How to Mix Patterns (without making a mess)

You've seen it done before. It's in all the magazines. But you aren't quite sure what makes you qualified to do it, right?

Mixing patterns isn't has hard as it looks, thanks to a recent story in Better Homes and Gardens. Simple tips - like stick to one color and white - make it almost criminally easy to get that high-fashion look in your very own home.

Even more hopeful? The fact that just by adding color you can make a major improvment to your visual space without spending a fortune.

Still insecure about your ability to pick the right scheme? That's what Gordon's Window Decor is for. Swing by our Essex Jct. showroom for help and ideas.

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Learn How To Mix Patterns (Better Homes and Gardens)

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Fancy Fabrics on a Budget - Top Five Ways to Economize Your Decorating

So, it's a recession, right? Which means, among other things, it's almost nauseating to think about splurging big-time on that much-favored but higher end fabric for large scale decorating of your room.

Well, what about using the high-end fashion prints for accents? The interior design writers at About.com came up with some creative and budget-friendly solutions for how to pull out the bling in a room while still saving some cash. (Content courtesy of About.com)

Here were our favorites from their picks:

1. Valance or Cornice: Traditional valances use lots of gathers - and fabric. Nowadays both valances and cornices are simpler, some requiring flat panels of fabric which will generally require minimal yardage.
   
   
2. Drapery Border: The leading edges or center split of a pair of draperies are the vertical edges closest to the center of a window. Dress up this seam with a flat border of expensive fabric, sewn into drapery panels made of less-expensive yardage goods.
   
   
3. Flat Panel Cafe Curtain: Forget all the and measured pinch-pleats. Next time you need to cover the bottom half of a window for privacy or color consider designing a flat panel curtain. It's easier to sew, and won't get lost in the folds.
   
   
4. Pillow Front: A small accent pillow or a larger bed sham allows you to use expensive fabric on the front of the piece and something simple on the rest.
   
   
5. Border or Hem: A contrasting hem for a bed skirt, drapery panel, or a tablecloth, is one way to spread an expensive fabric around the room.
   

Marriages trending later in life: What to gift at the wedding?

According to recent figures by the U.S. Census, more couples are putting off the vows than ever before, with the marrying age for women jumping from 20 in the 1960s to 25 today, and the average age for men at 27, up from 22.

As marriage age shifts, so does the ideal wedding gift, and many retailers are finding shoppers looking for ways to help newly married friends with major home investments instead of the old classics of flatware and linens.

Here are some ideas retailers have for later-in-life wedding gifts:

• Interior Design: Buy a session with an interior designer, feng shui expert or décor consultant for your relatives or loved ones to help them re-start on the right foot

• Prepay for an energy-saving home improvement, like cellular window shades, to help with money-saving long-term investments

• Purchase a gift card at a nearby hardware store or department store for couples who may be facing major fix-it jobs, or encourage engaged friends to register at stores with home improvement products.

• Collaborate with several friends to chip in and buy one major home purchase, gift card, or home improvement cash-equivalent as opposed to several small gifts.

Gordon's Window Decor will work with buyers on deals that cater to wedding gifts, and offer cost-savings for large purchases.

"We talk to many couples who are taking the next step in their relationship by shopping here - often their first investments together are in smart home purchases,” said Kelly Conklin, a sales manager.

“Helping out with those essential household needs fills a big hole in the budget for new couples,” she said.

Top Five Affordable Ways to take advantage of Federal Tax Credits

All the home improvement and DIY decor blogs are abuzz with folks chattering about how they want to take advantage of the federal energy efficiency tax credit. Who wouldn't?

But a common theme pervades: All those hot new eco-trends seem too expensive!

The U.S. Dept. of Energy estimates homeowners can save 30% on their heating and cooling bills by adding insulation and air-sealing to their homes.

“The new tax credits can help homeowners defray the cost of several types of energy efficiency upgrades, making them more affordable at this time of economic strain for many” said Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency for a recent article by RisMedia (rismedia.com).

“By tightening up their homes with added insulation...and sealing of doors and windows, homeowners will enjoy lower heating and cooling costs, too,” Callahan added.

Keeping that in mind, we've compiled the Top 5 Most Affordable Energy Efficient Home Improvements Using the Federal Tax Credit:

1 -Insulate The Roof - up to 25% of heat is lost through the roof. And it doesn't have to involve hiring contractors and major expenses. Check it out - the government has tips on how to do it yourself.

2- Cover windows with Energy Smart coverings.
EcoSmartShades have been certified for the tax credits when used with the energy tracks. We custom cut them to size, and if you're looking to really save we have DIY installation instructions online. Visit our site to learn more about them or order online. Or find stores near you.

3- Replace dying appliances with EnergyStar.
Do make sure they are eligible for tax breaks. Sure, it might not be the time to splurge on just anything, but look for that logo when replacing an old battered appliance that is on its last legs. And do it by Dec. 2010!

4. Insulate Hot-Water Pipes
Wrap all hot-water supply pipes with foam rubber insulation. The dense rubber will keep water that's trapped in the pipe hotter for longer, reducing the time you have to run cold water while you wait for it to heat up. As a bonus, you'll save on fuel to heat the water.

5- Sneaky Leaks: Cover up skylights, sliding doors, and get storm doors!
Cover skylights and sliding glass doors with energy-saving window treatments, and consider adding storm doors. The energy efficiency tax credit includes purchases of storm doors meeting requirements. Skylights and sliding doors can be easily overlooked, but are just as bad culrpits as windows. EcoSmart Shades also provide custom-cut tracked shades for these uses - and as always, we offer free fabric samples.

For more on home improvements with the tax breaks visit:
Alliance to Promote Energy Efficiency
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
The Internal Revenue Service
EnergyStar Tax Credits rundown