How To Style Your Windows To Save Money This Winter

November 6, 2017November 5, 2017Leave a comment

It’s that special time of year again. The ground is sprinkled with a light layer of snow, you can see your breath outside in the frosty air, and nothing sounds like less fun than worrying about your drafty windows! But with you know that people spend an average of 60% more on their energy bill in the winter, it’s hard to ignore.

There are plenty of DIY options to help with drafty windows, but the winter brings more then the cold with it, it also brings friends and family for the holiday season. The last thing you need to be stressing about are ugly, plastic lined windows with random blankets pinned over them to hold in the heat.

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.

Interior Shutters

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.

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!

So this winter, impress your guests with the most stylish and energy efficient window treatments in town!

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

TRANSFORM YOUR HOME IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

October 21, 2017Leave a comment

If you need to upgrade your window treatments in time for the holidays, this is the week to start the process! It may seem a little early for holiday preparation. However, the fall and winter seasons are especially busy times for me and other companies in the industry, so to ensure your installation before the family arrives, call me today!

The holidays can be stressful as is. Nothing is worse than having people over to your home when you are less than proud of it. Whether it is the main gathering areas like the kitchen and living room, or your entire home, upgrading your window treatments is an excellent way to take your home décor up a notch! Not only can it improve the aesthetic appeal of your home, but we are partnered with Lutron and can connect your home to your smartphone! Wow guests with your tech-savvy and stylish home!

Don’t try to take on this project yourself. It can turn costly, quickly without the guidance of a professional. It is my goal to help you design a space that you will be elated to show off! I will walk you through each step and help take the stress out of what should be the most wonderful time of the year!

Beginning as soon as possible ensures you will be able to work with me, a credible, skilled and experienced decorator. It also reduces the chances of you having to rush through the project last minute, which can often lead to unnecessary costs. By tackling the home improvement project now, you will get it out of the way and make your life that much easier come the holiday season. Plus, you’ll find comfort in knowing you have carved out enough time to ensure every detail of the project will be up to your standards, and you won’t have to cut corners or glaze over the details.

To schedule your free consultation or to request a design guide, reach out at pbrown@budgetblinds.com or visit my web page budgetblinds.com/Stillwater

Budget Blinds and Lutron Electronics Join Forces to Simplify the Transition to a Smart Home

October 9, 2017October 9, 2017Leave a comment

Budget Blinds of Stillwater, MN is announcing its newfound relationship with lighting control pioneer Lutron Electronics, making smart home automation affordable and accessible to more homeowners. Home automation exclusivity to luxury homes is now a thing of the past. Lutron, in accompaniment with Budget Blinds, offers simple home automation solutions allowing homeowners to control and schedule window coverings, lighting and temperature with the touch of a button.

The Lutron line of automated window coverings offered by Budget Blinds can be controlled with a remote or wall control, through The Lutron App on a smart device, or with voice commands using Siri® on an Apple® iPhone®. Window coverings can be set to raise and lower according to daylight hours in a selected time zone, enabling morning sunlight to enter homes in an automatic fashion.

The relationship between Budget Blinds and Lutron provides homeowners with a wide variety of stylish window coverings ranging from drapery tracks to shades that offer the ease and simplicity of automation, while coordinating with furnishings and décor.

Budget Blinds’ Style Consultants, like myself are also certified Smart Home Consultants, offering custom installation and free in-home consultations so customers can see – and feel – fabrics, blind, and shade samples. Adjusting a thermostat, turning lights on and off and raising or lowering window shades is now easier than ever with automatic activation or the ability to control remotely while homeowners are out or on vacation. Coverings can now be installed with automation at an affordable price, offering added peace of mind and enhancing home comfort.

Creating a perfect smart home is now accessible to all Budget Blinds customers at an affordable price. To schedule your free Budget Blinds Style and Smart Home consult with me, visit our website!

Pamela Brown

Introducing: A Simple. Reliable. Smart Home.

September 22, 2017Leave a comment

Imagine coming home after a long day at work to find your home warmly lit. The shades have been drawn and the temperature is perfect, just how you like it. Your home has prepared itself for you so you can immediately start enjoying a relaxing evening. All you had to do is arrive.

Home automation technology allows you to control things like lighting, temperature, window coverings and other home functions all with the touch of a button. This technology is a luxury and until recently, it has not been a luxury the average home owner could afford.

“Budget Blinds® and Lutron® has made home automation affordable and easy to use,” said Pamela Brown, owner of Budget Blinds serving Stillwater for the past 11+ years. “Normally when you start to look at home automation with window coverings for most homeowners it’s not really an affordable option; now it is.”

Lutron’s Smart Home is a simple home automation system that allows you to control and schedule your window coverings, lighting and thermostat all through a touch of a button. You can control it with a remote or wall control, or through the Smart Home application on your smart device. If you have an iPhone, you can control the system with voice commands. “Before I would chuckle when a customer would ask me for shades that will close when you verbally command to, but now its here! Just ask your friend, Siri to draw the window shades or turn dim the lights.” The system is programmed to recognize your smart device as you approach your home and it will set your preferred home ambience before you even walk through the door.

“Budget Blinds works with both the natural and artificial lighting part of the Smart Home system and having automated window coverings will make you never want to live without them,” said Brown. “You can set your window coverings to your time zone so they will rise and lower according to the daylight hours. People use this system to set their shades to come up at a certain time in the morning and use the natural light to wake them instead of an obtrusive alarm.”

Having smart shades can also enhance your home’s security. You can set them to rise and lower at appropriate times when you are on vacation, making it appear as though someone is at home. Or, operate them from any part of the world at any time you wish!

The Lutron cellular and roller shades are cordless, making them safe for children and pets. They’re very energy efficient and available in a wide variety of materials colors. The shades are operated by a battery that lasts up to five years and is nearly soundless. You will barely hear that your window coverings are moving. Automated shades will be set to move at the same speed so all of your window coverings lower or rise evenly and rest at the same level.

“These features are so luxurious to have in your home. I compare it to having a smart phone. We didn’t have smart phones years ago and didn’t know what we were missing, but now that we have them and use them so much we see how the technology benefits our daily lives and we can’t imagine going back to not having them.” Said Brown. “Home automation is the same thing. It’s not something you think you need at first but once you have it life at home feels so pleasant and you’ll be so grateful you did it.”

The Lutron technology leads the industry. Not only was the company the first to invent the light dimmer in the late 1950s, they have invested hundreds of lighting control devices and systems and have led innovations in window shade technology using wireless and wired systems to control both daylight and electric light.

“People love this technology. It is so accessible, convenient, easy to use and can really add value to your home life,” shared Pamela.

For more information on the Budget Blinds and Lutron Smart Home integrated home automation system, contact Budget Blinds in Stillwater at www.budgetblinds.com/Stillwater

Hurry! As Pamela is currently having a 45% off everything sale til the end of September!

45% Off Everything!

September 8, 2017Leave a comment

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Don’t miss out on the biggest sale of the year at Budget Blinds of Stillwater, MN!

Book your appointment today at http://www.budgetblinds.com/Stillwater/

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT MOTORIZED BLINDS

August 28, 2017Leave a comment

You’ve been hearing about them everywhere lately, appliances going cordless. Vacuums, computer accessories, and more! But what, specifically is the benefit of motorized blinds? Sure, they provide elegance and a certain sophistication to your living space, but are they worth the hype? The answer is YES!

Motorized shades powered by Somfy® are ideal for family rooms, playrooms, kids rooms, and virtually any room in your home. With advances in technology and increased demand for smart and connected living, excitement about motorized blinds has been steadily rising. They provide convenience, safety, and energy efficiency!

First, let’s talk about convenience. Motorized blinds allow you to automate a repetitive task with the touch of a button, located right on your smart phone!

The next benefit is safety. As any new parent knows, cords are dangerous! Most motorized blinds are cordless which takes the danger of choking or accidental strangulation off your mind. Remember, your four-legged fur-babies are susceptible to this as well. The final touch point for today is the benefit of going green.

Maximize your home’s energy efficiency with motorized blinds. According to SomfySystems website, “It may feel counterintuitive to draw the shades on a gorgeous summer afternoon. After all, you suffered through winter just begging for the sun to come out. However, what is actually counterintuitive is to run the air-conditioning or fan at full blast at the same time that you are allowing the sun to stream into your home. Similarly, in the winter, leverage the heat of the sun to warm your home and you may find yourself very happy with the savings! Your motorized blinds provide you with a quick and convenient way to save energy and money, all while creating a more pleasant home environment. Better yet, if you use a sensor or timer with your motorized blinds, you can automate your blinds to do this all for you, so you don’t even have to think about it.”

Explore the many benefits for yourself today! Call Budget Blinds serving Stillwater at 651-351-7620 to schedule your free in-home consultation and I will help you determine which type of motorized blinds make the perfect choice for your home!

Cheers!

Budget Blinds – What to Expect!

March 18, 2017March 30, 2017Leave a comment

What to Expect When You’re Expecting Budget Blinds – Professional Measuring

The number one concern when hiring someone to take control of your next window coverings project is measuring. It can be nerve-racking putting your trust into someone else’s hands, but truthfully, it is the best decision you can make (saves you time, money AND confusion!)

Budget Blinds of Stillwater is an excellent choice for your window treatments because not only will you have window covering professionals who come to you and get the job done right BUT you can also guarantee that your window treatments will be 100% customized, fit and tailored to your specific windows. Seamless, flawless, perfection – and total peace of mind 🙂

Leave it to the Experts

Our Style Consultants at Budget Blinds of Stillwater are not only trained in window coverings, they have the latest knowledge on trending products and are well-trained professionals when it comes to measuring. You might think measuring your windows is a do-it-yourself kind of project (which it totally can be) BUT it requires design experience, measuring skills, installation talent, and more! When you hire Budget Blinds of Stillwater you are hiring an interior designer, a professional advocate and an expert in the field (did I mention peace of mind? ;)) Hiring us will definitely eliminate the costs of first-time mistakes, time spent doing and redoing the job, and ensure a personal level of satisfaction with the final result. Not to mention, it can actually be fun too! We come to you, in the comfort of your home, on your time.

Avoid Major Mistakes with Budget Blinds

Hiring Budget Blinds of Stillwater helps you avoid major mistakes that can happen if you try to do it yourself like:

Mismeasurements
Safety issues
Not a custom-fit
Incorrect window treatments for the windows
Design and color correction/assistance

Avoid Mismeasurements

A mismeasurement is the number one mistake that people make when trying to measure a window themselves. It seems like a simple task to accomplish, but when you are measuring for a certain window treatment there are different techniques that are used to get the correct fit. The Golden Rule when it comes to measuring is to remember not all windows are created equal. Even though all the windows may look the same there is a good chance that they don’t have the exact same measurements. One mismeasurement can throw off the whole window treatment, causing you to have a window shade that doesn’t open or close correctly. With measuring you also have to consider factors like inside or outside mount that can make a huge difference when you get ready to install your treatment. If you take measurements for an inside mount when you actually wanted an outside mount, you will have to settle for a window covering that is not ideal. Save yourself time and money and hire a Budget Blinds expert to avoid major mistakes.

Safety

Safety is key when it comes to measuring your windows because no one wants the pain of being injured or worse, inevitably creating a fire/child hazard! Many measurements require a ladder for proper and accurate measuring. Ladders can cause inconveniences, especially if you don’t have the right size ladder. Typically every household has a step-ladder or a five or six-foot ladder which will not help when you need to reach really tall or higher up windows. In that case, you will have to rent or buy an extension ladder that can be pricey, hard to transport and dangerous if you are inexperienced when it comes to ladder safety. This is why it is just safer and more convenient for you to call a Budget Blinds professional to measure all your windows, eliminating the possibility of injuries 🙂

Not a Custom-fit

If you are looking for a truly custom-fit for your window treatment it is crucial for you to hire a professional.

With Budget Blinds you are guaranteed a custom-fit in three ways:

Precise measurements mean every window covering will fit perfectly
Our design expertise ensures you will have the style that best suits your individual style
We can custom-fit any budget with our wide range of high-quality products

What Else to Expect with Budget Blinds

Budget Blinds wants you to have the best experience when it comes to choosing custom window coverings. We strive to provide you with superior service from beginning to end. Budget Blinds will give you an exclusive combination of design-driven products, expert service, no-surprises pricing, and our no-questions-asked warranty*: the best in the business! It seems like a no-brainer right? Remember that we not only work on residential, but also commercial businesses too! We can customize anything!

If you want the best in custom window coverings for your next window project, Budget Blinds of Stillwater is your answer. Call 651-351-7620 today or go online to budgetblinds.com and let’s get in touch!!

Color of the year: GREENERY

March 10, 2017March 30, 2017Leave a comment

– Customize with the Color of the Year!

March may seem like the only month we can embrace the color green because, hello to St. Patrick’s Day…But why not celebrate the color green all year long? I highlighted this in a blog at the beginning of the year for – but just as a refresher, the Pantone color of the year for 2017 –Greenery! To me, green represents a total refresh – it makes people feel good, happy and bright! I am really excited to see this color incorporated it into our homes and styles, I think will have the same effect of positivity and happiness in people and homes too!

If you haven’t tried to add greenery into your home decor yet, here are some innovative and unique ways to bring different hues of green into your home.

Splash of Green:

Make a statement by having a splash of green on your faux iron. Faux iron is custom-built to fit any shape or size window, including arches and skylights. It can be a full window treatment or installed as a piece of wrought iron artwork for the backyard.

Green Drapery for the Bedroom:

Achieve an airy look for your bedroom with custom, full-length light green drapery. Drapery can be sheer or lined with light-filtering to blackout liners to give you total light control.

Bring nature indoors:

With just a touch of green, wood blinds can make any area feel warm and inviting. Wood blinds are made of 100% eco-friendly hardwood (making them another type of green). They will look beautiful while preserving the environment.

Let the Light In:

Green Trilight shades are pleated shades on the top to let in natural light while maintaining privacy and blackout cellular on the bottom for complete privacy and darkness.

Green for the Bathroom:

Woven wood shades layered with green drapery make for a perfect mix of glamor and rustic. Woven woods are made from renewable resources making them a “green,” eco-friendly window treatment for an organic feel.

Now that you have some great ideas on how to integrate green (and greenery) into your home, let’s get started today! Budget Blinds of Stillwater can help you go green with window coverings, including blinds, shades, shutters, curtains and drapes (and we can make it SUPER green by customizing your treatments to be energy efficient too!)

Call me today and let’s connect ~ 651-351-7620 go online to budgetblinds.com to schedule your FREE, in-home consultation! I can’t wait to see green emerge in 2017, so fun!

Five Elements Needed to Create a Cozy Corner

February 26, 2017March 30, 2017Leave a comment

Our day-to-day life can be extremely stressful and finding “me” time can be difficult. But if you create a small, cozy corner in your apartment or home you could use that space to escape for some relaxing “me” time – and make relaxing in your home a reality! Creating a cozy corner in your house CAN be challenging! If you are not sure where to start, here are five awesome tips needed to create your cozy corner 🙂

Comfy Chair

The first piece of furniture you need to start with is a comfortable chair or lounge. Think of it as the centerpiece of this area you are creating. Carefully select the color of the chair. If you pick a neutral-colored chair you can add pops of color with other items in your corner for a livelier vibe. Or, if you choose a colorful chair, use neutral colors for your accents, including your window blinds and drapes, for a soothing vibe. But the most important thing about the chair is to make sure it is comfy!

Lighting

The type of lighting can make or break the ambiance of your cozy corner. If you have too much lighting, it can become a space that is uncomfortable. And if you have too soft of lighting, it can be difficult to do any activity in the area. Depending on what type of lighting you prefer, you can start with the natural lighting from the outdoors. If the outdoor lighting is a little too much for activities you are going to do in your area you can cover them with blinds, shades, shutters or drapery to help control and defuse the light. But if there is no window or you prefer a lamp, a great suggestion is to get a light fixture with adjustable levels (like a three-way bulb or a dimmer switch); that way you can find the perfect level of light depending on what you’re doing in the space.

Side Table

Side tables are essential in any room. They help bring a design element to your space and come in handy when you need to set down anything from a good book to a cup of tea. Also, your side table can be used to hold other items like a picture frame or flowers to add warmth and personality to your space. A great design tip for your room is to find a side table with drawers so you have a little more storage for your home.

Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

Having an energy-efficient window covering near your cozy corner will help out in the winter and summer months. When closed, window coverings keep in the warmth during the winter, keeping your corner nice and cozy. During the summer, window treatments keep you cooler, blocking out heat gain from the sun and blocking harmful UV rays. These types of window coverings, including cellular shades, solar shades and shutters, help with maintaining the temperature in your rooms year round and can reduce your energy bill.

Accents

The accents for your cozy corner will create the inviting part of your area. Your accents are where your fashion sense can come into play. Coordinating items in your area can be easy when you use accents like matching your window valance with custom pillows for a designer look. Also, you can add some drama to the room with decorative hardware in shiny metallics like gold, brass or silver. Lastly don’t forget to have a cozy blanket in your area to keep you bundled up.

Now that you know what items are needed to create your cozy corner you can get started! Remember Budget Blinds® can help you create your cozy corner with our large selection of blinds, shades, shutters and drapes including decorative hardware, custom valances and cornices, even custom pillows and bedding to complete your cozy corner. Lastly, make this space your own with some special touches since you are going to be spending quality time there. If you already have a cozy corner, Budget Blinds would love to see it! Submit a photo in the comments below.

Creating a WELCOMING entry

February 6, 2017February 6, 2017Leave a comment

– I HAVE FIVE TIPS FOR YOU –

https://www.pinterest.com/bbstillwater/entryway/

Guests come over to your home and the first thing they see is your entryway, right?! Why not make it PERFECT (while showcasing your style) and make their first impression a lasting one! Here are some quick tips and tricks that will make your entryway go from drab to fab – and the best thing, they are all SUPER easy too!

Choose an ART piece or COLOR first

When you have the option, always choose to build a room around your existing decor first. Find the focal point (or a desired art piece) and create your starting point.

https://www.pinterest.com/bbstillwater/entryway/

If your said piece is just the door itself, thats great, just choose a fun color to create initial contrast! Once you see the color POP you can easily get inspired after that – and if you’re not inspired, that’s okay – check out my Pinterest Page for fun ideas! Grab your desired piece, hop onto My Pinterest page and get inspired with great (and easy DIY ideas!) Some of these you may already have in your home and just need to repurpose them 🙂

Consider your overall SCALE

Often times entryways can be narrow (with a high ceiling), and with that you always need to intentionally choose decor that mimics the shape of the space you are decorating! If you are lucky enough to have an open entryway and/or grand space you have more options, but not necessarily more ease, sometimes options isn’t always the simplest for design.

https://www.pinterest.com/bbstillwater/entryway/

Notice how in the photo on the LEFT (larger entryway) we encompass a mirror, a narrow hallway table, lighting ambiance and a rug? Well, same thing for the photo on the RIGHT (smaller entryway) – see the mirror, the narrow hallway table, lighting ambiance and rug (not pictured)! LOVE IT! Again, the size of your entryway doesn’t necessarily mean less or more for decor – you just need to be intentional with what decor is appropriate.

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