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I love moving to a new place. I love the idea of decorating a home and the endless sea of possibilities. Living in a tropical or warm climate makes using heavy curtains or drapes somewhat prohibitive. The solution, I found, is a liberal, yet tasteful, use of wood blinds.

I admire simple decor and the accentuation of clean lines. I also admire Asian themes that include Japanese, Chinese, and Javanese pieces. Accentuating the modern, simple teak furniture in my living room, are a series of wood blinds painted with an off-white. This color contrast makes the room a striking place to think. Moreover, the white blinds make the room seem brighter and more expansive. Perhaps an antique Chinese painting on the focal wall will add a touch of class and elegance to the whole room. A few glass jars of money plants, with lush green leaves, placed on the coffee table or the teak showcase can add an extra dimension to the room. And when the sunlight is just right, a simple twist of the wooden blinds will make the room absolutely breathtaking.

Wood blinds are also featured in my dining room. Since my dining room opens to an area overlooking the swimming pool, it has become a featured spot for family gatherings and summer barbecues. When it is pleasant enough I easily roll up the blinds, open the glass doors, and let the fresh air and sunshine flood the room. I have also put up outdoor wood blinds for some of the doors that get the most sunshine. Sometimes nothing beats a cool, dark dining room. Since these blinds are incredibly durable, my small tribe of cats are discouraged from scratching them to pieces. Likewise, their trail of fur tends to end up on the floor, and not on the blinds, unlike curtains or drapes (which used to be two-toned with cat fur). This means I spend far less time cleaning and spend less having curtains cleaned and laundered.

Being enamored of Japanese and Javanese decor, I have had a Japanese rock garden and a small Koi pond added to the backyard garden. I often appreciate this serene ambiance and often find myself either napping or trying to meditate. But it has been the case that my best attempts to bask in the serenity are undone by the magical smell of cookie baking wafting through the open windows, through the blinds, and into the garden. Alas.

And let us not forget to mention the kitchen. I have had golden oak cabinets installed and the dark wood blinds on the windows set off the entire kitchen. Just as with my living room and dining room, I enjoy having the choice of letting a lot or a little sunshine into my kitchen, especially in the morning. So, crack open the blinds and let the sun shine in.

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Tags: Decorating Tips