Bang on Trend Get 2010’s hottest interior style at www.thecaliforniacompany.co.uk

Plantation shutters are set to be a massive trend for design-conscious consumers in 2010. Not only are shutters super stylish and suit every interior space (be it at home, the office, hotel or restaurant), they are also a great way to instantly update the look and feel of a room, whilst controlling the light and maintaining privacy levels.

So if your customers are looking for something a little different this year, stay ahead of the game with bespoke, cost-effective shutters from The California Company.

The California Company is the web’s leading online DIY shutter and blind retailer that supplies high quality products to the interior and building trade at competitive prices. Trade discounts are also available on larger orders.

Sam Tamlyn, Operations Manager at The California Company, says: “Shutters are incredibly versatile; they can fit any space, from triangles to ovals, up to around eight metres in length. They can also be painted or stained any colour too; from pink for a girl’s nursery, to a black walnut stain for a more sophisticated office environment. At The California Company we can also custom-make colours too. It’s this versatility really that has sparked an increase in the popularity of shutters.”

Apart from being stylish, hardwood plantation shutters are also practical, and are a great investment for any property: they add value; are easy to maintain; are energy efficient; durable; child-friendly; and are more hygienic than curtains and can simply be wiped clean.

A style imported from the US, plantation shutters are originally named after the large 19th century mansions in the southern states. These mansions feature louvers, which open and close to minimise the midday heat, improve ventilation and maintain privacy levels.  

Website
The California Company has long been recognised in the window treatments industry for its informative and easy-to-use website.

To meet this increase in demand for shutters in 2010, The California Company has added new video content to its website. These videos demonstrate different shutter designs, and offer practical solutions in measuring and installing the shutters, to make the customer journey as smooth as possible.

Sam says: “We always listen to our customers’ suggestions and feedback, and we’re always looking at new ways we can improve our service. We originally had written guides on our website, but we wanted to physically demonstrate just how simple and time efficient the shutters are to install and to measure up. Our new video guides make it extremely easy for the building and interior trade to see in an instant what style of shutter would work best for the project that they’re working on and just how easy they are to install.

“The video guides have been well received by our trade customers; they can still reach our shutter experts by phone six days a week for expert advice, but these videos mean our customers can browse at leisure at whatever time of day suits them best.”

The new video content features:

Design Tips: handy suggestions on what designs work best for different types of windows.

Installation guides: shows you step-by-step how to install your shutters, from assembling the frame to hanging the panels.

Measuring Guides: shows you exactly how to measure your windows to get the perfect fit; includes different types of windows

All The California Company’s shutters are made to the same high standards. The wooden shutters are made from quality hardwoods, Yellow Poplar and Elm, which have proved most durable against warping.

The hardwoods are also Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. This means that the wood is responsibly sourced. The FSC is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting responsible forest management, ensuring that wood is grown, harvested and replanted in a way that does not harm the environment. 

The wetroom shutters, ideal for any moist environments such as bathrooms and spas, are made from waterproof polyvinyl.

As the shutters are bespoke, there are a number of design options available:
• Slats: choose from 47mm, 64mm, 89mm or 114mm
• Panels: with regular push rods or contemporary concealed slat tilting system
• Installation: tight inside the window recess or mounted flat against the walls.

The shutters come ready to install, pre-hinged, pre-drilled, and pre-finished – all you’ll need is a screwdriver and they’ll take under an hour to install in most instances.

The California Company’s Blinds
The California Company also supplies high quality bespoke wooden and faux-wooden blinds. Each blind is made to measure and cut from scratch. A remote control slat tilt option is also available for a more high-tech and luxurious solution.

All products come with a guarantee: the shutters have a three year guarantee, while the blinds have a six month guarantee.
 
As all shutters and blinds are made to your exact design and measurements, it will take seven weeks from the order date for your new window treatments to be manufactured and delivered.