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!

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

November 11, 2016November 14, 2016Leave a comment

*** FROM CORPORATE ***

(but we couldn’t help pass it along!)

Every November 11, people in the United States and Canada take time to honor their country’s military heroes and Veterans. In the U.S., it’s Veterans’ Day and in Canada, Remembrance Day to acknowledge the unpayable debt to all who serve in the Armed Forces, past and present.

Celebrations abound in private homes, local communities and on the national stage with speeches, flag ceremonies, parades, picnics and fireworks. It’s a bittersweet time, mindful of the service and sacrifices of our military at home and abroad, while at the same time celebrating the way of life we enjoy because of those sacrifices.

Budget Blinds honors veterans all year long

Honoring veterans is a core value at Budget Blinds®, as shared by our Chief Executive Officer, Shirin Behzadi: “At Budget Blinds, we share a strong commitment to supporting veterans who have served our country. Many of our franchisees across the country are veterans or have personal connections to the U.S. Armed Forces, so we feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to give back to these true American heroes when and where we can.” This giving back takes several forms, including support of community service programs and career assistance.

In Canada, the partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) focuses on supporting Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families. The mission of Wounded Warriors Canada, to Honour the Fallen, Help the Living, is realized through supporting and funding programs and services that physically and emotionally assist and support veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other casualties of war. Together with our manufacturing partner, Springs Window Fashions® who produces our exclusive line of Signature Series® window coverings, Budget Blinds has made two $15,000 donations to WWC in the past two years.

U.S. veteran support efforts include placing window blinds into specially adapted homes for severely wounded Veterans through partnership with Homes for Our Troops (HFOT). Springs Window Fashions supplies Signature Series faux wood blinds and supports the Budget Blinds’ commitment of donating $1 million to HFOT over a three-year period, which consists of a combination of product, services and cash donations. To date, two annual donations of $50,000 have been made and window blinds have been installed in almost 70 homes across the country by local Budget Blinds franchise owners, enabling the Veterans and their families to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives.

The newest Budget Blinds partnership in support of Veterans is Designing Spaces’ Military Makeover airing on Lifetime® Television and by year end we’ll have participated in the renovation of four homes for deserving Veterans. Custom window coverings from our exclusive Enlightened Styles® product line are supplied to meet each family’s needs for energy efficiency, child-safe cordless operation and complete light and privacy control. For each show, the local Budget Blinds franchise owner gives their time to consult with the family and professionally install the blinds, shades or shutters of their choice. On each show, Tracy Christman, Vice President of Vendor Alliance at Budget Blinds, talks with hosts Art Edmonds and “Gunny,” retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant R. Lee Ermey, about the benefits of having the right window coverings.

Helping Veterans build businesses

Another way to honor Veterans is by offering substantial discounts to qualified veterans who purchase a franchise business with Budget Blinds or one of its sister companies, Tailored Living or Concrete Craft, all thriving franchise brands of Home Franchise Concepts (HFC). HFC choses to honor and say thank you to U.S. and Canadian Veterans in a tangible way by helping them build secure financial futures through ownership of a low-cost, home-based franchise, scalable to the way they live and the needs of their family.

Retired Marine Corps, Ed Burns, now a proud franchise owner of Budget Blinds serving Costa Mesa, shares: “You have so much responsibility in the military; it’s really nice to be just responsible for yourself. I love it. I love being my own boss [with Budget Blinds]. I love the service we’re providing.”

To find out more about franchise business opportunities for Veterans, go to Home Franchise Concepts/Veterans.

Check out the Giving Back section on our website to read more about how Budget Blinds supports veterans:

If you’ve been shopping for new window coverings and are hopelessly confused, save yourself and call Budget Blinds! We’re the experts with blinds, shutters, window shades, drapes, curtains, decorative window film and more, including energy efficiency, child safety and smart home technology for remote control window coverings. Call 651-351-7620 today, or go online to www.budgetblinds.com to find the Budget Blinds Style Consultant nearest you and schedule your free, in-home consultation.

A Style You Need: Blackout Window Treatments

November 6, 2016November 14, 2016Leave a comment

Blackout Window Treatments for Every Room in Your Home

Do I even need to detail the reasons why you need blackout shades? They are stylish, affordable and yes, you need them! Think of turning off all the lights before bed, getting into bed and having TOTAL darkness – bliss! Or picture watching the football game and having no sun glare on the screen! Yes, it can be done (and in a super stylish way too!) With blackout shades from Budget Blinds you will find the ideal solution for every room in your home!

DID YOU KNOW: Blackout is actually a light opacity option that can be added to most window coverings?! Its true, Budget Blinds has a variety of blackout styled shades including roller shades, cellular shades, pleated shades, Roman shades, woven wood shades, and even drapery and curtains can have blackout linings too! Depending on your style preference, we can totally match (and customize) the specific look you need.

Let’s talk specifics,

KITCHEN-

Your kitchen is one of the brightest rooms in your home (well, it should be!) If you’re like me, you love having the sun shine down on you while you’re drinking your morning coffee. The sun is a wakeup call. Yet, there are times when the sun is shining so bright through your kitchen windows while you’re cookingup a hot meal – hot x hot x hot = not good! During a situation like this blackout shades are the best solution for you! Blackout shades will allow you to block out the sun and will save money on your energy bill – not to mention, they look modern too!

LIVING ROOM –

Your living room might not be a typical place to have a blackout shade, but when you need privacy and security it is the perfect window treatment! A HUGE reason to have a blackout shade on your living room windows is privacy. It also helps when you don’t really want to have drop-in company that come over unannounced. A blackout shade makes it look like you’re not home just in case it’s not the right time to have guests 😉

BEDROOM –

The bedroom is ThE BESTplace to have blackout shades. An important reason is privacy, but aside from that blackout window coverings provide BETTER SLEEP, and who doesn’t want that?! Having the room extra dark can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Blackout treatments ensure a dark room that will help you get the sleep you deserve. Also, while you’re getting a wonderful night’s sleep, a blackout window covering can help keep in the heat during those cold winter months or keep the room comfortable and cool during warmer months too! Winning all around!

CHILDS ROOM –

Blackout shades can give your child the best when it comes to their room – not only does it provide privacy and security, but it can be helpful when it comes to their much-needed sleep! For a newborn, blackout window coverings can help when baby is sleeping, and can also help tired parents catch some Z’s while their baby sleeps! Another wonderful option that can be added to your blackout treatments is motorization. Budget Blinds offers motorization powered by Somfy, the world’s leading manufacture in specialized motors for over 45 years. With a touch of a button, you can have complete darkness to ensure your child stays asleep. Also, having your window covering motorized eliminates dangerous dangling cords making them child safe. Budget Blinds stresses the importance of motorization for all your window treatments when there are children and pets living in the home.

BATHROOM –

The bathroom is YOUR place that needs as much privacyas possible. I don’t need to go into benefits of blackout shades in the bathroom, just trust me, you need them in this room probably the most! Motorized blackout shades are ideal for your bathroom, especially if you have hard-to-reach windows.

BLACKOUT WINDOW TREATMENTS IN ALL THE ROOMS IN YOUR HOME IS THE WAY TO GO! ! Call 651 – 351 – 7620 today or go online to budgetblinds.com and let’s connect with a free in-home design consultation!!

Remodeling Tips 101: Bathroom

November 1, 2016November 14, 2016Leave a comment

How to Keep Your Bathroom Remodel Cost Low (with Budget Blinds!)

The holidays are just around the corner and if you’re like most people you are just about to start your bathroom remodel (or another room remodel!) I know you know that it sounds like a crazy idea, but most people actually start home improvement projects right before the holidays.

Obviously, it doesn’t hurt to impress your family with your newly-renovated bathroom, but sometimes it can hurt your wallet. According to HomeAdvisor (a trusted consumer source to find the best in home service professionals), most homeowners spent an average $9,313 on a bathroom remodel!! Here at Budget Blinds we can not only help you save money with some tips below, but when it comes to window-coverings for your bathroom we got you covered with ultra stylish and budget savvy options!!

So with that, let’s talk tips!

STARTING BUDGET:

Depending on the amount of the budget for your bathroom, window coverings can be a small or large portion. There are endless possibilities when it comes to window coverings for the bathroom at every price range. Here at Budget Blinds we have a huge selection and we want to help you achieve your dream bathroom. We want to match the window treatments with the overall look that you desire!

LIMITED BUDGET:

Budget Blinds has so many high-quality window coverings at different price ranges. If your bathroom remodel budget only allows a limited portion for the window coverings, here are three wonderful options that will look beautiful and not break your bank (yes, thank me later!) 😉

Composite Blinds

Composite blinds are ideal for your bathroom if you are looking for a durable window covering that is also reasonably priced. Composite Blinds are constructed from high-quality synthetic materials that are moisture-resistant and prevent fading and cracking, (perfect for a bathroom because it’s a high moisture environment!) These blinds are crafted to look like traditional wood blinds that have an expensive feel but are affordable. Budget Blinds of Stillwater offers composite blinds in over 80 colors and finishes to compliment your dream bathroom’s décor.

Faux wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds give the look of real wood blinds but are more durable for moist environments. There are a variety of paints from white and neutrals to deep dark wood grains and finishes that are smooth or textured to choose from. They come in custom fitted slats to allow an outside view (perfect for bathrooms, again!) Faux wood blinds block harmful UV rays when closed – preventing any damage to your belongings and you. They are a great option if you would like to add a little extra design to your windows with decorative tapes and valance. It will give your blinds a personal touch and make them a custom window treatment that will look great in your new bathroom.

Vinyl Blinds

Vinyl blinds are an affordable window covering if you have a LARGE WINDOW in your bathroom. They are stain resistant, easy to clean and have a high resistance to moisture. Vinyl blinds offer a wide range of colors or textures to match your bathrooms décor. With options of vertical or horizontal, vinyl blinds give you enough privacy but if you want more, cloth tapes can cover any gaps to give you more light and privacy. Vinyl blinds are a great way to cover your windows at a very reasonable price.

ENDLESS BUDGET:

If you have an unlimited amount to spend on your window treatments for your bathroom remodel… well, lucky you! Budget Blinds has soo many high-end options too that will not only will it look great, but it will add value to your home! With a larger budget, upgrades, like motorization, can (and should) be added to your window treatments for convenience and a “wow” factor! Here are three great options that are IDEAL for bigger budgets (and will add overall value too!)

Composite Shutters

Composite shutters are a gorgeous window treatment that is designed for high moisture environments since they are made from synthetic material (like their counterpart composite blinds!) They can handle a large amount of sun exposure without fading and cracking, making them very long-lasting. You should know that shutters are an investment and cost a little more than other options listed, BUT they have a long life span and ADD VALUE to your home. Composite shutters come in three popular colors and have louver sizes of 2 ½”, 3 ½” and 4 ½” – they can be customized to fit arched windows too! Shutters are great for privacy, but an important bonus is that they are designed without cords making them a safe option for homes with children and pets.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are made for luxurious bathrooms because they add drama and an elevated style to any room. There are SO many choices when it comes to Roman shades, like fold options including balloon, cascading, tear drop and relaxed which can give your bathroom a definitive look.

Another decision to make with Roman shades is choosing from a variety of fabric colors, prints and textures to achieve a high-end look.

Last choice is picking a range of privacy from light-filtering to blackout liners, giving you total light control. Roman shades are one of the grander window coverings when it comes to fashion. If you want to make a major statement, Roman shades are your answer.

Motorization

Motorization can definitely feel like the biggest upgrade when it comes to window treatments, because its amaaaazing! Here at Budget Blinds, we can add motorization to almost any window covering – giving you instant privacy with a touch of a button. It is super convenient! We offer motorized window treatments powered by Somfy, the world’s leading manufacture in specialized motors for over 45 years! A major benefit of motorization is that it eliminates all dangling cords making your window treatment child-and pet-safe (and not to mention – super sleek too!!)

So Many Choices… What to Do?

There are plenty of options when it comes to window treatments for your bathroom remodel, but it depends on what look you are trying to accomplish and most importantly your budget. Let us at Budget Blinds of Stillwater help you find the right window for your dream bathroom from our many styles, including blinds, shutters, shades, drapes and window film! Call 651-351-7620 today or go online to budgetblinds.com/stillwater and lets get started on your remodel today! We ALSO offer free in-home design consultation!

October 25, 2016October 26, 2016Leave a comment

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Let me start out with saying that the past TEN YEARS with Budget Blinds of Stillwater have really been amazing. I love owning and operating Budget Blinds of Stillwater and I am passionate about giving back to the community and serving my friends, family and customers every single day. The Greater Stillwater Area is such a unique and fun location to run a small business. We are beyond thankful to not only be continuing this success, but to have grown this business in such a supportive and welcoming environment! To all our customers, network friends, business groups and family – thank you for this success! Budget Blinds of Stillwater wouldn’t be celebrating ten fantastic years if it wasn’t for you!

Celebrate with us, as we mark our TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY on our calendars!

Thank you again for your business and your loyalty!

_________________________________________________________

Also- It’s NATIONAL WINDOW SAVINGS MONTH!! What better way to celebrate that than with your favorite blind lady? AKA- ME! Budget Blinds of Stillwater (check out my design blog here – BlindLadyStilly.com) For National Window Savings Month (October) I am proud to represent Budget Blinds every day. Budget Blinds is certified as “Best for Kids” window treatments. We adhere to industry child safety standards and offer so many varieties of motorized and cordless window options to keep cords out of your home!

Let’s connect with a FREE in-home design consultation!
(I promise its painless – I work with your schedule too, and I come to YOU!)

Call me today and we can get started RIGHT away!
* If you want an updated home before the holidays now is the time to connect with me! *

Get Inspired with Draperies!

October 11, 2016October 12, 2016Leave a comment

INSPIRED DESIGN FOR CURTAINS, CUSTOM DRAPES, BEDDING, RUGS & MORE

Draperies create beautiful everyday environments and allow you to color your world in a very personal way! Our Inspired Drapes collection gives you THE widest selection of drapes, soft window treatments, and custom pillows and bedding with luxurious designer touches, at a very attractive price. Vivid color or calming neutrals — every choice is a statement.

Whether you want draperies to provide light filtration and insulation, or to add amazing aesthetic touches to your favorite spaces, we’ve got you covered! Our ready-made drapery panels offer you an instant decorating upgrade and color without commitment if you like to follow color and fabric trends. Additionally, we can help you design CUSTOM drapery, from trendy to modern or traditional to fully dress your windows, making your home uniquely your own. Need help selecting drapery?

Have the “Cool” House on the Block with Motorized Window Treatments

September 30, 2016October 4, 20161 Comment

Give your house the WOW factor with motorized window treatments – not only will YOU benefit from the stylish and convenient treatments, but your neighbors and house guests will be impressed too! Trust us, these treatments pour in the compliments – “so modern!”

somfy5 somfy_motorization blinds_motorization

Adding motorization to your window coverings is cool and super convenient with a touch of a button and/or remote! Budget Blinds offers motorization powered by Somfy which allows you to control your window treatments for lighting and privacy (and let’s be honest, style is a huge plus too!)

Having motorized window treatments can make your life easier by covering hard-to-reach windows or helping someone with limited mobility effortlessly control their window coverings! Best of all, motorization has SO many wonderful benefits that will improve how you live in your house. Another plus – no matter your window covering preference–blinds, shutters, shades or drapes–we (Budget Blinds) can make it motorized!

somfy_tallwindows3

When thinking about motorized window coverings, it’s awesome to be able to open or close them by remote control, BUT there are other aspects of life when motorization can really come to the rescue. It can help in ways that are not commonly thought of – like covering windows to protecting your child (cordless!)

Hard-to-reach windows: Every home has at least one or more windows that are impossible to reach, making life super inconvenient, right? Covering these windows seemed impossible until motorized window treatments came along. Instead of climbing over a bath tub or kitchen sink (or on top of a counter top!) you can close and open your own privacy without hurting yourself.

Also motorized treatments are ideal for other hard-to-reach windows like:

MOTORIZATION BENEFITS:

Security – Somfy provides your security by allowing you to set timers making it appear as someone is home even when you are not.

Privacy – Motorized treatments add more privacy to your home when you just don’t have enough time to close your blinds.

Convenience – Easy opening and closing with a touch of a button.

Energy Saving – You can program your window treatments on timers during peak hours to help reduce your energy bill.

UV Protection – Motorization allows you to protect your furnishing by programming your window coverings to close when the sun is brightly shining down.

Safety – Motorized window coverings eliminate dangling cords making them safe around children and pets.

somfy2

Motorized window treatments are as great as they seem – honestly, why wait!? Let Budget Blinds make your home the cool house on the block with custom blinds, shutters, shades and drapers with one-touch operation. Call 651-351-7620 today or email me directly at pbrown@budgetblinds.com

How to DIY clean your BLINDS (and without damage!)

September 26, 2016September 27, 2016Leave a comment

DID YOU KNOW – blinds that accumulate dust for months are actually harder to clean – and the dust can cause major damage! YIKES! It is crucial to clean your blinds on a regular basis to prevent health risks (like allergies) or having to frequently purchase new window treatments when they get too dirty.

We always wants you to have beautiful clean blinds! So they keep reading for some great tips (and tricks) to properly clean your blinds in your home, and on your own!

– EASY TIPS TO PREVENT LONG-TERM DAMAGE –

Most of us use a cloth to clean our blinds – am I right? Using a simple swipe we clean our blinds and sometimes only cleaning the side people see the most. Oh come on, we all do it! But cleaning our blinds SHOULD be much more than that! To keep your blinds looking good for the long haul it is important to:

Dust/vacuum your blinds at least once a month
Clean your blinds every time the seasons change
Do a deep clean twice-a-year, especially before the holidays!

Chocolate Colored Wood Blinds

Cleaning Wood Blinds:

Cleaning real wood blinds differs from other materials, so it is important to use these tips so you don’t ruin the real wood.

Use a soft cloth that is lightly sprayed with furniture polish or lemon oil and start dusting at the top, across each slat, all the way to the bottom

Use mild detergent in tepid water on a clean cotton cloth if your wood blinds are badly stained; make sure to rinse with clear water and dry with a cotton cloth immediately.
By all means, NEVER let moisture stay on wood blinds

Cleaning Vertical Blinds:

Budget Blinds White Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are a little tougher to clean because of their floor-to-ceiling size. Yet, cleaning them during your normal housekeeping routine will keep them looking fresh year round.

Dust or vacuum each side from top to bottom
Use soapy water on a soft cloth for dirty spots for a deeper clean and then rinse
For vinyl or aluminum blinds, place a towel underneath to eliminate spills and use soapy water and a sponge to wash both sides from the top to the bottom until they are fully clean
Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft cloth
For sheer fabric blinds, unsnap fabric from the vanes and wash gently with Woolite, hang to dry, then snap back onto the vanes

Dusting your blinds:

Fully extend your blinds and close them as flat as possible. Starting from the top, clean across each slat, all the way to the bottom, using a soft dust cloth or feather duster. Then rotate the slats and repeat.
Instead of using a cloth, you can use a sock. Place a clean sock on your hand, open the slats and run your hand back and forth across each slat, from top to bottom.
Use specialty tools for cleaning the slats that allow you to clean several at the same time, on both sides.

Tools for dusting blinds

If your blinds are just too dirty– aluminum or vinyl ONLY: If you tried dusting and vacuuming and your blinds still need more work, try giving them a good bath! You will have to remove your blinds before you begin:

Window Cleaning Tools

Lay the blinds flat in your bathtub in enough water to just cover them, mix in two or three cups of white vinegar and a splash of dish soap
Let the blinds soak for 5-10 minutes, then clean them off with a sponge
For dirtier spots or crevices use a toothbrush to give a deeper clean
Rinse off the blinds in fresh water and lay flat to drip dry, or use a clean cloth to immediately wipe the blinds dry

Taking time out of your schedule to clean your blinds with these easy tips will keep your blinds nice and glistening clean, and the best part is YOU can do it yourself!

If you wish to have your blinds cleaned professionally we help with that service as well – just give us a call and we will come pick up your blinds, clean them and deliver them back to you!

On the other hand, if its too late to save your dirty blinds, we have got you covered! We boast a LARGE selection of top name-brand window coverings: blinds, shutters, shades and drapery to update your home. Call 651-351-7620 today to schedule your FREE, in-home design consultation! Email me directly too: pbrown@budgetblinds.com

2016: new colors, new styles

January 7, 2016January 7, 2016Leave a comment

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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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Tag: budget blinds