Category: Solar Shades

Tell Us What You Love, We’ll Make it Happen

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Ready to go custom? Make your window coverings one of a kind? At Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo, you’ll find exactly what you want in custom blinds, shades, shutters, drapes and accessories. We can also custom color match window coverings to coordinate with your walls, furniture, and décor. 

Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo does custom at a price that fits you. That’s why we say we have style and service for every budget. See for yourself — let us bring the showroom to your home!
call 651-351-7620

To stay up to date on design trends, schedule your free consultation or to request a design guide, reach out at pbrown@budgetblinds.com or visit my web page budgetblinds.com/Stillwater

-Pamela Brown

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Freshen Up Your Windows for the New Year

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Start 2020 with eco-friendly window treatments from Budget Blinds. With our vast selection, embracing sustainability with gorgeous window treatments has never been easier. With eco-friendly window coverings, you can do your part in helping to preserve our natural resources and still be on-trend with innovative products. 

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Hardwood window treatments utilize renewable resources and environmentally friendly forestry techniques without sacrificing style.

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Cellular shades, with their honeycomb-shaped cells, act as an insulator, and when combined or layered with other window treatments can reduce heat loss.

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Woven shades are made from natural eco-friendly materials such as reeds, grasses and rattan, making them environmentally friendly and completely recyclable.

To stay up to date on design trends, schedule your free consultation or to request a design guide, reach out at pbrown@budgetblinds.com or visit my web page budgetblinds.com/Stillwater

-Pamela Brown

 

Budget Blinds and Lutron Electronics Join Forces to Simplify the Transition to a Smart Home

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Budget Blinds of Stillwater, MN is announcing its newfound relationship with lighting control pioneer Lutron Electronics, making smart home automation affordable and accessible to more homeowners. Home automation exclusivity to luxury homes is now a thing of the past. Lutron, in accompaniment with Budget Blinds, offers simple home automation solutions allowing homeowners to control and schedule window coverings, lighting and temperature with the touch of a button.

The Lutron line of automated window coverings offered by Budget Blinds can be controlled with a remote or wall control, through The Lutron App on a smart device, or with voice commands using Siri® on an Apple® iPhone®. Window coverings can be set to raise and lower according to daylight hours in a selected time zone, enabling morning sunlight to enter homes in an automatic fashion.

The relationship between Budget Blinds and Lutron provides homeowners with a wide variety of stylish window coverings ranging from drapery tracks to shades that offer the ease and simplicity of automation, while coordinating with furnishings and décor.

Budget Blinds’ Style Consultants, like myself are also certified Smart Home Consultants, offering custom installation and free in-home consultations so customers can see – and feel – fabrics, blind, and shade samples. Adjusting a thermostat, turning lights on and off and raising or lowering window shades is now easier than ever with automatic activation or the ability to control remotely while homeowners are out or on vacation. Coverings can now be installed with automation at an affordable price, offering added peace of mind and enhancing home comfort.

Creating a perfect smart home is now accessible to all Budget Blinds customers at an affordable price. To schedule your free Budget Blinds Style and Smart Home consult with me, visit our website!

Pamela Brown

Color of the year: GREENERY

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 – 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!

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.

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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.

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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 

Window Coverings for Your Vacation Rental that Won’t Break the Bank

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Owning a vacation rental property can be tough. Competition can be fierce and upkeep adds more and more expenses. When you are renting out property, you want to make sure it is welcoming. If you leave it bare and dull you can’t expect people to get excited about renting it, and it becomes a wasted investment. Don’t worry; with Budget Blinds, we got you covered. We offer an assortment of window coverings that are stylish and trendy and won’t break your bank.

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds are a great choice for any rental property (or any property in general!) They give a classic look that never goes out of style. Faux wood blinds are very durable. Made from polymer materials with UVA inhibitors they are energy efficient by blocking out the UV rays, which helps prevent sun damage to your furnishings. Budget Blinds offers faux blinds in 2”- 2 ½” slat sizes and a variety of colors from whites to textured finishes. Also, faux wood blinds can be motorized for cordless operation, making them a child- safe product which is ideal when families are renting your home.

Budget Blinds Ready-made Panels

Panel Curtain Fabrics

Budget Blinds offers an alternative to blinds for your rentals window coverings: ready-made drapery panels. Our exclusive Inspired Drapes collection offers custom, ready-made drapery panels to dress up any window. The ready-made panels are great for a vacation rental because they are quick to order and install. They’re offered in three styles: flat, back tab or grommet, and come in three lengths. There are over 25 designer fabrics and colors to choose from. Ready-made panels are also great to layer with other window coverings, such as window blinds or shades, for a more elegant look. They add a designer look without the designer cost, making them a reasonable choice for any vacation home.

Classic Mini Blinds

Mini Blinds

Mini blinds are another very cost efficient choice when placing them into your vacation rental. Mini blinds have modernized and upgraded their image and are not just your basic white mini blind anymore. They come in quality materials and a wide assortment of colors and textures to add a designer element to your rental. Mini blinds add value through durability and functionality including being user-friendly for your renters. Mini blinds are ideal for covering large windows and can be customized to fit any uniquely-shaped windows including skylights. They are energy effective by blocking sunlight and keeping your rental cool during the summer and saving money on your energy bill.

Vertical Blinds

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Almost all vacation rentals have sliding doors which bring up two issues: light and privacy. Vertical blinds will control both of those issues and still allow a full view outside, making them a brilliant solution for sliding glass doors. They are very durable and can withstand heat for those humid locations. They come in a vast spectrum of colors and materials which are ideal for a modern look, and are easy to operate and easy to clean.

Roller Shades

Roller Shades

Roller shades are a classic yet sophisticated window covering to add to your vacation rental. Budget Blinds Inspired Shades collection features an exclusive assortment of custom roller shades in over 80 contemporary prints and colors making them a top choice for window fashions.  Roller shades are very user-friendly for renters and have great light control. They are available with cordless lift for a child-safe environment and come in four opacity levels to add different effects to each room. Roller shades are a great investment to put into your vacation rental that will last long and never go out of style.

Sliding Panels

Vertical Sliding Panels

Sliding panels are perfect for patio doors, large windows or even separating one room into two. They come in an assortment of colors and materials that give a very trendy vibe. Also, they come in natural materials like Bamboo and woven woods which create a great ambiance for beach rentals. They are very cost effective for large windows and enhance the environment with unique style. For more humid areas, sliding panels are great with a sunscreen track which allows for greater UV protection. The sunscreen track will help preserve your panels by keeping out moisture.

Budget Blinds offers endless design possibilities for window coverings to perfectly suit your vacation rental but that won’t break your bank. Call 651- 351 – 7620 today or go online to budgetblinds.com to find your Style Consultant and schedule your FREE, in-home consultation. Let your stylish window coverings place you above the competition and help to sell your vacation rental as the place to be!

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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.

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– 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! 🙂

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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.

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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.

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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.

Window Film

 

– 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!

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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!