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.

Screen Shot 2016-02-15 at 3.27.30 PM     Stylish Cellular Shades   

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! 

Green Cellular Shades   bedding4

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! 

Window_Hardware  Window_Hardware_4.jpg

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.”

***

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!

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Enjoy Ultimate Convenience with Motorized Blinds and Shades

Somfy Motorized Shades

There’s something almost magical with all the smart home technology that is available today, am I right? Even if you aren’t super tech-minded, you have to agree how cool it is to monitor and direct your home from a remote, phone or tablet, even when you are away. You can lock or unlock doors, set timers, adjust temperatures, turn lights on and off, and visually check on pets, children and caregivers. Remember the old saying, “Mom has eyes in the back of her head?” Well, technology (and Budget Blinds) can make that happen!

LITTLE HISTORY FOR YOU: In 1926 the first electric garage door opener was invented, before that people had to manually open and close heavy garage doors (what!).  The “lazy bones”  wire-connected TV remote was invented in 1950, and the first wireless TV remote was introduced in 1955 – before that people had to get up to change the channel or adjust the volume! As amazing as they were when they were invented, now they are the norm. We don’t even think twice about it and the remote control of so many things in the home is just expected. Entire homes are automated for entry, security, heating and cooling, with timers on everything from coffee makers to showers.

Now you can motorize your window coverings with Budget Blinds®. Imagine the luxury of closing the blinds, shades or drapes without having to get up to close or adjust them when the glare on the TV gets distracting or you just want privacy when the sun goes down. No need to disturb the sleeping baby in your arms or interrupt the movie. It’s the ultimate convenience for a comfortable, functional home.

THE MAGIC OF SOMFY:

Mylink

Budget Blinds offers motorization from Somfy®, the world’s leading manufacturer of specialized motors and control systems for 30 years. The range of control options includes wireless wall switches, hand-held remotes, timers and the newest tech advances:

  • Somfy® MyLinkTM app for whole home automation – making customization, security (and style) that much easier!
  • Virtual CordTM control (available on our private label Signature Series® cellular and pleated shades) provides quiet operation and clean design for single or multiple window channels.
  • Remotes and mobile devices to control all the window coverings in your home. No hard wiring is required and you can operate up to five windows from one remote (so cool!)

Budget Blinds’ motorized window coverings simplify operations so homeowners can have peace of mind and live more productive lives.

IT’S SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE:

  • Cordless window coverings are the safest option in homes with children and pets. Dangling cords are one of the five hidden home hazards as defined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, resulting in strangulation deaths of approximately 12 children per year.
  • Hard-to-reach windows are tamed by motorization, eliminating the need for stools or stepladders that can be a danger to children or anyone unsteady on their feet.
  • Heavy blinds or drapery, such as on patio doors or a wall of windows, can easily be opened and closed to control sunlight and privacy.
  • Timers can program window coverings to open and close so your home appears occupied even while you are away.
  • Battery-operated remote controls allow you to raise, lower, tilt or open and close your window coverings with the touch of a button.

IT’S SAVING ENERGY AND COSTS:

Blinds Somfy

The U.S. Department of Energy projects that heat gain and loss can be reduced by 25% with proper window treatments designed for energy efficiency.

Motorization is one way to ensure optimum performance from your window treatments  – and it’s so easy too – let us help you!

  • Program your window coverings to close when the sun is bright, providing UV protection for home furnishing to keep fabrics, rugs, upholstery and artwork from fading.
  • Sensors can be installed on some systems to signal motorized window coverings to close when the sun’s at its hottest. A more neutralized temperature will lessen the need to run heating and air, reducing your energy costs year round.
  • Solar shades on a patio, deck or porch can provide complete control of that environment. You can close the shades for protection from the sun, wind or rain, or open the shades to admit sunlight and breezes.

Last month  was National Window Covering Safety Month. But, that’s just one reason to check into motorized window coverings. The convenience and energy savings (and style) you’ll experience with motorized blinds, shades and drapes will have you wondering why you waited so long! Call 651-351-7620 today to schedule a FREE, in-home consultation. We will put the eyes in the back of your head and create seamless and chic style too! We come to you, no need to leave the comfort of your home, call us today to schedule your FREE design consultation!

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OCTOBER is not only Child Safety month but National Window Cord Safety month too; and let’s face it, its not only children that are unpredictable, its pets, roommates and guests too.  In a blink of an eye seemingly harmless objects can become dangerous – especially with little ones! Budget Blinds is a leader in child safety and not to mention, we carry one of the best warranty polices in the industry. With this, we are able to not only offer safe solutions and window treatments, but also stylish and classy options that fit into your budget! Check it out <> 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) declared window covering cords as one of the top five “hidden hazards” in the home for strangulation and asphyxiation in children.  That’s why Budget Blinds is committed to providing innovative and beautiful products that meet today’s safety standards for your home.

 

– WINDOW COVERINGS CAN BE CHILD FRIENDLY AND PET FRIENDLY – 

Tracy Christman, Budget Blinds’ Vice President of Vendor Alliance (and a mother herself) shares, ”From cordless products that protect children from potentially harmful dangling cords to security-grade window film that protects your home during destructive weather, Budget Blinds is your source for window coverings that keep you and  your family safe at home.”

 

1. Cordless Lift System – raise and lower blinds and shades easily with one hand, eliminating the need for cords
2. Motorization – battery-operated remote control allows you to raise, lower, tilt or open and close your window coverings with the touch of a button. No hard wiring is required and you can operate up to five windows from one remote
3. Spring-assist Clutch – built-in system to raise and lower window shades that eliminates dangling cords.
4. Shutters – cord-free window covering that is perfectly safe around children and pets.
5. Sliding Track System – beautiful alternative to vertical blinds for sliding glass doors and side-to-side openings, the sliding track operation eliminates the need for cords or chains.

” IT’S A GREAT IDEA TO TAKE STOCK of all your window coverings AND ENSURE protective measures ARE IN PLACE – AND IF THEY AREN’T, TO SEE WHAT SOLUTIONS need to be instituted.”

– BUDGET BLINDS

 

  • Move cribs, beds or other furniture that children can climb on away from windows.
  • Be sure continuous-loop cords are firmly secured to the wall or floor
  • Add break-away tassels and cord stops to eliminate cord hazard.
  • Wand control for blinds is an alternative to dangling cords.
  • Keep all cords as short as possible, out of children’s reach
  • Use cordless blinds or shades where children are able to reach the window.

 


Most of our window coverings at Budget Blinds can be cordless or motorized giving you endless possibilities to find your own personal design style (and we can help when needed!)

Some of our most popular cordless window treatments include:

Whether you prefer traditional, contemporary, formal or casual surroundings, we can help you find window treatments you will love. One phone call brings hundreds of samples right into your home so you can design the windows of your dreams.  Call (651) 351 – 7620 or go online to www.budgetblinds.com/Stillwater and let’s schedule your FREE in-home consultation!

* Visit the Window Covering Safety Council or U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to learn more about National Window Cord Safety and Child Safety Protection Month

OCTOBER IS CHILD SAFETY MONTH!

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AND we have a new certification (YAY!)

WCMABudget Blinds just announced that several of our key manufacturing partners are participating to earn certification for selected window covering products known as “Best for Kids.” This new program was launched by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) to help our consumers identify window covering products that are certified as best suited for use in homes with young children.

“Making window treatments safer for homes with children is one of Budget Blinds’ top priorities,” said Chad Hallock, CEO and Co-Founder of Budget Blinds.  “We work with our manufacturers to consistently review and evaluate our products to ensure they are child-friendly, durable, and still look great in the home.”

According to WCMA, criteria to earn the Best for Kids certification requires that a window covering product must either have no cords or the inner cords cannot be accessible. Products must be submitted to a WCMA-recognized third party testing laboratory; and products that meet these criteria will be eligible to be listed and labeled on packaging and materials as “certified .” We are so excited for these awesome products.

“We are already proud to announce that several of our key manufacturing partners will have earned certification by October 1,” said Tracy Christman, Vice-President of Vendor Alliance for Budget Blinds. “It’s exciting to continue to bring homeowners beautiful and stylish window coverings that are also child-friendly and certified as Best for Kids.”

We are so excited that Budget Blinds offers dozens of options for child-friendly window treatments) including cordless blinds and shades with a retractable lift). Not to mention, motorized shades with cordless operation, and shutters too!

The last thing you want is a home that isn’t 100% safe. With Budget Blinds, you can rest assured that you are doing everything you can do to protect your loved ones and while adding style (and benefit) to your overall home! With our new certified program, “Best for Kids” I am positive that you will love the look, feel and value of your child-safe window treatments.

For more child safety window treatment options visit www.BudgetBlinds.com/Stillwater. 

© Copyright 2013 CorbisCorporation  biker1

Window Designing 101

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* Turn Windows into Design Opportunities

Listen to me.  It’s simple (and affordable) to showcase your style in your home – in fact, it’s fun! Everyone has style – YOU ALREADY HAVE A STYLE!  If someone asked you your decorating style, what would you say? Do you have a ready answer like Traditional, Glam Couture, Vintage, Modern, Organic, Classic, Rustic, or…what?

Even if you can’t put a name on your style, you do have one. It’s defined by the things you surround yourself with in furnishing your home. Translating that style to your windows is one of the easiest and boldest design elements you can to do to improve your overall atmosphere – seriously!

Budget Blinds Window Treatments

One way to discover your style is by collecting pictures of window treatments you like. Cruising online sites like Budget Blinds.com,Houzz.com, and even your friends’ Pinterest accounts will put hundreds of options before your eyes. Eventually you’ll begin to see a pattern of what you prefer:

– Neutrals, bold colors or muted tones

– Coordinating or contrasting elements

– Florals, stripes, geometric prints or solids

– Large patterned prints or small designs

– No curtains or drapery due to allergies or minimalist tendencies

– Layered window treatments like valances over blinds or shades

– Singular treatments like blinds, shutters, Roman shades or a full-length drapery

            

Of course, you don’t have to select just one type of style for all the rooms in your home.  At Budget Blinds of Stillwater we love assisting you in completing the look of your overall home, not just one room. We know what colors, textures and patterns will bring out your style, and we work with you every step of the way (expert measuring, professional installation, best warranty).

> INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS (STILL WINDOWS!)

Create privacy while letting in light and desirable views with custom woven wood sliding panels, perfect for large windows and doors. I love the fact that the panels stack off to one side for an unobstructed view, or can be staggered for varying degrees of light and privacy.

Layering window treatments like draperies over Roman shades allows for a classy chic style. Shades can be pulled up for a completely unobstructed view, lowered for filtered light, view and privacy, or both shades and drapes can be closed for complete privacy and blackout. With dual window treatments, energy efficiency is maximized by reducing heat gain in summer and holding warmth inside when the weather is cold outside.

For an artistic flare, enchanting results can be accomplished with realistic-looking faux iron accents and decorative window film. Used alone or with additional window treatments, both of these options provide a degree of privacy while still allowing in natural light.

Decorative Window Film

Any hard-to-reach windows or heavy treatments like floor-to-ceiling drapes or wood blinds can be motorized for ease-of use. It saves the wear and tear that manual operation can inflict by continual opening and closing. Somfy® motorization is available for most of our window treatments, with control options including wireless wall switches, hand-held remotes and timers.

Let’s get started finding your style with a FREE design consultation (seriously, FREE!) Shoot me an email – pbrown@budgetblinds.com and let’s connect! For inspiration, view the online galleries of our extensive window coverings and turn the digital pages of the new Inspired Drapes Lookbook for the latest trends, colors and styles in home window fashions.

throwback (IN STYLE)

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happy anniversary to us!

Today marks  my ninth year as the owner and operator of Budget Blinds of Stillwater. And truly, I couldn’t be more grateful and happy as we go into the next year of business! Without being too redundant on last weeks post (can you tell I’m proud of my business? :)) I thought it would be interesting to take a look back on the last nine years – Throwback Thursday anyone?  I don’t want to bore you with too much detail, but scroll down and check out the timewarp of style.

 

Pretty cool, right? What style do you prefer – can you see a change in the years?  Throughout my professional years with Budget Blinds (nine and counting!) I have definitely seen a change interior style. In the year 2006 there was a heavy emphasis on mahogany, walnut and cherry textures, while in 2015 there is more a focus on stainless steel and the modernistic feel. Bold blues (in modesty) are coming into trends in homes, while in 2006 the trends in homes were pale, mocha and tan palettes!

I love style, and I really enjoy seeing interior decorating evolve over the years. I love sharing my passion of design with all of my clients, friends and supporters and I am honored to be successful with Budget Blinds of Stillwater.

Cheers to the next year of style and success!

– PAMELA BROWN. 

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Celebrate Our Anniversary with us

{it’s one of our Biggest Sales of the Year}

Since 2006 I have had the pleasure (and honor) of owning and operating Budget Blinds of Stillwater. I built my business  under the foundation of providing the best customer service paired with one-of-a-kind services such as expert measuring, convenient in-home consultations, knowledgeable consultants, professional installation and quality, name-brand window treatments.

This year, I am celebrating my ninth anniversary in Budget Blinds.

My success in my business and my passion for design is all because of you, my current and previous customers, my family and friends. Thank you all for your support and business, we literally couldn’t do it without you.

At Budget Blinds of Stillwater our clients satisfaction is one of our top priorities; and because of that, we make sure we follow the most cost-effective solutions based on your individual needs.  Our education and professional experience in the window-treatment design industry coupled with measuring services and installation is what makes us stand out (not to mention one of the best warranty’s in the business!) We build our business on referrals and relationships – and our success is directly linked to our clients satisfaction, so thank you! 

To express our loyalty to you all, we are hosting an anniversary sale event through the end of the month (September 30, 2015), and its awesome – 35% off your total order!