Celebrating 20 Years of Helping You Love Where You Live

Outdoor Living Edition

By Pamela Brown | Budget Blinds of Stillwater & Lake Elmo

Twenty years.

It’s hard to believe that what started as a passion for helping homeowners create beautiful spaces has grown into two decades of friendships, countless homes, and thousands of windows throughout Stillwater, Lake Elmo, and the St. Croix Valley.

Over the years, we’ve watched families grow.

We’ve helped decorate first homes, dream homes, lake homes, and forever homes.

We’ve celebrated new babies, retirements, remodels, and everything in between.

And if there’s one thing we’ve learned…

Home is more than four walls.

Especially this time of year.

Summer Happens Outside

Living in Minnesota means we appreciate every beautiful day.

The patio becomes the dining room.

The deck becomes the gathering place.

Morning coffee moves outdoors.

Grandkids run through the backyard.

Friends stay long after dinner.

Outdoor living has become an extension of the home, and we’re seeing more families invest in making those spaces as comfortable as the rooms inside.

Comfort Makes All the Difference

One thing we hear over and over from homeowners is…

“We love our patio—we just can’t use it in the afternoon.”

Maybe it’s the hot western sun.

Maybe it’s glare.

Maybe it’s the lack of privacy.

Or maybe it’s simply too warm to enjoy.

A comfortable outdoor space isn’t about making it fancy.

It’s about creating a place where your family actually wants to spend time together.

Outdoor Shades Are Changing the Way Families Enjoy Their Homes

One of the biggest trends we’re seeing throughout Stillwater, Lake Elmo, Bayport, Mahtomedi, and other areas of the St. Croix Valley is homeowners transforming patios, porches, and decks into true outdoor living spaces.

Outdoor solar shades help create:

• Cooler patios during hot summer afternoons

• Protection from glare while preserving beautiful views

• Additional privacy without feeling closed in

• Better protection for outdoor furniture from damaging UV rays

• More usable hours enjoying your favorite space

It’s amazing how one addition can completely change how often a family uses their backyard.

A Family Business

Budget Blinds of Stillwater & Lake Elmo has always been about relationships.

Today I’m fortunate to work alongside my stepson, Garret, who shares the same commitment to taking care of every homeowner we meet.

Together, we’ve combined years of design experience with today’s newest innovations—including motorized window treatments, custom drapery, energy-efficient shades and outdoor living solutions—to help homeowners create spaces that fit the way they truly live.

Being family-owned means every project matters.

Every customer matters.

Every home matters.

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Thank You

As we celebrate 20 years serving the St. Croix Valley, we’re incredibly grateful for every homeowner who has welcomed us into their home.

Many of you have become repeat customers.

Many have referred your family and friends.

Many have become friends with you.

Thank you for trusting us with your homes and allowing us to be part of your story.

Here’s to the next twenty years.

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⭐ About Budget Blinds of Stillwater & Lake Elmo

Budget Blinds of Stillwater & Lake Elmo is a family-owned and locally operated business proudly serving Stillwater, Lake Elmo, Bayport, Oak Park Heights, Mahtomedi, Scandia, Marine on St Croix, and other areas of the St. Croix Valley. Led by Pamela Brown and her stepson Garret, the team specializes in custom blinds, shades, shutters, drapery, motorization, outdoor solar shades, and energy-efficient window treatments. Proud recipients of the Readers’ Choice Best in Window Coverings Award for seven consecutive years, they’re committed to helping homeowners create spaces that are beautiful, comfortable, and uniquely their own.