The Ultimate Man Cave!!

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Father’s Day Gift Certificates: The Right Gift for Any Dad

Father's Day

Give dad a space to call his own, and see if he doesn’t invite you in

Father’s Day rolls around once a year and the focus is totally on DAD, showing him how special and important he is:

  • Dinner at his favorite restaurant
  • Thoughtful gifts that say “I love you”
  • Treating him to a game or sporting event

Consider how great it would be to make every day feel more like Father’s Day!  No, not a 365-days-of-Father’s Day gift frenzy, but maybe a man cave or personal space for him to kick back and relax.  Dads are all different, but any dad would love a place of his own for movies, hobbies and video games, or enjoying absolute quiet or loud rock-n-roll.

Having a space that’s decorated by dad for dad is rejuvenating and satisfying. He can pick the colors and furnishings to reflect a side of himself that may not be evident in the rest of the house (the deer head and sports trophies will finally have a home). Ruffled curtains in the dining room are lovely, but for his space…black, room-darkening roller shades to cut TV glare! 🙂

Just remember, man caves are not necessarily isolation wards; many times the man cave becomes a favorite family spot for hanging out with dad!

The man cave of his dreams

Budget Blinds  is the expert for all types of window coverings, including blinds, shutters, shades, drapes and more, so his space can reflect his personal taste.  Our cutting-edge smart home technology gives control at the touch of a button.  Motorization is perfect for hard-to-reach windows and to increase energy efficiency by opening and closing window coverings even when you’re not home.

  • Tech dad will love remote-controlled window coverings throughout the house, and especially in his man cave so he doesn’t have to get up to close the blinds
  • Masculine colors and textures in window coverings, like natural woven wood shades or charcoal gray Roman shades will complete the look
  • An outdoor shed can convert into a peaceful hideaway, with aluminum shutters that repel weather and control light and privacy, so it’s comfortable all year long
Gift Card

Gift certificates need to be purchased from the local business where you live or, if it’s for a distant dad, you can do a ZIP code search for the franchise in his area by going online – BudgetBlinds.com.

For presentation on Father’s Day, you will receive a gift certificate package including a full-color mini brochure and a gift card with gift amount and contact information for the local franchise in a custom envelope!

 

Budget Blinds + Inspired Shades

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MESSAGE FROM CORPORATE!! (ORANGE, CA.  April, 2016) — With windows becoming more of a focal point in the room, Budget Blinds launched Inspired Shades, its designer collection of two, original product lines: Roller shades and natural woven shades!

Classic-Livingroom-with-patterned-roller-shades-inspired-shades

The collection features never-seen-before designs and patterns that are on-trend, versatile, modern and vibrant, built with optional child-safe operating systems and light-control features.  The Inspired Shades Collection is available to consumers in the U.S. and Canada through Budget Blinds’ franchise network serving over 8,000 cities.

According to Budget Blinds, the Inspired Shades Collection is the culmination of over a year’s work by a project team of internal designers and partners including textile and print experts and production specialists.  Together, they have traveled extensively around the world to develop a designer collection of roller shades and natural woven shades unlike anything available on the market today.

The Inspired Shades Collection has over 80 original roller shade prints and 240 decorative fabrics, commissioned directly from the weaving mill exclusively for Budget Blinds and specifically created for modern North American color and design trends.  These original selections were conceived by Budget Blinds’ internal design team using trending Pantone color chips and geometrical and floral patterns.

“In the window coverings industry, roller shades have become intensely competitive,” said Tracy Christman, Vice-President of Vendor Alliance and Design Expert for Budget Blinds.  “What differentiates us and keeps us ahead of the competition is being able to show a unique and original product that is stunning, dramatic, trend-setting and versatile for homeowners.  We’ve been doing this for over 20 years and, every year, we work harder and travel farther to bring the best to our customers.”

Inspired-Shades-Roller-Shades-Swatch-9889Traditionally, natural woven shades have been heavy, rustic and limited to the natural colors of bamboo and wood.  The natural woven shades featured in the Inspired Shades Collection bring a new level of softness, finesse, elegance and simple, natural beauty to the home. There are 38 unique blends of soft, natural fibers – like hemp, jute, and flax – woven into the thinnest threads to make the lightest natural shades both durable and delicate.  Vibrant reds, greens and blues are used in the decorative accents, silk-edge bindings, sewn-in ribs and other finishing touches.  The colors are all-natural plant dyes and 100% sustainable.

Christman added, “Our new collection is a dramatic step in the evolution of natural woven shades into attractive, stylish and smart shading solutions for all décor needs.  The feel is very soft, almost like drapery, and you won’t find these natural woven shades available anywhere else, only with Budget Blinds.”

A requisite for Budget Blinds is child-safe operating features, and they worked closely with their partners to build in cordless, wand control, and motorized shade options.

“For over 15 years, we have aligned ourselves with the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA),” said Shirin Behzadi, CEO of Budget Blinds and Home Franchise Concepts.  “Our top priority is window covering safety, and safety features are a key component anytime we roll out a new product line.”

Additionally, the Inspired Shades Collection offers light-filtering, blackout, operable liners, edge binding and valance options.

Learn more about the new Inspired Shades Collection by Budget Blinds on their website or social media channels,Facebook and Pinterest.

You can see Tracy Christman featured on the national TV shows, Designing Spaces and, in Canada, the Marc & Mandy Show.  View recently aired segment clips on the Budget Blinds Blog.

Summer Styles: Aluminum Shutters

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 WANT TO TAKE THE BURN OUT OF SUMMER OUTDOOR LIVING? Aluminum Shutters are what you need!

June 20 is the official start of summer – that’s like two months!! And here in Minnesota / Western Wisconsin, we know that summer can actually pop up any day! Summer has a magic all its own, and it means outdoor get-togethers with family and friends and the love/hate relationship we have with the sun (and sunburn).

Budget Blinds actually has an answer for maximizing your outdoor summer fun!! Aluminum shutters are the PERFECT solution for ensuring that your outdoor spaces are livable (all day, every day) and tame the extremes of summer so your family / friends aren’t driven indoors. Simmering heat, summer showers and blustery breezes are NO match for the beauty and functionality of our collection of indoor-outdoor aluminum shutters! 🙂

Don’t let this summer melt away when you can have COMFORTABLE and PROTECTED outdoor living spaces with CUSTOM aluminum shutters that create PRIVACY, lower energy costs and add CLEAN DESIGN to your home. Call 651-351-7620 today to schedule your FREE, in-home consultation or go online to www.budgetblinds.com to find the styles and get inspired!! Discover just how much fun you can have in—and out of–the sun, and IN STYLE!!

Stylish Starts HEre

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CUSTOM ROMAN SHADES offer beautiful solutions for your windows!!

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Colors + Fabrics + Drama = ROMAN SHADES.

Roman Shades Budget Blinds

A nod to their popularity for many years, Roman shades do have lots of names and, regardless of what you call them, they are sweet. Sometimes referred to as a combination of blinds and drapery, or even Roman blinds, Roman shades give the operational convenience of blinds or shades, with the opulent beauty of fabric drapery. With Budget Blinds® you can have elegant custom Roman shades by any name you choose:

  • Relaxed, Slouched or Soft
  • Classic and Reverse Classic
  • Balloon, Austrian or Cloud
  • Pleated, Knife pleat
  • Flat: Unconstructed or Constructed
  • Hobbled, Looped, Waterfall, Cascading or Teardrop

 

There’s a Roman shade for every need

Knife Pleat Roman Shade

Despite the wide range of names and styles, a Roman shade is basically a fabric window covering panel that folds up accordion style, creating even horizontal folds. When raised, a Roman shade stacks in folds at the top, providing the look of a decorative fabric valance. The amount of fabric and how the shade folds is what defines the design, from Flat to Hobbled to Balloon, and everything in between. Whatever you need covered, there’s a Roman shade to meet the need!

  • Narrow windows, wide windows, French doors and uniquely shaped or shallow windows can be covered with ease.
  • Available in endless fabrics and colors, you can create your unique fashion statement, including Shabby Chic, Modern, Traditional, Global Artistry, Romantique or Masculine Melange.
  • Roman shades can be cord operated, child-safe cordless lift, or motorized for ultimate convenience.
  • Light controls range from sheer to light-filtering to complete room-darkening, making them ideal solutions for bedrooms.

 

Roman shades offer benefits beyond beauty

Bamboo Shades

As fabulous and refreshing as beautiful window coverings are, ROMAN SHADES BRING MORE to your windows than just beautiful style, color and design. Energy efficiency is an important benefit, helping to control energy costs all year long. The insulation factor of Roman shades can be improved with heavier linings to keep out either cold or excessive heat, helping to maintain a consistent temperature.

Roman shades can increase the comfort and convenience of your home in other ways as well:

  • Top-down/bottom-up shades give light and privacy control beyond fully open or fully closed.
  • Enjoy the luxury of lush fabrics on your windows at a fraction of the cost of full-length drapes.
  • Cordless lift or motorization provides a safety factor for homes with children and pets.
  • Hard-to-reach windows are neutralized with motorized remote control Roman shades.
  • Go green with eco-friendly Roman shades made from 100% organic materials like woven woods, jute and bamboo.

If you’re considering new window treatments, Roman shades are an ideal way to bring LUXURY into your home, adding the richness of beautiful fabrics to your windows without the cost and volume of full draperies. The range of styles makes a Roman shade PRACTICAL for any room, giving a pop of color, embracing the latest 2016 fashion trends, or finding solutions for problem windows.

Spring Cleaning – Window Treatments

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As the owner, operator and interior decorator for Budget Blinds of Stillwater, one of the most common questions I get asked is, “How do I clean my window treatments?” At Budget Blinds we can take care of this professionally for you (ask me how!) or we can lead you in the right direction and give you professional advice on how to DIY your own cleaning! If you choose the latter, here are some common questions (and answers) for you!!

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  • In my professional experience I find that Wood Blinds and Shutters are the easiest to clean. Wood (faux and/or real) is typically resistant to mold and mildew and require occasional dusting to look the best. Easy + Stylish – our upcoming post features wood blinds 🙂

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  • First off: Regular care EXTENDS the LIFE and look of your window treatments – I promise you this! I would love to see clients add “window treatments” to their normal cleaning schedule, but I know thats not entirely realistic. Everyone should clean their window treatments monthly (AT LEAST!) Cleaning is as simple as dusting every now and then. Regular movement can help keep dust from collecting on the surface. *** For delicate treatments (i.e., roman shades) I reccommend professional cleaning (ask me how we can help!)

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  • For a total DIY cleaning approach you can usually use a soft damp cloth and/or duster. You can also use the brush attachment on your vacuum but ONLY if the suction setting is set to the lowest choice. Keep in mind that you should only use cleaning products that are gentle on surfaces. Avoid abrasive products like bleach, which could definitely damage the surface.

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  • Delicate window treatments and draperies often require care from a professional cleaner and should not be cleaned or laundered at home. At Budget Blinds of Stillwater, we partner with Shorty’s Cleaner Launderer to professionally clean all of our window treatments. Ask me about cleaning your window treatments and we can get started today!

 

 

VALANCES: The Crown for your Windows!

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Adding a valance to your window treatments is a super easy way to customize and personalize your home! The versatility of valances is only limited by your imagination, as you’ll see in this “Valances 101” crash course 🙂

From a crisp, clean line for the minimalist, to pleated, ruffled and trimmed traditional opulence, there is no right or wrong in designing valances.  With names like swagged, pleated, cascading, layered and balloon, there truly are unlimited design possibilities! Scroll down to see why we LOVE valances… and most importantly, why you will too!

 

 

* SOOO MANY DESIGN OPTIONS! 

Valance Styles

Valance styles: A sampling of what’s in store in the iD Lookbook

Window valances generally take one of two styles : board-mounted or rod / pole-mounted.

1. Board-mounted has multiple cuts of fabric draped and upholstered to a board (Cornice boxes are included in this category, finished wood or upholstered)

2. Pole-mounted has fabric attached and draped in various ways, including rings, tabs, ties, bows, ribbons and hooks

 

 

Either style can be simple or elaborate, layered and trimmed, coordinating or contrasting (suuuper customizable!) Design options include shirred, stylized cascades, long and short layered swags, jabots, pleated and inverted pleat panels, pelmets, tassels, ruffles, decorative edging, beaded trim and more!!

The Budget Blinds® exclusive Inspired Drapes® collection of sumptuous fabrics and gorgeous hardware will have you wondering how you’ve lived without window valances in every single room (seriously!) Valances add definition and charm to your windows. Our online Inspired Drapes Lookbook (page 26 to start) can take you on a tour of valance designs that will get you excited!!!

 

* PURPOSEFUL DESIGN

The first step in valance design is to determine what exactly you want to accomplish. A valance can be  so much more beyond “a big ruffle capping your window.” They can camouflage crooked or uneven windows and elevate the beauty of existing window coverings (designer tip!)

Valances are fashionable as stand-alone window treatments, or they can be combined with window blinds, shades or drapery for layers upon layers of style. Let us walk you through the wonderful, innovative world of window valances to help you find the ideal accent for all your windows!! Let’s get started today! 

 

 

Frame a window, finish a full treatment, create a new look or add a seasonal touch.

Brown ValanceThis layered treatment includes Roman shades, custom drapery panels and a swagged decorative valance that adds colorful interest and elegance. For a room design update or refresh, just replace the valance for a whole new look without spending a fortune on new window coverings. For example, a brown and white subtle stripe or Greek Key patterned valance would give this room an entirely different vibe.

 

 

Cover unsightly hardware or pleats and headings of functional draperies or shades.

Although there are curtain rods for the roller shades and the drapes, these custom valances hide the hardware so all you see is a beautiful, continuous treatment across all three windows.

 

 

Soften the appearance of hard window treatments like blinds or sliding panels.

Orange ValanceThe straight lines of the vertical sliding panels on this patio door are softened with a pleated valance that adds a colorful focal point in this dining room. Even when the panels are stacked off to one side, the door is stylishly adorned, enhancing the view.

 

 

 

Create the allusion of additional height or width for a window.

One valance across two smaller windows helps to create the allusion of one large window, especially with drapery panels defining the space by extending the width of the windows.

Unify the appearance of different types of window treatments used in the same room.

Light ValanceMatching valances create symmetry between the vertical and horizontal blinds in this bedroom. When window treatment styles don’t match, you can unify any room with coordinating valances.

 

 

How to get the Designer Look with drapes

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> GET DESIGNER PANACHE FROM INSPIRED DRAPES

In a hurry for stylish new drapes?

  • Company is coming and you need a quick home makeover!!
  • You realize your window coverings are as old as your firstborn- for real though.
  • You crave a new look for your home, but are faced with an old budget (ugh!)

Whatever your reason may be –  you can’t wait for custom curtains or drapery but you still want custom designer quality and panache – Our Inspired Drapery Panel Collection from our exclusive Inspired Drapes® (ID) brand is the answer!!

DID YOU KNOW?

You can choose from six panel collections, 28 fabric options, three standard lengths and three trending top treatments: Flat Panel, Back Tab Panel and Grommet Panel – suuuuper customizable, and don’t worry, we are here to help you every step of the way! 

Check out the gorgeous drapery that can be on your windows (within about two weeks!!)

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Beautiful new window coverings are just a phone call away! Call 651-351-7620 today, or visit us online let’s schedule your free, in-home consultation and get started!!

We will bring over tons of color samples and design guides right to your home so all you have to do is dream!

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10 Reasons to Love Budget Blinds Over DIY This Valentine’s Day

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Budget Blinds ProfessionalsHave you ever spent time and money attempting to create stylish ANYTHING in your home but have never been quite satisfied with the result? I have… and for all of you that have attempted, or attempting D.I.Y window treatments we have good news for you!!

By enlisting the help of a professional Budget Blinds Style Consultant you can completely avoid these common do-it-yourself (DIY) window treatment mishaps (seriously, trust us on this one!!)

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  • Inaccurate measuring – so curtains, blinds or shades are either too long or too short… style mistake 101! 
  • Brackets keep pulling away from the wall… very common! 
  • Too much light gets through and there is not enough privacy at night…
  • Colors or patterns clash with your furnishings… very common too! 
  • Window film is too dark… or worse case scenario it’s bubbled up or peeling off!
  • “Easy” DIY Roman Shades are more DOA….Roman Shades are not easy to install or style or create at all 
  • Cords have become a tangled mess and a perpetual cat toy
  • Blinds, shades or drapes hang crooked… THE most common one! 

In the world of window coverings, Budget Blinds is all you need to know to have exquisite, custom window treatments that enhance every room in your home (AND that fit your budget). We are the experts with blinds, shutters, window shades, drapes, curtains, decorative window film and more. We offer an extensive array of high-quality window coverings from the biggest names in the industry and, if that’s not enough, here are 10 specific reasons to love Budget Blinds over DIY.

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Convenience:  We come to your home or place of business for a FREE design consultation. We ask all the pertinent questions about your needs, and bring samples and design guides to help you select the look, styles and colors that will make every window covering a creation yo will love. Shop for your home, in your home!! 🙂

Style:  We show you the newest trending styles – like the cordless dual shade (see above picture). This dual shade is a pleated shade on the bottom for privacy, and a single-cell cellular shade on top for soft, filtered light. Two shades for the price of one, giving you complete control. We LOVE it – and it is SO in style!! 

Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is an important factor in window coverings, and your we can definitely help you determine the best selection for your windows! Whether one product, such as a room-darkening double-cell cellular shade, or a layered treatment like designer drapery panels over custom wood blinds, you will experience savings on heating and cooling costs with the right window treatments.We bring our professional experience to every single order! 

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Expertise:  Designing window coverings for different-sized windows to unify a room is no challenge for us!  Even with three distinct window sizes (see picture above), this room looks perfectly in balance. This green bedroom has matching vertical and horizontal cellular shades layered with color block, inverted pleat drapes and fabric valances in the accent color tying it all together. Again, we are experts in the field! 

Safety: With Budget Blinds, you have lots of options for safety features, including cordless lift, continuous loop, cord cleats and stops, wand-control vertical blinds, cordless shutters and sliding track systems, and the ultimate convenience and safety of motorization that can be added to most of the window coverings we offer. We can answer any questions about child safety and help you select the very best protection for your family. We know our products inside and out and we are proud to offer you the very best – in style, selection, safety and budget! 

Plantation Shutters Hinged 

Innovation:  Unique windows, doors and big windows are no problem (see above pictures). Whether skylight, second story, arched, custom-shaped–it doesn’t matter. With our extensive selection of versatile blinds, shutters and shades, we can cover any window or door to enhance your space with exquisite functionality. Again, trust us on this one – we love taking on any challenge! 

Distinctive Hardware:  Curtain rods and drapery hardware can make or break a design- think of it like accessorizing an outfit… The proper hardware accessorizes your window treatments in grand style with high-quality drapery hardware from our exclusive Inspired Drapes® collection, including wood, metals, glass, crystal, organics and resins in many colors and styles! We LOVE accessorizing your windows – let us show you some awesome stylish options that will fit in your budget! 

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Motorization: Hard-to-reach windows like transoms and arches (see pictures below) can be tamed with stationary window treatments that control light and privacy. Or, if you want to be able to open and close such windows, adding remote control motorization to shades and blinds allows you to effortlessly manage those hard-to-reach windows with the touch of a button. Motorization is more budget-friendly than you think – ask us how you can incorporate it! 

Enlightened Style  

Professionalism:  Professional measuring and installation guarantee that your window treatments will fit perfectly and be installed correctly so they stay in place and are fully functional for years of enjoyment. We have the best warranty (no questions asked) in the industry for a reason – ask us why! 

Customer Service:  We are your local, neighborhood business and we are committed to your complete satisfaction. From the beginning of the order to the final installation you can rest assured that your peace of mind is our number one priority. Ask about our FREE in-home design consultation and let’s connect today! 

You never knew there was so much to consider… right?! 

It’s true though…to have functional, effective (and stylish) window coverings there’s a lot more to think about than just putting up a curtain, blind or window shade!At Budget Blinds of Stillwater you will work hand-in-hand with a trained professional who will help you make design decisions and choices that will best suit your home and lifestyle, based on your needs, style preferences and even your favorite colors!

Call 651-351-7620 today, or visit us online – when you call, set-up your free in-home consultation! We can’t wait to show you styles within your budget and help transform your space!

2016: new colors, new styles

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So its officially the New Year – WELCOME 2016 – which means the new colors, trends and styles of 2016 are the latest rage!

Last year, we introduced to you marsala, the color of the year and with that, we highlighted ways to showcase the trends in your home (btw did you check out our MOST READ BLOG last year?! It’s a must!)

This year, we celebrated with Pantone when (for the first time ever) they announced that there are TWO colors of the year for 2016… yup – see above. The “colors of the year” for 2016 are rose quartz and serenity…. in which Pantone describes as “representing warmth and tranquility as both (colors) create a sense of peace.”

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Now, we know that trends come and go, but one thing is for sure: they define the styles of the season. I can definitely see both Rose Quartz and Serenity in living rooms as a inviting accent pillow and/or rug, or combined with sheer fabrics for a inviting soft window treatment.

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Both of the colors are warm and pair extremely well with neutrals. The colors play into a gold-bronzey base and blend very well together. Layered on top of each other the two colors can create a dynamic color palette that can bring style and ambiance to any part of your home!

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What do you think of the COLORS of the year?! Too trendy for the home or are you excited to try it? Let us know how you incorporate Rose Quartz and Sapphire (or both together) – and stay tuned to BlindLadyStilly blog for exciting tips to introduce both together!

TEXT BLINDS TO 22828 to subscribe to our exclusive enewsletter! 

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NOTE TO SELF: KEEP THIS FOR NEXT YEAR

 

 

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* i love repurposing and i love simple easy tips for decor. try these in your homes (holidays or not) and give a new meaning to your windows… your kids will have fun too!

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Psssst…  TEXT “BLINDS” TO 22828 and SUBSCRIBE to my enewsletter and you would have received these awesome tips before the holidays!