Hi Sarah DIY can be a great option to stay within your budget and find an agreeable solution to your current dilemma. Window furnishings are generally one of the last jobs required after going through the process of building your house, which means the budget is always tight at this point after all the other 'extra expenses' Therefore you are now potentially starting to look at compromising on the quality that you originally wanted to finish your off your house. Window furnishing can have a fairly visual impact, as well as influencing how the room 'feels', on both the inside and outside of you rooms and home. In the first instance we need to define the difference between a DIY 'Ready Made / Ready to Hang Product' which is what you would purchase from somewhere such as Spotlight vs DIY "Custom Made" products. The difference in quality is significant, however the price points don't have to be. At iseekblinds, we offer genuine custom made blinds, made in Australia. If you visit our website, you can get an instant price online - It would be interesting to see the difference between what you have been quoted and what we can offer. We can turn Roller Blinds around within 3 weeks or sooner if requested and deliver nationally. Everything you need to know regarding measure and installation is on our website and we teach and guide you through the process to ensure you get it right. Please see some of our reviews to hear how our other customers have been surprised at just how easy the installation process has been and are over the moon in regards to the product quality they received. Get Your DIY On! I say. And please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance Cheers, Sally

Sue, congratulations. You've not only identified a colour you feel happier about, you've actually created it. I suspect you'll now be able to create a pleasing mix of warm greys, plywood browns, stone tones, coppers or bronzes, warm whites, etc; maybe with a bit of yellow added come spring; and you'll be able to live with the brownish sofa until you're ready to update or reupholster. I have some KAS cushion covers from a couple of years ago which show how this kind of colour mix can be done. One has stylised flowers (a la Mexican) in grey, brown and caramel with a touch of burnt orange. (You mention liking ochre.). Another is lighter grey, brown, taupe and bone-white on a natural linen. A third (less subtle) is warm greens with brown, taupe, yellow, white and a little aqua. I'm not saying go for styles that are a few years out of fashion. But do be confident enough to resist a harsh, hard-edged option if a gentler one is right for your temperament and household and the room's aspect. Robyn

Hi diviabhi Here are a few links to companies which supply the roman blinds you are after (blockout & sheer). I would suggest looking at a few, getting an idea of the type of blinds you are after, doing a cost comparison between them all. You might want to request an obligation free quote. Of course, depending on your location, some may be more suitable than others. Fabric/Material, Exposed/Hidden Tracks, Motorised/Manual, Cordless/Corded and COST are all things to take into consideration. http://www.kresta.com.au http://www.victory.com.au http://www.luxaflex.com.au http://www.sunway.com.au http://invisageinverloch.com.au Take your time and good luck with your decision.

If you put the blind outside you prevent sun hitting the window so it acts as an insulation layer. We just had installed zipline Infinity blinds on the outside with a remote control. Excellent. We knew the darker the material the more you would see through. We used 80% black. It is so transparent you don't know it is there. Will post photos shortly. We have a day blind leftover inside and when tne two are drawn at night you can't see in.