Category: 2018 trends

New Year, New Eco-Friendly Window Treatments

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Start 2019 with eco-friendly window treatments by Budget Blinds. With our vast selection, embracing sustainability with gorgeous window treatments has never been easier. We believe in finding the perfect marriage between style and promotion of a healthy environment. With eco-friendly window treatments, you can do your part in helping to preserve our natural resources and still be on-trend with innovative products. Take a look!
Hardwood Blinds

Through sustainable-yield forest management, the amount of wood harvested for our hardwood window treatments is below the levels of tree growth. Not only do they provide excellent privacy control, our wood blinds are a natural insulator that helps lower your heating and cooling bills, ensuring your home maintains comfortable temperatures throughout the seasons. They utilize renewable resources and environmentally-friendly forestry techniques without sacrificing style.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades, with their honeycomb-shaped cells, act as an insulator, and when combined or layered with other treatments and placed close to the glass, can reduce summer heat gain by as much as 45%. A wide range of opacity choices, from transparent to light-filtering, to room-darkening, allow you to customize natural light. And a vast selection of the latest fabrics and colors ensure a perfect match with your décor.

Woven Shades

Our woven natural shades from our Inspired Shades™ Collection are made from hemp, kenaf and flax, are 100% organic and environmentally-friendly, and completely recyclable! They allow for an operational roller shade on the back of the woven wood in solar, room-darkening, or light-filtering options that allow you to adjust the level of light and reduce heat gain from rising temperatures.

Bamboo Shades

From Roman style to a more streamlined flat style, bamboo shades combine the natural beauty of organic materials with inspired design for a refined, relaxed look to any room. These shades fuse eco-friendly materials, including bamboo, reeds, jutes and grasses, with a variety of designs that can be integrated into the perfect customized window treatment.


Start the New Year with new eco-friendly window treatments that are stylish and sustainable. We use 100% recyclable packaging when shipping our products, and most of our non-wood product components can be recycled as well. Most of our window treatments offer superb energy efficiency that help reduce dependence on electricity and natural gas for cooling and/or heating your home. Start your New Year’s shopping today with Budget Blinds! For more information contact your me today!

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NEED HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA’S? – CHECK OUT OUR DESIGN GUIDE!

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Are you stumped on gift ideas this holiday season? What better gift for your family than the gift of safety? What better gift for yourself than beautiful window treatments that save you money on your energy bill? Get all these things with new window treatments from Pamela Brown at Budget Blinds!

Choose Safer Window Coverings

“Going cordless” is a trend across several industries.  But the movement in window coverings is not just about modern style and convenience.  It is an issue of safety for homes with small children.

Some styles of traditional corded window coverings pose a tempting hazard to infants and toddlers who view dangling cords as playthings. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least one child dies from window cord strangulation every month, and during that one-month period, at least one more child suffers a near strangulation.

Budget Blinds® recommends cordless treatments for homes where small children or pets live or frequently visit.  Cordless options include:

  • Shutters:Offer a classic and inherently cordless window covering option
  • Motorized shades:Motorized shades can be raised and lowered with the touch of a button using a battery-operated remote control
  • Cordless cellular shades:A sleek and modern option, cordless cellular shades can be easily raised and lowered with one hand

Choose Energy Efficient Window Coverings

Budget Blinds offers a variety of energy-saving window coverings that are not only stylish but will help you save money in the winter AND the summer too (note: efficient treatments help in the summer by to regulating indoor temperatures!)

Cellular and Roman Shades

Cellular shades and Roman shades are the TOP  energy-saving window coverings. Both of these styles are very trendy and have plenty of factors that help you save money on your energy bill.

Cellular shades (aka pleated or honeycomb shades) are designed to create insulation by trapping the warm air inside and keeping the cold air out! Cellular shades are very versatile window treatments with a variety of fabrics and colors to choose from. We have light filtering options including sheer, light filtering, room-darkening and blackout fabrics which help with privacy and insulation too!

Roman shades are like cellular shades and are one of the most popular windows coverings for energy efficiency. They are stylish and offer plenty of energy-saving qualities. They too come in a variety of colors, prints and textures to add elegance to your home. Due to heavier fabrics, Roman shades can trap in warmth which can save you money on your electric bill as you would ultimately use your heater less and less. Also, like cellular shades, Roman shades come in various degrees of light filtering options for privacy and light control.

So, do I have your attention? Then it’s time to browse our Design Guide below! And don’t forget to place your orders by November 9th to ensure installation before Christmas! Visit www.budgetblinds.com/stillwater to book your appointment today!

Budget Blinds Design Guide

Get Smart, Get Smart Shades

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Today, everything is SMART and your home should be no exception. Budget Blinds, North America’s #1 provider of custom window coverings and the most established name in smart home technology are the smartest choice out there. Now, opening and closing your shades with the touch of a button is easier than ever— talk about convenience! Automated window coverings offer many benefits. They reduce the wear and tear that comes from manual operation and can be set on timers to open and close at your preferred time of day. With various automated options from Budget Blinds, you can feel confident you are getting the best window coverings available. Here are a few reasons why Smart Shades should be added to your home décor:

Energy Savings

Program your window coverings on timers to open and close at specific times of the day to save on energy costs. Energy-efficient window coverings provide effective insulation, offering your home increased protection against heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer.

Safety

It is important to not overlook basic household items such as window coverings when child proofing your home.  Automated window coverings eliminate the need for dangling cords so they are both kid-friendly and pet-safe.  Making window treatments safer for homes with infants, toddlers, children, and pets is one of Budget Blinds’ top priorities.

Security and Privacy

Timers allow you to open and close your window coverings on a predetermined schedule when you’re home or on vacation. Giving an outside impression as though someone is home at all times. In addition, privacy is just a click away with Smart Shades. They offer complete privacy even with the hard to reach windows. Control the amount of privacy you want in your home with automated window coverings — you won’t be disappointed!

UV Protection

Automated shades prevent harmful UV rays from entering the room. Program your window coverings to close when the sun is shining bright to keep fabrics, rugs, upholstery and artwork from fading.

Convenience

Finally, what’s better than convenience? Smart Shades transform a room’s lighting and ambiance at the touch of a button. Making it super easy to lower and raise at your leisure. Monitor and control lights from your smart device no matter where you are or create personalized lighting schedules that change with the seasons.

Choose from a wide array of control options such as wireless wall switches, hand-held remotes and timers, and apps that allow you to control from your Smart device. Whether you prefer blinds, shades, or drapes, all popular Budget Blinds window coverings can be automated. To learn more about automated window coverings, reach out today!

-Pamela Brown

 

Beat this Heat with Energy Efficient, Honeycomb Shades

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When you’re considering new window treatments, don’t forget to compare the energy efficiency of different styles and materials, because the right window treatments can greatly improve your windows energy efficiency and lower your energy costs whether you are warming your home in the winter or cooling it in the summer.

For example, the unique design of signature series cellular shades traps insulating layers of air and reduces heat transfer. Whether you’re trying to keep the heat out or in and when you combine that Enhanced energy efficiency with motorized controls that let you program when your window treatments automatically open and close your blinds or shades become an effortless part of your home’s heating and cooling system and with so many colors and styles to choose from you don’t have to sacrifice style for energy efficiency.

Cellular and Roman Shades

Cellular shades are the TOP  energy-saving window coverings. These styles are very trendy and have plenty of factors that help you save money on your energy bill.

Cellular shades (aka pleated or honeycomb shades) are designed to create insulation by trapping the warm air inside and keeping the cold air out! Cellular shades are very versatile window treatments with a variety of fabrics and colors to choose from. We have light filtering options including sheer, light filtering, room-darkening and blackout fabrics which help with privacy and insulation too!

When they are closed, cellular shades will help keep in the heat and make every room pleasant to be in during the winter. For hot summer months, they block intense heat or they roll up all the way allowing for a view. Best of all, cellular shades have a cordless lift or one-touch remote control motorization making them easy to open and close as well as child safe!

Contact me today to schedule your free in-home consultation and make your home stylish and energy-efficient!

-Pamela
651-351-7620
pbrown@budgetblinds.com

Installing Cordless Window Coverings Could Save a Life

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Preparing a home for a new baby, or modifying home décor for a growing one, is as exciting as it is essential. To ensure a child-appropriate home means not only to make room for a crib or to decorate a baby’s room with soothing, warm colors; it also means to close the electrical sockets and secure any hazardous items that are not meant to be played with.

The precautions we take must be meticulous and not exclude the consideration of window coverings. As adults, we may overlook the danger of dangling cords––but small children and even pets can perceive them as hidden playthings. Choosing cordless window coverings is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure the safety of your little ones and your furry friends.

Choosing new window coverings can be a daunting task. I can walk you through the various types of window coverings that are most appropriate for your home and suitable to your lifestyle, including cordless blinds and motorized shades.

Motorized shades and other popular window coverings can be operated by a hand-held remote, a power-wand, a wall switch, or set on a programmable timer for extra convenience. Motorization is especially ideal for those tall, hard-to-reach blinds, and for windows directly in front of furniture, such as dressers or cribs. Whether you prefer the classic look of traditional blinds and shutters or the modern appeal of curtains and shades, most Budget Blinds window coverings can be motorized.

Schedule a free in-home consultation with me and I will bring samples of cordless blinds in a variety of styles, colors, opacities, and textures, directly to your home so you can see how they will look with your family’s existing décor.

By making your home’s window blinds cordless, you protect your family from risks of entanglement or even death. The Window Coverings Manufacturers Association (WCMA) announced that a new window covering safety standard is set to take effect on Dec. 15, 2018.

Budget Blinds has always promoted child safe window covering products.  Our Home Office teams have worked diligently with all our vendor alliance partners to ensure they are in accordance with all safety regulations including those advanced by the WCMA and Health Canada.  That’s 100 percent of our alliance manufacturers providing child safe products.  And, we’ve been aligned with the WCMA for nearly twenty years.

Taking it a step further, 80 percent of our vendor alliance partners are participating in WCMA’s “Best for Kids” program.  This safety program is voluntary, and products must be submitted to a WCMA-recognized third-party testing laboratory.  Products that meet stringent criteria will be eligible to be listed and labeled on packaging and materials as “certified” Best for Kids.

To learn more about how Budget Blinds meets or exceeds these heightened child safety window covering standards, schedule a free in-home consultation with me, today!

To see a complete list of requirements of the new standards for stock and custom-window covering products, click the following link:  Revised Standards Take Effect Dec. 15, 2018

Pamela Brown
http://www.budgetblinds.com/stillwater

 

Summer Decorating Ideas

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Summer is here and I couldn’t be more excited! Summer is all about lazy pool days, soaking in the sunshine, taking out the boat and having a BBQ. There is nothing better than longer warmer days to get you in the decorating spirit. This summer, I have put together a few simple design ideas to help bring a little easy-breezy décor to your home!

Bring the Outdoors In

Summertime reminds me of fresh flowers, ripe fruits and vegetables and wreaths hung on your door to welcome guests to your home. Adding greenery to your style is a simple way to brighten up your space. We recommend a variety of succulents that are low maintenance and beautiful— or take your pick of artificial options that look real so you don’t have to worry about keeping them alive. Hanging a simple green wreath on your front door is another easy and adorable way to incorporate greenery to your home. A small boxwood or magnolia wreath adds the perfect pop of green to your door giving it a fresh new look for the season. Another great option is placing herbs in a planter box— rosemary, sage, basil, thyme to name a few. Place them by a kitchen window and enjoy fresh herbs this summer for salads and family BBQ’s.

 

Textiles Can Go a Long Way

Give your home an easy-going vibe by using different textiles in your home. Bring summer indoors with colorful textiles that reflect the season. Think wicker baskets, lightweight throw blankets for summer nights, colorful bedding and a fun area rug that will completely change the feel of a room. Add style and flare with a geometric rug from Budget Blinds. All our area rugs are available in the classic shapes you’ve come to expect including circular, rectangular, and runner styles. Even better, many of our area rugs are made to order so you can customize them to the exact size you want! Don’t be afraid to incorporate textiles into your home and to get creative with this trend.

 

Treat Your Windows

Fresh draperies and shutters can lighten up an entire room, especially if you consider the details. Add a pop of ocean blue to your home with patterned draperies— a perfect combination of color and functionality. Brighten any space and make windows a work of art with patterned sheer shades paired with white wood shutters. Combine with matching throw pillows to create the ultimate look this summer!

 

 

 

 

Don’t Forget Your Backyard

Summer decorating

Welcome summer by entertaining outdoors. With warm weather and a few extra hours of sunlight, enjoy having a picnic in your yard with family and friends. Bring in low tables, floor pillows and strands of twinkle lights to set the summer mood. Add bright colors such as turquoise, orange, red and white to create a festive atmosphere! Consider buying accent dishes to add splashes of color and pattern to your dinner party. Mix floral, tropical and bohemian themed dishes with your everyday plates and bowls. By mixing and matching you will create a look that is perfectly seasonal.

 

 

Hopefully these design tips help you to create the ultimate summer oasis in the comfort of your own home. Have fun decorating with patterns and colors and don’t be afraid to take some risks.

-Pamela Brown

Pet Friendly Design Tips

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You can have a beautiful house and a pet, too! You don’t need to sacrifice style or the comfort of your animal companion to have a home that you can be proud of, but you do need to make the right design choices. Budget Blinds has put together a list of tips to help make your home stylish and pet-friendly.

Flooring

When it comes to the floors, keep in mind your furry friend’s paws can be quite hard on them with scratching and “accidents.” We recommend you choose hard-surface flooring to keep pet-occupied rooms in tip-top shape! Great options for durable floors that also look stylish include stone, ceramic, concrete or laminate. They are easier to keep clean and stain-free than carpet. Such floors are also cooler in hot weather, an important consideration for pets with thick or long hair.

Area Rugs

You already know that area rugs are a great way to enhance a room and add a pop of texture. However, they also protect floors from claws and stains while providing a cozy spot for your pet to snooze. The best area rugs for pet owners feature patterns with a multitude of colors that draw the eye away from dirt, stains and pet hair. Make sure to include a non-stick pad beneath the rug so your pet can safely run throughout the house!

 

Patterned Furniture

Most people who have pets “avoid white” at all costs, and for good reason. When it comes to upholstery, choose woven fabrics with patterns, textures and darker colors that help camouflage dirt and pet hair. Avoid fabrics that need constant cleaning, like silk and velvet. Don’t invest too much money on furniture pieces you know your pets will be spending a majority of their time on and make sure it’s made of durable material. We suggest buying furniture that uses washable slipcovers, making cleaning up stains or hair quick and easy!

 

Painted Walls

Protect your walls with paint. If your animal likes to rub up against walls or maybe drools a lot, then you’re going to want to use a semi-gloss paint finish on your walls.  Semi-gloss is great for rooms that see a lot of activity and moisture and allows for an easy clean up. Choose from a bold color or keep it simple with a neutral. When your pet makes a mess simply wipe your walls down with a damp paper towel and call it a day, it’s that durable!

Bedding

We all have pets that like to cuddle in our beds, it’s alright to admit it. Help protect your bed from the inevitable dirt, pet hair and accidents with a duvet cover. Duvet covers are perfect for pet-owners because they can easily be removed and washed whenever needed. In addition, choose sturdy cotton sheets in a color or pattern that can hide pet hair between washings.

 

Cordless Window Treatments

Keep your loved ones safe with cordless window treatments in your home. Avoid long drapes that touch the floor since they will only collect pet hair and debris. Look into window treatments that only cover the length of the window and that are easy to clean, like shades, shutters or blinds. You will also have peace of mind knowing your cordless shades prevent your pet from getting tangled (which can lead to strangling or choking).

 

We hope these pet-friendly design tips were helpful! No need to sacrifice style when you are a pet-owner, you just need to make smart choices. If you need help finding the perfect window treatments that are durable and low maintenance or an area rug, schedule your free in-home consultation today!

Stillwater & Lake Elmo | 651-351-7620

HIGH STYLE. EXPERT SERVICE.

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Window treatments are more than just utilitarian objects, they are fashions for your home. Picking the right ones for your home doesn’t need to be a difficult process. Budget Blinds of Stillwater is locally owned and operated by interior decorator, Pamela Brown. Pamela proudly serves local homeowners and businesses by providing the highest quality of name brand window treatments and the largest selection of styles in the industry.

There is more to window décor than just picking a color. The window treatments you choose should be functional, make the right statement, be child and pet-friendly, and help with energy efficiency! To better understand which window treatments are best for each room in your house you must look at the material, functionality, design and overall measurements. With me, you don’t lift a finger. I bring the store to you and take care of it all, measure and install. I believe everyone at every budget deserves style and service. And that’s a beautiful place to be!

As an Interior Designer with over 18 years of experience, I stay relevant with modern industry trends, including innovative products like motorization and smart home automation, and bring valued knowledge to my clients. My expertise is in window treatments and I am passionate about style! I personally work with all my customers and assists them throughout the entire process – from design consultations to measuring, installation and the completed result. I love bringing style and practical, energy efficient window treatments to my clients.

My goal is simple: to provide you with the best products and services to enrich your home environment. Call today to schedule your free in-home consultation! I will bring you the highest quality and most fashionable window coverings in Stillwater and surrounding areas.

Pamela Brown,

651-351-7620

Window Treatments 101: Discover Your Style

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Picking the right window treatments for your home doesn’t need to be a difficult process. At Budget Blinds, our style consultants are here to help you every step of the way! The window treatments you choose should be functional and make the right décor statement. To better understand which window treatments are best for each room in your house you must look at the material, functionality, design and overall measurements. If you are unsure where to begin, try these tips!

Roman Shades

Roman Shades

are a popular solution for those who admire the elegant look of draperies, but want the modern conveniences of window shades. They also provide extra insulation, which helps save on energy costs. Choose from a variety of styles including balloon shades, teardrop shades, cascading folds and relaxed folds—all of which can bring your home to life. An extensive variety of light filtering and room darkening fabrics give you the freedom to create just the right look for your home, as well as control incoming light. We love using roman shades in dining and living rooms! You can even pair them with draperies for a more formal look.

Composite Shutters and Faux Wood Blinds

Composite Shutters

If you are looking for window treatments that are moisture resistant and made from the finest materials that will withstand the test of time, then composite shutters or faux wood blinds are best for you! No matter how humid the environmental conditions may be in your area, Budget Blinds’ moisture resistant blinds will retain their integrity and beauty. Choose from our line of composite shutters that can resist high moisture areas like bathrooms while bestowing timeless elegance, or from our line of faux wood blinds that are well suited for places with high humidity like coastal homes.

Draperies

Draperies

Drapes create a warm and inviting feel and offer both quality and stylish décor that ties the style of each room and your entire home together. Draperies can be easily and conveniently interchanged to help match the continually changing style and look of your rooms. The ease of functionality for window drapes makes them a great addition to commonly used rooms, where their constant use can require regular cleaning that makes other mounted window treatment options an unnecessary hassle. Offering the utmost in security and privacy, window drapes draw closed to block out views from outside while protecting any room from uncomfortable sun glare. As a general rule, we tend to choose drapes for rooms that we want to soften the overall look, like bedrooms and dining rooms.

Pleated Shades

Pleated Shades
Pleated shades offer a unique look and are affordable window covering options. The folded accordion pleats add dimension to living spaces. One of the biggest advantages to this type of window covering is how it stacks completely flat when raised to allow a full, open outdoor view. Pleated shades come in sheer, light-filtering and room-darkening fabrics to meet your specific light control preferences. These are great for any room in your home!

Child Safety

Child Safe

Do you have little ones at home? As toddlers grow, so does their curiosity of the world around them. If overlooked, basic household items – including window treatments – can turn into potential hazards. Making window treatments safer for homes with infants, toddlers, children and pets is one of Budget Blinds’ top priorities. That’s why we offer a variety of child safe window treatments to reduce the risk of accidents. Cordless child safe blinds and cordless shades with retractable lift offer added safety for children while making window operation a breeze. Motorized shades are excellent child-friendly window treatments because of their cordless operation and ability to be programmed to open and close at your preferred time of day. Shutters can also be used in kids’ rooms and playrooms to ensure optimal privacy and child safety due to their cordless nature.

We hope these window treatment tips were helpful! Whether you are looking for moisture resistant, light filtering, motorization or child safety, Budget Blinds has you covered!

 

Spring into the Season with A Pop of Green!

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Spring is around the corner and what better way to freshen up your home than by adding a little pop of green to your home décor? Budget Blinds offers a variety of custom window treatments including blinds, shades, shutters and drapes that can bring the vibrant green hues of spring into your home this season.

Draperies create beautiful everyday environments and allow you to color your world in a very personal way! Our Inspired Drapes® collection provides you the widest selection of curtain and drapes and other soft window treatments, custom pillows and bedding, all with luxurious designer touches at an attractive price. Vivid color or calming neutrals – every choice is a statement.  Whether you want draperies to provide light filtration and insulation, or to add amazing aesthetic touches to your favorite spaces, Budget Blinds of Stillwater has got you covered! Our ready-made drapery panels offer you an instant decorating upgrade and color without commitment if you like to follow color and fabric trends. Additionally, your local style consultant can help you design custom drapery, from trendy to modern or traditional, to fully dress your windows making your home uniquely your own. Need help selecting drapery? 

 

More about Inspired Drapes® —Sold exclusively by Budget Blinds®

If you want drapery as a standalone window treatment or if you plan to layer curtains or drapes over window blinds, shades or shutters you can surround yourself with window treatments that enhance the purpose of every room in your home. Our Inspired Drapes collection offers you a unique opportunity to infuse your living spaces with colors and textures you’ll love for everything from decorative drapery hardware and curtain rods to beautiful silk and linen curtain panels! Our exclusive fabrics from Italy provide custom options you will not find elsewhere to fully dress your windows, or start slow, adding custom window treatments a layer at a time. Your Inspired Drapes style consultant, Pamela Brown will be pleased to help you discover window coverings and custom accessories that suit your budget and your lifestyle!
Need help selecting drapery? Get started now, schedule your free in-home consultation today with Budget Blinds of Stillwater.

-Pamela Brown