tries to cool itself by sending blood to the head. Later, if the circulatory system collapses, the gums become very pale. Vomiting may occur.Innovative Fixturing, Coordinated Kitchenware Promise Growth and Excitement for CurtainsPHOTO: Lido Mazzei, up, sales for Lees Curtains, explains the advantages of the firm's new fixture.cotton ballsNever try to take an object from thethroat of an unfamiliar animal.The franchisees provide a blend of merchandise and services: window treatments and bedroom accessories, unfinished furniture and greenhouses, cabinets and bathtubs, carpeting and shelving, candles and fragrances, wall-paper and tile.WOUNDSConceivably, some retailers may use the two Aberdeen coordinates to create a whole new sub-category in their stores. Their strategies may become clearer soon after market week.CHOKINGeyedropper or teaspoonNot all veterinarians agree that pets inshock should be kept warm. But since an animal in shock should have immediate medical attention, it's a good idea to keep the pet comfortable and warm on the way to the veterinarian.

Photo: Today's busy, double-income homeowners don't want to spend their limited free time on do-it-yourself home projects. Increasingly, they are turning to custom home-decorating franchises such as Susan Howe's Decorating Den, which brings samples and a consultant's services to your door from the back of a van.

Author: Don Shipley

Windows of opportunity - marketing curtains in discount stores - Home Market Trends Supplement

Windows of Opportunity

When today's homeowners want to spruce up their homes, they don't want to run around town with furniture swatches, paint chips and carpet samples.In responding to this latest crunch, major suppliers are presenting innovative options not previously available to make curtains more profitable and space-efficient.James Bugg, president of Decorating Den, the only full-service decorating franchise, agrees: "Married women who work are just too darn busy to run around doing the shopping as they once did.' Bugg's 600-unit Bethesda, Md., franchise calls itself America's first affordable shop-at-home decorating service.Photo: Stocking a first-aid kit for kitty or any other pet is agood way to prepare for possible emergencies.Bill Streb, vice president and CEO of Naked Furniture, says its salespeople receive extensive training in using visual aids to demonstrate product quality and service options.Never leave a pet confined in an overheatedarea, especially if there's poor ventilation.Faced with limited free time that keeps them from shopping at do-it-yourself home centers, many of these homeowners are turning to custom home-decorating and accessory franchises. At least that is what the franchisors of those businesses say.In explaining the thinking that went into Aberdeen's strategy, Devito explained, "We wanted to have the total package. We are already manufacturing curtains and kitchen textiles. The obvious next step was adding the coordinated housewares pieces in the kitchen and dining area. Coordinates are one of the biggest things today."scissors"The customer wants service in the store today, and that's an obvious reflection of demographic changes in our society,' says Houghton Hutcheson, vice president of franchise development of WNS, Inc., which has 650 franchise units in three segments of the decorative accessory and gift market, including candles and fragrances (Wicks "N' Sticks), wall hangings (Deck the Walls) and wallpaper (Wallpapers To Go).Like Decorating Den, other franchised specialty home decorators are emphasizing convenience as well as merchandise.The display system presents the products in a way that is strictly self service. Customers need no sales help. "By purchasing sets, you eliminate the residue of valances and tiers that are out of stock," Frankell explained."People are not as easily able to buy a new home as they were in the past, and once they get into one, they have to stay in it longer,' says Hutcheson."The Future of Franchising,' compiled last year by Megatrends author John Naisbitt and his research group for the International Franchise Association, projects that the remodeling and home-services franchise industry will enjoy 20 percent annual growth, taking the industry from the current $5 billion annually to over $9 billion by 1990.With large pets, such as a Germanshepherd, a modified version of the Heimlich maneuver can be applied to remove an object from the animal's throat. Place the animal on its side, and press below the lowest rib. This isn't recommended for small animals because overzealousness on the wrong location could fracture a rib. If the pet continues to have labored breathing, seek medical help immediately.The feet, tail, ears and muzzle are themost frequently frost-bitten areas. They will feel hard and cold. Thawing should be done slowly and gently. A cold-in-jured area is very delicate, so do not manipulate or massage the area. Instead, apply heated towels, electric blankets, or hot water bottles directly to affected parts. Blow-dryers can also be used, but hold them about 12 inches away, and put the heat setting on low. The pet should be checked by a veterinarian for internal injury.Table: Pet PoisonsCOLD INJURYAlthough the coordinated line will be officially introduced during market week in May, major retailers who have previewed the line are reported to be ready to commit to it.Some chains are cutting back on space for window treatments and others, while not insisting on such reductions, are now starting to make demands for turns and volume that weren't made in previous years.All these innovations are not producing rosy predictions that fixtures, hanger bags and whole new lines or coordinates will cure every ill in the hard and soft window treatment business.Devito said some retailers seem to favor creating facing endcaps to highlight the new program, while others are considering key space in housewares or domestics for both of the lines.Similar to the approach taken by Lees Curtains, Kenney's three-tier drapery hardware merchandising of its polybagged line offers maximum density in limited space.At Kenney, the company continues to emphasize vendor service to its customers through a large field staff that, collectively, made more than 53,000 service calls last year.Impulse buys do not disappear when the economy is sluggish, he says, they just become more sensible. Gone are the cruises, luxury cars and other big-ticket items, but home decorating is still seen as an investment.hydrogen peroxideHere's how to put that first-aid kit touse. But remember, unlike treating humans (usually), giving first aid to an animal involves the risk of an accidental bite. If you think a bite is likely, it's best to take the pet directly to a veterinarian.Heatstroke, or hyperthermia, is mostprevalent when the outdoor temperature rises to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's been reported at temperatures as low as 90 F. Many cases occur when a pet is left a hot car. Or, a pet may be outdoors on a rope or chain, and overexerion due to excitement brings on heatstroke. Other contributing factors include lack of water, obesity, and breed predisposition--the bone structure of the muzzle in breeds with a face like a bull-dog's may cause breathing difficulties. Dogs are more vulnerable to heatstroke than cats.More than any other demographic trend, the emergence of families in which both husband and wife work-- and the resulting lack of spare time-- has fueled the growth of the industry, according to Hutcheson.gauze, to wrap a broken or cut leg orto tie around the muzzle to prevent bitingscotch tape, to hold a temporary bandageSeveral major retailers have already decided to test the new system, including K mart, Jamesway, Ann & Hope and McCrory's.a small blanketHEATSTROKE

PHOTO: Lido Mazzei, up, sales for Lees Curtains, explains the advantages of the firm's new fixture.

Fall - A New Season - A New Decorating Scheme

What exactly is fall? Being my favorite season, I decided to look it up and see how Mr. Webster defines it. Flipping to �fall� I found �autumn�, ok turning to that here is what it says, �autumn, the season that comes between summer and winter�. Well, that�s pretty cut and dry and I think most of us already know that, so here is my interpretation.

2. Time to switch out that summer d�cor! Bring back the ornate picture frames, deeper colored throw pillows, and warmer fabrics. These items can warm up an interior when the temperature outside is dropping!4. Collectibles Bring a Personal Touch to Home DecoratingSwap out summer flower arrangements for new ones that have a fall theme. Take a walk around your yard or in a neighborhood park or state forest and look for things to use, like unusual shaped twigs, pinecones, acorns and seedpods. Mixing these with store bought silk mums, preserved leaves or cat -o-nine tails in any type of container you may have will give a fall look to any surface.1. Changing the Look of Your WallsAdd some warm throws over the back or arms of the furniture, change out the accent pillows to something with a fall print or warmer colors, even just one or two pillows can make a difference.Changing your window treatments from light summery fabrics and colors to something with a heavier texture and darker color is one quick way to warm up a room for fall.3. Accessories Make Your Decorating CompleteAs mentioned above, this is also an opportunity for change in your homes d�cor. Now I�m not talking about a complete redo, just adding accessories that are fall related is all that�s needed.�Autumn; cool days leading into brisk nights. Fresh picked apples, leaves ablaze with color, pumpkins, gourds, Halloween, Thanksgiving and a brand new opportunity to decorate your home�.This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright � 2004 bonnie carrier.Collectibles can be anything involving three or more of the same thing, or items that are related. This can include porcelain dolls, Christmas villages, collector plates and who can resist those adorable little faces of Boyds Bears. Maybe items with a nostalgic feel like tin lunchboxes, cookie jars or salt & peppershakers stir up special memories of childhood.So, if you are ready to give some decorating a go, try these basic changes to start. Over time, more things can be changed but for right now, simple changes can make a big difference.

How ever you decide to celebrate and decorate for fall, stay warm, get comfortable and settle in while you wait for the next season to visit.

Author: Bonnie P Carrier

5 Ways In Which You Can Make Simple Changes To Your Home Decorating

Home decorating, ever wanted to try it, but hesitated because of time constraints or budget concerns. The following ideas will not only give instant results, but more importantly fit into any budget.

2. Look to Your Windows For a Whole New View5. Updating Your FurnitureTake a look around local discount and craft stores for artificial fruit. The advantage to these is once this season has passed they can be packed away until needed again next year, so this makes for a very economical and savvy investment.Candles � Village Candle Factory Store, located in Topsham Maine. I�ve been burning candles for many years and these are my absolute favorite. As for the smell, well all I can say is yummmmm. Favorite scents consist of: Crisp Apple, Spiced Pumpkin, Mulled Cider & Gingerbread.Speaking of pumpkins, purchase a few - real or not - and spread them around your home both inside and out. Combine them with colorful gourds, apples, silk mums, leaves or berry vines in bowls or baskets for a festive look.Changing your window treatments is probably the easiest of any home decorating projects. The choices range from styles that include drapes, tab-top, cafe and shears, backgrounds of solid colors, floral and stripes, fabrics that include silk, cotton, lace or velvet. The most economical is ready-made; they are very affordable therefore giving you the opportunity to make changes more often.1. In cooler months, you need warmer colors! Look all around you to discover the harvest colors�pumpkin, cinnamon, amber, wine reds, harvest golds, nutty browns, deep salmon, etc.Scent is another indication of the fall season. Candles and potpourri in fall fragrances like pumpkin; spiced apple or cider will make walking into your home a wonderful experience. Below are a couple of favorites of mine.Hang a grapevine wreath adorned with colorful mums on your door, or how about using the wreath as a centerpiece. Lay it in the middle of any table and place a ceramic or even real pumpkin in the middle.5. Bittersweet, yarrow, berry vines, pumpkins, gourds, golden pears, dark red apples, nuts of all sorts, artificial leaves and flowers are some other great filling ideas for baskets, shelves, bowls, and vases around the house.How ever you decide to celebrate and decorate for fall, stay warm, get comfortable and settle in while you wait for the next season to visit.

This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright � 2004 bonnie carrier.

Author: Bonnie P Carrier

Ten Tips to Decorate for Autumn

Cool breezes, warm colors, hearty aromas! A time for the harvest and for surrounding yourself with the beauty of the changing season. Autumn is my favorite time of the year! Out doors is where I like to be in these months, so when it�s time to come back in, I like for my interior to reflect the wholesome harvest season. Check out these ten home decorating tips for bringing your seasonal senses alive this Autumn!

10. Not many people I know can afford to repaint their walls with the changing seasons! If not, reinvent by changing out your artwork. Check out www.overstockart.com for affordable and abundant choices for you Autumn d�cor. Van Gogh�s Rest From Work, or Wheat field, Klimts Beech Forest, and O�Keefe�s Two Pears and Single Calla Lily are just a few ideas! Happy Harvest and Happy Decorating!!Adding a new color or changing the texture, can give the room a completely new appearance and that may be the only decorating change that is necessary. The easiest option is to paint, and with the color choices available, the possibilities are endless. Another consideration would be wallpaper; the only problem you may have is choosing a design. If on the other hand, only a little something extra is needed a simple stencil design might just do the trick. Any of these ideas can be used either individually or in combination with each other.8. The trees seem to age in this season. Follow that theme by switching some of your metallic furnishing (frames, lamps, chimes, hardware) from silver to brass and rust.Some of the more common are area rugs, wall art, lamps, pillows and cozy throws. Items for the kitchen make beautiful additions, for example; canisters, dinnerware, dishtowels or decorative bottles filled with oils and vinegar. Add a little whimsy with oversized ceramic figures like roosters, or the adorable pigs holding chalkboard menus. Bathrooms are another area for pretty accessories like decorative soaps placed in a bowl or basket; towels come in so many colors and designs now that they alone make great accessories. Last but not least do not forget candles and bowls of potpourri.7. Switch your drapes or blinds. Prepare to keep the cold out, and do it in style! Vintage laces and crochets are a great addition to your seasonal window treatments.I�m not sure about you, but one of the reasons I love the fall is that with the cooler temperatures, I seem to have a renewed energy level. Daily activities are suddenly not such an effort. Think about the things you can do with this newfound energy. Giving your home a good cleaning - after all who wants to do that when it�s 90� and the humidity level is so high it feels like it could rain inside your home - sorting through and discarding unwanted items in closets, drawers and cupboards. Admiring mother natures magnificent color show while taking walks with the family or a favorite four-legged fur baby.Potpourri - �Natures Own Potpourri�, located in Tennessee, I have used many different brands and this is by far the best. Some of my favorite scents are: Apple Tree, American Harvest & Country Retreat.9. PATTERNS ARE BACK!!!! Put away your summer solids and geometrics and bring out the inviting patterns. Check out freespiritfabric.com!One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is with slipcovers; they come in a large variety of colors and patterns. Pieces like end tables, hutches or even a dinning table and chairs can be refinished for a new look. One way is with paint. Pick a color to coordinate with your room or choose something bright and whimsical. Another option would be to use stain, stains come in a multitude of shades; they can also come in colors.

10. Not many people I know can afford to repaint their walls with the changing seasons! If not, reinvent by changing out your artwork. Check out www.overstockart.com for affordable and abundant choices for you Autumn d�cor. Van Gogh�s Rest From Work, or Wheat field, Klimts Beech Forest, and O�Keefe�s Two Pears and Single Calla Lily are just a few ideas! Happy Harvest and Happy Decorating!!

Author: Breiana Cecil-Satchwell

Classical and Trendy Ready Made Curtain Styles

By using window treatments, such as full length curtains, it should be relatively easy to set a mood of relaxation while maintaining an informal atmosphere within your dining room. When opened with coloured rope or classy beaded tiebacks, full length curtains add a certain sense of grace and style to a room.

Whether purchased to complement a shade or a miniblind, the topper and valence business is showing explosive growth and consumers continue to soften hard window treatments with softer styles.The program eliminates a problem retailers have observed with the two other options for shades, cutters and tear-aways. While chains such as Bradlees still use cutters, most, including K mart and Ames, have moved to tearaways because these products do not require sales help to size the product.Clopay's Jeffrey said the lack of interest may be due to the nature of the product. "Pleated shades are best suited for bedrooms and bathrooms, but those are rooms where people require the most privacy," she explained. "That is difficult to do with pleated shades and can get expensive."The overall shade business, manufacturers reported, is enjoying a sales increase thanks to the growing interest in marrying hard and soft looks. To tap into that potential, Clopay and others have unveiled coordinated shade and topper programs. Clopay's Fashion Trims, for example, coordinates a shade pattern with a matching pattern on a trim.For rooms featuring dark furniture, long curtains in darker colours work best. They tend to provide a sense of warmth on cold evenings and create a cosy atmosphere in traditional style homes. You can fit them with a pellet and tiebacks that match, this kind of curtains look very refined and classical.One of the greatest advantages that comes with ready-made curtains is the availability of so many sizes and colours. The textures vary widely to compliment the many differing home interior and design styles. They can be used alone, or they can be used with blinds or other window accessories to provide some privacy as well as offering the ability to choose the amount of sunlight to let in.Basswood blinds are a common typekind of wood blinds that are quite stylish and have far more rewards than standard ones. The first main difference between the two is that one is made with a trendy look to while the other looks dull and lifeless.

One of the greatest advantages that comes with ready-made curtains is the availability of so many sizes and colours. The textures vary widely to compliment the many differing home interior and design styles. They can be used alone, or they can be used with blinds or other window accessories to provide some privacy as well as offering the ability to choose the amount of sunlight to let in.

Author: Terry Henman

Life after the mini - miniblind sales at discount stores - HomeMarket Trends supplement

Life After the Mini

Manufacturers predict consumers will start turning to verticals for windows instead of patio doors, which account for 55 percent of the business."Pleated shades are a custom-made product," insisted Chuck Wooster, buyer for Fisher's Big Wheel, based in New Castle, Pa.A source at Norwalk, Conn.-based Caldor, said pleated shades are not ready for the discount environment."Discounters are reluctant to go with fashion," added Cole. "They want price and a few color options."To bring a feeling of freshness and friendliness into a dining room, the choice could easily be either modern or traditional style floral curtains. Curtains featuring pale background colours with flowers or blooms look very lavish in larger bay windows.Sources at chains such as K mart, Caldor, Sears, Roebuck & Co., Fisher's Big Wheel and Gold Circle agree they want to enhance their window treatment selections. However, the pressure to produce brisk turns and plump profits is so intense in the category, that several discounters refuse to take too many risks with deeper color or fabric selections and trendier styles. Most retailers said they try to maintain margins in the 30 percent range, although the promotional free-for-all in minis resulted in paltry margins under 20 percent.Instead, discounters are luring shoppers with improved shade departments including pre-measured shades, extended topper selections and broader vertical programs. Although vendors believe pleated shades are the next look destined for the mass market, retailers are unconvinced.The need for a new growth area has raised a merchandising dilemma at most discount store chains--whether to emphasize basics or flirt with more fashionable products.The next step in verticals, said a source at Levolor, will be verticals which look like drapes. Retailers said this look should be strong with those who want the convenience of verticals without the contemporary look.Retailers including K mart, Caldor and Ames are shifting more of their dollars into the topper business.Now that miniblind sales have peaked in the mass market, discounters are searching for the next look they hope will propel sales in the $4 billion retail window treatment market."They need something after the $4.99 miniblind," observed Camille Jeffrey, market development manager, defined accounts for window treatment manufacturer Clopay. According to Jeffrey and other manufacturers, the miniblind prices were footballed so much that there was very little room left for profits. That, along with consumer demand for softer looks, sapped the strength of minis."We promote toppers often and feature them in the store as a perfect partner with blinds," said Russel Pankey, buyer for Troy, Mich-based K mart. "We merchandise them adjacent to one another to reinforce the look."If going for a gracious look while trying to enhance pale dining room furniture, use cream coloured curtains with boldly contrasted edge of faux suede and within the pelmet. For small dining rooms, pastel coloured ready-made curtains offer a look of sophistication, but are at the same time very affordable.Fueling these moves, said JoeJankoski, vp, sales for Levolor Lorentzen, has been a change in the products sold at discounters and an education on the consumer's part.The demand for self-service shades has resulted in a new program at Clopay called "Exact Dimension." According to Jeffrey, Exact Dimension is a way of selling shades presized, as miniblinds are now.However, with the help of several vendor programs, discounters are polishing up their image in window treatments. In fact, many now have products and services mimicking those found in department and specialty stores."People used to go to a store with a certain shade in mind and they'd need assistance in everything from selecting the size to installing it," he explained. "Now many people are satisfied with stock offerings and retailers are adding more custom products."Retailers are also clearing space for more vertical blind offerings. According to Jeffrey, many chains are upping their commitment to verticals from 4 feet to 8 feet.But basswood blinds are some of the easiest kinds that you can clean. Even when they are covered with dust they are easy enough to wipe off. The greatest part is that they do not curve and twist on you - but keep still and grant you to do your thing.Proof of the interest in verticals is K mart's recent addition of verticals to its mix. "We're actually still pleased with our miniblind business," Pankey said. "But we have added verticals because we're seeing more interest there.""If I had to pick one area showing excitement, it is the toppers... the festoons and balloons," reported Chuck Wooster, buyer for Fisher's Big Wheel. "Window treatments is a tough market, minis have peaked, verticals are just starting to sell, but toppers are the hottest thing.""The awareness of pleated shades is up from 4 percent three years ago to 76 percent," said Joseph Cole, vice president, sales and marketing for Graber Industries. "In some accounts we deal with, pleated shades outsell verticals.But, most discounters are sticking with basic colors such as white, beige, blue (particularly country blue) and rose. They are finding the room for new topper programs by reducing space devoted to lower-end roll-up shades."There's been dramatic growth in vertical blinds, including more fabric options," said Sears' Caldwell. "We've expanded our selection beyond plain vinyl to textures and colors as well as sizes."To assist the self-service customer, Levolor has created point-of-purchase materials including photographs of how the treatments can be used and a five-step outline to product selection. The display is suitable for endcaps.At Sears, the look enjoyed some success but has stabilized and does better in the custom area, reported Wood Caldwell, style director for the Chicago-based chain.Another advantage they have over the general kind is that they are simple to clean. How many of us have taken hours trying to clean off just one set of blinds? We scour, spray, and eventually scream in defeat to remove all of the dust that has coated onto it only to interchange them in the end.Neutral tones are perfect for contemporary interior design styles, especially when in fabrics such as corded or faux suede fabrics. These types of fabrics and tones coordinate very well with modern styled furniture and compliment less formal lifestyles very well. Faux suede is very soft to touch, and the curtains hung on pleated headings, or alternatively they can be used with curtain rings and poles and finished with beaded tiebacks for a very smart look.Most manufacturers, however, believe it is just a matter of time before the look trickles down to the mass market.

The next step in verticals, said a source at Levolor, will be verticals which look like drapes. Retailers said this look should be strong with those who want the convenience of verticals without the contemporary look.

Liven Up Your Windows With Basswood Blinds

Many people who move into a brand new home will have the average mini blinds - which are already installed into each of the windows. The negative thing is that numerous of us will make the decision to maintain these blinds and will not even consider to interchange them. They believe that there is too much hassle in putting in new ones or different kinds of window treatments. It's time to stop believing this way and grant your home a better feel with basswood blinds.

Not suprisingly, discounters are playing it more cautious this time. They are sticking with less trendy items; products they know will sell.One of the best things about these kinds of blinds is that they can be bought in a mixture of colors and designs. This makes them very versatile and grants them to be utilised in virtually every type of home. They work to turn your boring windows into an essential accessory of your house.With bay windows, a look of sophistication and elegance is usually achieved through the use of Jacquard or Damask curtains. These fabrics offer a medium weight, along with the range of colours and patterns available, make them a top choice. With either of these fabrics, curtains are available with deep headings as they produce some very beautiful pleats and subtle folds. There are also curtains designed specifically for bay windows, such as eyelet curtains and these are very economical, while providing a very trendy look.Some chains have even tried pleated looks. Prior to its consolidation with Worthington, Ohio-based Gold Circle, Richway stocked pleated shades. The items were perhaps ahead of their time, a source reported. Whatever the reason, the look did not sell and it resulted in a costly clearance for the chain. Consequently, Gold Circle does not carry pleated sku's in any of its stores today.

It is time to throw out those old window treatments and interchange them with something that you can really savor. Enliven up your home with only the greatest and highest quality accessories.

Author: Naomi West

EXACTLY why the police were so unprepared [..]; Major probe is launched into Met's response to student riots

EXACTLY why the police were so unprepared for yesterday's student riots was at the centre of a probe today.

Following these simple and easy instructions will turn any room into an elegant work of art. Let your imagination create the picture and get the right people and the right materials to complete your masterpiece.CAPTION(S):3. Consistency counts. In an ideal world you don�t want to mix and match styles in your home. If you love modern, stick with it throughout. There�s nothing more jarring than having a home that�s done entirely in Victorian and then walking into a master suite that�s contemporary. Pick a style and stick with it.As the investigation into the central London chaos got under way, it emerged hundreds of North East students and lecturers had been at the protest which started peacefully. Around 500 protestors from the region's main universities and colleges joined the thousands calling for an end to higher education cutbacks and tuition hikes.5. Color is free � Use it. Paint is a cheap way to redecorate a room. But you may be surprised that good wallpaper is just as cost effective and easy to apply. In fact, you can usually paper a room in a day that would take two or three days to prep and paint. And wallpaper is great at hiding the blemishes that require a lot of spackling and sanding if you were to paint instead.Tom Delamere, Newcastle University's student union president, said: "Our union is doing as much as we can to convince the Government that investing in higher education is a must - and making students pay for the deficit that the government got us into is unfair." National Union of Students president Aaron Porter said a small minority of protesters had "hijacked" the march, describing the violence as "despicable" and blaming it on a "small minority".4. Live with your choices. If at all possible, borrow samples and live with them day and night. Colors and textures change with the lighting of a room and while you may love a color in the daylight, it may not be so lovely in the glare of interior lighting after the sun sets.Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson was under pressure to explain why officers were caught out by the rioting at Millbank Tower. He described the clashes as an "embarrassment to London and to us". Earlier students had directed their protest at Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg,.He said: "We talked about the need to prevent anything like this and how important it was to act in a responsible way. Unfortunately a minority have undermined us."6. Pick a single focus. Each room needs a focus � a single item. It could a fireplace, an antique piece of furniture, a stunning sofa, etc. Don�t give into temptation and confuse the eye with too many things to look at.But even those who disagreed with the clashes said the principle of free education was worth fighting for.

SHAME Police came under attack from the rioters and, right, the yobs turn their anger against the Conservative Party's offices at Millbank DISGRACE Tory HQ at Millbank is attacked by rioters as yesterday's student protest against tuition fees suddenly turned ugly