OUR BLOGS
Discover Your Perfect Shades
Explore Polar Shades' Blog

Autumn is the time to add vibrant colors, textures and seasonal accents to your yard, patio and deck. The following are low maintenance planting ideas that can have a big impact on your design: Expert Tips for Fall Planting Once the weather starts to cool down, homeowners are able to enjoy the outdoors throughout the day, not just during the evenings. This makes it the perfect time to plant some...

Undergoing a kitchen remodel can be extremely inconvenient. Without access to your kitchen, you’re unable to use your appliances, silverware, plates, etc. Here are the top 10 tips to help you plan ahead and prepare to be temporarily without a kitchen: 4 Tips for Surviving a Kitchen Remodel 1. Plan to eat out part of the time Crunch the numbers first and try to stick to a dining-out budget. This...

A lack of storage makes it difficult to keep your home clean, and the resulting clutter often causes unwanted stress and anxiety. Luckily, with a bit of creativity, it’s easy to add attractive storage options to even the smallest of spaces. The following ideas will help you get started: 3 Stylish Storage Hacks to Increase Space and Functionality 1. Start with Smart Furniture Make the most of your...

If you're planning to host a get together in your home this fall, it doesn't have to be a stressful occasion. Whether you're planning a small gathering or a grand affair, there are plenty of tricks you can use to simplify the process. Make your fall entertaining a cinch with five easy hacks. 1. Take the Party Outside The crisp autumn air makes spending time outdoors particularly enjoyable this...

Creating a high-performance multi-media space in your home adds value and makes family movie night even more exciting. Here are four ways to get started: 4 Steps to the Perfect Multi-media Room 1. Look at the Lighting Too much light can make it difficult to see your television. Install duo shades, which offer a blackout shade, ideal for movie watching, and a sheer or sun control shade, so you can...

As television has grown in importance – adding internet capabilities, on-demand services and even more programming – the sizes of the device have grown, too. This can create a problem when it comes to decorating, as a large TV can distract from your design. 4 Ways to Keep Your TV from Becoming an Eyesore 1. Camouflage Camouflage your television by mounting it onto, placing it in front of or...

You’ve heard that wearing vertical strips can make you look taller, while wearing horizontal stripes can make you look wider. The same principle is true of interior design. Stripes hold the power to reshape a room, so it’s important to use them wisely. Stripes Exude Versatility Aside from their ability to make a room look taller or wider than it actually is, stripes are versatile because they:...

If you plan to reside in a space for a short period of time, it can be difficult to fully let yourself settle in. Here are a few easy ways to make your temporary living space feel more like a home: 1. Incorporate Decor That Reflects Your Style Many temporary living spaces prohibit or require approval for permanent alterations to the space. Instead of nailing your pictures or artwork to the walls,...

Picking the right dining room rug can be challenging. Here are some great tips to help you solve this decorating dilemma: Choosing a Rug Size, Shape, Color, & Weave The right rug can bring texture, warmth and color to your dining room. Consider these elements when making your selection: Size is an important factor with a dining room rug. Too small, and it may get in the way of your chairs. Too...

The kitchen is the heart of the home. If you're considering renovating your house, it only makes sense to look at your kitchen first. Before committing to an expensive remodel, there are a few things you should take into consideration. Factors to Consider When Adding onto a Kitchen Assessing Your Needs It's important to know what your goals are before the renovation begins to ensure that you stay...

Interior designers can turn a dull, drab space into something spectacular. They can help you combine design and function to make any room even more fabulous and bring a lot of value to home renovation. But, are they really worth the cost? Here's a look at some specific instances when it makes sense to hire an interior designer: When to Hire an Interior Designer When You Aren't Sure What You Want...

When it comes to kitchen design, the hotter the better! If you enjoy cooking and entertaining, adding style with some professional and restaurant-inspired design elements can help take your kitchen up a notch in no time flat. Professional Tips for a Smokin' Hot Kitchen Design Appliances Speed and ease are particularly important when preparing multi-course meals or large dishes. Look for...