FIVE Modern + Stylish Designs

January 6, 2017January 24, 2017Leave a comment

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!!

December 29, 2016January 11, 2017Leave a comment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

December 23, 2016January 11, 2017Leave a comment

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🙂 holidays-2016

Stay Warm with Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

December 8, 2016December 13, 2016Leave a comment

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

December 5, 2016December 13, 2016Leave a comment

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.

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!! 🙂

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!

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!

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!

2016 TRENDS –

December 1, 2016December 13, 2016Leave a comment

Looking back on 2016 its fun to see what treatments were the most popular and what styles we were asked about the most! For 2016 the key words were “simple” and “minimal” with an emphasis on crisp, clean lines. .

1. Layering is a favorite!!

Layering was a big hit in 2016 (and in general!) Layering is appealing to many as the overall look of the window treatment remains clean, and the palette is usually consistent for both treatments. In this situation, its best to blend the colors vs. work with contrasting shades. Any type of blind can be used for an easy layering look, but consult with us if you are wanting customization and style!

2. Pattern is HOT!
Patterns were fun to play with this year – some clients were bold enough to order them! New patterns highlight (and welcome) textures and designs throughout your home. Geometric patterns create a fun and energetic atmosphere, while large scale florals can add an element of luxury and elegance. Patterns don’t have to just be trellis styles, whimsical motifs etc, patterns are also bold colors – which is fun (and easy) to work with!

3. Banding is CLASSIC
Vertical or horizontal banding is very popular as it adds beautiful detailing and interest to any plain drape. It creates a sophisticated ambiance, and it showcases style without trying too hard. Banding is a great idea if you want to add visual height or width to a space, as it tricks the eyes and provides an elegant look.

4. Drapes are getting wider

Overall, the style of drapes is getting longer and wider – this makes the windows appear larger (and this style is definitely on point right now!) Luxury materials like velvet and silk add a lush vibe to this look. And, surprisingly, these fabrics aren’t too luxury priced at all! Super fun, super stylish and super trendy – impress your guests by adding an element of texture to your draperies!

5. Sheers are coming back!

YAY! Sheers have always been popular(ish), but these days the sheers are miles away from the frilly, lacy, tulle fabric. The “new” sheers (they are super popular!) have subtle opaqueness to them and sometimes they even have printed patterns interwoven in the fabric. The headings (curtain rods) are more modern and create a sleek look overall.

Global Living / Bluefish Home - Showroom eclectic living room

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What is your favorite style? Did you try any of these in 2016? If not, ask me today how we can freshen your style up with some fun trends of the year!

Call today and let’s schedule your free in-home consultation!!!

651-51 – 7620 or via email pbrown@budgetblinds.com

How to Find the Perfect Vintage Window Treatment

November 27, 2016December 13, 2016Leave a comment

Let’s talk vintage – are you in? Vintage is a style that has a specific taste – it is timeless, classic and unique. When talking vintage, there are two popular décor styles to keep in mind, they are traditional vintage and mid-century vintage. Both of these décor styles are inspired by other eras that are at least 30 years or older (according to budgetblinds.com)

Finding interior décor to match these styles can be easy with thrift stores and garage sales, but matching your specific style to the perfect window treatment can be difficult. Not to worry though – Budget Blinds is the leader in window treatment customization and we have plenty of window treatments options to fit your vintage-inspired home!

Traditional Vintage

Traditional vintage takes a past era and recreates it. This type of décor makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into an old television show like, “Leave it to Beaver.” Finding a window treatment to match this particular style of décor can be hard (but again, we got you covered with the customization!) Custom wood blinds with cloth tapes are a great option for a traditional vintage home. Wood blinds come in a variety of colors, stains and finishes. They can also be custom color-matched to your wood trim or furnishings which is great for completing your desired look. By adding decorative cloth tapes to your wood blinds, you add an extra touch to bring out your vintage flair.

Mid-century Vintage

Mid-century vintage takes on the traditional vibe but with a BIT of a twist. It has a touch of modern style paired with the traditional to create a more updated version. Budget Blinds offers two great window coverings that are perfect for achieving this mid-century vintage inspired style.

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Another mid-century vintage inspired window treatment is roller shades. Roller shades may seem like a very modern window covering but with a wide range of colors and fabrics they can transform into a vintage-inspired window covering. Roller shades with tassels or scalloped trims are great to achieve a vintage look with a modern twist.

Budget Blinds has a variety of opacity levels including sheer, light-filtering, room-darkening and blackout to provide you with a wide range for light control and privacy. Also, roller shades are pet-safe and child-friendly with various control options including continuous-loop lift, cordless lift, smart pull lift and remote control motorization.

Budget Blinds offers plenty of window treatments – and the best thing is they are CUSTOMIZED for you, and your style (including shutters!) Let us help you achieve your vision of a vintage-inspired home and schedule your free in-home consultation today!

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Thanksgiving Day Traditions that Make the Holiday Special

November 23, 2016December 13, 2016Leave a comment

Thanksgiving is a day full of traditions that have been carried on from generation to generation. Every family has traditions that might be a little different from others, but surprisingly (or not!) most families practice at least one of these top five traditions on Thanksgiving Day.

Check it out, here are some traditions to inspire you – or just to make sure you are doing it right 😉

1. Thanksgiving Dinner: Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and More…

The classic Thanksgiving dinner is a tradition that makes everyone smile. Even if you have been bickering with family members all day, you know that once that turkey hits the table it will get quiet. A typical Thanksgiving dinner includes a turkey and ham for the main dishes. Traditionally, side dishes are brought by the guests to contribute to dinner. Some side dishes include mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, rolls, salads and yams. Lastly, there is the best part of dinner–the delicious desserts like pumpkin pie with whipped cream, apple cobbler and bread pudding. DID YOU KNOW: this traditional Thanksgiving gathering dates back to November 1621?

2. Black Thursday Shopping: Shop till You Drop

Serious shopping is a tradition that has recently made its way into Thanksgiving Day. Until recently, Black Friday shopping would take place the Friday after Thanksgiving, but now (very recently!) Black Thursday takes place pretty early in the evening of Thanksgiving Day. This tradition can take some getting used to for some family members, but it is a fun time to experience together. If you want to partake in shopping but don’t want to go out to the stores, some stores offer online shopping throughout Thanksgiving Day so you don’t even have to leave the house to get your early Christmas shopping done (ahem, ahem, Budget Blinds of Stillwater!!)

3. Football: Professional or Amateur

Football has been a large part of Thanksgiving, from a front yard family pickup game to watching your favorite professional teams play – there is ALWAYS a football game during Thanksgiving, and its a tradition! Football is a game that brings people together and can be enjoyable for the whole family.

4. Wishbone: Make a Wish

Breaking the wishbone from the turkey is a tradition that brings you good luck – have you tried it? Traditionally, the wishbone is set aside for three days to allow it to get brittle and then two people pull it apart with their wish in mind. The person who is holding the piece with the center section still attached will end up having their wish come true. It is a super fun tradition – children will LOVE it (and sometimes can’t wait three days!)

5. Be Thankful: Give Thanks

This is the tradition that this holiday is based on (a duh – its the name Thanksgiving!) Giving thanks on this day can mean different things to different people. Other families have the tradition of going around the table and saying what they are thankful for and what they want for the future. This tradition makes us take time out of our busy lives by stopping and giving thanks that we are able to have a wonderful meal with the people we love. No matter what your background, it’s a time to reflect and give thanks for all the good things in your life.

Non-traditional Traditions: A Few Extra

Here are some fun, non-traditional traditions that may take place in your home and, if not, maybe add them to your list for this year.

Take a nap (who doesn’t love a good nap on the couch)
Fight over who gets the Turkey legs
Update your window treatments before the family comes over

Happy Thanksgiving to You!

Contemporary Décor Window Coverings for Your Home

November 18, 2016December 14, 2016Leave a comment

A contemporary home décor style is defined as a style with clean lines in a casual atmosphere, with open spaces, neutral colors and elements inspired by nature. Contemporary style can use window treatments as the focal point of any room, using their color or pattern as the inspiration for other design elements in the room. Budget Blinds offers window coverings and hand-woven rugs that will fit into the contemporary style and complete your home’s overall look.

Here are some of my favorite design options to inspire your contemporary styled home.

Call me today and let’s schedule your FREE in-home consultation! I can’t wait to show you how easy it is to add contemporary style into your home (or office!)

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

November 11, 2016November 14, 2016Leave a comment

*** 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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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Category: window treatments