Andrew Kay on the blind leading the blind
DIY is something of a grey area for me.
My father was such a perfectionist and an extraordinary craftsman that as a child he was loathe to let me into his sacred workshop. Many a time I would ask if I could make things and in response he would go away and make it for me, a kindness – but not that helpful. I once asked if I could attach a set of pram wheels to a board to make a go-cart. A fortnight later he emerged from the shed with a two-seater – I have a younger brother – that looked like a Formula One ironing board complete with proper steering and brakes.
It looked the business but in truth it lagged behind the other boys who sat on a plank on wheels.
“It doesn’t really sit that well with the whole ‘artistic’ image that I have worked so hard to maintain”
I found my own ground at school where I was a bit of a whizz at woodwork, and those skills I have held on to. What I am saying is this, when it comes to DIY I can tackle a variety of jobs of varying complexity.
I know, I kept it quiet for a long time, but it doesn’t really sit that well with the whole ‘artistic’ image that I have worked so hard to maintain. I mean, really, can you imagine me in overalls sporting a tool belt? Stop giggling at the back!
Over the years, in a clandestine manner, I have moved sinks, replumbed lavatories, wired, chiselled, nailed and glued all manner of things and on the whole pretty successfully.
So why oh why did I suddenly get cold feet about fitting some Venetian blinds?
Let me explain. I have recently moved and the flat is charming but semi basement, so light is a real issue and I love light. There were some excellent curtains, really well made ones, but they had a granny look to them and even when drawn back they covered half the window space. I knew immediately what to do and that was to call in my old friends at Shutterly Fabulous and California Shutters. I had used them before to great effect, the product was first class, ordering was simple, and the variety of styles superb. Duly my blind arrived and, power tool in hand, I fitted it within an hour.
This time the job was bigger, one very large blind, unweildly for a one-man operation I thought, and a set of three blinds to fit a bay. The bay was my big worry. I measured twice to be sure and sent off my order and I got a very prompt quote and then a confirmation asking if I required fitting.
Well, to be honest, that was when the doubt set in. Three blinds in one space, all in line? I needed help – and I am so glad that I did.
The blinds arrived in very good time and they looked great. I was delighted with my choice of pale pine, it hits exactly the right note. They fitted too, which is always a worry, but the guide on the website is very clear and easy to follow.
The fitter took his time making sure that everything was true, that everything lined up and ran up and down well, and he even tidied up and removed all the packaging before leaving.
Once again I am delighted by the product and by the service I was given. Shutterly fabulous launched at the same time as Latest Homes and they too have gone on to find great success, with their original brand and later with The California Blind Company. This by offering great products and a great service.
My home has now shed its granny-flat look and has an air of sophistication that the chintz was draining away. It also basks in the maximum amount of light – which I can easily adjust at the simple tug of a cord. You can even allow light in whilst stopping prying eyes spying on you. Not that there’s much to spy on, unless that is you want to catch me catching up on the great love of my life – Coronation Street.
www.californiashutters.co.uk
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