Bring Pantone’s Colour of the Year to Your Home with ‘Very Peri’ Coloured and Patterned Blinds

Bring Pantone’s Colour of the Year to Your Home with ‘Very Peri’ Coloured and Patterned Blinds

For many of us, choosing the perfect coloured blinds or patterned blinds can be a tricky task. Which colour to choose? Will they stay on trend? How will you style them? Your blinds are a focal point, so it’s important to get them right!

We find that if you follow Pantone’s Colours of the Year, you can’t go wrong! Year after year we see Pantone’s Colours of the year shaping our interior design choices and trends. It’s a key tool used by designers when selecting their pallets for the coming year. Therefore, it’s a colour you’ll see a lot of in the magazines, Instagram inspiration pages, and in the shops!

So, what is Pantone’s Colour of the Year you ask?

Introducing Pantone Colour of The Year 2022… Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri

Very Peri is a brand-new Pantone Colour – Newly created specifically to reflect the global innovation and transformation taking place in the world right now as we continue to adapt to the new normal.

2022’s Pantone Colour is all about rekindling gratitude for some of the qualities that blue represents, complemented by a new perspective that resonates today. Very Peri places the future ahead in a new light.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute explains: “Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue colour family. Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time with its violet-red undertone, displaying a spritely, joyous and dynamic presence. All of which encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions.”

A vibrant shade of blue with a beautiful violet-red undertone… We can certainly see Very Peri becoming a hit in the interior realm very soon.

At A1 Blinds we have a style and design to suit everyone. From patterned blinds to coloured blinds, bold or plain, we’re sure you’ll find a look you love in our range. So, if you’re here to get ahead of the trend and get ‘Very Peri’ coloured blinds, we can certainly help you with that!

Very Peri Pantone's Colour of the Year 2022

Introducing Very Peri to your Home with Blinds

A vibrant yet versatile shade, we believe Very Peri would make a beautiful coloured blind that will complement many interiors!

Very Peri Coloured Blinds

At A1 Blinds we have a wide range of styles available in the lovely Very Peri shade. You’ll choose from Romans, rollers, verticals and more, and be able to incorporate the new ‘in’ colour into your home with ease!

When it comes to styling any colourful blinds, using matching or contrasting accessories works brilliantly! Take a look at some of our coloured blinds for inspiration…

Veri Peri Coloured Blinds

Very Peri Patterned Blinds

Very Peri is the perfect colour to be incorporated into a patterned blind. It lends itself beautifully to soft pastel colours from greens and blues to pinks and neutrals. So, therefore, can be worked into the most simplistic or extravagant patterns you could imagine.

We have lots of patterned blinds that include Very Peri shades. Here’s some inspiration from our range…

Very Peri Patterned Blinds

Choosing Neutral Coloured Blinds Instead

If you’d rather not commit to a Very Peri window covering, neutrally patterned or coloured blinds are always in style.

Choosing a neutral pallet for your ‘bigger ticket’ interior items (like blinds, sofas, and light-fittings) will help you to stay on trend for longer. You can introduce the ‘in’ colours, such as Very Peri, with smaller accessories like cushions, vases, candles, and rugs. And change them regularly – without breaking the bank!

Your neutral colours range much wider than some may think. Many believe that a neutral colour pallet is limited to white and cream. A neutral colour pallet is much more exciting than that! Examples of neutral colours do of course include your whites and creams. But then add greys, beiges, browns, taupe’s, and even blacks into the mix – and you can still have lots of fun whilst keeping it neutral!

All of these neutrals will make beautiful, patterned and coloured blinds that will be extremely versatile when it comes to styling your home. At A1 we have thousands of neutral coloured and patterned blinds that will suit every home. Choose from roller, Roman, Venetian, vertical and more, in a variety of textures, colours and designs.

Neutral Coloured Blinds

Are you ready to get ahead of the trend and introduce Very Peri coloured blinds or patterned blinds to your home? We hope we’ve given you some inspiration for your next set of blinds!

Why not get started now? Book your FREE home appointment on our website! We’ll bring a huge range of samples to your home for you to choose from and measure your blinds whilst we’re there.

Alternatively, you can contact us at info@a1blindsuk.co.uk or 0800 193 0417 or visit our Blaydon and Forest Hall showrooms.

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

40 Custom Tension Pleated Blinds for Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Client: Newcastle International Airport
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Aviation – Air Traffic Control
Scope: 40 Bespoke Tension Pleated Blinds
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install 40 custom tension pleated blinds for Newcastle International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower. This wasn’t a straightforward job – the tower’s unique architecture and operational restrictions made it one of the most complex installations we’ve ever delivered.

What the Client Needed

The brief was simple but critical: shading and light control in an environment where visibility is paramount. The blinds needed to perform flawlessly to reduce glare, enhance comfort, and maintain clear sightlines for air traffic controllers at all times.

The Challenge

The tower’s design created a unique technical challenge: the windows are narrower at the top than the bottom. This meant the blinds had to operate in reverse, raising issues with tension and stability. Getting them to stay in place was no small feat.

How We Overcame It

Our team engineered a bespoke solution using:

  • Maximum tension throughout each blind system
  • Reinforced top bars for durability
  • Discreet magnetic strips to keep blinds secure

We worked closely with the client throughout, being completely transparent about the technical hurdles. To build confidence, we produced working samples that were tested and signed off before full manufacture began.

Working in a Live Air Traffic Control Tower

This wasn’t just a technical project – it was also about precision planning. Working in one of the UK’s busiest control towers meant strict security measures:

  • All staff were vetted and security checked
  • Passports had to be presented at each entry
  • Access was tightly restricted and visits limited

To meet these requirements, we planned every step of the installation around an agreed programme of works, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and minimal disruption to airport operations.

The Result

The new blinds have transformed the tower environment, delivering:

✅ Glare reduction
✅ Improved visibility for controllers
✅ Greater comfort in a high-pressure workplace

The client praised not only the quality of the finished product but also our communication, professionalism, and how smoothly the installation was managed.

The Bigger Picture

This project highlights our ability to deliver bespoke blind solutions for even the most complex environments. From innovative design to meticulous project management, we can adapt to buildings where standard systems simply won’t work.

Ready for the Next One

If you’ve got a project that demands a tailored shading solution – whether it’s an airport, a commercial office, or a uniquely shaped building – we’ve got the expertise to deliver.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can design, manufacture, and install blinds that meet your exact requirements.

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

When it comes to getting little ones to bed, few things are as powerful as a pitch dark and well regulated room environment. Blackout blinds for children offer a proven solution – from boosting sleep hormone levels to keeping bedrooms cool in summer and warm in winter.

🌙 Why Darkness Matters for Children

Encouraging Melatonin Production
Exposure to light – even low light – can suppress melatonin by up to 90%, the hormone vital for sleep regulation. A darkened kids’ room enables natural melatonin levels to rise, helping children wind down and stay asleep longer.

Better Quality & Longer Sleep
According to the UK Sleep Council, around 30% of children aged 3-17 struggle with sleep onset or staying asleep through the night. By blocking early morning light or ambient evening glow, blackout blinds in nurseries and children’s bedrooms can help extend total sleep time – especially useful in summer, when dawn breaks as early as 4:30 AM.

    🗣️ Parents’ Real World Experiences

    From UK parenting groups, many families report that blackout blinds dramatically improve early-morning wake-ups and overnight sleep:

    “We desperately need blackout blinds otherwise they’ll be up SO early… just won’t be able to get to sleep.” – Nichole.
    “Blackout blinds saved the day… she slept through the night again.” – Shannon.

    While airflow can be a trade off – especially with Velcro fit or fixed sheets – parents often find blackout solutions for kids that still allow for ventilation, such as blinds with suction cups or thermal liners.

    🌡️ Temperature Control: Summer & Winter Benefits

    In Summer
    • Thick, opaque materials block sunlight and reduce solar heat gain, making children’s bedrooms cooler even without air conditioning.
    • Tips from parents: using reflective foil, keeping blinds closed during heat of day, and opening only when ambient air is cooler.

    In Winter
    • Windows are responsible for up to 40% of home heat loss. Thermal blackout blinds for children’s rooms act as an insulating layer, trapping warmth and reducing the chill from cold panes.
    • Retaining heat helps maintain a cosy sleep friendly environment even on frosty nights.

    📊 Sleep & Health Stats (UK based context)
    • Sleep struggles: 30% of children aged 3–17 experience sleep disruptions.
    • Ideal bedroom temperature: 16–18 °C for optimal REM sleep; both overheating and chilliness disrupt sleep patterns.

    Recommended sleep durations:
    • Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours
    • Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours

    ✅ What Blackout Blinds Offer for a Child’s Bedroom

    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.
    • An added insulation and thermal layer keeps rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, ensuring year-round comfort.
    • Noise dampening materials reduce outside noise, making it easier for children to rest without disturbances.
    • A cordless or child-safe design improves safety in nurseries and bedrooms, removing potential hazards.
    • Easy-to-open and close blinds offer flexibility for daytime naps or letting in fresh air when needed.
    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.

    🧸 Tips for Parents

    • Choose child-safe blackout blinds – cordless or securely fitted – to avoid hazards.
    • Go for a snug, custom fit to reduce light leakage and maximise insulation.
    • In summer, close blinds during the hottest part of the day. In winter, close them overnight to trap heat.
    • Consider blackout blinds with side tracks or thermal lining for better light and temperature control.

    🌟 Final Thoughts

    Blackout blinds are more than just sleep accessories – they’re essential tools in creating a calm, restful space for kids. They help regulate temperature, support natural sleep cycles, and reduce those early wake-ups that can disrupt the whole household. For children (and their parents), a well-fitted blackout blind might just be the most peaceful upgrade you can make to a bedroom.

    Case Study: St James Boulevard, Newcastle

    Case Study: St James Boulevard, Newcastle

    482 Roller Blinds Delivered for Student Accommodation – On Time, In Full

    Client: Private Developer
    Location:     St James Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne
    Sector:     Commercial – Student Accommodation
    Scope:     482 Roller Blinds
    Project Status:     Delivered On Time and In Full (OTIF)

    The Project

    We were proud to be chosen to supply and install 482 roller blinds for a major new-build student accommodation scheme right in the heart of Newcastle city centre. St James Boulevard is a fast-developing area – and this project was all about high-spec, modern student living. Our blinds now form part of that premium finish.

    How It Came About

    This one came through a LinkedIn referral – a great example of our work speaking for itself. Thanks to our reputation for reliability, quality, and our hands-on approach, we were recommended for the job. With in-house manufacturing and years of experience in student accommodation, we were the right fit from day one.

    What the Client Needed

    The brief was clear: style, safety, and performance.
    We supplied blinds that ticked every box:

    • Blackout fabric for full privacy and light control
    • Fire-retardant (FR) materials to meet regulations
    • Colour-matched components for a clean, consistent look
    • A solution that was cost-effective without compromising on quality

    Why They Chose Us

    We brought more than just products to the table:

    • We’re a local manufacturer with full control of our production schedule
    • We’ve got a proven track record in commercial and student accommodation work
    • We listened, adapted, and delivered exactly what was needed
    • Our team kept things simple, professional, and on track from start to finish

    How We Delivered

    From the first site visit to the final installation, we worked in phases, fitting in with the client’s build schedule. Each floor was carefully surveyed, manufactured, and installed without a hitch.

    • ✅ Delivered On Time and In Full
    • ✅ Zero defects across all 11 floors
    • ✅ Smooth installation with minimal disruption to other contractors

    What the Client Said

    “Thank you for A1 Blinds’ commitment to the project – much appreciated. The rooms look very crisp. A1 Blinds have done a very good job and have been very helpful throughout.”

    Nick Campfield, Project Director

    The Result

    This was a big one – and we’re proud of the result. The blinds we supplied don’t just look the part – they add comfort and functionality to every room. More importantly, we proved once again that we can handle large-scale commercial work without ever dropping the ball.

    In 2024 alone, we delivered over £250,000 worth of commercial blind solutions – and with more exciting projects already underway, 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger.

    Ready for the Next One

    With projects like St James Boulevard under our belt, our commercial division is going from strength to strength. If you’re planning a development and want a trusted, local partner for blinds and shading – we’re ready when you are.

    © 2025 A1 Blinds

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