Author: Franki

About Franki

As the latest addition to the tuiss blog team, I'm eager to learn what makes our loyal customers tick and find the most incredible things on offer to share with them. Writing is one of my many passions, along with reading whatever I can get my hands on and, occasionally, being a bit of a geek.

Complete the Look :: Rustic

September 21, 2014 by Franki·0 Comment

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The rustic look is a timeless and traditional style that is perfect for this time of year – as the world outside gets a little colder, your home will retain a warm and cosy atmosphere.

Unfortunately, we don’t all have the space or funds to create a sprawling rustic theme such as the home above, but we’ve been searching for some of the best, most affordable accessories to help you give your home a rustic touch…

Wallpaper

Wooden walls are often a big feature of rustic decor but if you don’t already have wood foundations in your home, you can struggle to achieve this effect.

Rockett St George have the answer to your problem with this gorgeous Lumberjack Log wallpaper from their Engineer Collection.

With a stunning detail to the design, this wallpaper will give you the tools to create an eye-catching and unique statement wall in your room.

Fur Throws

Not only a brilliant decorative touch, fur throws are also a cosy option for oncoming winter months and these Luxurious Supersoft Fur Throws from Cox & Cox are no exception.

Perfect for either the bedroom or the lounge, you can use them as a gorgeous, decorative touch, or snuggle up in them and stay warm and cosy all winter.

Faux-Antler Chandelier

We want to stress that no deer were hurt in the making of this striking chandelier from Enzio Designs.

This stunning design is guaranteed to add a touch of rustic chic to home whist proving to be an eye-catching addition to your decor.

Mirror

This gorgeous Spalted Ripple Hornbeam mirror is from Graham White Furniture and will prove a practical and perfect addition to a rustic environment.

With sweeping edges and the natural grain and texture of the timber left untouched, this mirror will not only add to the rustic sir in your home, it will also bring an outstandingly natural, organic feel.

Window Dressings

For an excellent finishing touch to your rustic style, extend it to your window dressings.

The Mellow Oak & Natural wooden blind with decorative tapes is an excellent choice for creating a traditional feel to your decor and the cotton tapes add a further touch of style.

However you can also use fabrics to create a rustic effect in your home, as shown by the gorgeous Lytham Macadamia curtains, pictured above.

Real vs Faux – Venetian Blinds

September 16, 2014 by Franki·1 Comment

After careful consideration, you’ve decided that venetian blinds would be best suited for your home… But would real or faux-wood be best? What about an aluminium venetian blind instead? Which one will be the perfect choice?

No need to panic – todays blog will look at the benefits of each type of venetian blind to help you make the ideal choice for your home.

Wooden Venetian Blinds

Pros…

Classic and charming – real wood venetians carry a timeless charm to them to give your room a beautiful, rustic finish.
Strong and durable – made from solid wood, these blinds are guaranteed to last so you can keep on-trend for longer.
Selection of colours and grains – from painted finishes to blend in with your decor to natural wood grains, both light and dark, to create a stunning accent in your home.
Various slat sizes – from 35mm to 65mm, you can choose the best slat size to suit your window perfectly.
Excellent light control and privacy protection – with a simple tilt of the slats, you can let the sunlight stream through whilst keeping the view from outside protected, perfect for over-looked windows.
Perfect for south-facing windows – the real wood slats won’t warp out of shape when subjected to sunlight, offering you a long-lasting solution.

Cons…

Water damage – real wood can face warping and twisting if they’re fitted in moist environments, such as a bathroom or a kitchen.
Fading in the light – darker grains can fade if they’re subjected to intense sunlight too often.
Heavy to operate – larger blinds can be more awkward to raise and lower due to the sheer weight of the wooden slats

Faux-Wood Venetian Blinds

Pros…

Made from durable PVC – the strong, robust materials used guarantee that your faux-wood blinds are stylish and long lasting.
Woodgrain detailing – with a strong texture designed to look like a natural grain, you’ll barely be able to see the difference.
100% waterproof – ideal for bathrooms and kitchen, the PVC slats are completely water resistant.
Easy to clean – whether it’s wiping them down with a damp cloth or soaking them in the bathtub, faux-wood blinds can be cleaned quickly and easily.

Cons…

Bending and twisting – if placed in direct and intense sunlight, the PVC can warp and bend out of shape.
Weight issues – due to the density of the PVC, faux-wood blinds are not always a lighter choice and can be more difficult to raise and lower if covering a larger window.
Small selection of colours – many faux-wood blinds are only available in neutral colours, such as whites and creams, and a few wood shades.

Aluminium Venetian Blinds

Pros…

Sleek and contemporary – straight lines and shining finishes make aluminium blinds a stylish and modern choice
Affordable – a cheaper option compared to the wood/faux-wood blinds, you can save money but still guarantee style
Incredible light control – with more slats than its larger counterparts, you can bathe your room in a beautiful glow with just the slightest twist of the tilt-wand
Keep your privacy protected – great for windows facing the main road or an overlooked apartment, you can keep yourself protected whilst still letting plenty of light into your home
Suitable for kitchens and bathrooms – the rust resistant aluminium will not be affected by any water splashes or moisture in the air
No twisting or warping – intense sunlight won’t bend the slats out of shape, making them suitable for south facing windows
Excellent choice of colours – vibrant colours, subtle naturals and shining metallics are readily available, making them one of the most colourful venetian blinds on the market

Cons…

Rattles and shakes – if your windows open on a windy day, the aluminium slats can act as wind chimes as they sway in the breeze
Delicate material – the slats can be bent out of shape if handled too roughly, making them a bit of a nightmare if you have pets or young children who like to grab and explore
Smaller slats – if you have large windows, the 25mm slats of the aluminium blinds can often make it look a little too busy
Difficulty cleaning – simple dusting can become quite the task as the smaller slats leave less room between each other when opened, making it harder for you to fit your hand in to wipe them down

And there you have it! The pros and cons of both real wood, faux wood and even aluminium venetian blinds.

To summarise, if you’re looking for a blind to fit in your bathroom, faux-wood or aluminium would be a better choice due to their water resistant qualities. If your room is subject to direct sunlight then a real wood or aluminium blind would be a more practical alternative as the slats will not twist out of shape in the heat.

We hope that this post has been of help to you but if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask us in the comments 🙂

Why Buy Made to Measure?

September 14, 2014 by Franki·0 Comment

When there are thousands of ready-made products readily available on the high street, why should you take the time to consider in investing in something made to measure?

It may seem easier to purchase ready made wares but with some products, bespoke really has its benefits.

Furniture

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Have you ever been to your local furniture store, tape measure in hand and full of determination, only to be knocked back at every turn because that sofa you really love is just too big and the other one that fits perfectly is only okay?

Though most people decide to simply grin and bear it and settle for something maybe a shade under-sized or opt for a colour that is ALMOST right, buying made to measure can solve all of your problems.

Buying bespoke allows you to choose the exact size, the exact colour, material and style you want to achieve and it really is worth taking the time, effort and sometimes a little extra money to get just what you want.

After all, furniture is an important part of your home and something you’ll hopefully be able to enjoy for years and years, so surely it’s better to get it just right.

Suits

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Whether it’s your best friend’s wedding or that big interview you’ve been waiting for, you’ll want to look as smart as you feel.

While you can buy plenty of good quality off the rack items to “suit” the occasion, there’s just something about owning a fully tailored, bespoke suit that makes you swell with pride.

Not only will your suit be one of a kind, made especially for you, you’ll also have an outfit that you feel wholly comfortable in – a must for any special event.

Window Treatments

Buying made to measure blinds and curtains means you’ll be safe in the knowledge that the product you’ve ordered will fit your window perfectly.

There are lots of cheap, ready-made alternatives available and while this might be a good option for less frequented rooms (perhaps the spare bathroom of the west wing), for the places you’ll be spending most of your time, made to measure is a worthwhile investment.

It also allows you the freedom to choose which style, colour, fabric and even lining you’d like, meaning that you can fully customise your blinds or curtains to completely suit your needs.

You can give your room the perfect finishing touch that complements or contrasts with the rest of your decor, creating the look that you’ve been dreaming of.

Not only that, it saves you the time and effort of cutting ready made products down to size – often poorly! And the best part about it? The extra cost is minimal. How much is too much for the peace of mind that your blinds or curtains will be just right?

Here at tuiss, we’ve covered over three million windows with our own made to measure blinds, curtains and shutters, meaning that you can rest assured that you will receive the best customer service that we have to offer to ensure that you find the perfect blinds, curtains or shutters for your home.

tuiss loves :: Buster + Punch

September 9, 2014 by Franki·0 Comment

Creating a stylish, industrial look in your home has been made even easier with the release of the ELECTRICITY range of light switches and dimmers from Buster + Punch.

We simply adore the attention to detail that has gone into these creations along with the surprisingly large choice of colour combinations so you can find the perfect one to finish off the look in your room.

The white and brass designs are a particular favourite of ours as we love the contrasting colours and think it really hits the contemporary style on the head, as does the more striking combination of smoked bronze and brass, shown below.

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Whether it’s a standard light switch or a dimmer switch that you’re after, we think these gorgeous creations would work perfectly alongside our blinds in a more contemporary environment, like these simple yet stylish Essentials Gloss White venetian blinds…

And we even think that, with the right decor, even our Shantung Mulberry curtains could be a great companion for these sleek, stylish switches…

Make Your House A Home :: tuiss blinds

September 7, 2014 by Franki·0 Comment

One of the most effective ways to create a warm and cosy atmosphere in your home is by choosing the perfect blind.

With varying materials, textures, colours and styles to choose from the world really is your oyster!

Roman Blinds

Soft and sumptuous, our roman blinds can be the perfect addition to your room to give it a cosy feel. With a choice of linings available – blackout for the bedrooms to guarantee you sleep and thermal for energy saving properties, keeping your room nice and toasty in the winter – you can tailor them to your needs as well as choose a beautiful design to suit your decor.

Wooden Blinds

Giving your room a traditional and rustic feel as well as offering you excellent light control, our wooden blinds can be used to great effect in giving your house that homely feel.

Try combining them with a pair of curtains (like these Linen Oatmeal ones seen above) to further accentuate the cosy effect and add an additional warmth to your room.

Roller Blinds

Rustic linens, sumptuous silks and glamorous velvets, our roller blinds come in an array of materials to suit your furnishings as well as having a full choice of lining. This gives you the freedom to control the light, the temperature and the style in your home.

Vertical Blinds

Traditional and reliable, our vertical blinds are an excellent choice to give your house that added warmth that you desire. Ideal for larger windows, you can choose between neutral and natural shades to blend in or bold, vibrant colours to make a statement at your window.

There’s even a host of materials available from rigid pvc to suedes and faux-silks to help you achieve that perfect style in your home.

Plantation Shutters

The newest addition to the tuiss family, our plantation shutters have been designed with style and comfort in mind.

From energy saving properties to full light control, these shutters have a distinct traditional style to add a rustic yet practical feel to your home.

Make Your House A Home :: Plants

September 2, 2014 by Franki·0 Comment

House plants can be an excellent way to give your humble abode a more homely feel. From gorgeous greens and fabulous flowers, their lush colours can bring an exciting accent to your room as well as give your home a natural, organic touch.

House Plants

But they’re not always just beautiful to look at – there are many plants that will bring practicality into your home as well. We’ve compiled a list of five of our favourite and most useful house plants to give you some inspiration…

Peace Lily

A stunning sight, peace lilies will always be a striking and welcome addition to your home. They’re also proven to help detoxify the air, meaning that your home will feel even fresher with your peace lilies around!

Money Plant

Although we can’t guarantee that this plant will bring you fame and fortune, we can promise that it’s quaint little blossoms and waxy green leaves will provide a striking centrepiece to your room.

Aloe Vera

Aesthetically pleasing and extremely practical, Aloe Vera should feature in everyone’s home! Once the leaves have grown enough, you can slice them off and use the gel-like sap on dry skin, rashes and even burns to help soothe and smooth your skin.

Pop one in your bathroom so it’s always on hand for your morning beauty regime- you won’t regret it!

Bonsai Tree

These quaint little trees can be just the thing to give your room a little quirk. With plenty of species and styles to choose from, you can find the perfect bonsai that will suit you and your home to a tee.

Philodendron

With their big, beautiful leaves and startling shades of green, philodendron’s will be a striking and exotic addition to your home. Ideal for bigger vases, you can even set up a trellis or cane for them to climb!

Make Your House A Home :: Photo Wall

August 31, 2014 by Franki·0 Comment

One of the simplest and most effective ways to bring a warm, homely feel to your house is by using photographs- something that can often be forgotten nowadays, with mobile phones and Facebook taking over.

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Printing a few photos of family, pets and even friends, finding ideal frames and displaying them in your house doesn’t only give you opportunity to relive those happy memories, it also allows you to share them with everyone you invite into your home- much to your children’s chagrin! beadboard frame mantle display

Why stop at scattering a few photos here and there? Why not incorporate them into your decor and create a wonderful display of your memories? That’s where a photo wall comes in!

We’ve put together a few of our favourite photo wall ideas to inspire you and really get your creative juices flowing…

Pin-Board

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Take it old school and use a pin-board to pin up both your old and new photographs. We particularly like the old-school feel of the polaroid images used in this design.

Family Tree

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It may not be shaped like a tree but the message above this wall clearly shows that the subject is family. What better way to make your house feel like a home than incorporating your favourite family portraits, family holiday memories and all those impromptu shots that you’ve come to love so much?

Washing Line

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We really love this quirky idea of hanging the photographs across a wire. We think this design is both stylish and contemporary although we’d certainly like to try pegging the photos to a line of fairy lights for a truly magical effect!

Heart

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Is there a better way to show off the memories that you love than arranging them in a loveheart? No, we didn’t think so either and that’s why this creative idea makes our list.

Stairway Gallery

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This is a really effective way to display your photos. Not only does it give you a vast space to toy with, you can also experiment with different sized frames to create a beautiful, ascending effect.

Make Your House A Home :: Candles

August 26, 2014 by Franki·0 Comment

Having a house that you can be proud of is certainly an excellent achievement but many people won’t be satisfied until their house feel like a proper home.

In order to achieve a homely, cosy feel, you don’t always need to break the bank- just adding a few simple yet effective touches can turn your beautiful house into a beautiful home.

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Candles

Have you been excluding candles to that box under the stairs that’s there for power-outage emergencies? We’ll admit that we too have been guilty as charged but it’s time to pick them up, dust them off and start getting creative with candlelight to give your room a gentle glow and soft ambience that is guaranteed to transform your house into a home.

Tealights

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Tealight candles are a simple yet effective way to add a little ambience to your home. Not only are they one of the most affordable options, they also come in a range of different colours and scents to match your decor and help set the perfect mood in your home.

There’s also a plethora of tealight holders available from quirky, contemporary designs to simple coloured glasses and intricate lanterns that will throw stunning, dancing patterns onto your walls. This leaves the world of tealight candles wide open for interpretation and allows you to create the perfect look for you.

Block Candles

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Available in vivid blocks of colour as well as multicoloured shades, these chunky and funky candles can be used to create a beautiful and bold statement in your room.

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These candles are also perfect for creating interesting and exciting arrangements, grouping them together will not only provide you with a stylish, long lasting display, they’ll also give off enough light that you can turn the lamp off and snuggle up on the sofa with a glass of wine and your favourite film.

Floating Candles

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We have to admit that these candles are our very favourites because they’re just so much fun!

They also give you flexibility to create a little water garden in the comfort of your own home- not only will it look bright and beautiful during the day, it will also light up your home in the evenings as the candles bob around happily as they burn.

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There are also some beautiful ways that you can display these candles, you can really let your imagination go wild as you experiment with different bowls, jars and accessories to really add a personalised touch.

Why stop there?

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There are so many other ways that you can use candles to create a beautiful, glowing effect in your home. Why not pop a candelabra on the table next time you sit down to dinner? Or treat yourself to a nice relaxing bath by candlelight?

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However you choose to do it, using candles in your home will certainly bring a warm and cosy feel that you’ll love so much, you’ll never leave them under the sink again!

tuiss loves :: Rachel Hazell

August 24, 2014 by Franki·0 Comment

We like to keep an eye out for unique ideas and beautiful designs and this week we’ve been sucked into the world of paper by Rachel Hazell.

Literature lover, book binder and paper artist extraordinaire, Rachel Hazell creates some of the most beautiful and intricate designs using both her love of books and of paper to an outstanding effect.

Not only does she create works of art, she also inspires others to try their hand, offering a range of workshops as she travels as well as online courses to unleash your inner Paperphile.

We’re particularly enraptured with her aptly named “Bookquet“. Not only is the finished product unique and beautiful, the concept behind the idea is just as lovely.

Created as a commission to adhere to those couples who love books almost as much as they love each other, Rachel Hazell uses pages from the couples chosen favourite books to create the exquisite flowers before binding them together in a stunning arrangement.

Whether your on the lookout for a Bookquet of your very own or if you just want to learn how to create and bind your own books, Rachel Hazell’s website, Paperphilia, is worth checking out and keeping an eye on as she adds new and exciting content to bring her love of paper to the world and share it with you.

They’re Here :: Plantation Shutters

August 19, 2014 by Franki·0 Comment

The wait is finally over!

Our brand new range of Plantation Shutters launched on 11th August after weeks and weeks of anticipation… And we’re even offering a massive 50% saving on them if you order them now!

With an outstanding opening offer on, you can pick up your shutters at the amazing price of only £99 per square metre – an absolute steal for such a fabulous product!

We have two stylish and striking ranges to offer- our sleek, contemporary San Francisco style that feature a hidden bar to the rear of the slats that will allow you smooth yet subtle operation and our beautifully traditional Kensington range, with their front middle bar for quick and easy opening and closing.

If that’s not enough, we also offer them in a standard White Satin finish as well as a painted Premium White finish- if you’re not sure which one will be the best for your room, why not order a free sample of each?

Click here to be redirected to our website so you can peruse the selection that we have to offer and remember- we believe in excellent quality and affordable luxury and our shutters deliver these in spades!