Creating a WELCOMING entry

– I HAVE FIVE TIPS FOR YOU – 
Guests come over to your home and the first thing they see is your entryway, right?! Why not make it PERFECT (while showcasing your style) and make their first impression a lasting one! Here are some quick tips and tricks that will make your entryway go from drab to fab – and the best thing, they are all SUPER easy too!

Choose an ART piece or COLOR first

When you have the option, always choose to build a room around your existing decor first. Find the focal point (or a desired art piece) and create your starting point.
If your said piece is just the door itself, thats great, just choose a fun color to create initial contrast! Once you see the color POP you can easily get inspired after that – and if you’re not inspired, that’s okay – check out my Pinterest Page for fun ideas! Grab your desired piece, hop onto My Pinterest page and get inspired with great (and easy DIY ideas!) Some of these you may already have in your home and just need to repurpose them 🙂

 Consider your overall SCALE 

Often times entryways can be narrow (with a high ceiling), and with that you always need to intentionally choose decor that mimics the shape of the space you are decorating! If you are lucky enough to have an open entryway  and/or grand space you have more options, but not necessarily more ease, sometimes options isn’t always the simplest for design.

Notice how in the photo on the LEFT (larger entryway) we encompass a mirror, a narrow hallway table, lighting ambiance and a rug? Well, same thing for the photo on the RIGHT (smaller entryway)  – see the mirror, the narrow hallway table, lighting ambiance and rug (not pictured)! LOVE IT! Again, the size of your entryway doesn’t necessarily mean less or more for decor – you just need to be intentional with what decor is appropriate.

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5 Must-haves for Every Nursery

nursery must haves

[ NOTE: POST ORIGINALLY FROM CORPORATE – BUT I HAD TO SHARE IT WITH YOU! ] 

The nesting phase is here and it is time to start planning your little one’s nursery. Whether it is your first baby or your third, there is still preparation that needs to take place before your little one arrives home from the hospital. It can be an overwhelming time in your life and to make it a little easier, here are five must-have nursery needs.

crib

The crib is an important piece of furniture that needs to be in your baby’s room. Babies spend a majority of their first year sleeping so it is crucial to find the perfect crib that will meet all your baby’s needs. A great tip for designing your baby’s room is having multiple colors all around the room. This will help them to develop faster as the various shades of different colors help to stimulate brain development. Also, having a mobile above the baby’s crib can help with their eye-coordination and calm them when it is bedtime.

rocking chair

A rocking chair in your baby’s room might not seem like a must-have, but it truly is. A rocking chair can help both the baby and parents. The soothing motion of the chair provides social and emotional development for the child and it will help them stop crying which can be a lifesaver in the middle of the night. A rocking chair can also create a stronger bond with both parents and baby because it allows for one-on-one time together. When your arms are extremely tired from holding that tiny but heavier-by-the-minute baby, a rocking chair provides support.

rug

A rug is a great addition to your child’s room. Not only will it help with color-coordination of the room, but it can add some decorating flare. It’s a way to add a pop of color and character to your baby’s room without being overwhelming. A rug also helps to keep your feet warm when you are getting up in the middle of the night for a feeding or a changing. It absorbs sound and protects bottles, toys or anything else that drops to the floor. Lastly, it is great when your child is ready for belly time or crawling, it gives them a safe place to learn and be comfortable.

motorized window covering

Motorized window coverings are a MUST when it comes to your baby’s room because of safety concerns. Keeping your child safe is the number one goal when it comes to parenting. Motorized window coverings will ensure that your child is safe and sound when they are in their room. Every year there are injuries to babies and small children caused by dangling cords, so it’s important to have cordless window coverings in every room of your home. Motorized window coverings not only help with safety, but will block harmful UV rays, protecting your baby and the room’s furnishings. Also, motorized window coverings come in a variety of options from roller shades to custom drapery to match any nursery décor and they are super quiet which comes in handy when the baby is sleeping.

changing table

The changing table is an item that gets over looked all the time when it comes to the baby’s room. The main excuse for not getting one is “we want more room for a bigger crib.” But a changing table is an item that is mandatory for the baby’s room because it benefits the baby but, even more, the parents. On average, parents change over 2,400 diapers by a child’s first birthday. WOW, that’s a lot of diapers! A changing table will help keep you organized by having everything you need for a successful changing right at your fingertips, diapers, powder, wipes and ointment. It’s good for after bath time too, when a fresh diaper goes on. Having a changing table can prevent major messes on your couch or carpet which is a plus because you don’t want to clean more than you have to.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go decorate!

Pantone’s #coloroftheyear in your home

This was posted on the Budget Blinds Twitter account recently, and I just HAD to share with you all (so fun!)

So, Greenery is the color choice for 2017 and with that, we have a TON of inspo on how you can incorporate it into your existing home decor. Thanks to our friends at DIYNetwork here are some GREAT ways how you can incorporate and have fun with GREENERY!

[FROM DIYNETWORK] It’s called Greenery. Pantone says this zesty color “signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate.” It’s a hue that is meant to “evoke the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew.”  Looking for some inspiration on how to add Greenery to your home decor? Check out these spaces that may make you green with envy.

Pantone Color Institute

1. Through Nature

The easiest, most inexpensive way to add the color Greenery to your home is simply with greenery. For a dramatic effect that requires little effort, go to the florist and get a single frond and place it in a simple vessel.

2. With Linens

If you’re not ready to commit to painting your walls in Greenery, start with window treatments and pillows. Here, the energetic burst of color provides artistic style to the neutral gray and white space.

3. It’s Good Feng Shui

Green is a good color for kitchens. According to some feng shui experts, green promotes digestion. If you want just a touch of Greenery, add it via useful items like utenstils, canisters, oven mitts and dish towels.

4. In the Youngsters’ Space

Greenery is a nice choice for gender-neutral kids’ rooms or playrooms. Here, a green stripe of chalkboard paint allows the kids to be creative without fear of ruining the walls.

5. Enchance an All-White Space

A bold backsplash can make a plain white kitchen soar with personality. Greenery can add the perfect pop of color, especially when it’s done in a cool retro pattern like this one.

What do you think? Are you ready to try this fun refreshing color in YOUR home? 🙂

NEXT UP ON THE BLOG: Greenery in your WINDOW STYLES!

FIVE Modern + Stylish Designs

TRENDING: Modern and Stylish Curtains and Drapery Designs!

Updating your window coverings with a stylish design is simple and will change the look of your home instantly. Budget Blinds offers a variety of stylish curtains and drapery that will enhance your home’s specific style. Here are five modern and stylish curtain and drapery designs that are currently trending.

Floral patterns on window coverings

Floral patterns on window coverings are a way to add a touch of romance while remaining chic. The soft patterns of the floral also allow for color to be incorporated into a room without being overwhelming. This style is a classic design that always looks good – and with that, if its your style, it can be ideal for every room in your home.

 

Color Blocked Panel Drapes

Color blocking is a major trend that is seen in every part of fashion and now it is entering the home trends! Color blocking is taking two complementary or contrasting colors for a uniquely custom look – very chic

 

White Sheer Drapes

A beautiful, simplistic design for your window treatment is white sheer curtains! The translucent material creates a light and relaxing feel to any room – white sheer soften the overall appearance of any window, allowing for natural light while providing privacy too!

PRO TIP: Sheer curtains can be cleaned regularly (and easily!) and with that, they are great for people to suffer from allergies and/or pet hair.

 

Pleated Shades with Panel Curtains

If you want a design that is modern and retro, geometric shapes are the perfect choice. It is important with a statement design like a geometric shape to match it with a simpler window treatment like a solid color pleated shade. This allows for the attention to be on the beautiful and fun window treatment. 🙂

 

Floral Frilly Curtains

This says “girls bedroom” all over it – right? 🙂  It is a way for someone to have beautifully designed curtains without going overboard with ruffles and flowers. The goal with this design is to add a touch of feminine elements to create a gorgeous and cohesive room!

 

SO what do you think? Do you love all FIVE designs and can’t make up your mind on which design you would like in your home? Let us help you find the perfect match for every room. There are plenty of fabrics and textures you can choose from – and the best part is, everything is customized to you and your style!

Let’s get started today!! Call me and set up your FREE in-home design consultation! What are you waiting for? 651-361-7620 or pbrown@budgetblinds.com

Stay Warm with Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

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Yes, you read that right… winter is here! And if you haven’t felt it lately, you better be sure to grab a sweater before you head out the door, don’t say I didn’t warn you 🙂  It is finally wintertime and the cold months are here to stay (until spring!) When its cold outside, the best feeling every is being bundled up next to the heater while reading a good book or watching a movie! On the contrary, the worst feeling during this time is trying to keep your energy bill down… am I right?!  In the winter,  people spend approx. 59% more on their energy bills! OUCH! Major hit to your bank account and major energy being lost…

Don’t worry thought!

We have a solution for you with energy efficient window treatments – only at Budget Blinds. 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.

blue cellular shades

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 (every home owners dream, motorized window treatments, right? :))

Roman shades are similar to 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 ultimatley 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.

Pink Roman Shades

 

Exterior and Interior Shutters

Exterior and interior shutters add value to your home while protecting it. Investing in shutters can be a major bonus to your home and allow you to keep in the warmth in the winter months or control a summer breeze by adjusting the louvers.

gray exterior shutters

Exterior shutters are wonderful for areas with extreme weather because they are able to add another layer of protection (hello, my clients who live on the river!). Having shutters adds more to your windows by shielding them from the cold weather. They protect you from other natural elements like rain and wind, preventing physical damage to your home. Exterior shutters as a whole add more security and privacy to your home while allowing you to still enjoy your view. Best of all, exterior shutters add value to your home and upgrade your home’s curb appeal – yes, we all love that!

Interior shutters are beautiful window treatments that again help with heat gain and loss for your home. These types of shutters are a window covering that is made to last and save you money (amazing!) Shutters will keep your energy bills low because they work as an insulation shield by preventing cold drafts and unbearable heat from entering your home. They regulate the temperature in your home so you won’t have to use the heater or air conditioner as much (or sometimes at all!)  Also, shutters will provide extra security because they fully cover the window when closed but still allow you to have an uninterrupted view when open. Shutters will benefit your home in many ways, making them a great choice for an efficient window treatment.

white interior shutters

Drapery

Drapery on your windows is like having your windows wrapped up in a blanket (can you tell I am thinking of the winter!!) Drapes are designed for insulation because their heavier fabrics allow them to keep in the heat. During cold weather, drapery can reduce heat loss from a warm room up to 10%. Closing your draperies at night and during the day can keep in the warmth. Another way drapery is energy saving is by layering it with another window covering!

Saving money is essential during these cold winter months, especially with the upcoming holiday season. Save money with an investment in energy-efficient window treatments, trust me you will glad you did!!

Contact me today to schedule your free in-home consultation and start getting your home not only stylish for the holidays, but energy-efficient too! 651-351-7620 pbrown@budgetblinds.com 

Top 5 Window Treatments for Bay Windows

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.

shutter on bedroom bay 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!! 🙂

pleated shade for a living room


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!

Bedroom roller shade

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!

colorful top treatment for a kitchen bay window

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!

Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day: a Special Time to Honor Veterans

*** FROM CORPORATE ***

(but we couldn’t help pass it along!) 

Every November 11, people in the United States and Canada take time to honor their country’s military heroes and Veterans. In the U.S., it’s Veterans’ Day and in Canada, Remembrance Day to acknowledge the unpayable debt to all who serve in the Armed Forces, past and present.

Veterans Day and Remembrance Day

Celebrations abound in private homes, local communities and on the national stage with speeches, flag ceremonies, parades, picnics and fireworks. It’s a bittersweet time, mindful of the service and sacrifices of our military at home and abroad, while at the same time celebrating the way of life we enjoy because of those sacrifices.

Budget Blinds honors veterans all year long

Honoring veterans is a core value at Budget Blinds®, as shared by our Chief Executive Officer, Shirin Behzadi: “At Budget Blinds, we share a strong commitment to supporting veterans who have served our country. Many of our franchisees across the country are veterans or have personal connections to the U.S. Armed Forces, so we feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to give back to these true American heroes when and where we can.” This giving back takes several forms, including support of community service programs and career assistance.

In Canada, the partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) focuses on supporting Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families. The mission of Wounded Warriors Canada, to Honour the Fallen, Help the Living, is realized through supporting and funding programs and services that physically and emotionally assist and support veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other casualties of war. Together with our manufacturing partner, Springs Window Fashions® who produces our exclusive line of Signature Series® window coverings, Budget Blinds has made two $15,000 donations to WWC in the past two years.

How WWC help Veterans

U.S. veteran support efforts include placing window blinds into specially adapted homes for severely wounded Veterans through partnership with Homes for Our Troops (HFOT).  Springs Window Fashions supplies Signature Series faux wood blinds and supports the Budget Blinds’ commitment of donating $1 million to HFOT over a three-year period, which consists of a combination of product, services and cash donations. To date, two annual donations of $50,000 have been made and window blinds have been installed in almost 70 homes across the country by local Budget Blinds franchise owners, enabling the Veterans and their families to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives.

Inside the Veterans home

The newest Budget Blinds partnership in support of Veterans is Designing Spaces’ Military Makeover airing on Lifetime® Television and by year end we’ll have participated in the renovation of four homes for deserving Veterans. Custom window coverings from our exclusive Enlightened Styles® product line are supplied to meet each family’s needs for energy efficiency, child-safe cordless operation and complete light and privacy control. For each show, the local Budget Blinds franchise owner gives their time to consult with the family and professionally install the blinds, shades or shutters of their choice. On each show, Tracy Christman, Vice President of Vendor Alliance at Budget Blinds, talks with hosts Art Edmonds and “Gunny,” retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant R. Lee Ermey, about the benefits of having the right window coverings.

Tracy talking with Art about the blinds

Helping Veterans build businesses

Another way to honor Veterans is by offering substantial discounts to qualified veterans who purchase a franchise business with Budget Blinds or one of its sister companies, Tailored Living or Concrete Craft, all thriving franchise brands of Home Franchise Concepts (HFC).  HFC choses to honor and say thank you to U.S. and Canadian Veterans in a tangible way by helping them build secure financial futures through ownership of a low-cost, home-based franchise, scalable to the way they live and the needs of their family.

Retired Marine Corps, Ed Burns, now a proud franchise owner of Budget Blinds serving Costa Mesa, shares: “You have so much responsibility in the military; it’s really nice to be just responsible for yourself. I love it. I love being my own boss [with Budget Blinds]. I love the service we’re providing.”

Budget Blinds has been ranked "best for vets"

To find out more about franchise business opportunities for Veterans, go to Home Franchise Concepts/Veterans.

Check out the Giving Back section on our website to read more about how Budget Blinds supports veterans:

If you’ve been shopping for new window coverings and are hopelessly confused, save yourself and call Budget Blinds! We’re the experts with blinds, shutters, window shades, drapes, curtains, decorative window film and more, including energy efficiency, child safety and smart home technology for remote control window coverings. Call 651-351-7620 today, or go online to www.budgetblinds.com  to find the Budget Blinds Style Consultant nearest you and schedule your free, in-home consultation.

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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! *

Get Inspired with Draperies!

  • INSPIRED DESIGN FOR CURTAINS, CUSTOM DRAPES, BEDDING, RUGS & MORE

    Draperies create beautiful everyday environments and allow you to color your world in a very personal way! Our Inspired Drapes collection gives you THE widest selection of drapes, soft window treatments, and custom pillows and bedding with luxurious designer touches, at a very 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, we’ve 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, we 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?

2016 TRENDS – have you tried them?

– 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.
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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.
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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.”
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! 🙂
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