Take your style to the next level

August 6, 2015Leave a comment

Accessorize Your Home Like a Professional Designer

So you may not know, but not only do we specialize in professional window treatments, and exceptional customer service 😉 but we are also an amazing source for your home decor accessories. Together, the Budget Blinds of Stillwater (and Western Wisconsin!) carry a combine 20+ years of professional interior decorator experience. We absolutely love what we do and we have a passion for design, we especially love it when we can help our clients not only with window treatments, but with the overall style of the space, and of their home!

Beyond your custom window treatments we want to help you bring your whole home design to lift by coordinating your style with custom accessories like pillows, rugs, bedding and other specialty decor items such as faux iron accents (trendy!)

No need to drive to all over town or spend hours online hunting down just the right accessories to complete your room design. You can shop our custom products right at home, ensuring that what you order will look perfectly in your space. In addition to this, we can customize your pillows (and other details) to the exact fabric and/or pattern of your window treatments. Keep reading for some quick and easy tips on how to incorporate a professional-level style into your home.. trust me, your friends will notice, whether they want to compliment you or not 😉

(3) tips to professional designing:

1. There’s no such thing as too many pillows…ever

So listen to this, the same manufacturers of our award-winning curtains and drapes also custom make pillows to match, contrast or compliment your window treatments! In addition to the phenomenal range of fabric choices, you’ll also have embellishment options such as trims, fringes, crystals, buttons and ruffles to inspire your inner decorating diva (I’m obsessed!)

DID YOU KNOW – Throw pillows are just about the easiest way to introduce bold and invigorating colors with a neutral palette in a room. The bright patterns and colors on these throw pillows (pictured above) provide a sharp contrast to the furniture and shades in the space – they bring the space alive yet keep it simple and clean. Pillows are one of my favorite elements in design, whenever your mood or the seasons change you can easily update your style to reflect and reinvent your color scheme – I just love it!

2. rugs are for every occasion (and a necessity!)

Indoor and outdoor rugs are easy to care of and are designed to withstand heavy use and all kinds of abuse ( aka spills in your kids playroom, a family game room or even the garage!)Rugs are an important accessory to a living space as they add color and warm up a room. Rugs define the space, add character to a room and even absorb sound. They come in all sizes from small throw rugs to full room-sized custom rugs and to stairway runners. You can customize the content of your rug to include 100% wool, wool blends, polyester, polyester blends, mod-acrylic, silk, nylon, cotton or wool berber (so many options!)

Our custom rugs at Budget Blinds carry a wide range of colors, patterns and styles, made by artisans around the world. From handmade to machine loomed, all of our rugs are high-quality with good/better/best options, so we have rugs for every budget and personal style. Again, check out your options on our website and feel free to ask us for design advise (we love to help you!)

3. good bedding is key to a good nights sleep

Studies show that the average person spends 26 years of their lifetime sleeping and an additional seven years lying in bed trying to fall asleep. That’s 33 years (that is crazy!) That much time spent anywhere deserves to be in beautiful surroundings, don’t you agree? Your bedding needs to be make you happy and your bedding needs to reflect your style.

Bedding accessories like custom comforters, duvet covers, bedspreads, quilts, daybed covers, bed skirts, pillows and even fabric headboards are all options for designing your dream bedroom. You can coordinate with your curtains, drapes, shades and valances, or design your bed and then tackle the windows – let us help you! Budget Blinds offers almost endless possibilities of fabric choices, textures, colors and patterns to mix and match to achieve your right ambiance for a good night’s sleep. Let’s connect and schedule your FREE in-home consultation today and let’s make your dream bedroom a reality.

the bottom line to decorating and accessorizing is to follow your heart, live with what you love.

Behind all the decorating advice and trends, one constant remains: “Nothing is passé if you really love it.” –RoseTarlow, Interior Designer and Antiques Dealer

No matter what your style sensibilities are, let us help you enhance your home with custom accessories and window treatments you will truly love (because they will reflect you!)

Call us at 651-351-7620 today to schedule a FREE, in-home consultation or go online to www.budgetblinds.com/stillwater to get inspired! Keep up with us on facebook and follow us on pinterest to keep up with us 🙂

Cabin Life

July 28, 2015July 28, 2015Leave a comment

The Right Window Coverings Make Your CABIN the Perfect Home Away from Home

Many of my clients have a vacation home – more so than often its called a cabin. From what I hear from my clients the main purpose of a cabin/vacation home is for rest, relaxation and fun. Not surprisingly, such a place could vary greatly from person to person. It may be the beach, the mountains, a high-energy city that never sleeps, or a remote cabin with no neighbors for miles. Wherever or whatever is your idea of paradise, you want to be as comfortable there as you are in your everyday home, if not more so… and we have you covered!

1. showcase panoramic views

If you require no barrier between you and your view, window coverings that “disappear” are what you need. Cellular shades (and many other shade styles) retract so you’ll have a completely unobscured view until you require privacy. There are even top-down/bottom-up options that allow for partial coverage to block glare or provide privacy while still enjoying a captivating view.

Unique windows like skylights and arched windows can be outfitted with shades, blinds or shutters to provide coverage when needed. Motorization will make any hard-to-reach windows completely manageable with the touch of a button.

Outdoor patios, decks and porches can be kept cool and comfortable with Solar Shades and screens that enhance the view while helping to manage sun and weather as well as deterring uninvited pests.

2. Harness natural light

Windows provide natural light which is good for the body and the soul. Whether you have one window or a wall of windows, maintaining the right balance of light at any given time is important.

3. motorization – improve privacy

Motorization of window coverings is another way to improve energy efficiency. Timers and sensors are available to automatically respond to temperature and time settings so you can pre-program window coverings to close and block the sun during the hottest parts of the day. This reduces dependence on air conditioning systems and gives UV protection for your furnishings. Or, if the weather is cold but the sun is shining brightly, you can open the blinds or shades to take advantage of solar heating. In addition to hand-held or wall-mounted remotes, you can control all your window coverings from a smartphone or tablet with the myLink^TM app from Somfy® while at home, work, or on vacation.

Custom window shades such as Pleated shades, Roman shades and Cellular shades range from light-filtering to room-darkening. Combining the characteristics of blinds and shades, Sheer shades are louvered fabric shades that, when open, have light-filtering tendencies and then provide complete privacy when closed.

4. energy-efficiency

Wherever your personal paradise is you will want to be able to control the inside environment so that it’s as comfortable and energy efficient as possible. Any window covering provides some level of insulation, but certain styles of window coverings significantly improve energy efficiency. Layering or pairing up treatments such as drapery over shades or blinds, and shades over window film can result in even greater energy cost savings.

[ DID YOU KNOW? ]

Solar shades and screens block up to 99% of the sun’s heat and glare.
Cellular shades (light-filtering to blackout) reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer helping to maintain indoor temperatures.
Blinds and shutters completely block the sun when closed and reduce heat gain or loss. Window film and tinting provide UV protection and minimize heat and glare.
Drapes add color, texture, privacy, noise reduction and insulation.
Adding lining to any window treatment style improves its insulation properties.

Let’s go!

The range of styles and textures available with Budget Blinds encompasses everything from filmy or voluptuous fabrics in custom shades and drapes, to real wood, faux wood, vinyl and aluminum blinds and shutters, to eco-friendly woven wood shades made of 100% organic materials such as reeds, grasses and natural woods. Your design possibilities are seriously limitless.

Let me help you to create the perfect environment for indoor/outdoor living in your vacation home. With custom window coverings for every need you can showcase a panoramic view, harness natural light, improve privacy or make your vacation home more energy-efficient. Our comprehensive product lines, including our exclusive Signature Series® and Inspired Drapes® collections, offer custom blinds, shutters, shades, curtains and drapes and decorative drapery hardware to satisfy any design preference and accommodate any budget.

Let’s connect and schedule your FREE, in-home consultation. There are so many ways to save and be stylish, and so many easy customizable solutions to make your second home as comfortable as your first!

CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF MODERN DESIGN

July 28, 2015Leave a comment

Window Coverings Add Polish + SophisticatioN

Being in the window treatment and interior decorator business I have the privilege of inspiring clients through style and design – and I absolutely love it! I truly believe that the right window treatments can totally transform and polish a room, and I love showing my clients how easy it is to choose the right style.

If you are at all familiar with the show Property Brothers (or any show on HGTV) you know that modernizing the home is critical to a quick sale; as it more often than not increases the overall property value.

While you don’t necessarily have to involve yourself in a full-blown renovation, there are some quick tips for modernizing your living space (and yes, proper window treatments are one of them!)

* critical elements of modern design:

1] COLOR – homes are dated just by the colors on the walls. UPDATE your color to refresh your overall living space, go for neutral yet bold. Ask me how!

2] FLOOR – updated floors are a big selling point. See what is new yet traditional and keep in mind that flooring can add an element of texture in the space!

3] KITCHEN BACKSPLASH – modern styling wakes up the whole kitchen (and is very D.I.Y. friendly too. Go for tile, texture or a simple pattern too, this one is easy.

4] BATHROOM – often a major overhaul, but worth it. UPDATE your main bathroom first, choose accents by contrasting colors of the floor and walls.

5] WINDOW COVERINGS– the right window treatments polish up a room, take advantage of customizing your coverings and your living space will be complete.

For three seasons, HGTV’s Buying & Selling has relied on Budget Blinds for high-quality blinds, drapes and decorative hardware from our trusted manufacturing partners . Budget Blinds has a HUGE selection of trending styles and colors, all of which are customizable!!

* TRANSFORMING SPACES WITH HGTV’S PROPERTY BROTHERS AND BUDGET BLINDS:

Budget Blinds Essential Silks drapery panels (pictured in Sterling Grey) paired with faux wood blinds.

AS SEEN ON PROPERTY BROTHERS:

Jonie, a single mom with two daughters (still living at home) welcomed back home daughter #1 with granddaughter #1. After five years of five in the house, the family maxed-out their living space and decided it was time to look for a larger home. Jonathan (Property Brothers) immediately got to work to “banishing boring” throughout the house, and he transformed the kitchen into a gourmet’s dream to captivate buyers. Drew (Property Brothers) found himself facing five tenacious females, each with definite ideas. He had to be top of his game to find their new, next home and, of course, everyone came out smiling!

The living room was transformed with mirrored and mixed metal textures for a sophisticated style, set off by Budget Blinds’ Essential Silks, floor-length drapery panels in sparkling Sterling Gray on contrasting Matte Black curtain rods. 2” faux wood blinds in the color of Ecru provide complete light and privacy control.

The dining room received matching window treatments. Keeping with the modern and metallic vibe, new table and chairs, geometric patterned rug and a colorful, over-sized art print were added to tie the dining space to the living room, creating an artfully dramatic great room.

The kitchen was lightened up with soft grays and white, new stainless steel appliances and a stylish, informal eating area. 2” faux wood blinds in Ecru on a 2-on-1 headrail allow for complete functionality at the patio door, whether open or closed; sage colored woven textures drapery panels frame the door and anchor the room.

* See the complete renovation of Josie’s home by clicking here.

* let’s connect!

Every room could use a little polish and sophistication – let us help you! From your first phone call to precise measurement and installation, we pride ourselves on being able to provide the perfect window covering solution. Ask us about Somfy® motorization, for the ultimate in comfort, efficiency and safety!

[ PBrown@BudgetBlinds.Com] or [651-351-7620]

July 9, 2015July 9, 2015Leave a comment

Blending Indoor and Outdoor Living Spaces

Blending indoor and outdoor livings spaces is becoming more popular with my clients – especially with the weather in Minnesota. I love finding innovative ways to live differently in the current space you already have, and I love when I get to share this vision with my clients. Changing up your space is all about being creative, yet practical. Its about taking advantage of the space you have and making it into something better.

Spring and summer are the ideal times to “move outdoors” as our days get longer and weather gets warmer (and the sunsets are worth watching outside!) “Moving outdoors” is what I refer to as the transition between indoor and outdoor space. Most of my clients “move outdoors” in the summer, and spend more time on their patio and deck.

How you view your Minnesota summer is through your window(s), and custom window coverings can enhance your living experience.

– OUTDOOR SPACES –

SOLAR SHADES // Patio and Deck

Solar shades on a patio, deck or porch provide complete control of your space – they are one of my favorite products! With solar shades you can close the shades for protection from the sun (or other Minnesota weather) or open the shades to let in the sunshine and breezes. Even closed, you can still see your surroundings due to the wide range of custom styles and openness levels. Add motorization and you never have to leave your comfy chair! 🙂

WOVEN WOOD SHADES // Patio and Deck

Woven wood shades are extremely timeless and stylish, they filter the sun’s rays while allowing airflow to refresh your room! Woven woods can be raised or lowered to exactly how much coverage you need at any time. Woven wood and bamboo shades add a unique natural beauty to your “outside room,” and you can pride yourself on going green with eco-friendly, organic material shades.

– INDOOR SPACES-

LOUVERED BLINDS // Living Area & Kitchen

Whether horizontal or vertical, blinds allow you to control your view. Unlike shades that are either open or closed, they are adjustable to any degree from fully-open to fully-closed. Custom louvered blinds will fit any size or shape window or door and come with cord control (option to upgrade to cordless motorization too!)

What I love most about blinds is that they are beautiful and stylish as a stand-alone covering, or they are the ideal companion to layered drapes or decorative valances.

Choose from wood blinds, faux wood blinds, composite blinds, fabric blinds, vinyl blinds and aluminum blinds available in many styles, colors and finishes.

WINDOW SHADES // Living Room

Window shades are the most versatile type of window covering, available in many styles, colors and materials. Many shades have light filtering options from sheer to blackout, with manual or motorized operation.

With shades, your design potential is practically limitless – seriously! Shades can be color banded and embellished with fringe, tassels or beads, and layered with additional treatments like valances, cornices and draperies – everything is customizable! Just ask me 🙂

SHUTTERS // Porch & Kitchen

Shutters have a timeless beauty that can accommodate any home style, whether modern, traditional or contemporary. Custom shutters can fold up accordion-style to fully expose a window or door, slide to one side, swing inward on hinges, or be permanently affixed.

WINDOW FILM // Porch & Kitchen

If you prefer completely unobstructed views between indoors and out, window film may be the perfect solution for your home. Film comes anywhere from clear to tinted, and rejects 40% of the sun’s rays – on top of that, film blocks glare and provides UV protection for your furnishings.

For a little artistic flair, decorative window film can give the appearance of stained glass, etched patterns, textured glass or more, adding a light touch of privacy where needed.

– Lets get started –

Connect with me and together we will enhance your lifestyle with creative designs to blend your indoor and outdoor spaces. Walls of windows or sliding glass doors don’t have to be daunting or boring. The right window treatments can put the fun back in function and reflect your unique personality and style. Call me today and we will schedule a FREE in-home design consultation!

#hottestproduct

June 18, 2015June 18, 2015Leave a comment

#HOTTESTPRODUCT

Ask me what product my clients ask about and I would respond with, “SOMFY.” Ask me what product has the most recent installs and I would respond with, “SOMFY.” Ask me what is the coolest (and still budget-friendly) window treatment and I would respond with “SOMFY.” Seriously… SOMFY has the #hottestproduct, and it is window motorization. Check it out here.

Somfy is the world’s leading manufacturer of specialized motors and control systems for rolling shutters, interior shades, blinds, projection screens and other lift-up applications for the home (and it is super cool.) Budget Blinds of Stillwater carries (and installs) SOMFY systems all the time. In fact, it is one of my products that I hear the most about – everyone really loves motorized window treatments!

Motorized window coverings powered by Somfy combine functionality, simplicity and style all in one. These practical systems can be controlled with a wide array of options from wireless wall switches, hand-held remotes, timers, and more.

Motorized window treatments let you control lighting and privacy preferences at the touch of a button. They save time by simultaneously opening or closing window coverings throughout your home, even on those hard to reach windows. SOMFY has over three decades of experience so you can feel confident you are getting the best window covering motorization systems available.

– SOMFY BENEFITS THAT I LOVE

1. Energy Savings
You can program your window treatments on timers to open and close at specific times during the day (you could save up to 30% on energy costs!)

2. Automation
A hot, sunny day can trigger your AC unit to go into overdrive. Install a sensor to signal the motorized shades to close when the sun’s at its brightest.

3. Safety
Motorized window coverings eliminate dangling cords so they are kid-friendly and pet-safe.

4. Security & Privacy
Timers allow you to open and close your window coverings on a predetermined schedule, when you’re home or on vacation.

5. Convenience
Motorized window coverings allow you to raise and lower at the touch of a button. This is especially convenient for hard to reach windows

___________________________________________

SOMFY REALLY IS AS GOOD AS IT SOUNDS

Contact me today for a quote – and ask about my monthly deal too! I love SOMFY, and they are especially good in the hot Minnesota summers. You deserve to have convenience and style – and a nice temperature controlled home when you come home 🙂 Tell me what you think and lets get started!

June 9, 2015Leave a comment

–

That’s right, stylish and style start here – with YOU, with your home, with your spaces and with Budget Blinds. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t be more happy with the nice weather and the sunshine! Spaces tend to feel bigger with sunshine (and light) – and right now, is the perfect time to let that light into your home! My favorite product for this time of the year (and all year round) are SOLAR ROLLER shades . Seriously, they are absolutely perfect.

Solar Shades are some of the most versatile window coverings ever (for real). Their primary purpose is to serve as a shield against solar heat gain, which helps to keep your energy costs down. Aside from being energy-saving, solar shades also reduce glare from the sun.

Solar window shades create just the right ambience in any room. They gently filter and diffuse natural sunlight, block out harmful UV rays, and keep your rooms cooler.
They come in various styles and openness levels. Choose a higher openness factor and a darker fabric for a clearer your view.
Solar shades are available in an impressive collection of fabrics and colors that add balance and style to your rooms.
They are an effective solution for covering large windows, as most fabrics are available in wider widths.
Most styles coordinate with sliding panels.
You can customize your solar shades by adding wood cornices and valances to create a beautiful combination of warm colors and textures in your home.
Exterior solar shades can be installed to the outside of your windows, patios and porches to provide protection from the sun’s powerful heat and strong UV rays.
You can motorize your solar shades to provide privacy and safety.

Connect with me today and let’s talk solar shades! For the ultimate in light control, privacy, and protection from sun glare, be sure to ask about our dual shades (dual shades combine the benefits of two popular shading fabrics, solar and roller, into one easy to operate shade!) I love Solar Shades and I know you will too! #Trending!

BENEFITS of CORDLESS

May 14, 2015May 14, 2015Leave a comment

Cordless systems are my absolute favorite – seriously. They are effortless, chic, classy and clean! With Budget Blinds, cordless systems are a great (and super customizable) way to control the light and privacy in your home. They are great for kids (super safe!) and are awesome for pets too.

– clean, uncluttered look.

– no constant adjusting.

– light control & privacy.

– safe & secure.

If you have kids or pets. Window cords may become your toddler’s distraction, or a pets new favorite toy without proper supervision. In worst case scenario, these can become hazards that could lead to strangulation. Cordless window systems are a safer choice for children’s rooms or anywhere in homes with kids or pets. Now’s a great time to upgrade for free. Let’s connect and I’ll show you how! 🙂

Walls With Many Windows. If your windows are your walls (literally) – and you want to preserve that panoramic element, cordless blinds will give your interior a uniform and classy look. Cordless treatments provide clean lines and allows many shades to be adjusted quickly and easily. When raised, (or half-up / down) cordless blinds are practically invisible. No cords (or hardware) get in the way of your beautiful view.

Motorized shades are excellent child-friendly window treatments because of their cordless operation and ability to be programed to open and close at your preferred time of day.

Let’s connect – I can’t wait to show you all your cordless options, customizable to your home! This month only, mention this blog and receive a FREE CORDLESS UPGRADE on your order!

Schedule your free in-home design consultation and I’ll come to you – shop for your home, in your home! Cordless systems are my favorite for a reason, and I so hope they become yours too!

interior sun solutions

May 6, 2015May 6, 2015Leave a comment

“The sun tends to fade my furniture and my carpet!” i love natural light but i hate what it does to my furniture and floor! can you help me?

– Well, of course!”

– I hear so many of my clients (and friends) complain about interior fading (furniture, walls, carpet, wooden floors, etc.) More times than often, I connect their comment with the level of their window treatments – they don’t have any (or they aren’t using them appropriately!)

Sunlight through your windows can cause color fading and deterioration of fabric over time (& it does!). Ultra-violet rays (40%), visible light (25%), and solar heat (25%) each play a factor. UV radiation degrades materials, while visible light and solar heat cause damage at a slower rate.

Window treatments from Budget Blinds block harmful UV rays and prevent fading. Blinds, shades, and shutters are designed to block unwanted light, protect your privacy, and maximize customizable light control.

Budget blinds window coverings EFFECTIVELY FILTER LIGHT while maximizing light control

Check out this awesome video I found – there are SO many ways to customize your window treatments (stylish & classy!) Protect your interior furnishings from unwanted sunlight by choosing the perfect fit for you!

energy saving window treatments

May 6, 2015Leave a comment

Did you know that window treatments can actually save energy? Seriously, that’s what I’m talking about!

As much as 50% of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows!

Rather than cranking up the heat or air conditioning to avoid uncomfortable temperatures inside your home, you can avoid those costly energy bills through energy-saving window treatments.

Energy-saving window treatments provide effective insulation, offering your home increased protection against heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer.

Honeycomb shades (above) are designed with honeycomb-shaped pockets or ‘cells’ designed enhance your home’s energy efficiency by keeping air from escaping or entering your home.

Hardwood shutters (above) provide an insulating design that makes indoor spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter- keeping your room at an ideal temperature!

Optional motorization options allow your blinds to become energy-efficient blinds, as they can be set on timers to maximize or minimize heat gain as needed.

I love energy-saving window treatments because they help to create a comfortable environment family and guests – and reduce heating and cooling costs for your long-term energy savings!

Contact me today – let’s connect and schedule your complimentary in-home consultation!