Month: August 2018

We all have that one room of the house that’s just… dreary. And it seems like no matter what you do, the room is just dark and somewhat depressing. Fortunately, there are a number of incredibly simple things that you can do that will brighten up a dark room.

Here are some of our favourites:

1. Reflective Surfaces

One of the easiest ways you can brighten up a dark room is by reflecting the light that does come in. You can do that by decorating with mirrors and choosing glass furniture and decorative pieces. These will bounce the light around the room for you and instantly lighten it up!

2. Rugs

If you’ve got a dark-coloured floor, then the best way to brighten the room is going to be to add a rug. Of course you need to make sure the rug is light-coloured, but once it’s in place, you’ll feel like the room is a lot brighter.

While one large area rug works best in this situation, that might not work for that particular room. If that’s the case, then you might be able to place several smaller rugs around the room. You can put them by the doorway(s), or under pieces of furniture.

3. New/Upgraded Furniture

Dark furniture could be one of the problems if you feel a room is too dark. For that reason, we recommend replacing, repainting, or refinishing furniture to go with a lighter colour. Light-coloured furniture, especially big pieces, will help a room feel a lot brighter.

For a super quick fix, you can throw light-coloured furniture covers over furniture. For tables that are too dark, toss a table cloth or even a doily on them. That will help brighten up the room without having to put a lot of effort into completely re-doing your furniture.

4. Additional Lighting

This may seem obvious, but we’ll say it anyway. By adding lighting, you’ll instantly make the room brighter. There are so many options when it comes to adding lighting that you’re sure to find something that works for you, even if you just add a lamp or two.

If you want the light to feel more natural, then you’ll want to install lighting along the walls, and it will make it seem like you’re getting natural light coming in.

5. Translucent Curtains

Curtains are great for providing privacy and a touch of elegance to a room, but thick or dark-coloured curtains can darken a room too much. Choose light-coloured curtains that allow some of the light to come through them so even when they’re closed, you’re not left completely in the dark.

6. Plantation Shutters

These are a great way to brighten up a room because you can open them up all the way to let the light in. Then, when you do want the room to be dark, then it’s easy to close them and you’ll be able to watch a movie or take a nap.

What’s also great about plantation shutters when it comes to brightening up a room is that they come in a bright white colour which will help make the room feel even brighter.

Modern’s plantation shutters can help to make any room in your home feel brighter and lighter. Contact us today for more information.

When decorating a room, there are a number of things to think about if you want to get it perfect. What’s important is that everything works together in harmony. In this post, we’re going to cover 4 points to consider when decorating a room to ensure a beautifully-harmonized room.

1. Lighting
The first thing you want to think about is the type of lighting you have inside, and how much you have coming in from outside. For most rooms, you’ll want to make sure that you have the ability to let in as much light as you want. Sometimes, you will also want the ability to shut out excess light.

For electrical lighting, you can establish that flexibility by having multiple light sources or using a dimmer switch. Natural lighting can be a bit harder to make work for you, which is why plantation shutters work well. They give you the ability to let in as much natural light as you want.

2. Colour Scheme
If you want a room to come together in harmony, you have to make sure everything stays within the same colour scheme. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to pick the perfect scheme that will ensure there is a mixture of uniformity and variety in your newly-decorated room.

When considering a colour scheme, make sure you don’t overlook any part of the room. Most people only think about the walls and floor when they’re picking a colour scheme, but you also want to make sure furniture and even window treatments match the scheme or else they end up looking out of place.

3. Style or Theme
Whether you’re decorating a room to match your personal style or want to follow a certain theme, there are many options to choose from. No matter what you want the room to reflect, you’ll want to make sure every element within it adds to that style.

Imagine being in a room with an old western theme that has paintings of wolves and wagon wheels adorning wood-panelled walls with natural wood furniture. But, right in the middle is a very modern, very plastic coffee table. It would ruin the whole effect!

One thing you can get that matches nearly any style is plantation shutters. They not only work well with a number of different themes, but they will help add to them and won’t break the magic. Plus, because they match different styles, it’s easy to redecorate again without having to get new shutters.

4. Your Budget
Nobody likes to think about this, but you have to consider your budget for the project. After all, most of us can’t afford for our homes to look like something from Good Housekeeping magazine. That’s why we recommend “DIY”ing as much of it as possible.

When it comes to things like installing plantation shutters, however, you’ll want to have a professional come in and do the job. Bringing in the right professional for window treatment installation will actually save you money in the long run since they’ll do it right the first time.

For more information on how Modern can help transform your home, contact us today!

Summer is the season of entertaining. Christmas lunches, family barbecues and play dates can sneak up on you, so now is the time to set up your outdoor space.

Invest in an awning

Nothing puts a damper on an event like the scorching sun. Too much heat can make your guests feel tired and fatigued, so providing an area of shade is a must. An awning can give you that much-needed shade while retracting for when you want to spend some time in the sun. When choosing the right awning for your space, look for one that will provide enough shade for guests to stand and mingle.

Add seating

Having plenty of seating can make your outdoor area more comfortable and practical. Investing in soft outdoor couches or chairs means that you can enjoy afternoons reading, napping or entertaining guests. While you don’t have to have a seat for every guest when hosting larger gatherings, you’ll want to have enough chairs for several people to sit at once. Arrange your seating around a table so that guests can chat and you have a central location to set food and drinks.

Plan your planting

Lush greens instantly liven up an outdoor space, but plants are about more than their good looks. Plan your planting strategically, making sure that trees will provide shade in the right spots and hedges give a natural border to your space. You can also consider herbs and flowers so that your outdoor space smells beautiful all summer long.

Light up the night

Summer days might be long, but that doesn’t mean the party stops when the sun goes down. Adding lights to your outdoor space means that you can spend more time in the fresh air with family and friends, and it also adds instant aesthetic. Fairy lights and café lighting create a whimsical atmosphere, while lanterns can create a relaxed vibe.

Summer-proof with shutters

Keeping your outdoor area cool is key to a comfortable summer. Louvre shutters are elegant and attractive, adding to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. But with sweltering summers in places like Sydney and Perth, louvre shutters are also practical. The solid construction protects your home from summer storms, preventing dents or breaks. This not only keeps your home looking great but keeps it safe, too.

Roller shutters will also help keep heat under control. They provide a barrier between your home and the sun that keeps UV rays out, making roller shutters in Perth and around Australia hugely beneficial. When the party is ready to move indoors, your home will be cool and comfortable. Plus, this insulation will help keep your energy bills down in the summertime.

Another benefit to your roller shutters is the flexible noise control. Because the shutter blocks noise from coming into your home, anyone can still enjoy silence inside while your guests laugh and chat outside.

Have you prepared your outdoor areas for summer yet? If so, what did you do to make a difference?

To learn more about roller shutters and how they can help ease the heat of summer, contact Modern today.

You spend a hefty budget making your home reflect who you are. From the colours of the pillows to the accent rugs, everything has to come together just right to give your home an authentic and unique look. But if you are focusing on colours and patterns, you are missing the one key thing that can transform any space. That is lighting.

In this article we will explore how lighting can help you to create your space and take your design to the next level.

Lamps

Lamps can give you concentrated light. They can help you to create space that is intimate and personal. Lamps are the best option for bedrooms, studies, or nooks because they can be used to give you a space to read, work, and play. You can combine different types of lamps, like table and floor lamps, to add light right where you want it.

Using lamps gives you the ability to choose how much or how little light you want as well as giving you the option of changing the wattage in different areas of the room. Lamps are also perfect when you are sharing a space because your light won’t interfere with the person across the room from you if you choose your wattage correctly.

Track Lighting

Track lighting is often used to shine a light on a specific item, like a picture. It can be used for more of a spotlight. Usually, it is attached to the ceiling and then shines down where you want it. It can come with three – five lamps that can be focused, turned and maneuvered to produce the look that you want. The downside is that it also causes quite a lot of heat. This is great in a kitchen, living room, or hall, but you probably wouldn’t want to use it in the bedroom.

Natural Light

Natural light can help your space in so many ways. It can help you to create a bright and welcoming space. It can help to lift your mood. It has even been said that natural light helps rooms feel cleaner. The best way to use natural light is to get plantation shutters. This can help you direct light however you would like.

Plantation shutters allow you to control how much light you want and need. It can create a feel for your room that you simply cannot get any other way. Another great thing about plantation shutters is that they give your home curb appeal and can direct air into your home to cool it down.

Decorative Lighting

Decorative Lights are used when you don’t want to block your sight line by the light fixture. Think recessed lighting above kitchen countertops. It can be beautiful and handy when you use it in the right place. The beauty of decorative lighting is that it can be as unique as the space that you put it in. However, it is usually limited in the space that you can use it in.

This is just four types of lighting. There are more out there. Lighting can change the colour of your space. There are so many ways that you can use it create your ideal space without spending a ton of money or even extending your budget. If you need a way to change your space and add drama, then you should take some time into looking into the lighting options you have for your space.

Contact Modern today to learn more about how plantation shutters can transform the look of your home.

Home renovations can be daunting but, if done properly, they should be a rewarding undertaking. Whether you flip houses to earn an income, rent out your property and hope to earn more, or want to renovate your home for your own comfort and enjoyment, the end goal of home renovations is to add value.

After all the hard work, stress, and myriad decisions involved in your renovation are passed, you want to look at your finished product and see a noticeable fiscal gain. You may see the rewards right away, such as if you renovate a house and are able to sell it at a higher market price; or the rewards may take time to reveal themselves, such as an incremental price raise in rent which eventually covers the cost of a renovation.

Regardless, home renovations add emotional and monetary value if they are executed properly. If you’re contemplating a home renovation, consider these tips for success:

Do your research and make a solid plan

When you’re eagerly browsing through home decor magazines and dreaming of your new modern chic house, it’s easy to want to jump right in and start tearing down walls. Don’t do it without a thorough plan. Unfinished renovations are a big red flag for buyers. Not only is it an eyesore, but most buyers are reticent to pick up where you left off in your project. Make sure you determine how much work needs to be done to achieve the ultimate value. Should you renovate the whole house, or just a couple of spaces?

Compare your house with others in the neighbourhood and add value which jibes with your local area. Agents can be helpful in this regard, as they are knowledgeable about listing prices, how much houses typically go for, and what buyers are looking for in a house in your neighbourhood.

Make a good first impression

Does the outside of your house give out a good first impression which makes potential buyers excited to see what’s coming next? Try to achieve a tidy, fresh look. This can be accomplished with a new coat of paint, clean windows, and an orderly yard. Consider putting in a fence, or repainting it if you already have one. These are simple and cheap changes which give the impression that the inside of the house is also well-maintained.

Set a detailed budget

Sticking to your budget ensures that you’ll complete your project according to your fondest wishes, and also guarantees you’ll gain from the value you invested. Some professional renovators recommend you budget first for each room, and then for each project. A common rule of thumb is to spend no more than 10% of your total house value on renovations.

This keeps you from spending too much without receiving a comparative gain in value. Another helpful rule is to allocate 20% of the total renovation budget for the kitchen and bathrooms. These areas stand out to buyers, and you want them confident that they don’t have to worry about plumbing issues, gas leaks, mold, or faulty appliances. Don’t forget to also set aside an additional 10% for contingency. That will save you stress when the inevitable surprises and mishaps occur during the course of your renovation.

Simplicity is elegant

For most of your spaces, simplicity should be your aim. Buyers are attracted to bright, open spaces. This can easily be accomplished by a fresh coat of neutral paint and new flooring in the living room and bedrooms. Inexpensive cosmetic changes can also make a world of difference to modernise a home. Install new light fixtures and door handles.

Consider upgrading your windows with plantation shutters, a timeless classic window treatment which dresses up a room while adding function. Plantation shutters can also be used as adjustable sliding doors to open up spaces between rooms or allow privacy.

DIY and professionals: divvy up the tasks

Determine which tasks you can complete yourself and which require a professional. If you feel out of your depth, don’t risk making massive mistakes, or your mess will have to be cleaned up before you start all over again. Especially for structural changes, it can be helpful to rely on referrals and compare quotes from different contractors.

A large part of your cost will be labour, so make sure you trust your team. Cosmetic changes like plantation shutters, light fixtures, and paint are affordable, and will earn a big reward in the appearance and value of your home.

Modern can help transform your renovated home into a timeless classic with new plantation shutters. Contact Modern today to learn more.

Thinking about having shutters fitted in your home? Then consider roller shutters. Roller shutters have become one of the most popular choices for homes. These are made from metal and are fitted above doors and windows. Not only do these shutters protect from weather but these also provide more security and will add value to your home.

Benefits of Roller Shutters

We have put together the top 10 points that you should know about roller shutters, so you can be informed before you enquire for a quote.

Security – Roller shutters give your home extra security. The shutters have a locking system and act as barrier. Not only that but thieves look for homes with easy access, they will see shutters and be put off. This means that the shutters act as a deterrent for home intrusion.

Temperature Control – Roller shutters are insulating. The shutters can stop heat escaping your home in the winter and can stop heat coming in your home in the summer. This means your home is kept at a comfortable temperature and you can save money on energy bills.

Long Lasting – The shutters are made from durable materials like steel and aluminium. This means that roller shutters are long lasting and will be able to withstand the weather without warping.

Easily Maintained – The last thing you want is a window fitting that is not easy to maintain. With roller shutters you won’t have that problem. Just wipe with a damp cloth. These do not need cleaning often.

Light Control – With roller shutters you can control how much light enters the room. If you need complete darkness you can close the shutters completely. This is a great option for people who work at night and sleep during the day. If you want bright light or anything in between you just roll your shutters until it looks right.

Reduce Noise – Not only can you control light but sound to. Roller shutters can reduce the noise that comes from traffic, the neighbours, animals, airplanes and more.

Protection Against Weather – The shutters will add protection against any weather conditions from hot sunny weather to stormy weather with rain and hailstone. Roller shutters will not rattle during high wind and can even protect your house from trees and debris in storms.

Bushfire and Fire Protection – Bushfires are a common problem in Australia and other hot climates. Roller shutters can help to protect your home from bushfires and other fires. The shutter acts a barrier and protects against heat and ash. Your windows can also be saved as fires can shatter the glass.

Stylish Design – You can choose from a variety of colours to make sure your roller shutter suits the style of your home.

Add Value to Your Home – Roller shutters add value to your home. So, if you decided to sell your house, roller shutters can give your home the edge in the property market.

How Modern Can Help

Modern can give you advice on the right roller shutters for you. We can provide quotes, information and more. Our service is professional, fast and reliable. All our shutters are secure and easy to operate. You can also have confidence and peace of mind as we offer a five-year warranty. Enquire with Modern today about how roller shutters can benefit your home!

Your home should be your happy place, but high energy costs and constant bills can make it seem less than perfect. If you’re ready to lower your cost of living while increasing your home’s aesthetic, it might be time to consider roller shutters.

What contributes to cost of living

Many people save for years before buying their first property. Purchasing a home is expensive, even without the bills that come later. It’s easy to forget about energy costs every time you turn on the light or wash the dishes, but the reality is that these household bills can force homeowners to struggle to make ends meet. While daily habits like taking shorter showers and remembering to turn off lights can help, sometimes you need something more to lower your cost of living.

How roller shutters can reduce your cost of living

Shutters might not be the first idea to come to mind if you want to lower your cost of living, but the sturdy construction, effective insulation, and ability to filter UV rays make them a great solution to save you money.

Provides insulation

Weather varies greatly in Australia, so during the wintertime, we find our homes growing colder as the days go on. Curtains and blinds aren’t able to effectively insulate your home, and cold weather easily penetrates your glass windows. Roller shutters, however, provide a thick wall of insulation that holds in heat and repels the cold. This insulation can cut your winter heating bills drastically, lowering your overall cost of living.

Blocks out heat

Just as roller shutters are able to insulate in the winter, they’re also able to block out heat during the summer. Australian summers can sometimes be unbearable, especially if we live in a home that tends to hold in heat. The uncomfortable temperatures might mean that we have to run fans all day long or even install an air conditioning unit to stay cool. With roller shutters, the heat will be blocked from infiltrating your home, which means you’ll have to put less effort into keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. This can help you keep your bills low during what tends to be the most expensive season of the year, making roller shutters in Sydney an absolute must.

Create an energy barrier

Roller shutters provide your home with an energy barrier that’s far superior to the barrier your windows can provide. The barrier is present 24 hours a day, so your shutters are consistently working to lower your energy bills throughout the day and night.

Offers light control

In addition to temperature control, roller shutters give you total light control. Because of their solid construction, roller shutters can block out light completely, which not only saves you having to buy blackout curtains but also allows less heat indoors. On the other hand, you’re able to let plenty of sunlight in when you please, saving you from having to turn on lamps in the afternoon. Light and temperature control will help drastically lower your bills all year round while providing you with complete convenience and privacy.

How Modern can help

If you’re ready to take control over your cost of living, installing roller shutters in Sydney or around Australia is a great place to start. Modern can help you choose the shutters that best fit your lifestyle as well as answer any questions you might have.

Modern’s roller shutters are made with the highest quality materials, so you’ll have complete peace of mind making your purchase. You can be sure that your shutters will last through all seasons and even wild weather. Our installation specialists are professional, reliable, and fast, so you’ll have your shutters fitted perfectly in next to no time.

Do you already have roller shutters? Have you noticed a difference in your bills?

Contact Modern today to organise a quote for new roller shutters.

Whether you’re after lower energy bills, elevated style or protection from sun, there are plenty of reasons to add window treatments to your home. You might be researching your choices and wondering which new addition is right for your home.

Here’s what you should know about curtains, blinds and plantation shutters.

Curtains and blinds in your home

When it comes to curtains, blinds and shutters, you have a lot of choices. You might find yourself wondering where to start. Understanding the benefits of each window treatment will help you make the best decision for your home.

Curtains are made from one or two pieces of fabric panels that are typically used in pairs. These can be made from both light and heavy material in a variety of patterns and colours. Blinds, on the other hand, are made from several small pieces that tilt to block out sunlight. Finally, style meets practicality and functionality, plantation shutters are a sturdy solution that’s mounted to your window’s frame and tilt for superior adjustability.

How should you decide between curtains, blinds and shutters?

Before purchasing blinds or curtains for your home, there are a few things you should consider. The first is whether price or quality is more important to you. Curtains can be a great option if you’re looking for an affordable window treatment, but they’re also prone to fading and tearing. Because they’re not as sturdy as plantation shutters, it’s likely you’ll need to replace them every couple of years.

If you’re debating whether to install blinds or shutters in your home, you might also consider how much adjustability you want. While curtains tend to let through a small amount of light even when closed, shutters allow you to choose how much light and sound make their way into your home.

Plantation shutters have been around for many years. Dating back to ancient times, plantation shutters have have always been used for the same reasons, to keep light out and still ventilate a room or a home. While this may seem obvious, have you ever wondered about what plantation shutters were originally made of or how the name plantation shutters ever came to be?

Well, we have all the answers!

Read on to find out more about how Plantation Shutters have become a loved modern day window furnishing.

Windows Never Used to Have Glass

Originating back in ancient Greece, plantation shutters were used to cover windows and keep out the elements. Glass was a very expensive and hard to come by material so was very rarely used until more modern times. Shutters were made from marble as wood shutters had not been invented yet. Marble shutters were solid and non-moving. Living in a Mediterranean climate meant that this style shutter worked really well to let in light and air while keeping out occasional rain.

Moving forward to Tudor times, shutters were changed to be made out of wood, making them much easier to open and close. While still vastly different to the shutters we know today, Tudor style shutters were made from solid timber panels. These panels were secured to the inside wall and folded back to be flush with the internal wall when the window needed to be open. Once closed the wooden panels were secured with a mental bar of large piece of wood for security.

Wealthier families who could afford glass often had glass panels at the top of each window to allow light in without the shutter having to be opened. The bottom half of the window would still be a large wooden shutter. Today this style window furnishing is referred to as cafe style plantation shutters.

How the Name Plantation Shutters Came To Be

As time passed and people travelled and settled into different countries, plantation shutters were brought along to be developed in a new country. The best example of this is when Mediterranean and European settlers moved into America. This saw the rise in plantation shutters on American style housing.

This new trend became extremely popular in the South where large plantation houses integrated the new sophisticated designs into their housing. This is how the name came to be. To this day Southern plantation housing is still known for its grandeur and elegance which can be largely contributed to the addition of shutters.

During this period, shutters were made of wood however unlike the Tudor period had been worked to become lightweight, moveable, aesthetically pleasing and practical. Louvres were now able to be angled to allow light in and ventilate the room yet still allowed protection from the elements.

Shutters in Australia

Shutters we first brought to Australia when the early settlers first arrived. Bush housing windows were protected by timber louvres fixed to the windows. Once the colony became more established wooden louvres were eventually replaced with glass louvres. Over the years plantation shutters have been reworked into the shutters we know today.

Nowadays there are many choices when it comes to window furnishings. However, plantation shutters have always remained timeless and while they have improved greatly over the years they still remain a popular choice for many home owners. Check out our post for more ideas for your new plantation shutters.

Modern are the experts in plantation shutters and are always available to answer any questions to may have about our shutter options. Contact us today and our team can organise a time to arrange a quote!