Lana from Three Bird Renovations talks all things window coverings for House 5

PowerView for Roller Blinds

PowerView is now available for Roller Blinds. PowerView enables intelligent motorisation for single or linked Roller Blinds, allowing a wide range of products to be operated off one single technology. PowerView offers the complete connected home experience through the operation of the Pebble remote, mobile device or 3rd party automation system.

Features and Benefits

1) The Connected Home, control multiple window covering products (Roller Blinds, SoftShades and EVO Awnings) throughout the home with one technology.
2) 6 Channel Pebble and Surface remote control for individual and group control. Also allows several groups to be operated together.
3) The PowerView HUB and App provide advanced control and allow window coverings to be operated individually, by room or throughout the home using Apple or Android mobile devices at home or on the go.
4) Manufactured in Italy, Germany and the U.S.A.

Metal Meets Tranquility

Metal Moods

Metal Moods is inspired by a thoughtful fusion of opulent colours and reflective textures, glistering minerals and metallic surfaces. Warm metals such as gold, brass and copper can be used in the same interior scheme. Be daring and pair it alongside cooler metals such as silver or even platinum. The combination of different metals adds multiple layers of interest and dimension to any room. Get the look with Pirouette Shadings, Range: Satin Metallic or Fabric Collection: Aria Botanics. 

Tranquility

From the horizon to the different ocean waters, the shades of blue offers a serene feeling whilst promoting relaxation. This trend is drawn from the Pantone Colour of the Year. The blue tones create a naturally connected sense of space.

Blue matches almost any décor so look for ways that you can bring calm and quiet into your space – pictures of the sunset or even the ocean. Find and print an image that you love and place it where you will see it every day, for instance, on your bedside table to be seen as you wake every morning. Let that calm inspire you throughout the year. Get the look with Luxaflex fabric ranges Tahlya, Colour: Amalfi or Ethos, Colour: Aquamarine. 

Everscreen External Fabric Range

Everscreen external fabric range combines a 2 x 2 basket weave construction which provides great strength and stability even when the fabric is rail-coated (turned sideways). With an on-trend contemporary colour palette of darks, greys and neutrals, you can find a fabric colour to suit almost any exterior decor.

Everscreen external fabric range now also allows for different levels of privacy by offering two different openness options. For complete privacy, the 1% openness option is available in 5 colours. For daytime privacy without compromising view, the 5% openness option is available in 13 colours. The Everscreen range suits a wide variety of exterior trends and privacy needs, and is available for contemporary drop awnings. 

Luxaflex New Season Sale 2016

Luxaflex Aluminium Shutters

Introducing the new Luxaflex Aluminium Shutters, combining beauty, durability and versatility to transform any home. Made to measure, easy maintenance, and built with strength and security in mind, Luxaflex Aluminium Shutters create a modern style for both the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Luxaflex Aluminium Shutters also allows you to customise your window coverings to your styling needs by choosing the colour, panel configuration and blade size. There is also the option of fixed or moverable panels which allows for easy function and styling in any room inside or outside of the home. With 3 security options available, Flush Bolt, Security Bold and Lockable Bolt, both your design and safety needs are met.

What's even better is that there are four standard powder coat finishes along with two timber wraps which offer the look of the traditional timber shutter, with the durability of aluminium. If it is a custom colour finish you are after, we can match a colour sample and have it applied as a powdercoat.

Two fresh interior design trends for the new season

Trend 1- Botanics

Botanics is about blurring the lines between interior and exterior by bringing nature indoors. It is about stepping into the palette of the mysterious jungle mixed with muddy hues. Botanics clashes patterns, styles and colours to create an unexpected indoor haven. Aria Botanics is the perfect blend of an understated palette mixed with beautiful textures and prints.

In September, the Luxaflex Designer Series fabric collection introduces Aria Botanics. Aria Botanics uses the extravagance of metal to deliver a highly sophisticated and different take on a botanic print. Aria Botanics is all about the opulence in you, where the use of metallic printing brings the fabric to life, in a way that guarantees that second glance.

This range is a great representation of how the current home interior styling trends and colours can come together. Aria Botanics draws on the use of the 'Cooler Than You' colour ways for the base fabric, where a print pattern relating to the Botanics trend adopts subtle aspects of metal for that added wow. This translucent fabric collection is available in the same 3 base colours as its matching plain blockout and translucent counterparts. The fabric offer is for Roller Blind applications, for that ultra-contemporary styling solution.

Not a fan of print? Series T500, part of the Luxaflex Classic fabric collection also draws inspiration from Botanics. The horizontal wood grain with a combination of coloured yarns creates an almost natural woody bark look. Colours such as Rock, Jute and Rococo draw inspiration on nature and is a popular choice for both modern and traditional decor. Available in 10 matching blockout and translucent colours for Roller Blind, Panel Glide and Roman Shade applications, it is the perfect understated way of bringing a little bit of nature indoors.


Trend 2 - Cooler Than You

Cooler Than You is inspired by an understated palette of soft white and cream. It evokes a feeling of inner space and lightness. Minimalism and balance are at the heart of this trend. Neutrals as always creates balance, and when intertwined with textures and soft patterns, it brings neutral palettes to life.

Marblo, a new Luxaflex Designer Series fabric is inspired by a marble translucent print in organic colour ways. This collection is ready to reinvent the wheel for printed fabrics. The true appearance of the marble print is one that will be the new classic take in textiles perfectly aligning with the 'Cooler Than You' trend. Marblo is a welcomed surprise to the eye, and available for Roller Blind applications, suitable for any room with the desire of creating the ultimate haven.

Why impress with entire walls consisting of only marble, when you can have it on your window? You really don't even need to decorate much more if you have your entire window dressed in Marblo to create a big statement in your room.

If Marble is not your thing, Classic Series fabric Caspien is also inspired by the Cooler Than You Trend. Colours such as Frost, Chalk, Lusta and Shake play on the soft whites and creams, but the strong texture of contrasting yarn gives the fabric a look of depth and interest. Inspired by the classic linen look with a modern twist, Caspien is available in 10 matching translucent and blockout colours for Roller Blind, Panel Glide, Roman Shade and Vertical (Translucent only) Applications.

Love Shack TV

A month ago, the Luxaflex team joined forces with Bec, George and their new baby Archie from the Block to transform a humble 1970's shack. The 6 part series followed the challenges of renovating a beach front property in Tasmania with the hopes of maximising the space and making this renovator's delight their holiday home or 'love shack'. 

Bec had a vision to create a place that was both inviting and restful, and inspired by the coastal beauty surrounding the property. The colour palette was a mixture of greys, indigo and greens, where the soft furnishings chosen were a wonderful array of wools, linens and furs.

 

With the help of Luxaflex Gallery dealer Fabrique, Bec and George found the perfect window covering for the theming of the Love Shack. Luxaflex Silhouette Shadings combine the beautiful characteristics of curtains, shades and blinds in a stunning design like no other. Silhouette Shadings can be opened for a full, soft focus view, closed for privacy or tilted for light control. We love a good make over, and definitely think that the window covering choice was perfect for that 'oh so awesome view'. 

Rose Quartz and Serenity

For the first time, two shades, Rose Quartz and Serenity have been blended together to create the new PANTONE Colour of the year. It represents a balance between a blushing pink with peach undertones and the cooler tranquil blue. In an ever increasing hectic world, the pairing of the two colours celebrates ideas around balance, tranquility, inner peace and gender equality and so much more. It has been influenced by a desire to disconnect from technology and unwind, helping homeowners to create a space that feels welcoming, peaceful and composed. 

Serenity, a pale blue colour is a calming tone. Blue matches almost any décor so look for ways that you can bring calm and quiet into your space – pictures of the sunset or even the ocean. Find and print an image that you love and place it where you will see it every day, for instance, on your bedside table to be seen as you wake every morning. Let that calm inspire you throughout the year. Get the look with Luxaflex Duette Shades in Symphony Fabric, colour: Colonial Blue. 

Rose Quartz is a fun colour that can inspire warmth. Its delicate pink colour can range from very light (almost white) to medium dark in intensity. Choose various hues of this soothing pink sunset shade to create a playful, romantic and inviting corner in a bedroom, study or living area. Get the look with Luxaflex Silhouette Shadings in Originale Fabric, colour: White Dove. 

The Luxaflex Mid Year Sale 2016

Luxaflex® Duette® Shades - Vertiglide 2.0

Luxaflex Duette Vertiglide Shades are the ideal solution for sliding and patio doors as well as wide expanses. Taking the Vertiglide into the next generation, the hardware system has undergone a fully integrated redesign to provide greater functionality and a stylish and modern aesthetic.

The newly designed Vertiglide system provides an opportunity to offer new components intended to work together with our most up-to-date product specifications, while making improvements in quality, streamlining installation and operation techniques, and performance.

The Vertiglide 2.0 Benefit

• Textured matte-finish rails coordinate with today's interior design styles and improve durability over the life of the product. 
• Colour coordination in 8 of the most popular Duette hardware colours - Aspen White, White, White Tiara, Gardenia White, Silverado, Mushroom, Black, Dove Grey and Honey Bisque.
• Enhanced fabric carriers increase strength to support heavier fabrics. 
• New moving rail offers smoother and quieter operation.

Luxaflex® Pirouette® Shadings V3 Hardware System

Good aesthetic design must go hand in hand with great functionality. Inspired by great innovation as well as fashion and lifestyle trends, V3 Pirouette hardware creates long-lasting design with a contemporary appeal. The Pirouette design and development team have gone back to the drawing board and envisaged the product with fresh eyes and new perspectives.

So what's new?

• A new sleek headrail design that is smaller looking in appearance and that mimics the shape of the contoured Pirouette vane which has a consistent look from top to bottom of the shade. 
• New clear end caps and colour coordinated end cap covers making it easy to snap on and off if replacement is required.
• New colour coordinated outer rotator rail provides a fully integrated look.
• Reduced light gap for an enhanced room darkening option.
• Fully nested bottomrail on Easyrise and ULTRAGLIDE® Shadings creating a clean and uncluttered look in the home. 
• The next generation of technology allowing intelligent operation of Pirouette Shadings thanks to PowerView™ Motorisation. 
• Quieter operation. 

Luxaflex and Child Safety

Luxaflex® Modern Roman Shades with Traversed

Modern Roman Shades with Traversed offer a unique window covering solution where the fabric folds move vertically left, right or anywhere in between. This amazing alternative to drapes and curtains is now available with a Moveable Rail option. This exclusive feature means that the moveable stack can be positioned and stacked anywhere along the headrail.

The Moveable Rail option features a primary and secondary rail. On a traditional Traversed Shade, the primary rail is the rail used to operate the shade from left to right, open to close and the secondary rail is a stationary rail which remains in a fixed location.

With a Moverable Rail option, both the primary and secondary rails can be used to operate the shade left to right, open to close or basically anywhere in between. Both the primary rail and secondary rails come with handles as standard.

Luxaflex® Country Woods® Venetians

Luxaflex Country Woods Venetians have a uniform grain appearance with a medium texture. This uniform grain shows it is natural timber, while maintaining a consistent colour and pattern across the entire blind. Inspired by the latest design trends, the colour palette has a strong mix of neutrals and contrasting dark hues that will provide depth to any room. With 6 colours in 50mm and 3 in 63mm, this allows styling coordination for modern and traditional homes.

The 90mm curved valance reduces light gaps at the top of the blind between the headrail and top slat providing better coverage of hardware. This valance is also used in the Wood Essence range ensuring a consistent appearance when both products are used together in the home. This provides flexibility when you require a matching product in high humidity areas.

Luxaflex® PowerView™ TV Commercial

Photon One Solar Powered Motor for Luxaflex® Evo Awnings

Take energy efficiency to a whole new level in your home by harnessing the power of the sun with the Photon One Solar Powered Motor for Luxaflex® Evo Awnings. 88% of a home’s heat gain in summer occurs through the windows and for the first time a truly energy efficient solution is now available.

The Photon One solar motor awning is powered by a 24v DC battery that recharges through sun light. This means no wired technology is needed to operate it because the built in battery pack recharges from the sun. As little as 2-3 hours of direct sunlight is required to charge the battery for enough power for several day's operation.

The motor’s simple integrated design features a discreet solar panel which can be angled for maximum energy collection, which can vary from one home to the next. What’s more, it requires no costly electrician to install.

Suitable for use with straight drop awnings, the solar-powered motor is ideally used with the entire Luxaflex® Evo Awnings Range.

Luxaflex® PowerView™ - motorisation system overview

Selling Houses Australia - Yass

The LifeStyle Channel's Selling Houses Australia Episode 12-13 Season 9

The Story: Steve and Karina fell in love with Old Linton almost 20 years ago. When the property came on the market they attended an open day and naturally jumped at the chance to buy. The couple put it in a tender but the property didn't sell. A second attempt to buy in 2006 was successful.

Steve was very keen to take on Old Linton as a love project, but with over 40 rooms, Karina had reservations due to its size. Steve wanted to restore the property to it's former glory, but sadly the couple have now run out of time and money and they really have to sell.

The Problem: The house is massive, and with 46 rooms, Steve and Karina have run out of money and have lost the renovation romance. Despite all the time and money that the couple had already spent on the home, there was still a lot of work which needed to be done.

The exterior of the house just didn't pop. The cream colour did not give the house a wow factor or any impact.

The interior of the house did not look grand as a grand house should be. The kitchen needed a complete makeover, and the master bedroom was lacking a little bit of TLC and that luxury feel.

The Solution: There just wasn't enough budget to tackle all the rooms in this house, so only areas that would have the most impact were concentrated on. By opting to do this, it would give potential buyers a taste of what the rest of the house could be like.

Shaynna focused on the main areas that flow into each other, rather than doing a few scattered rooms, as this will give it the biggest impact. This meant tinkering with the floor plan a little and a total revamp of the country style kitchen and master bedroom suite. When people are paying top dollar for a home they expect some luxury.

The kitchen had a complete revamp with new cabinets, modern appliances and tiles that connect the old with the new. It was jutted and refitted into a style that worked for the house. The end result was a kitchen which had both a commercial and residential feel, broadening the possibilities.

A bold plum paint colour was used in the ballroom. This automatically created a grand look in the room. New carpet, dressings and furniture showed how the ballroom could easily turn into a function/conference room, and that will give potential buyers something to think about.

A touch of luxury had been injected into the master bedroom. What was the sitting room turned into the bedroom, and the bedroom turned into the sitting and dressing room. This made a lot more sense as the sitting and dressing room were now connected to the newly revamped art-deco ensuite.

Luxaflex Roller Blinds in Portobello Blockout fabric in the colour Midnight were installed throughout the house. The Midnight colour helped to create a dramatic and sophisticated look. It added a pop of colour and nice focal point.

All Luxaflex® Window Coverings were supplied and installed by Luxaflex® Gallery Dealer Riteway Curtains & Blinds in Fyshwick, ACT. 

PowerView - Combine style with energy efficiency window coverings

PowerView - The future of how we will live

PowerView - Motorised window coverings have never been so stylish

PowerView - First in Australia

Selling Houses Australia - Maitland

The LifeStyle Channel's Selling Houses Australia Episode 11 Season 9

The Story: Peter and Jay purchased their townhouse as an investment and what they thought was an easy way to get into the property market. It's a double storey, three bedroom property with a deck out the back and lockup garage.

The home, which was tenanted, has been on the market for approximately three years, with three different real estate agents. They did receive one offer, but it was too low for them to take without losing money.

The Problem: When it came down to sell, the general condition and tenant's decor worked against the house. Even though the interior had a nice open plan, it was still very dark and gloomy, and there was clutter in the house as far as the eye could see.

The Solution: To attract potential buyers, the house needed a complete personality transformation. In order to conquer the dark and gloomy look of the interior, the paintwork was updated to a misty brown colour which automatically created a fresh and bright look to the interior.

Low maintenance and hard-wearing laminate floorboards were installed throughout the kitchen, dining and lounge area to appeal to the investor or first time buyer. This also reflected what little light there was in the downstairs space, making it deceivingly feel larger and more spacious.

Luxaflex® Pirouette® Shadings in 120mm Satin Translucent (Magnolia) was installed in the lounge area. It was a clever choice because not only do they block light and let light in, but offer privacy at the same time. 

Luxaflex Pirouette Shadings provide refined features with innovative design that creates a window covering solution like no other, automatically creating a nice feature point in the room. The soft, horizontal fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing allows for enhanced views to the outdoors and full beauty of the fabric's appearance on the inside. The sheer backing also reduces glare and filters harmful UV rays.

The upstairs bedrooms, hallway and staircase were carpeted to keep the warm nature of a home. While the bathroom was revived by a respray and swapping the old tapware for a modern style for a completed upgrade and new look.

Luxaflex® Wood Essence Blinds were installed throughout the bedrooms. Wood Essence Blinds provide a practical alternative to Timber Venetian Blinds because they provide the look of real wood combined with the quality and durability of advanced technology that is resistant to discolouration and warping. Whether you want privacy or to allow filtered light through, Wood Essence Blinds gives you complete control over the amount of light you let into the room. It is a great solution for the bedroom, and added that special touch to the Maitland house.

All Luxaflex® Window Coverings were supplied and installed by Luxaflex® Gallery Dealer AB Window Fashions in Broadmeadow, NSW.

PowerView - Window covering automation with the push of a button

PowerView gives you choices

Selling Houses Australia - Bayswater North

The LifeStyle Channel's Selling Houses Australia Episode 10 Season 9

The Story: Malcolm and Faye own three houses in a row, in the Melbourne suburb of Bayswater North. The McMillan family is desperate to sell all three properties at once. Malcolm is terminally ill and Faye really needs to retire.

Daughter Kirsten is a semi professional opera singer and her husband Scott, is a police officer. Kirsten is the youngest of her parent's four natural children.

Malcolm and Faye really deserve a break. The couple has devoted their entire lives to helping others. Apart from their four grown-up children over the years, they have also adopted orphans and cared for many foster kids and international students. Now it is time for Faye and Malcolm to get a little back.

The Problem: There wasn't enough money in the budget to do all three houses, so Shaynna concentrated on the interior of just one. Number 19, the family home had accumulated years of stories and memories in its walls, but the accumulating didn't stop there.

The Solution: The house needed a massive de-clutter before any work could begin because it acted as a dumping ground. New carpet and paint in the lounge room totally transformed the space. The kitchen had a much needed upgrade, which included a respray, new sink, new taps, and all new appliances.

The bar upstairs was completely ripped out to create a kitchenette for entertaining in the large rumpus room, which also doubled as an adult's retreat. Brown/grey laminate floors were installed in the upstairs area to compliment the new grey walls. This added a completely fresh look to the house.

Carpet and window coverings in the bedrooms completed the modern finish which is reflected in the colour scheme throughout the house. Luxaflex® Roller Blinds in Aria Translucent (Concrete), Luceeda Blockout (Dashing) and Hyams Blockout (Mercury) were installed throughout the house. All these fabrics are different shades of grey and the perfect match for the new colour scheme throughout the whole house. Who says you need to stick to the same fabric?

Luxaflex® Roller Blinds gave the house a stylish and modern finish, as well as offering functionality and easy operation. They created a clean look and blended in well with the decor and colour scheme.

All Luxaflex® Window Coverings were supplied and installed by Luxaflex® Gallery dealer Wall-T-Wall Window Furnishings in Nunawading, VIC.

PowerView - Control at your fingertips

Coming soon to Luxaflex ... PowerView!

Selling Houses Australia - North Haven

The LifeStyle Channel's Selling Houses Australia Episode 9 Season 9

The Story: This mock Tudor house in North Haven was all the rage in its day and is well known in the area. But now it has lost a lot of its sparkle. David has been trying to sell for 5 years, and the whole procedure has been a long journey for everyone in the Jones family.

David underwent a back operation in 2014, which have since led to a range of other health issues and mobility problems. This means he is currently only using a small area of his very large home. Even though he's on a slow road to recovery, these health issues have really taken their toll financially and downsizing could be the answer, which means selling the North Haven house.

The Problem: The interior of the house had too much going on, and was crying out for a modern touch because everything was so out-dated. The whole house was filled with avocado and rose schemes, which just do not fit with the modern world today.

The Solution: Modernise, modernise, modernise! Painting out the house was a very large but a necessary task. The rose walls just had to go. A neutral white toned paint was used around the house, which automatically created a fresh and modern look. It made the house look bright, whereas before it was very dark and dull. 

The bar in the downstairs man cave had to go. This meant that smarter use was made out of the area by transforming it into two new bedrooms and a hall area. By adding in the additional two new rooms plus a hall area which could be turned into a study, automatically added more value towards the property.

The kitchen upright had to come down, which allowed the open living space to become just that - open. The kitchen was originally pink - literally everything was pink. The cabinets were resprayed in white and new appliances were installed. This made the space light, vast and modern, all the while still keeping the original characteristics of the house.

Luxaflex® Beach Roman Shades in Temple Blockout (Linen colour) were installed throughout the Tudor home. The Beach Roman Shades added to the classic look of the house, but with a touch of modern because the shade has a simple, yet stylish look. The colour Linen complimented all the brown wood trimmings and helped create a clean look throughout the house and also a great insulator because they extend past the window frame for full coverage. 

All Luxaflex® Window Coverings were supplied and installed by Luxaflex® Gallery dealer Nick Hambour Window Fashions in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. 

Selling Houses Australia - Ascot Vale

The LifeStyle Channel's Selling Houses Australia Episode 8 Season 9

The Story: Professional couple Glenn and Joanna purchased what they thought would become their dream home. The property was down on its luck and desperately in need of some love. They embarked on a campaign of serious and expensive renovations starting with the recreation of the original front of the house. They also created a fourth bedroom with an ensuite and walk in robe.

Unfortunately, the couple split up leaving the kitchen, bathroom, separate toilet, laundry and family room unfinished. As the property is only half finished, buyers want it for a steal and are overestimating what it would cost to get it up to a liveable standard. Joanna says buyers cannot see what it could be, only what they have to spend.

The Problem: The house was just unfinished - everywhere!

The Solution: Finishing the house was the main objective. A new dining room and larger living space were created by shuffling a few walls around. New windows through the back section of the house were put in to keep in line with the updated front. This included a sliding door that now covered the entire back wall of the new lounge area.

Luxaflex® Roller Blinds in Designer Fabric Aria Translucent in the colour Tapa were installed throughout the lounge and kitchen areas. The grey tone of the fabric was the perfect match for the new grey paint and grey theming of the house.

Next was to move the laundry to the old bathroom area, and turn the adjoining bedroom into a beautiful brand new family bathroom. Pops of colour and a bird portrait in the bathroom created a traditional, yet quirky style.

The kitchen was gutted, and the positioning of the door was changed. Cottage style front door fronts on the kitchen cabinets matched the raw wooden shelving. By installing bigger appliance, this allowed for a large family room and greater functionality.

All stops were pulled out on the exterior, as it was technically a blank canvas. New paving, new garden, new furniture, new turf, new fencing and a new paint job. The ugly pergola was replaced with a Luxaflex® Ventura Folding Arm Awning with Trend Hood and Crank Control. The Ventura Folding Arm Awning offers the very best in Open Style awning market. It features a classic design in an elegant open style awning, the perfect compliment to the exterior of the house. The Dickson Arcylic fabric was a great match to the white exterior, and added to the quirky feel of the interior.

All Luxaflex® Window Coverings were supplied and installed by Luxaflex® Gallery dealer A&B Interiors in Williamstown, VIC.