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.

Cabin Life

July 28, 2015July 28, 2015Leave a comment

The Right Window Coverings Make Your CABIN the Perfect Home Away from Home

Many of my clients have a vacation home – more so than often its called a cabin. From what I hear from my clients the main purpose of a cabin/vacation home is for rest, relaxation and fun. Not surprisingly, such a place could vary greatly from person to person. It may be the beach, the mountains, a high-energy city that never sleeps, or a remote cabin with no neighbors for miles. Wherever or whatever is your idea of paradise, you want to be as comfortable there as you are in your everyday home, if not more so… and we have you covered!

1. showcase panoramic views

If you require no barrier between you and your view, window coverings that “disappear” are what you need. Cellular shades (and many other shade styles) retract so you’ll have a completely unobscured view until you require privacy. There are even top-down/bottom-up options that allow for partial coverage to block glare or provide privacy while still enjoying a captivating view.

Unique windows like skylights and arched windows can be outfitted with shades, blinds or shutters to provide coverage when needed. Motorization will make any hard-to-reach windows completely manageable with the touch of a button.

Outdoor patios, decks and porches can be kept cool and comfortable with Solar Shades and screens that enhance the view while helping to manage sun and weather as well as deterring uninvited pests.

2. Harness natural light

Windows provide natural light which is good for the body and the soul. Whether you have one window or a wall of windows, maintaining the right balance of light at any given time is important.

3. motorization – improve privacy

Motorization of window coverings is another way to improve energy efficiency. Timers and sensors are available to automatically respond to temperature and time settings so you can pre-program window coverings to close and block the sun during the hottest parts of the day. This reduces dependence on air conditioning systems and gives UV protection for your furnishings. Or, if the weather is cold but the sun is shining brightly, you can open the blinds or shades to take advantage of solar heating. In addition to hand-held or wall-mounted remotes, you can control all your window coverings from a smartphone or tablet with the myLink^TM app from Somfy® while at home, work, or on vacation.

Custom window shades such as Pleated shades, Roman shades and Cellular shades range from light-filtering to room-darkening. Combining the characteristics of blinds and shades, Sheer shades are louvered fabric shades that, when open, have light-filtering tendencies and then provide complete privacy when closed.

4. energy-efficiency

Wherever your personal paradise is you will want to be able to control the inside environment so that it’s as comfortable and energy efficient as possible. Any window covering provides some level of insulation, but certain styles of window coverings significantly improve energy efficiency. Layering or pairing up treatments such as drapery over shades or blinds, and shades over window film can result in even greater energy cost savings.

[ DID YOU KNOW? ]

Solar shades and screens block up to 99% of the sun’s heat and glare.
Cellular shades (light-filtering to blackout) reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer helping to maintain indoor temperatures.
Blinds and shutters completely block the sun when closed and reduce heat gain or loss. Window film and tinting provide UV protection and minimize heat and glare.
Drapes add color, texture, privacy, noise reduction and insulation.
Adding lining to any window treatment style improves its insulation properties.

Let’s go!

The range of styles and textures available with Budget Blinds encompasses everything from filmy or voluptuous fabrics in custom shades and drapes, to real wood, faux wood, vinyl and aluminum blinds and shutters, to eco-friendly woven wood shades made of 100% organic materials such as reeds, grasses and natural woods. Your design possibilities are seriously limitless.

Let me help you to create the perfect environment for indoor/outdoor living in your vacation home. With custom window coverings for every need you can showcase a panoramic view, harness natural light, improve privacy or make your vacation home more energy-efficient. Our comprehensive product lines, including our exclusive Signature Series® and Inspired Drapes® collections, offer custom blinds, shutters, shades, curtains and drapes and decorative drapery hardware to satisfy any design preference and accommodate any budget.

Let’s connect and schedule your FREE, in-home consultation. There are so many ways to save and be stylish, and so many easy customizable solutions to make your second home as comfortable as your first!

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]

July 9, 2015July 9, 2015Leave a comment

Blending Indoor and Outdoor Living Spaces

Blending indoor and outdoor livings spaces is becoming more popular with my clients – especially with the weather in Minnesota. I love finding innovative ways to live differently in the current space you already have, and I love when I get to share this vision with my clients. Changing up your space is all about being creative, yet practical. Its about taking advantage of the space you have and making it into something better.

Spring and summer are the ideal times to “move outdoors” as our days get longer and weather gets warmer (and the sunsets are worth watching outside!) “Moving outdoors” is what I refer to as the transition between indoor and outdoor space. Most of my clients “move outdoors” in the summer, and spend more time on their patio and deck.

How you view your Minnesota summer is through your window(s), and custom window coverings can enhance your living experience.

– OUTDOOR SPACES –

SOLAR SHADES // Patio and Deck

Solar shades on a patio, deck or porch provide complete control of your space – they are one of my favorite products! With solar shades you can close the shades for protection from the sun (or other Minnesota weather) or open the shades to let in the sunshine and breezes. Even closed, you can still see your surroundings due to the wide range of custom styles and openness levels. Add motorization and you never have to leave your comfy chair! 🙂

WOVEN WOOD SHADES // Patio and Deck

Woven wood shades are extremely timeless and stylish, they filter the sun’s rays while allowing airflow to refresh your room! Woven woods can be raised or lowered to exactly how much coverage you need at any time. Woven wood and bamboo shades add a unique natural beauty to your “outside room,” and you can pride yourself on going green with eco-friendly, organic material shades.

– INDOOR SPACES-

LOUVERED BLINDS // Living Area & Kitchen

Whether horizontal or vertical, blinds allow you to control your view. Unlike shades that are either open or closed, they are adjustable to any degree from fully-open to fully-closed. Custom louvered blinds will fit any size or shape window or door and come with cord control (option to upgrade to cordless motorization too!)

What I love most about blinds is that they are beautiful and stylish as a stand-alone covering, or they are the ideal companion to layered drapes or decorative valances.

Choose from wood blinds, faux wood blinds, composite blinds, fabric blinds, vinyl blinds and aluminum blinds available in many styles, colors and finishes.

WINDOW SHADES // Living Room

Window shades are the most versatile type of window covering, available in many styles, colors and materials. Many shades have light filtering options from sheer to blackout, with manual or motorized operation.

With shades, your design potential is practically limitless – seriously! Shades can be color banded and embellished with fringe, tassels or beads, and layered with additional treatments like valances, cornices and draperies – everything is customizable! Just ask me 🙂

SHUTTERS // Porch & Kitchen

Shutters have a timeless beauty that can accommodate any home style, whether modern, traditional or contemporary. Custom shutters can fold up accordion-style to fully expose a window or door, slide to one side, swing inward on hinges, or be permanently affixed.

WINDOW FILM // Porch & Kitchen

If you prefer completely unobstructed views between indoors and out, window film may be the perfect solution for your home. Film comes anywhere from clear to tinted, and rejects 40% of the sun’s rays – on top of that, film blocks glare and provides UV protection for your furnishings.

For a little artistic flair, decorative window film can give the appearance of stained glass, etched patterns, textured glass or more, adding a light touch of privacy where needed.

– Lets get started –

Connect with me and together we will enhance your lifestyle with creative designs to blend your indoor and outdoor spaces. Walls of windows or sliding glass doors don’t have to be daunting or boring. The right window treatments can put the fun back in function and reflect your unique personality and style. Call me today and we will schedule a FREE in-home design consultation!

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!

BENEFITS of CORDLESS

May 14, 2015May 14, 2015Leave a comment

Cordless systems are my absolute favorite – seriously. They are effortless, chic, classy and clean! With Budget Blinds, cordless systems are a great (and super customizable) way to control the light and privacy in your home. They are great for kids (super safe!) and are awesome for pets too.

– clean, uncluttered look.

– no constant adjusting.

– light control & privacy.

– safe & secure.

If you have kids or pets. Window cords may become your toddler’s distraction, or a pets new favorite toy without proper supervision. In worst case scenario, these can become hazards that could lead to strangulation. Cordless window systems are a safer choice for children’s rooms or anywhere in homes with kids or pets. Now’s a great time to upgrade for free. Let’s connect and I’ll show you how! 🙂

Walls With Many Windows. If your windows are your walls (literally) – and you want to preserve that panoramic element, cordless blinds will give your interior a uniform and classy look. Cordless treatments provide clean lines and allows many shades to be adjusted quickly and easily. When raised, (or half-up / down) cordless blinds are practically invisible. No cords (or hardware) get in the way of your beautiful view.

Motorized shades are excellent child-friendly window treatments because of their cordless operation and ability to be programed to open and close at your preferred time of day.

Let’s connect – I can’t wait to show you all your cordless options, customizable to your home! This month only, mention this blog and receive a FREE CORDLESS UPGRADE on your order!

Schedule your free in-home design consultation and I’ll come to you – shop for your home, in your home! Cordless systems are my favorite for a reason, and I so hope they become yours too!

blindladystilly

Category: Budget Blinds