Category: Window Treatments

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!

Five Elements Needed to Create a Cozy Corner

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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.

Creating a WELCOMING entry

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– I HAVE FIVE TIPS FOR YOU – 
https://www.pinterest.com/bbstillwater/entryway/
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https://www.pinterest.com/bbstillwater/entryway/
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.
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https://www.pinterest.com/bbstillwater/entryway/
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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.

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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

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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

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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 of the Year 2017

Pantone Color Institute

1. Through Nature

Palm Frond
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

DIY Upholstered Headboard in Green and White Master Bedroom

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

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen with Gray Island and Green Bar Stools
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

Green and White Boy's Bedroom With Bunk Beds
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

Contemporary Kitchen With Green Back Splash
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.

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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!

2017 Window Trends

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NEW YEARS RESOLUTION 2017: COMPLETE MY HOME WITH STYLE

Get ahead of the style this year and get IN with Budget Blinds for all your home updating! Adding new window treatments dramatically improves the overall look of ANY room, and sometimes, that is all the updating you need! Guests comment on your new look (trust us!) and you will benefit in savings, privacy, convenience and more!

Here are some of the latest forecasted TRENDING designs for 2017 – can’t wait to hear what you think!! Reach out and connect – pbrown@budgetblinds.com

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CONTEMPORARY ROLLER SHADES

Less is more – right?! We are seeing that design aesthetic a lot in 2016 and going into 2017. Clean lines, contemporary design, custom fit and so many different styles and options to choose from, everyone loves Roller Shades!

 

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LAYERING ROMAN SHADES

If Roller Shades aren’t totally your style, you can achieve the same minimalistic design by going with Roman Shades! These are great as they roll up and create the clean, simple look similar to Roller Shades. They are insulating and great for overall privacy (and style too!)  Add in a simple drapery and voila, you are the envy of every house guest that comes over.

 

 

 

 

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EARTHY HUES

This year, color trends are favoring earthy pastel hues like greenery, Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year. Don’t be afraid to try greenery in your home – a pop of greenery can go a longgg way AND its chic and trendy too, so you know you are in style, right?! 😉

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How to Winterize Your Home

Brr…winter is here and it’s important to prepare your home for the cold, snowy months ahead. Budget Blinds offers some helpful tips on how to winterize your home.  These tips can help prevent problems as the temperatures plummet and winter settles in. Remember “safety first” when it comes to preparing your home for winter. With a little preparation, you can be assured your family will be safe and warm all winter long!

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[ image courtesy of budgetblinds.com ]

FIVE Modern + Stylish Designs

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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

Happy NYE to your windows!!

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10…9…8…7…6…5… oh wait! Did you find the perfect outfit for the New Year’s Eve Party? Prepping for New Year’s Eve can be stressful enough but finding something to wear takes the cake. It takes a lot of effort and time deciding what to wear and what jewelry will look best for your enchanting evening. The same idea can go for dressing up your windows with new window treatments for the New Year. Budget Blinds is giving you four steps to dress up your windows.

New Years Eve Countdown

The first step is figuring out what style of window treatment will look best, which is similar to deciding whether to wear a dress or a top and pant for the party.  Choosing what window covering you prefer and their benefits can be challenging. But don’t worry; Budget Blinds offers a wide variety of window coverings including blinds, shutters, shades and drapery.

multiple types of window treatments

2. Color, Fabric and Finish

After deciding what window covering is best for you, the next step is pick the color, fabric or finish of the window covering. It is similar to finding the perfect dress for New Year’s but it comes in tons of options like solid or print, in silk, cotton, stain or linen. This step can be tough since there are so many choices.  Choosing your window treatment’s color, fabric and finish can be challenging, but a Budget Blinds Style Consultant can walk you through what options work best for your home’s style and for you.

options for color, fabric and finish

Color: Color is important when choosing any window treatment. It helps coordinate with your room’s décor and brings a pop of color to help create a distinctive ambiance.

Fabric: For all types of shades, fabric plays a large role because it brings texture into your room. Solids are classic and beautiful while printed fabrics liven the space like art work for your windows.

Finish: The finish on blinds or shutters is important because it can bring a particular look to a room. You may want a distressed wood blind to create a rustic vibe or a smooth finish that gives a sleek, modern look.

 

3. Layering

Layering is the third step, similar to picking a sweater or a jacket for your outfit. If you would like more coverage for your window treatment, layering drapery is a perfect choice. Drapery may seem fancy and complicated, but it is not. It can really transform a room from drab to glam. Layering drapery on top of your window treatment can bring major personality into your room creating a perfect setting. Budget Blinds offers window drapes in a variety of bold prints and patterns that offer light and privacy control. Also, your drapery can be motorized making them super convenient and safe to operate.

Full window treatment in a living room

4. Accessories

The last step is accessorizing your New Year’s Eve outfit with jewelry, scarves or belts. Did you know that you can do the same with your window treatments? By adding small details like tassels or jewels on a roller shade, you can take it from ordinary to designer instantly. For drapery, jeweled edging can be added to the drapery alone or the tie-backs. Add a little more drama to your window treatment with Budget Blinds decorative hardware. You can choose from wooden rods in fashionable finishes, metals in dozens of colors and styles, and finials that include sculpted, natural, crystal and glass designs.

decorative hardware for drapery

Start the New Year right by creating your dream window! You can dress up your window with a singular window treatment or get a complete makeover with drapery and decorative hardware. Window coverings are complete outfits for your home so make sure they are unique and beautiful for the New Year.

Happy New Year!