It's your patio – your retreat after a long workday and a place you want to kick off your shoes and enjoy the weekends. For an area that should be fun and alluring, your patio is about as welcoming as a skunk at a garden party. As the days get shorter and cooler, you know a ZipRite shade from Polar Shades will allow you to savor the outdoors while blocking unpleasant outdoor elements (like rain,...

Interior lighting can have a large impact on a room’s ambiance and style while providing practical benefits. It’s also relatively inexpensive and causes less upheaval compared to other design projects. Using interior window shades and 7 other design tips, enhance your interior lighting: 1. Consider Ceiling Height If you’re hanging a light fixture, the height of your ceiling is an important...

As fall approaches you want to mark the change of seasons with decorative flair. Be sure to welcome cooler temperatures while not letting the sun set on the outdoors. Here are 5 fall home essentials: 1. Spread Lightweight Blankets on Chairs and Couches They're called throws for a reason: because you can throw them into place (and even from one family member to another). You may not need a...

Moving has long been considered one of life’s major stressors and it doesn't diminish in intensity with practice. The potential for incurring damage adds to the anxiety, which is why moving companies urge people to take their time and plan before they pack a single box. In reality, movers probably have that half right. A successful move – meaning one that doesn't result in any damage – is...

You may be a night owl out of necessity, toiling away in your home office because you must meet work deadlines. Or you may be a night owl out of choice, pounding the keyboard after midnight because you're busy with other activities by the light of day. Still, just like every “day person” can benefit from creating a dynamic home office, every night owl can benefit from making tweaks that, can give...

With summer coming to a close, it’s time for home owners to prepare their home for the rest of the year. Consider performing routine checks and other home enhancements this August to save money on energy costs and more. The following is your homes to-do checklist for August: Inspect Your Heating and Cooling System While many people think their heating, cooling and ventilation system matters most...

When they're clean, they bring classic brilliance to any kitchen. But when they're dirty, they can look woeful and neglected. Fortunately, stainless-steel kitchen appliances are relatively simple to clean – as long as you play by the rules. It's important to do both because despite its name, stainless-steel does stain and can rust if dirt, dust or grime build up to the point they undermine its...

It's probably one of the smallest rooms in your home. But when your laundry room is firing on all cylinders, the washing machine is rumbling, the dryer is tumbling and your feet are moving at a frantic pace to organize the output. Polar Shades can't put the brakes on your soles, but we can help you put the brakes on the energy it takes to keep this powerhouse room running in top form. The U.S....

If you love to cook, then you probably hate to waste food. It grates on you. If you don't enjoy cooking, then wasting food may seem like an inevitable nuisance that tempts you to hang up your apron for good. Here are seven of the best organizing practices to reduce food waste and ensure you make the most of the food you buy, stretching your food budget like the most pliable mound of focaccia...