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

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

 – Customize with the Color of the Year!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five Elements Needed to Create a Cozy Corner

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

  1. Comfy Chair

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

comfy chair

  1. Lighting

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

Light fixture with a side table

  1. Side Table

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

side table

  1. Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

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

Window treatment

  1. Accents

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

blue pillows

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

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

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.

A Style You Need: Blackout Window Treatments

Blackout Window Treatments for Every Room in Your Home

Blackout Shade Selections

Do I even need to detail the reasons why you need blackout shades? They are stylish, affordable and yes, you need them! Think of turning off all the lights before bed, getting into bed and having TOTAL darkness – bliss! Or picture watching the football game and having no sun glare on the screen! Yes, it can be done (and in a super stylish way too!) With blackout shades from Budget Blinds you will find the ideal solution for every room in your home!

 

DID YOU KNOW: Blackout is actually a light opacity option that can be added to most window coverings?! Its true, Budget Blinds has a variety of blackout styled shades including roller shades, cellular shades, pleated shades, Roman shades, woven wood shades, and even drapery and curtains can have blackout linings too! Depending on your style preference, we can totally match (and customize) the specific look you need.

Let’s talk specifics,

KITCHEN- 

Your kitchen is one of the brightest rooms in your home (well, it should be!)  If you’re like me, you love having the sun shine down on you while you’re drinking your morning coffee. The sun is a wakeup call. Yet, there are times when the sun is shining so bright through your kitchen windows while you’re cookingup a hot meal – hot x hot x hot = not good! During a situation like this blackout shades are the best solution for you! Blackout shades will allow you to block out the sun and will save money on your energy bill – not to mention, they look modern too!

Modern Kitchen with Roman shade

LIVING ROOM –                                                                          

retro living room with roller shade

Your living room might not be a typical place to have a blackout shade, but when you need privacy and security it is the perfect window treatment!  A HUGE reason to have a blackout shade on your living room windows is privacy. It also helps when you don’t really want to have drop-in company that come over unannounced.  A blackout shade makes it look like you’re not home just in case it’s not the right time to have guests 😉

 

 

BEDROOM – 

The bedroom is ThE BESTplace to have blackout shades. An important reason is privacy, but aside from that blackout window coverings provide BETTER SLEEP, and who doesn’t want that?!  Having the room extra dark can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Blackout treatments ensure a dark room that will help you get the sleep you deserve. Also, while you’re getting a wonderful night’s sleep, a blackout window covering can help keep in the heat during those cold winter months or keep the room comfortable and cool during warmer months too! Winning all around!

Room-darkening shade

 

CHILDS ROOM –

Blackout shades can give your child the best when it comes to their room – not only does it provide privacy and security, but it can be helpful when it comes to their much-needed sleep! For a newborn, blackout window coverings can help when baby is sleeping, and can also help tired parents catch some Z’s while their baby sleeps! Another wonderful option that can be added to your blackout treatments is motorization.  Budget Blinds offers motorization powered by Somfy, the world’s leading manufacture in specialized motors for over 45 years. With a touch of a button, you can have complete darkness to ensure your child stays asleep. Also, having your window covering motorized eliminates dangerous dangling cords making them child safe. Budget Blinds stresses the importance of motorization for all your window treatments when there are children and pets living in the home.

Nursery with blackout shade

 

BATHROOM – 

Motorized bathroom shade

The bathroom is YOUR place that needs as much privacyas possible. I don’t need to go into benefits of blackout shades in the bathroom, just trust me, you need them in this room probably the most! Motorized blackout shades are ideal for your bathroom, especially if you have hard-to-reach windows.

 

 

 

 

BLACKOUT WINDOW TREATMENTS IN ALL THE ROOMS IN YOUR HOME IS THE WAY TO GO! ! Call 651 – 351 – 7620 today or go online to budgetblinds.com and let’s connect with a free in-home design consultation!!

Remodeling Tips 101: Bathroom

How to Keep Your Bathroom Remodel Cost Low (with Budget Blinds!)

The holidays are just around the corner and if you’re like most people  you are just about to start your bathroom remodel (or another room remodel!)  I know you know that it sounds like a crazy idea, but most people actually start home improvement projects right before the holidays.

Obviously, it doesn’t hurt to impress your family with your newly-renovated bathroom, but sometimes it can hurt your wallet. According to HomeAdvisor (a trusted consumer source to find the best in home service professionals), most homeowners spent an average $9,313 on a bathroom remodel!!  Here at Budget Blinds we can not only help you save money with some tips below, but when it comes to window-coverings for your bathroom we got you covered with ultra stylish and budget savvy options!!

So with that, let’s talk tips!

STARTING BUDGET: 

  • Depending on the amount of the budget for your bathroom, window coverings can be a small or large portion. There are endless possibilities when it comes to window coverings for the bathroom at every price range. Here at Budget Blinds we have a huge selection and we want to help you achieve your dream bathroom. We want to match the window treatments with the overall look that you desire!

Bathroom.jpg

 

LIMITED BUDGET: 

Budget Blinds has so many high-quality window coverings at different price ranges. If your bathroom remodel budget only allows a limited portion for the window coverings, here are three wonderful options that will look beautiful and not break your bank (yes, thank me later!) 😉

Composite Blinds

Composite blinds are ideal for your bathroom if you are looking for a durable window covering that is also reasonably priced. Composite Blinds are constructed from high-quality synthetic materials that are moisture-resistant and prevent fading and cracking, (perfect for a bathroom because it’s a high moisture environment!) These blinds are crafted to look like traditional wood blinds that have an expensive feel but are affordable. Budget Blinds of Stillwater offers composite blinds in over 80 colors and finishes to compliment your dream bathroom’s décor.

Composite blinds for your bathroom

Faux wood blinds for bathroom

Faux wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds give the look of real wood blinds but are more durable for moist environments. There are a variety of paints from white and neutrals to deep dark wood grains and finishes that are smooth or textured to choose from. They come in custom fitted slats to allow an outside view (perfect for bathrooms, again!) Faux wood blinds block harmful UV rays when closed – preventing any damage to your belongings and you. They are a great option if you would like to add a little extra design to your windows with decorative tapes and valance. It will give your blinds a personal touch and make them a custom window treatment that will look great in your new bathroom.

 

Vinyl Blinds

Vinyl blinds are an affordable window covering if you have a LARGE WINDOW in your bathroom. They are stain resistant, easy to clean and have a high resistance to moisture. Vinyl blinds offer a wide range of colors or textures to match your bathrooms décor. With options of vertical or horizontal, vinyl blinds give you enough privacy but if you want more, cloth tapes can cover any gaps to give you more light and privacy. Vinyl blinds are a great way to cover your windows at a very reasonable price.

Vertical vinyl blinds for large bathroom window

 

 

ENDLESS BUDGET: 

If you have an unlimited amount to spend on your window treatments for your bathroom remodel… well, lucky you! Budget Blinds has soo many high-end options too that will not only will it look great, but it will add value to your home! With a larger budget, upgrades, like motorization, can (and should) be added to your window treatments for convenience and a “wow” factor! Here are three great options that are IDEAL for bigger budgets (and will add overall value too!)

Composite Shutters

Composite shutters are a gorgeous window treatment that is designed for high moisture environments since they are made from synthetic material (like their counterpart composite blinds!)  They can handle a large amount of sun exposure without fading and cracking, making them very long-lasting. You should know that shutters are an investment and cost a little more than other options listed, BUT they have a long life span and ADD VALUE to your home. Composite shutters come in three popular colors and have louver sizes of 2 ½”, 3 ½” and 4 ½” – they can be customized to fit arched windows too! Shutters are great for privacy, but an important bonus is that they are designed without cords making them a safe option for homes with children and pets.

composite shutters add value to your home

Roman Shades

Roman shades for your bathroom

Roman shades are made for luxurious bathrooms because they add drama and an elevated style to any room. There are SO many choices when it comes to Roman shades, like fold options including balloon, cascading, tear drop and relaxed which can give your bathroom a definitive look.

Another decision to make with Roman shades is choosing from a variety of fabric colors, prints and textures to achieve a high-end look.

Last choice is picking a range of privacy from light-filtering to blackout liners, giving you total light control. Roman shades are one of the grander window coverings when it comes to fashion. If you want to make a major statement, Roman shades are your answer.

 

Motorization

Motorization can definitely feel like the biggest upgrade when it comes to window treatments, because its amaaaazing! Here at Budget Blinds, we can add motorization to almost any window covering – giving you instant privacy with a touch of a button. It is super convenient!  We offer motorized window treatments powered by Somfy, the world’s leading manufacture in specialized motors for over 45 years! A major benefit of motorization is that it eliminates all dangling cords making your window treatment child-and pet-safe (and not to mention – super sleek too!!)

Motorized window blinds

So Many Choices… What to Do?

There are plenty of options when it comes to window treatments for your bathroom remodel, but it depends on what look you are trying to accomplish and most importantly your budget. Let us at Budget Blinds of Stillwater help you find the right window for your dream bathroom from our many styles, including blinds, shutters, shades, drapes and window film! Call 651-351-7620 today or go online to budgetblinds.com/stillwater and lets get started on your remodel today! We ALSO offer free in-home design consultation!

YOU NEED THIS: Technology + Motorized Window Coverings

Somfy Motorized Shades

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

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

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

 

Motorized Wood Blinds

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

With programmable timers, sensors and mobile apps you can:

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

Motorization makes all of life easier

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

  • A baby’s room: New parents probably don’t realize the value of motorized blinds or shades in the nursery. They don’t know yet how often they’ll feel the need for an extra hand. Being able to darken the room with one finger without jostling and waking a sleeping babe-in-arms is such a blessing. And, as the baby grows, the cordless design is a safer option for a young child’s room.
  • A sunny kitchen: Having a window over the sink for an outside view is a delight. But sometimes people can’t always raise and lower an over-the-sink shade or blind effectively. A motorized shade with remote control eliminates the need for having to grab a stool when you want to either fully expose the view, or close the window for privacy or light control. This is also true of windows over a washer and dryer; it can be a long reach if you’re under six-feet tall!
  • Skylights and hard-to-reach windows: A room full of natural light is only appreciated until you want the room darkened. High, inaccessible windows and skylights often remain uncovered (or always covered) because getting to them to adjust window coverings is too much of a chore. Motorization would make any window fully functional, no matter how high or difficult the reach. At the touch of a button, you would be able to completely control both light and privacy.

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

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

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?