Go on a blind date
by Jyoti Kapoor
Blinds — they are trendy, suave, elegant and lend an edge to the decor. These are no longer associated only with offices or hotels as more and more customers are opting for these to do up their homes.

Choosing furniture:  men vs women
You may remember the scene in the movie "When Harry Met Sally" when a couple had their first fight while moving into a new home. He'd brought his huge "bachelor pad" wagon wheel coffee table, only to find out that she can't stand it.

Go on a blind date
by Jyoti Kapoor

Blinds — they are trendy, suave, elegant and lend an edge to the decor. These are no longer associated only with offices or hotels as more and more customers are opting for these to do up their homes.

Window blinds, as they are generally known, have redefined window fashion. Furnishing boutiques in the city offer a whole range of blinds in various shades and designs. "Fabric blinds are a hot favourite with those doing up their homes" say Vikas, a Panchkula-based design consultant. There is a greater choice of shades and designs and blinds are easier to maintain, he adds. Any kind of fabric, be it silk or net, can be used and the cost depends on the type of material used.

Also available are Roman blinds which give an ancient touch to a place. You can go in for a mix 'n' match if you're the unconventional type. The designer mix 'n' match comes in a spectrum of more than 100 colours. These are available in sheerview, dustguard and classic range.

"A lot of swags and valances are being tried out these days. These impart a royal and coordinated look," says Bunty, a fabricator in a leading furnishing boutique of the city. A cloud valance or swags with ruffled side drops or bishop's sleeve effect would make any window a vision of beauty.

Blinds also offer an excellent solution for difficult corners and windows and give an impression of space in small rooms," says Ritu, who got her living room dressed up with fabric blinds.

For all those preferring the ethnic and natural look, the cane or chick blinds offer an excellent option. Costing about Rs 100 to Rs 500 per sq feet, these bamboo and wood blinds are durable and easy to maintain apart from being artistic.

Then there are roller blinds which fall into layers and look good in kitchens. Decorative stencil designs, landscapes and sceneries add an artistic touch to any room.For kids' bedrooms,interesting animal motifs in vivid hues are available.

Whether vertical or horizontal, fibre glass or bamboo, blinds promise to connect your contemporary lifestyle with your gracious past.

So how about a facelift for your windows ?

Choosing furniture:  men vs women

You may remember the scene in the movie "When Harry Met Sally" when a couple had their first fight while moving into a new home. He'd brought his huge "bachelor pad" wagon wheel coffee table, only to find out that she can't stand it.

The next scene shows the weary man hauling his prize table out to the curb for trash pickup. Why is this so funny? Perhaps because we've all had our run-ins with the Mars vs. Venus factor in home decorating. He's thinking "comfortable, sturdy, and functional" while she's thinking "floral, pastel, and pretty." Whether a couple is merging two established households or just starting out, these two different views can collide into small and large disagreements over how to furnish a room and a home.

While there are numerous exceptions to any rule, men often want sturdy furniture, a comfortable lounging place, simplified accessories, and room to spread out. She's worried this means ugly recliner chairs in the living room. When she sees floral designs and curvy lines, to her it's elegant and pretty. He views it as being fussy and uninviting. Then she begins to think he has no decorating taste whatsoever... and they're off!

Since the key to solving most dilemmas is understanding, the following chart of men's and women's likes and dislikes may be the place to start. Instead of marveling at the opposites however, see what "likes" you may have in common with your spouse, and use those as starting points for decorating harmony.

(Courtesy: www.about.com)

Furniture

Mars: what he likes

Venus: what she likes

Upholstered Furniture    Sofas  Wood Furniture  Coffee Tables

Comfortable, simple designs, larger scale, plain and leather upholstery, straighter lines, substantial  Men often prefer large scale, comfortable seating, in dark leather upholstery Straight lines, heavy weight, simple designs, dark woods, metal  Men often like sturdy tables in dark woods, straight lines, with room to spread out

Curved backs, rolled arms, delicate lines, details such as skirts, cording, and soft pillows  Women often prefer lighter colored upholstery, curved shapes, and details like skirts, cording, and extra pillows Curved lines, lighter weight, embellishments, lighter woods, traditional designs  Women often like more delicate, curved lines and the airy feeling of glass.