Budget Blinds – What to Expect!

March 18, 2017March 30, 2017Leave a comment

What to Expect When You’re Expecting Budget Blinds – Professional Measuring

The number one concern when hiring someone to take control of your next window coverings project is measuring. It can be nerve-racking putting your trust into someone else’s hands, but truthfully, it is the best decision you can make (saves you time, money AND confusion!)

Budget Blinds of Stillwater is an excellent choice for your window treatments because not only will you have window covering professionals who come to you and get the job done right BUT you can also guarantee that your window treatments will be 100% customized, fit and tailored to your specific windows. Seamless, flawless, perfection – and total peace of mind 🙂

Leave it to the Experts

Our Style Consultants at Budget Blinds of Stillwater are not only trained in window coverings, they have the latest knowledge on trending products and are well-trained professionals when it comes to measuring. You might think measuring your windows is a do-it-yourself kind of project (which it totally can be) BUT it requires design experience, measuring skills, installation talent, and more! When you hire Budget Blinds of Stillwater you are hiring an interior designer, a professional advocate and an expert in the field (did I mention peace of mind? ;)) Hiring us will definitely eliminate the costs of first-time mistakes, time spent doing and redoing the job, and ensure a personal level of satisfaction with the final result. Not to mention, it can actually be fun too! We come to you, in the comfort of your home, on your time.

Avoid Major Mistakes with Budget Blinds

Hiring Budget Blinds of Stillwater helps you avoid major mistakes that can happen if you try to do it yourself like:

Mismeasurements
Safety issues
Not a custom-fit
Incorrect window treatments for the windows
Design and color correction/assistance

Avoid Mismeasurements

A mismeasurement is the number one mistake that people make when trying to measure a window themselves. It seems like a simple task to accomplish, but when you are measuring for a certain window treatment there are different techniques that are used to get the correct fit. The Golden Rule when it comes to measuring is to remember not all windows are created equal. Even though all the windows may look the same there is a good chance that they don’t have the exact same measurements. One mismeasurement can throw off the whole window treatment, causing you to have a window shade that doesn’t open or close correctly. With measuring you also have to consider factors like inside or outside mount that can make a huge difference when you get ready to install your treatment. If you take measurements for an inside mount when you actually wanted an outside mount, you will have to settle for a window covering that is not ideal. Save yourself time and money and hire a Budget Blinds expert to avoid major mistakes.

Safety

Safety is key when it comes to measuring your windows because no one wants the pain of being injured or worse, inevitably creating a fire/child hazard! Many measurements require a ladder for proper and accurate measuring. Ladders can cause inconveniences, especially if you don’t have the right size ladder. Typically every household has a step-ladder or a five or six-foot ladder which will not help when you need to reach really tall or higher up windows. In that case, you will have to rent or buy an extension ladder that can be pricey, hard to transport and dangerous if you are inexperienced when it comes to ladder safety. This is why it is just safer and more convenient for you to call a Budget Blinds professional to measure all your windows, eliminating the possibility of injuries 🙂

Not a Custom-fit

If you are looking for a truly custom-fit for your window treatment it is crucial for you to hire a professional.

With Budget Blinds you are guaranteed a custom-fit in three ways:

Precise measurements mean every window covering will fit perfectly
Our design expertise ensures you will have the style that best suits your individual style
We can custom-fit any budget with our wide range of high-quality products

What Else to Expect with Budget Blinds

Budget Blinds wants you to have the best experience when it comes to choosing custom window coverings. We strive to provide you with superior service from beginning to end. Budget Blinds will give you an exclusive combination of design-driven products, expert service, no-surprises pricing, and our no-questions-asked warranty*: the best in the business! It seems like a no-brainer right? Remember that we not only work on residential, but also commercial businesses too! We can customize anything!

If you want the best in custom window coverings for your next window project, Budget Blinds of Stillwater is your answer. Call 651-351-7620 today or go online to budgetblinds.com and let’s get in touch!!

Color of the year: GREENERY

March 10, 2017March 30, 2017Leave a comment

– Customize with the Color of the Year!

March may seem like the only month we can embrace the color green because, hello to St. Patrick’s Day…But why not celebrate the color green all year long? I highlighted this in a blog at the beginning of the year for – but just as a refresher, the Pantone color of the year for 2017 –Greenery! To me, green represents a total refresh – it makes people feel good, happy and bright! I am really excited to see this color incorporated it into our homes and styles, I think will have the same effect of positivity and happiness in people and homes too!

If you haven’t tried to add greenery into your home decor yet, here are some innovative and unique ways to bring different hues of green into your home.

Splash of Green:

Make a statement by having a splash of green on your faux iron. Faux iron is custom-built to fit any shape or size window, including arches and skylights. It can be a full window treatment or installed as a piece of wrought iron artwork for the backyard.

Green Drapery for the Bedroom:

Achieve an airy look for your bedroom with custom, full-length light green drapery. Drapery can be sheer or lined with light-filtering to blackout liners to give you total light control.

Bring nature indoors:

With just a touch of green, wood blinds can make any area feel warm and inviting. Wood blinds are made of 100% eco-friendly hardwood (making them another type of green). They will look beautiful while preserving the environment.

Let the Light In:

Green Trilight shades are pleated shades on the top to let in natural light while maintaining privacy and blackout cellular on the bottom for complete privacy and darkness.

Green for the Bathroom:

Woven wood shades layered with green drapery make for a perfect mix of glamor and rustic. Woven woods are made from renewable resources making them a “green,” eco-friendly window treatment for an organic feel.

Now that you have some great ideas on how to integrate green (and greenery) into your home, let’s get started today! Budget Blinds of Stillwater can help you go green with window coverings, including blinds, shades, shutters, curtains and drapes (and we can make it SUPER green by customizing your treatments to be energy efficient too!)

Call me today and let’s connect ~ 651-351-7620 go online to budgetblinds.com to schedule your FREE, in-home consultation! I can’t wait to see green emerge in 2017, so fun!

Five Elements Needed to Create a Cozy Corner

February 26, 2017March 30, 2017Leave a comment

Our day-to-day life can be extremely stressful and finding “me” time can be difficult. But if you create a small, cozy corner in your apartment or home you could use that space to escape for some relaxing “me” time – and make relaxing in your home a reality! Creating a cozy corner in your house CAN be challenging! If you are not sure where to start, here are five awesome tips needed to create your cozy corner 🙂

Comfy Chair

The first piece of furniture you need to start with is a comfortable chair or lounge. Think of it as the centerpiece of this area you are creating. Carefully select the color of the chair. If you pick a neutral-colored chair you can add pops of color with other items in your corner for a livelier vibe. Or, if you choose a colorful chair, use neutral colors for your accents, including your window blinds and drapes, for a soothing vibe. But the most important thing about the chair is to make sure it is comfy!

Lighting

The type of lighting can make or break the ambiance of your cozy corner. If you have too much lighting, it can become a space that is uncomfortable. And if you have too soft of lighting, it can be difficult to do any activity in the area. Depending on what type of lighting you prefer, you can start with the natural lighting from the outdoors. If the outdoor lighting is a little too much for activities you are going to do in your area you can cover them with blinds, shades, shutters or drapery to help control and defuse the light. But if there is no window or you prefer a lamp, a great suggestion is to get a light fixture with adjustable levels (like a three-way bulb or a dimmer switch); that way you can find the perfect level of light depending on what you’re doing in the space.

Side Table

Side tables are essential in any room. They help bring a design element to your space and come in handy when you need to set down anything from a good book to a cup of tea. Also, your side table can be used to hold other items like a picture frame or flowers to add warmth and personality to your space. A great design tip for your room is to find a side table with drawers so you have a little more storage for your home.

Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

Having an energy-efficient window covering near your cozy corner will help out in the winter and summer months. When closed, window coverings keep in the warmth during the winter, keeping your corner nice and cozy. During the summer, window treatments keep you cooler, blocking out heat gain from the sun and blocking harmful UV rays. These types of window coverings, including cellular shades, solar shades and shutters, help with maintaining the temperature in your rooms year round and can reduce your energy bill.

Accents

The accents for your cozy corner will create the inviting part of your area. Your accents are where your fashion sense can come into play. Coordinating items in your area can be easy when you use accents like matching your window valance with custom pillows for a designer look. Also, you can add some drama to the room with decorative hardware in shiny metallics like gold, brass or silver. Lastly don’t forget to have a cozy blanket in your area to keep you bundled up.

Now that you know what items are needed to create your cozy corner you can get started! Remember Budget Blinds® can help you create your cozy corner with our large selection of blinds, shades, shutters and drapes including decorative hardware, custom valances and cornices, even custom pillows and bedding to complete your cozy corner. Lastly, make this space your own with some special touches since you are going to be spending quality time there. If you already have a cozy corner, Budget Blinds would love to see it! Submit a photo in the comments below.

50% OFF TOTAL ORDER!!

January 16, 2017January 24, 2017Leave a comment

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2017 Window Trends

January 12, 2017January 24, 2017Leave a comment

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION 2017: COMPLETE MY HOME WITH STYLE

Get ahead of the style this year and get IN with Budget Blinds for all your home updating! Adding new window treatments dramatically improves the overall look of ANY room, and sometimes, that is all the updating you need! Guests comment on your new look (trust us!) and you will benefit in savings, privacy, convenience and more!

Here are some of the latest forecasted TRENDING designs for 2017 – can’t wait to hear what you think!! Reach out and connect – pbrown@budgetblinds.com

CONTEMPORARY ROLLER SHADES

Less is more – right?! We are seeing that design aesthetic a lot in 2016 and going into 2017. Clean lines, contemporary design, custom fit and so many different styles and options to choose from, everyone loves Roller Shades!

LAYERING ROMAN SHADES

If Roller Shades aren’t totally your style, you can achieve the same minimalistic design by going with Roman Shades! These are great as they roll up and create the clean, simple look similar to Roller Shades. They are insulating and great for overall privacy (and style too!) Add in a simple drapery and voila, you are the envy of every house guest that comes over.

EARTHY HUES

This year, color trends are favoring earthy pastel hues like greenery, Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year. Don’t be afraid to try greenery in your home – a pop of greenery can go a longgg way AND its chic and trendy too, so you know you are in style, right?! 😉

Top 5 Window Treatments for Bay Windows

December 5, 2016December 13, 2016Leave a comment

Bay windows don’t need to be tough!! Period. The ONLY thing that makes these windows a little bit more complicated is their shape (and awkward size)… but STILL they shouldn’t be tough! Bay windows are beautiful, and with the right window treatments, these windows can go from drab to fab (and if you’re lucky… to focal point!) 🙂

Most people will leave their bay windows bare because they don’t know what window treatments work and look good. Don’t do this!! Don’t leave these pretty windows bare. Instead, let’s connect and make them beautiful together 🙂

Here are my favorite treatments for your bay windows:

1. Shutters

Bay windows add a beautiful “wow” element to your home, but without the proper window treatments they can bring up issues of too much light and not enough privacy. Shutters are a great option that can cover bay windows while giving it an overall classic look.

At Budget Blinds, our shutters are custom made to fit your window (right from the start, we got your privacy concern covered!) Additionally, shutters are low maintenance and easy to clean, also ideal for a large window.

2. Pleated Shade

Pleated shades can cover your large bay windows at an affordable price! Pleated shades are designed like a folded accordion – this allows the shade to stack completely flat for a full, open view. They come in sheer, light-filtering and room-darkening fabrics to give you complete 100% light control (soo nice!) In addition, shades provide UV protection, glare reduction and are an energy efficient window covering! My FAVORITE thing about pleated shades is that they are offered in the style of top-down/bottom-up (see below picture). This style allows you to raise the top or bottom so you can maintain your privacy while allowing in sunlight, and also being stylish! Btw, did I mention… cordless!! 🙂

3. Roller Shades

Roller shades are also a popular window treatment and can also be 100% customized to fit your big bay window. Roller shades come in a variety of colors and fabrics to match any room and any style too! We have modern textures, elegant patterns, contemporary styles, etc.,… whatever your style is, we have a pattern for you! With our Inspired Shades Collection we are proud to offer 80+ prints and patterns for your home! In addition to all this customization, there is a variety of opacity levels including sheer, light-filtering, room-darkening and blackout for privacy options too! These shades are beautiful and child-safe with the control options which include continuous-loop lift, cordless lift, smart pull lift, and motorized lift…. the list goes on, and on!

4. Top Treatment

Top treatments like valances and cornices are a wonderful way to keep your bay windows uniform and alike. Top treatments can provide a visual statement in your room without interrupting your view. They pair beautifully with a window treatment like a Roman shade or cellular shade, but they can definitely stand alone as a window covering. Its no surprise here, but we offer a variety of contemporary (and modern) fabrics for your top treatments to match your specific style. Let us come to you and help you!

Cover your bay windows today, let us make those a focal point in your home!! Let us bring style to you!! We will help you narrow down what’s the best fit for your challenging bay windows, and really can’t wait to show you how easy (and fun) it is! Call 651-351-7620 and let’s schedule your free in-home consultation! Can’t wait to get started!

How to Find the Perfect Vintage Window Treatment

November 27, 2016December 13, 2016Leave a comment

Let’s talk vintage – are you in? Vintage is a style that has a specific taste – it is timeless, classic and unique. When talking vintage, there are two popular décor styles to keep in mind, they are traditional vintage and mid-century vintage. Both of these décor styles are inspired by other eras that are at least 30 years or older (according to budgetblinds.com)

Finding interior décor to match these styles can be easy with thrift stores and garage sales, but matching your specific style to the perfect window treatment can be difficult. Not to worry though – Budget Blinds is the leader in window treatment customization and we have plenty of window treatments options to fit your vintage-inspired home!

Traditional Vintage

Traditional vintage takes a past era and recreates it. This type of décor makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into an old television show like, “Leave it to Beaver.” Finding a window treatment to match this particular style of décor can be hard (but again, we got you covered with the customization!) Custom wood blinds with cloth tapes are a great option for a traditional vintage home. Wood blinds come in a variety of colors, stains and finishes. They can also be custom color-matched to your wood trim or furnishings which is great for completing your desired look. By adding decorative cloth tapes to your wood blinds, you add an extra touch to bring out your vintage flair.

Mid-century Vintage

Mid-century vintage takes on the traditional vibe but with a BIT of a twist. It has a touch of modern style paired with the traditional to create a more updated version. Budget Blinds offers two great window coverings that are perfect for achieving this mid-century vintage inspired style.

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Another mid-century vintage inspired window treatment is roller shades. Roller shades may seem like a very modern window covering but with a wide range of colors and fabrics they can transform into a vintage-inspired window covering. Roller shades with tassels or scalloped trims are great to achieve a vintage look with a modern twist.

Budget Blinds has a variety of opacity levels including sheer, light-filtering, room-darkening and blackout to provide you with a wide range for light control and privacy. Also, roller shades are pet-safe and child-friendly with various control options including continuous-loop lift, cordless lift, smart pull lift and remote control motorization.

Budget Blinds offers plenty of window treatments – and the best thing is they are CUSTOMIZED for you, and your style (including shutters!) Let us help you achieve your vision of a vintage-inspired home and schedule your free in-home consultation today!

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October 25, 2016October 26, 2016Leave a comment

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Let me start out with saying that the past TEN YEARS with Budget Blinds of Stillwater have really been amazing. I love owning and operating Budget Blinds of Stillwater and I am passionate about giving back to the community and serving my friends, family and customers every single day. The Greater Stillwater Area is such a unique and fun location to run a small business. We are beyond thankful to not only be continuing this success, but to have grown this business in such a supportive and welcoming environment! To all our customers, network friends, business groups and family – thank you for this success! Budget Blinds of Stillwater wouldn’t be celebrating ten fantastic years if it wasn’t for you!

Celebrate with us, as we mark our TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY on our calendars!

Thank you again for your business and your loyalty!

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Also- It’s NATIONAL WINDOW SAVINGS MONTH!! What better way to celebrate that than with your favorite blind lady? AKA- ME! Budget Blinds of Stillwater (check out my design blog here – BlindLadyStilly.com) For National Window Savings Month (October) I am proud to represent Budget Blinds every day. Budget Blinds is certified as “Best for Kids” window treatments. We adhere to industry child safety standards and offer so many varieties of motorized and cordless window options to keep cords out of your home!

Let’s connect with a FREE in-home design consultation!
(I promise its painless – I work with your schedule too, and I come to YOU!)

Call me today and we can get started RIGHT away!
* If you want an updated home before the holidays now is the time to connect with me! *

October 17, 2016Leave a comment

YOU NEED THIS: Technology + Motorized Window Coverings

Smart Homes have been around long enough now that the “pros-and-cons” battle is in full swing. Most of us already use smart technology in our homes in one form or another:

Programmable coffee maker that brews your coffee while you shower
Thermostats that automatically go on and off to maintain a set temperature
The key fob to lock and unlock your car or front door
Lights and sprinkler systems set on timers
Home security systems

These are individual processes, but a Smart Home takes automation to a whole new level, with incredible advances in home automation systems that run the whole house, even when you’re not home.

Somfy’s smooth, quiet motors are available on many of the window coverings that Budget Blinds offers, including blinds, shades, vertical blinds, drapes and more! Whether you choose light-weight coverings like cellular shades or heavier woven wood door panels, you will always have the right motor for the job!! You also have a choice of control options – including wireless wall switches, hand-held remotes, timers, sensors and the newest technology, the Somfy® myLink^TMapp, a central control for all your window coverings. 🙂 Sync it with your smart phone and you are HIGH TECH! Love it!

With programmable timers, sensors and mobile apps you can:

Open and close window coverings to block or admit the sun, controlling indoor temperatures
Close window treatments to protect from harmful UV rays
Have the safety of cordless operation; no dangling (children and pet safety!)
Program to close your window coverings at night even if you’re not home
Enjoy the ultimate convenience of one-touch operation – even remotely
Save the wear and tear that manual operation can inflict with repeated use

Motorization makes all of life easier

As you think of motorized shades, you may think of blocking the glare on the TV without getting up, and that’s a pretty universal problem easily solved by motorization!! But the ease and convenience of motorized window coverings is MUCH more useful than simply allowing us to remain on the couch. There are other practical uses for motorization throughout a home where remote operation of blinds, shades or drapes would be most welcomed.

A baby’s room: New parents probably don’t realize the value of motorized blinds or shades in the nursery. They don’t know yet how often they’ll feel the need for an extra hand. Being able to darken the room with one finger without jostling and waking a sleeping babe-in-arms is such a blessing. And, as the baby grows, the cordless design is a safer option for a young child’s room.

A sunny kitchen: Having a window over the sink for an outside view is a delight. But sometimes people can’t always raise and lower an over-the-sink shade or blind effectively. A motorized shade with remote control eliminates the need for having to grab a stool when you want to either fully expose the view, or close the window for privacy or light control. This is also true of windows over a washer and dryer; it can be a long reach if you’re under six-feet tall!

Skylights and hard-to-reach windows: A room full of natural light is only appreciated until you want the room darkened. High, inaccessible windows and skylights often remain uncovered (or always covered) because getting to them to adjust window coverings is too much of a chore. Motorization would make any window fully functional, no matter how high or difficult the reach. At the touch of a button, you would be able to completely control both light and privacy.

You may need only one or two motorized window coverings to make life easier, or you may be excited at the prospect of all your window coverings controlled at the touch of a button! Budget Blinds lets you conveniently shop in your own home for blinds, shutters, shades and drapes, with hundreds of samples of fabrics, finishes, colors and decorative hardware. It takes all the guesswork out of designing beautiful window coverings for every room in your home and, by standing in front of each window you can easily determine where the convenience of motorization would be most beneficial.

To schedule a FREE, in-home consultation, call 651-351-7620 today or go online to www.budgetblinds.com. Our Biggest Sale of the Year is going on now. It’s the PERFECT time to talk to your local Budget Blinds Style Consultant to see if the gift of technology should be on your list, even if it’s only for you!!!

2016 TRENDS – have you tried them?

October 4, 2016October 4, 2016Leave a comment

– This year, we watched as Budget Blinds predicted and described the upcoming trends and styles for 2016 (and we have LOVED them btw!) Looking back, we want to know… have you seen these styles this year? And if so, have you dared to be bold and try them in your life? What about in your home?

Here are the trends predicted by Budget Blinds:

” Trend: ROMANTIQUE

Pale pink becomes a power color and takes center stage as one of two hues chosen by Pantone as Color of the Year. Large-scale blooms and botanicals bring nature inside. Gray reigns as a classic complement to lighter, chalkier hues. Metals, woods, glass, and ceramics bring textural interest and keep pastel rooms from becoming too cutesy.

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Trend: MODERN GEOMETRY

Bold patterns and shapes executed in a brighter palette are anything but staid. The look is eclectic, with artisanal patterns and geometric shapes clashing—in a good way. Black and white temper the riot of colors and help anchor the space.

Trend: GLOBAL ARTISTRY

Inspired by travel and adventure, the trend is a modern take on global patterns, fabrics, and crafts. It’s all in the mix. Embroidery, caning, animal
hides, even macramé, give a handcrafted, organic feel to accessories. Soft pastels contrast with deep blues and grays. Ethnic accents complete the look.

Trend: MASCULINE MÉLANGE

Black continues to be a strong color preference for walls, windows, and metal accents. Vintage details add a timeless quality. Rustic woods contrast with classic shapes in furnishings. Leather, copper, wire, and natural elements give texture and shine throughout a room.

Trend: PATINA LUXE

Texture and shine take center stage, with jewel-like accents amping up the glamour. Now more than ever, vintage shapes executed in modern materials look new and fresh. Velvets, linens, and leathers provide the all-important contrast of matte and gloss for a sophisticated overall look.”

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Let’s elevate the style of YOUR home with trying some of these ultra modern trends! They can all be implemented so easily – and quickly too! Let’s get in touch and talk style with your FREE in-home design consultation! We should get started before the seasons start, it is effortless and I promise its fun! 🙂

blindladystilly

Category: Blinds