Alley lights available and window treatment trends

Eligible Peoria homeowners can apply for a free alley light as part of a limited program the city is offering.

The dusk-to-dawn alley light will be installed on the resident's home or garage. Only 100 lights are available.

To be eligible, the applicant must not have participated in previous alley lighting programs. Also, the applicant is responsible for the care and maintenance of the light after it is installed.

The alley light features a 42-watt fluorescent bulb encased in a metal wall unit with a heavy duty light cover. It will be hardwired to an existing electrical system.

Applications are available at the city's website: www.ci.peoria.il.us/planningforms. Applications are also available at the Planning & Growth Management Department, Twin Towers Building, 456 Fulton Street, Suite 402.

For more information, call Steve Fairbanks at 494-8603.

Window treatment trends

Now that spring has sprung, you want to let the sun shine in. But, your drab window treatments are all you can see.

HGTV's Chelsey Bowen has a number of easy tips to "update your space with the hottest colors and latest fabrics."

Bowen writes that one trend always in style is using sheer panels that don't block natural light.

Designer Jennifer Duneier tells Bowen that "simple panels of sheer fabrics to add warmth to the room but still let light through. Many fabric houses are making fabulous sheers in all colors, not just white or cream. They're also using great linen blends with more contemporary patterns. Great sources include Highland Court, Beacon Hill/Robert Allen, Kravet and Lee Jofa."