When it comes to selecting curtains in the modern age, we are simply spoilt for choice. Whether we’re looking for bespoke curtains or curtains for hotels that are fire resistant, there are plenty of options available, meaning we are able to have the design we require made with the fabric of our choice.

While it’s no secret that curtains have been around for quite a while, it may be surprising to learn that curtains actually derive from animal skins. Animal skins are the earliest portrayal of curtains, and would act as drapes. However, the problem with animal skin is that it’s hard to come by, and can be quite expensive. As such, the demand for drapes meant that more cost-effective solution had to be sought.

Within Europe, this is no set date that saw the introduction of curtains, but you can be sure that all the finest castles had drapes present to protect those residing there from bitter chills. Another main influence for curtains in the Western world was Asian countries, who has been implementing curtains as a way of covering the entrance that led to their quarters.

From the 14^th century, Italy began to develop fine silk, which soon found a partnership within the curtain industry. It was here that drapes and curtains became luxurious pieces, and have therefore found their way into many homes and businesses throughout the ages.

As time has gone on, each era has introduced its own unique approach to the world of curtain design. They have also been designs that look to suit a manner of different purposes as opposed to just décor. For example, many hotels will instil curtains that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also resistant to flames, as well as being dark enough to ensure that curtains aren’t letting the light in when closed.

The modern day and the technological advances that come with it mean that those in needs of curtains, drapes or even blinds are given a vast amount of choice. While many curtains available within a number of high street stores, those with a more unique outlook may wish to consider made-to-measure curtains, as the possibilities are endless when it comes to design and practicality.

The original design of curtains was something of a primitive one, but it is this very foundation that so many designers of curtains have built on that has led us to the vast choice we have available today.

These days life is frenetic. So crazy that sometimes it is hard to come down and completely relax. Even at home, it can be hard, especially if you do not live alone, or are located in a built up area. Often, being surrounded by the noise and clutter of other people makes it hard to get the peace and tranquillity you need to unwind.

One way around this is to take a small room, and turn it into a chill out zone, or snug. Giving each member of the family, or household, an area that is 100% their own is the key to keeping everyone sane, and giving them the break they need to be able to truly relax, and recharge their batteries.

A corner is all you need

Fortunately, you do not need a lot of space to achieve this. You could for example, put a comfortable chair, a footstool, a small table and a floor lamp into a corner of your lounge.

Someone could then use that space as a place to sit and enjoy listening to music, having a snooze or playing games on their tablet, or laptop. Provided they wear a set of noise cancelling headphones, they will be able to block out any distractions. You can easily buy all of these items from a second hand shop, so you really do not need a big budget to create this type of snug. This article contains 50 different reading corner designs, which are sure to inspire you and help you to find a solution that will work for your home.

Affordable room dividers

If your children have to share a bedroom putting up a divider can be a good way of giving them the feeling that they have their own space. Letting them decorate their half of the bedroom in a style they like will also help them to create an environment that they can really relax in. Room dividers do not cost much. You can even make them yourself out of scrap wood, plasterboard, or other materials.

Creating a bathroom snug

However, not everyone likes to relax by reading, doing crafts, playing games or watching movies. Some people find that taking a bath, or enjoying beauty treatments is the best way for them to unwind.

For those people, adding a comfortable chair to the bedroom or bathroom can transform the space into somewhere they can sit comfortably and chill out. It is relatively easy to turn an ordinary small bathroom into a steam room, which lets you enjoy a relaxing sauna like experience, for the cost of a bath full of very hot water.

A snug can be a fun space

Not all snugs need to be soft and cuddly spaces. We are all different, so for some people a space filled with soft, furry pillows is going to irritate them rather than calm you. It is important to create a chill out area that reflects your personality. Remember that a fun and zany space with custom made highway signs on the wall, a beanbag, games console and coffee maker can be just as relaxing a space as one that is softly lit with aromatherapy candles. The idea is to create a snug that you like, and feel comfortable being in.

Keeping a planner is one of the best ways to stay organized and ensure that you’re making the best use of your time every day. While planners used to be dull and boring, the new trends in planners are similar to scrap-booking, in the sense that pizzazz is the name of the game. If you want to spruce up your planner, then follow these great tips.

Start With A Great Planner

You don’t need to use the same boring old notebook or agenda. Instead, go to a stationary store and find a fun planner with a pretty cover. You want to find a planner that will inspire you to get excited about writing in it and decorating it.

Invest In Some Great Pens and Writing Utensils

Writing in your planner with a black ballpoint pen or pencil is boring. Instead, invest in some great colored pens and fun writing utensils. Plus, when you use colored ink, you can assign different colors to different tasks. For example, if you’re planning out a school-related task, you can use red ink. If you’re planning out a work-related event, you can use blue ink.

Use Stickers To Jazz Up Your Pages

Stickers are essential if you want to add some life to your planner. You can find stickers that match different holidays and seasons to give your planner some festive flair. If you’re on the go a lot and you have a tendency of accidentally getting water or coffee on your planner, try waterproof stickers.

Make It A Ritual

Organizing your planner should never feel like a chore. Instead, it should be a fun ritual that you do each day to stay centered and feel more organized. Planning the next day is a great way to unwind at night before you get ready for bed.

Planners aren’t just a tool to help you stay organized. Instead, they’re a fun hobby that allows you to be creative. If you follow these tips, you can have a gorgeous and stylish planner that you will love looking at each day. When the year is over, don’t feel like you have to put your planner in the trash. Instead, save it as a memento of your past year.

To be successful in business, you need to build brand awareness. Building your brand can be done in countless ways. The best thing to do is find unique ways to promote your brand without spending too much time or money. Great marketing is how brands become household names. There are many products that make great tools for building a brand. Below you will find some creative and unique ways to build your brand and promote your business.

Host A Free Event

Everyone loves free stuff. You can make an impact for your business and brand by using event marketing as a way to promote. Event marketing is the process of creating a themed event or presentation in order to promote a service, product, organization or cause. These types of hosted events are great for leveraging in-person engagement from attendees. Marketing events also boast an added benefit of openness from those attending. Because they are already there at the event, they will be more likely to hear about your brand and company. This is more difficult to establish with people on the phone or through conferences.

Use Marketing Tools

Marketing tools can be free stuff with your brand logo printed on it. This type of stuff is great to give out at marketing events, conferences and meetings. The best types of marketing products to use are ones that will be seen and used the most. Some great examples would be cups, coolies, pens and personalized packing tape such as the kind found at continentalpackaging.com.

Cross Promotion

Cross promoting is an affordable way to get your company and brand out there. When you choose a company to work with, try and find one that compliments your brand. For example, if you own a catering business, you may want to work with an event planning business. When marketing together, always be sure to create ads that will benefit both companies to keep it fair and keep the company relationship strong and working well for both brands.

Building your brand awareness doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. A little bit of planning and some unique ideas can go a long way to building your business. It can be tough to stand out from all of your competitors but with some creative promoting you will be on your way to beating out the competition in no time.