The California Shutter Conundrum

Are shutters really worth the investment? It’s a question we have to answer quite regularly, and the answer varies case by case. Custom
shutters are about the most expensive window-covering we offer, but also might be the best value. With a manufacturer like Eclipse offering a full 25 year warranty, and their durable construction, for many people the shutter is a “buy once, cry once” proposition.


However, deciding if shutters are the right option depends more on personal lifestyle than finances. A shutter is a fixed windowcovering, and though accessing the window is as simple as opening a panel on its hinges, for people who enjoy their windows free of obstructions a fabric shade which draws up out of the window is probably the better choice.


If you’d like an informed opinion on what might best suit your particular needs, stop by the showroom and we’d be happy to help.

To Prime or Not to Prime That is THE Question

By Courtney Davy • June 24, 2025
One of the most common questions I get asked is whether or not certain project requires a primer coat. Made even more confusing as for the last decades all paint manufacturers have climbed aboard the “Paint and Primer in One” train of thought. So what is the truth?? My beautiful wife explains this best, often comparing “Paint and Primer in One” with “Shampoo and Conditioner in One”. While they sort of do the same job, they are not equals. A better description would be “Self-Priming”, and the truth is that most latex paints have always been self-priming in the instances that“Paint & Primer” cover. For any basic latex over latex colour conversion, primer is not necessary. And if the wall repair work is limited, you likely don’t need to prime either, just might need an extra coat. However for any type of specialty situation, such as stains, glossy surfaces, very porous surfaces or brand new drywall or wood, the proper primer should really be used. It can be tough to know for sure what the right course of action is, but lucky for you that’s why we are here. Our staff has decades of experience and are ready and willing to steer you in the right direction. Pop by any time and we can help make sure your ideas become reality.

What About Wallpaper?

June 24, 2025
As you probably already know, wallpaper is back in a huge way. Not many people are papering their entire homes, but accent walls and powder rooms have become quite popular once again. Most importantly, the industry has solved most of the issues that cause some of us to fear wallpaper. No more wet and sloppy mess during installation. Most newer wallpapers are un-pasted, and installed using a latex adhesive which can be applied directly to the wall just like paint. The result is that the paper is dry while you are handling it, making it far easier to match patterns and cut cleanly. Long gone are the wallpaper stripping horror stories of the 80’s and 90’s. Newer wallpapers are truly dry strippable, and tend to come off the wall in full sheets like how they went up. When your favourite paper has run its course, removal can take minutes instead of hours. With dozens of patterns in stock, and hundreds of books to browse, we are your best local choice for wallpaper to finish that last detail in your home.