Improving Veterans’ Lives with Fabulous, Functional Faux Wood Blinds

May 31, 2016June 2, 2016Leave a comment

Okay, so I can’t lie – this blog post from Budget Blinds Corporate (love it!) I read the post and thought it was too good NOT to share! I am so proud to work for a company that gives back to the heroes of our country.

— Keep reading 🙂

“Home” calls to mind many images and emotions.

Safety, love and comfort
Family and friends
Good times and good food

If, however, you are a severely injured military veteran, it may also mean inaccessibility, frustration, pain and threat of injury. That’s because standard homes are not built to accommodate people with special needs such as wheelchairs, prosthetics and limited mobility.

HFOT House

Since 2004, Homes for Our Troops (HFC) has been rectifying that situation for as many injured veterans as they can, as fast as they can, by building specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans Post 9/11, to enable them to rebuild their lives. To date, 211 homes have been built and 70 projects are currently underway nationwide.

Budget Blindsbecame a corporate sponsor of HFOT in 2014, committing to install faux wood blinds from our Signature Series® collection into all the homes built over the next three years. It’s been an exciting journey as, month after month, veterans and their families move into these new, mortgage-free HFOT homes. Blinds are donated by our manufacturing partner, Springs Window Fashions, and local independent Budget Blinds franchise owners do measuring and installs for the homes in their areas. Read more about our relationship with HFOT by clicking here, and read on to meet the two newest home recipients.

Faux Wood Blinds are the right window blinds for all seasons!

Whenever and wherever the HFOT homes are built, white faux wood blinds from our Signature Series collection are ideal because of their versatility and high quality. Regardless the climate or season, our faux wood blinds create a comfortable and safe home environment for veterans and their families.

They provide energy efficiency by blocking sunlight to reduce solar heat
Made of durable polymer materials, they won’t crack, chip or peel and are easy to clean
Classic, white 2” slats are compatible with any home’s color scheme
They are moisture resistant, excellent for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms
With UVA inhibitors built in, these blinds will not turn yellow over time

Faux Wood Blinds

Budget Blinds is available to help you with refreshing your own windows with our extensive line of window treatments including blinds, shutters, shades, drapes and more. Increased energy efficiency will keep your summers cooler, eco-friendly products can help you go green, and cordless options, including motorization, provide child-safe environments. Call 651-351-7620 to schedule your free, in-home consultation!

To learn about the many ways to support Homes for Our Troops or to make a donation, go tohttps://www.hfotusa.org/How_to_Help.

CUSTOM ROMAN SHADES offer beautiful solutions for your windows!!

April 1, 2016April 20, 2016Leave a comment

Colors + Fabrics + Drama = ROMAN SHADES.

Roman Shades Budget Blinds

A nod to their popularity for many years, Roman shades do have lots of names and, regardless of what you call them, they are sweet. Sometimes referred to as a combination of blinds and drapery, or even Roman blinds, Roman shades give the operational convenience of blinds or shades, with the opulent beauty of fabric drapery. With Budget Blinds® you can have elegant custom Roman shades by any name you choose:

Relaxed, Slouched or Soft
Classic and Reverse Classic
Balloon, Austrian or Cloud
Pleated, Knife pleat
Flat: Unconstructed or Constructed
Hobbled, Looped, Waterfall, Cascading or Teardrop

There’s a Roman shade for every need

Knife Pleat Roman Shade

Despite the wide range of names and styles, a Roman shade is basically a fabric window covering panel that folds up accordion style, creating even horizontal folds. When raised, a Roman shade stacks in folds at the top, providing the look of a decorative fabric valance. The amount of fabric and how the shade folds is what defines the design, from Flat to Hobbled to Balloon, and everything in between. Whatever you need covered, there’s a Roman shade to meet the need!

Narrow windows, wide windows, French doors and uniquely shaped or shallow windows can be covered with ease.
Available in endless fabrics and colors, you can create your unique fashion statement, including Shabby Chic, Modern, Traditional, Global Artistry, Romantique or Masculine Melange.
Roman shades can be cord operated, child-safe cordless lift, or motorized for ultimate convenience.
Light controls range from sheer to light-filtering to complete room-darkening, making them ideal solutions for bedrooms.

Roman shades offer benefits beyond beauty

Bamboo Shades

As fabulous and refreshing as beautiful window coverings are, ROMAN SHADES BRING MORE to your windows than just beautiful style, color and design. Energy efficiency is an important benefit, helping to control energy costs all year long. The insulation factor of Roman shades can be improved with heavier linings to keep out either cold or excessive heat, helping to maintain a consistent temperature.

Roman shades can increase the comfort and convenience of your home in other ways as well:

Top-down/bottom-up shades give light and privacy control beyond fully open or fully closed.
Enjoy the luxury of lush fabrics on your windows at a fraction of the cost of full-length drapes.
Cordless lift or motorization provides a safety factor for homes with children and pets.
Hard-to-reach windows are neutralized with motorized remote control Roman shades.
Go green with eco-friendly Roman shades made from 100% organic materials like woven woods, jute and bamboo.

If you’re considering new window treatments, Roman shades are an ideal way to bring LUXURY into your home, adding the richness of beautiful fabrics to your windows without the cost and volume of full draperies. The range of styles makes a Roman shade PRACTICAL for any room, giving a pop of color, embracing the latest 2016 fashion trends, or finding solutions for problem windows.

VALANCES: The Crown for your Windows!

February 29, 2016Leave a comment

Adding a valance to your window treatments is a super easy way to customize and personalize your home! The versatility of valances is only limited by your imagination, as you’ll see in this “Valances 101” crash course 🙂

From a crisp, clean line for the minimalist, to pleated, ruffled and trimmed traditional opulence, there is no right or wrong in designing valances. With names like swagged, pleated, cascading, layered and balloon, there truly are unlimited design possibilities! Scroll down to see why we LOVE valances… and most importantly, why you will too!

* SOOO MANY DESIGN OPTIONS!

Valance Styles

Valance styles: A sampling of what’s in store in the iD Lookbook

Window valances generally take one of two styles : board-mounted or rod / pole-mounted.

1. Board-mounted has multiple cuts of fabric draped and upholstered to a board (Cornice boxes are included in this category, finished wood or upholstered)

2. Pole-mounted has fabric attached and draped in various ways, including rings, tabs, ties, bows, ribbons and hooks

Either style can be simple or elaborate, layered and trimmed, coordinating or contrasting (suuuper customizable!) Design options include shirred, stylized cascades, long and short layered swags, jabots, pleated and inverted pleat panels, pelmets, tassels, ruffles, decorative edging, beaded trim and more!!

The Budget Blinds® exclusive Inspired Drapes® collection of sumptuous fabrics and gorgeous hardware will have you wondering how you’ve lived without window valances in every single room (seriously!) Valances add definition and charm to your windows. Our online Inspired Drapes Lookbook (page 26 to start) can take you on a tour of valance designs that will get you excited!!!

* PURPOSEFUL DESIGN

The first step in valance design is to determine what exactly you want to accomplish. A valance can be so much more beyond “a big ruffle capping your window.” They can camouflage crooked or uneven windows and elevate the beauty of existing window coverings (designer tip!)

Valances are fashionable as stand-alone window treatments, or they can be combined with window blinds, shades or drapery for layers upon layers of style. Let us walk you through the wonderful, innovative world of window valances to help you find the ideal accent for all your windows!! Let’s get started today!

Frame a window, finish a full treatment, create a new look or add a seasonal touch.

Brown Valance This layered treatment includes Roman shades, custom drapery panels and a swagged decorative valance that adds colorful interest and elegance. For a room design update or refresh, just replace the valance for a whole new look without spending a fortune on new window coverings. For example, a brown and white subtle stripe or Greek Key patterned valance would give this room an entirely different vibe.

Cover unsightly hardware or pleats and headings of functional draperies or shades.

Although there are curtain rods for the roller shades and the drapes, these custom valances hide the hardware so all you see is a beautiful, continuous treatment across all three windows.

Soften the appearance of hard window treatments like blinds or sliding panels.

Orange Valance The straight lines of the vertical sliding panels on this patio door are softened with a pleated valance that adds a colorful focal point in this dining room. Even when the panels are stacked off to one side, the door is stylishly adorned, enhancing the view.

Create the allusion of additional height or width for a window.

One valance across two smaller windows helps to create the allusion of one large window, especially with drapery panels defining the space by extending the width of the windows.

Unify the appearance of different types of window treatments used in the same room.

Light Valance Matching valances create symmetry between the vertical and horizontal blinds in this bedroom. When window treatment styles don’t match, you can unify any room with coordinating valances.

2016: new colors, new styles

January 7, 2016January 7, 2016Leave a comment

Screen Shot 2016-01-05 at 9.21.38 PM.png

So its officially the New Year – WELCOME 2016 – which means the new colors, trends and styles of 2016 are the latest rage!

Last year, we introduced to you marsala, the color of the year and with that, we highlighted ways to showcase the trends in your home (btw did you check out our MOST READ BLOG last year?! It’s a must!)

This year, we celebrated with Pantone when (for the first time ever) they announced that there are TWO colors of the year for 2016… yup – see above. The “colors of the year” for 2016 are rose quartz and serenity…. in which Pantone describes as “representing warmth and tranquility as both (colors) create a sense of peace.”

***

Now, we know that trends come and go, but one thing is for sure: they define the styles of the season. I can definitely see both Rose Quartz and Serenity in living rooms as a inviting accent pillow and/or rug, or combined with sheer fabrics for a inviting soft window treatment.

Screen Shot 2016-01-05 at 9.37.09 PM

Both of the colors are warm and pair extremely well with neutrals. The colors play into a gold-bronzey base and blend very well together. Layered on top of each other the two colors can create a dynamic color palette that can bring style and ambiance to any part of your home!

Screen Shot 2016-01-05 at 9.24.04 PM.png

What do you think of the COLORS of the year?! Too trendy for the home or are you excited to try it? Let us know how you incorporate Rose Quartz and Sapphire (or both together) – and stay tuned to BlindLadyStilly blog for exciting tips to introduce both together!

TEXT BLINDS TO 22828 to subscribe to our exclusive enewsletter!

OCTOBER IS CHILD SAFETY MONTH!

October 1, 2015Leave a comment

AND we have a new certification (YAY!)

Budget Blinds just announced that several of our key manufacturing partners are participating to earn certification for selected window covering products known as “Best for Kids.” This new program was launched by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) to help our consumers identify window covering products that are certified as best suited for use in homes with young children.

“Making window treatments safer for homes with children is one of Budget Blinds’ top priorities,” said Chad Hallock, CEO and Co-Founder of Budget Blinds. “We work with our manufacturers to consistently review and evaluate our products to ensure they are child-friendly, durable, and still look great in the home.”

According to WCMA, criteria to earn the Best for Kids certification requires that a window covering product must either have no cords or the inner cords cannot be accessible. Products must be submitted to a WCMA-recognized third party testing laboratory; and products that meet these criteria will be eligible to be listed and labeled on packaging and materials as “certified .” We are so excited for these awesome products.

“We are already proud to announce that several of our key manufacturing partners will have earned certification by October 1,” said Tracy Christman, Vice-President of Vendor Alliance for Budget Blinds. “It’s exciting to continue to bring homeowners beautiful and stylish window coverings that are also child-friendly and certified as Best for Kids.”

We are so excited that Budget Blinds offers dozens of options for child-friendly window treatments) including cordless blinds and shades with a retractable lift). Not to mention, motorized shades with cordless operation, and shutters too!

The last thing you want is a home that isn’t 100% safe. With Budget Blinds, you can rest assured that you are doing everything you can do to protect your loved ones and while adding style (and benefit) to your overall home! With our new certified program, “Best for Kids” I am positive that you will love the look, feel and value of your child-safe window treatments.

For more child safety window treatment options visit www.BudgetBlinds.com/Stillwater.

Window Designing 101

September 11, 2015September 11, 2015Leave a comment

* Turn Windows into Design Opportunities

Listen to me. It’s simple (and affordable) to showcase your style in your home – in fact, it’s fun! Everyone has style – YOU ALREADY HAVE A STYLE! If someone asked you your decorating style, what would you say? Do you have a ready answer like Traditional, Glam Couture, Vintage, Modern, Organic, Classic, Rustic, or…what?

Even if you can’t put a name on your style, you do have one. It’s defined by the things you surround yourself with in furnishing your home. Translating that style to your windows is one of the easiest and boldest design elements you can to do to improve your overall atmosphere – seriously!

One way to discover your style is by collecting pictures of window treatments you like. Cruising online sites like Budget Blinds.com,Houzz.com, and even your friends’ Pinterest accounts will put hundreds of options before your eyes. Eventually you’ll begin to see a pattern of what you prefer:

– Neutrals, bold colors or muted tones

– Coordinating or contrasting elements

– Florals, stripes, geometric prints or solids

– Large patterned prints or small designs

– No curtains or drapery due to allergies or minimalist tendencies

– Layered window treatments like valances over blinds or shades

– Singular treatments like blinds, shutters, Roman shades or a full-length drapery

Of course, you don’t have to select just one type of style for all the rooms in your home. At Budget Blinds of Stillwater we love assisting you in completing the look of your overall home, not just one room. We know what colors, textures and patterns will bring out your style, and we work with you every step of the way (expert measuring, professional installation, best warranty).

> INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS (STILL WINDOWS!)

Create privacy while letting in light and desirable views with custom woven wood sliding panels, perfect for large windows and doors. I love the fact that the panels stack off to one side for an unobstructed view, or can be staggered for varying degrees of light and privacy.

Layering window treatments like draperies over Roman shades allows for a classy chic style. Shades can be pulled up for a completely unobstructed view, lowered for filtered light, view and privacy, or both shades and drapes can be closed for complete privacy and blackout. With dual window treatments, energy efficiency is maximized by reducing heat gain in summer and holding warmth inside when the weather is cold outside.

For an artistic flare, enchanting results can be accomplished with realistic-looking faux iron accents and decorative window film. Used alone or with additional window treatments, both of these options provide a degree of privacy while still allowing in natural light.

Any hard-to-reach windows or heavy treatments like floor-to-ceiling drapes or wood blinds can be motorized for ease-of use. It saves the wear and tear that manual operation can inflict by continual opening and closing. Somfy® motorization is available for most of our window treatments, with control options including wireless wall switches, hand-held remotes and timers.

Let’s get started finding your style with a FREE design consultation (seriously, FREE!) Shoot me an email – pbrown@budgetblinds.com and let’s connect! For inspiration, view the online galleries of our extensive window coverings and turn the digital pages of the new Inspired Drapes Lookbook for the latest trends, colors and styles in home window fashions.

throwback (IN STYLE)

September 4, 2015September 4, 2015Leave a comment

happy anniversary to us!

Today marks my ninth year as the owner and operator of Budget Blinds of Stillwater. And truly, I couldn’t be more grateful and happy as we go into the next year of business! Without being too redundant on last weeks post (can you tell I’m proud of my business? :)) I thought it would be interesting to take a look back on the last nine years – Throwback Thursday anyone? I don’t want to bore you with too much detail, but scroll down and check out the timewarp of style.

Pretty cool, right? What style do you prefer – can you see a change in the years? Throughout my professional years with Budget Blinds (nine and counting!) I have definitely seen a change interior style. In the year 2006 there was a heavy emphasis on mahogany, walnut and cherry textures, while in 2015 there is more a focus on stainless steel and the modernistic feel. Bold blues (in modesty) are coming into trends in homes, while in 2006 the trends in homes were pale, mocha and tan palettes!

I love style, and I really enjoy seeing interior decorating evolve over the years. I love sharing my passion of design with all of my clients, friends and supporters and I am honored to be successful with Budget Blinds of Stillwater.

Cheers to the next year of style and success!

– PAMELA BROWN.

August 25, 2015August 25, 2015Leave a comment

Celebrate Our Anniversary with us

{it’s one of our Biggest Sales of the Year}

Since 2006 I have had the pleasure (and honor) of owning and operating Budget Blinds of Stillwater. I built my business under the foundation of providing the best customer service paired with one-of-a-kind services such as expert measuring, convenient in-home consultations, knowledgeable consultants, professional installation and quality, name-brand window treatments.

This year, I am celebrating my ninth anniversary in Budget Blinds.

My success in my business and my passion for design is all because of you, my current and previous customers, my family and friends. Thank you all for your support and business, we literally couldn’t do it without you.

At Budget Blinds of Stillwater our clients satisfaction is one of our top priorities; and because of that, we make sure we follow the most cost-effective solutions based on your individual needs. Our education and professional experience in the window-treatment design industry coupled with measuring services and installation is what makes us stand out (not to mention one of the best warranty’s in the business!) We build our business on referrals and relationships – and our success is directly linked to our clients satisfaction, so thank you!

To express our loyalty to you all, we are hosting an anniversary sale event through the end of the month (September 30, 2015), and its awesome – 35% off your total order!

CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF MODERN DESIGN

July 28, 2015Leave a comment

Window Coverings Add Polish + SophisticatioN

Being in the window treatment and interior decorator business I have the privilege of inspiring clients through style and design – and I absolutely love it! I truly believe that the right window treatments can totally transform and polish a room, and I love showing my clients how easy it is to choose the right style.

If you are at all familiar with the show Property Brothers (or any show on HGTV) you know that modernizing the home is critical to a quick sale; as it more often than not increases the overall property value.

While you don’t necessarily have to involve yourself in a full-blown renovation, there are some quick tips for modernizing your living space (and yes, proper window treatments are one of them!)

* critical elements of modern design:

1] COLOR – homes are dated just by the colors on the walls. UPDATE your color to refresh your overall living space, go for neutral yet bold. Ask me how!

2] FLOOR – updated floors are a big selling point. See what is new yet traditional and keep in mind that flooring can add an element of texture in the space!

3] KITCHEN BACKSPLASH – modern styling wakes up the whole kitchen (and is very D.I.Y. friendly too. Go for tile, texture or a simple pattern too, this one is easy.

4] BATHROOM – often a major overhaul, but worth it. UPDATE your main bathroom first, choose accents by contrasting colors of the floor and walls.

5] WINDOW COVERINGS– the right window treatments polish up a room, take advantage of customizing your coverings and your living space will be complete.

For three seasons, HGTV’s Buying & Selling has relied on Budget Blinds for high-quality blinds, drapes and decorative hardware from our trusted manufacturing partners . Budget Blinds has a HUGE selection of trending styles and colors, all of which are customizable!!

* TRANSFORMING SPACES WITH HGTV’S PROPERTY BROTHERS AND BUDGET BLINDS:

Budget Blinds Essential Silks drapery panels (pictured in Sterling Grey) paired with faux wood blinds.

AS SEEN ON PROPERTY BROTHERS:

Jonie, a single mom with two daughters (still living at home) welcomed back home daughter #1 with granddaughter #1. After five years of five in the house, the family maxed-out their living space and decided it was time to look for a larger home. Jonathan (Property Brothers) immediately got to work to “banishing boring” throughout the house, and he transformed the kitchen into a gourmet’s dream to captivate buyers. Drew (Property Brothers) found himself facing five tenacious females, each with definite ideas. He had to be top of his game to find their new, next home and, of course, everyone came out smiling!

The living room was transformed with mirrored and mixed metal textures for a sophisticated style, set off by Budget Blinds’ Essential Silks, floor-length drapery panels in sparkling Sterling Gray on contrasting Matte Black curtain rods. 2” faux wood blinds in the color of Ecru provide complete light and privacy control.

The dining room received matching window treatments. Keeping with the modern and metallic vibe, new table and chairs, geometric patterned rug and a colorful, over-sized art print were added to tie the dining space to the living room, creating an artfully dramatic great room.

The kitchen was lightened up with soft grays and white, new stainless steel appliances and a stylish, informal eating area. 2” faux wood blinds in Ecru on a 2-on-1 headrail allow for complete functionality at the patio door, whether open or closed; sage colored woven textures drapery panels frame the door and anchor the room.

* See the complete renovation of Josie’s home by clicking here.

* let’s connect!

Every room could use a little polish and sophistication – let us help you! From your first phone call to precise measurement and installation, we pride ourselves on being able to provide the perfect window covering solution. Ask us about Somfy® motorization, for the ultimate in comfort, efficiency and safety!

[ PBrown@BudgetBlinds.Com] or [651-351-7620]

June 9, 2015Leave a comment

–

That’s right, stylish and style start here – with YOU, with your home, with your spaces and with Budget Blinds. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t be more happy with the nice weather and the sunshine! Spaces tend to feel bigger with sunshine (and light) – and right now, is the perfect time to let that light into your home! My favorite product for this time of the year (and all year round) are SOLAR ROLLER shades . Seriously, they are absolutely perfect.

Solar Shades are some of the most versatile window coverings ever (for real). Their primary purpose is to serve as a shield against solar heat gain, which helps to keep your energy costs down. Aside from being energy-saving, solar shades also reduce glare from the sun.

Solar window shades create just the right ambience in any room. They gently filter and diffuse natural sunlight, block out harmful UV rays, and keep your rooms cooler.
They come in various styles and openness levels. Choose a higher openness factor and a darker fabric for a clearer your view.
Solar shades are available in an impressive collection of fabrics and colors that add balance and style to your rooms.
They are an effective solution for covering large windows, as most fabrics are available in wider widths.
Most styles coordinate with sliding panels.
You can customize your solar shades by adding wood cornices and valances to create a beautiful combination of warm colors and textures in your home.
Exterior solar shades can be installed to the outside of your windows, patios and porches to provide protection from the sun’s powerful heat and strong UV rays.
You can motorize your solar shades to provide privacy and safety.

Connect with me today and let’s talk solar shades! For the ultimate in light control, privacy, and protection from sun glare, be sure to ask about our dual shades (dual shades combine the benefits of two popular shading fabrics, solar and roller, into one easy to operate shade!) I love Solar Shades and I know you will too! #Trending!

blindladystilly

Category: Blinds