Pella Corporation's new Designer Series Collection of windows and patio doors are designed to be as individual and diverse as the rooms you create. The complete line of windows and patio doors feature convenient between-the-glass window fashions which can easily change in minutes. This collection offers the ease of simply snapping out the blind or shade and replacing it with a stylish, new color for a completely new look.

"We recognize that homeowners want to express their personal style while saving time, money and simplifying their lives," said Sherri Gillette, Designer Series brand manager. "We have developed an integrated design solution to satisfy those diverse needs."

Because the blinds and shades are protected between the panes of glass, these window treatments rarely need cleaning. And cleaning is not something most people put high on their priority list. Pella research found that when asked if they could have their blinds and shades cleaned for free, 95 percent of homeowners said they would have them cleaned at least annually and 56 percent would have it done at least monthly. But the reality is that right now, only a quarter of households are cleaning their blinds monthly or more, yet almost twice as many (44 percent) said the blinds should get at least a monthly cleaning.

On the flip side, dust ranks right up there with other most embarrassing elements in a home. Respondents to the Pella survey said pet hair (19 percent), the old, worn carpet (19 percent) and the dust that accumulates (15 percent) were the single most discomforting things in their home.

Yet most people are hard-pressed to identify that one item which makes them the most proud. Responses were split pretty evenly on what offers the greatest satisfaction in a home: the view (21 percent), the living room (21 percent), cleanliness (19 percent) and sense of style (17 percent).

Recognizing that color is the fundamental design element of any home, Pella created a palette of 25 new colors for the Designer Series blinds and shades. Experts from the Pantone Color Institute, a recognized authority on color, say the emerging trends in color tones for this spring include colors of the European natural landscape, such as: blue turquoise, slate gray, kelp, coral reef, vibrant green, and begonia pink.

Spring is also the perfect time to update or replace the entry door to make a dramatic first impression for guests and neighbors. Adding a storm door will change the look for your entry and will welcome in the warm air by replacing the glass with a screen or simply rolling the screen into place if the door features a Pella Rolscreen. Some storms are even easier to install than ever with the Express Install system from Pella. This system saves homeowners time and money by cutting the typical installation time in half thanks to pre-drilled holes and a time-saving instructional guide. Make sure your storm door has the added benefit of being energy efficient. Select a door that has earned an Energy Star rating to get the most protection from the weather elements.

Spring is a great time for a fresh start to your home's appearance. Take some time to make the little changes that can pack a powerful design punch for a new look this year.

To find a local Pella Window & Door store near you or to contact a local Pella expert, call (888) 84-PELLA or log on to www.pella.com .

Courtesy of ARA Content

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