Going Cordless for Child Safety

December 20, 2017Leave a comment

Budget Blinds® Reminds Parents that Window Safety is a Critical Consideration

“Going cordless” is a trend across several industries. But the movement in window coverings is not just about modern style and convenience. It is an issue of safety for homes with small children. Budget Blinds® wants to help parents understand the options available that promote safety and consumer education.

Some styles of traditional corded window coverings pose a tempting hazard to infants and toddlers who view dangling cords as playthings. Each year, entanglement by window cords is a serious danger that can cause injury to small children or maybe even death.

While accidents have decreased with changes in industry safety standards, there is still work to be done in spreading awareness. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least one child dies from window cord strangulation every month, and during that one-month period, at least one more child suffers a near strangulation.

There are simple yet critical steps parents can take to increase the safety in their homes.

Choose Safer Window Coverings

Budget Blinds® recommends cordless treatments for homes where small children or pets live or frequently visit. Cordless options include:

Shutters: Offer a classic and inherently cordless window covering option
Motorized shades: Motorized shades can be raised and lowered with the touch of a button using a battery-operated remote control
Cordless cellular shades: A sleek and modern option, cordless cellular shades can be easily raised and lowered with one hand

Add Safety Features to Existing Cords

Existing corded window coverings can be retrofitted with safety features such as:

Spring assisted clutches: Can be raised and lowered without the use of cords
Sliding panel track systems: For vertical products with side to side openings
Break-away tassels: Designed to pull apart under minimal pressure
Cord stops: For horizontal window coverings that restrict how far the internal ladder cords can be pulled from the blind
Cord cleats: Safely tie dangerous cords out of your children’s reach

Place Furniture with Safety in Mind

Be mindful of where furniture is placed within a child’s bedroom or playroom. Moving furniture, such as cribs, changing tables, toy chests and chairs away from the window area prevents access to window coverings. This also minimizes the risk of accidentally falling from the window should the child crawl up and over the wrong end. In the event that the glass breaks, positioning furniture away from the window reduces the risk of injury from broken glass.

If furniture must be placed near a window, consider adding security film, which helps maintain the integrity of windowpanes during a storm or earthquake, and from the impact of flying objects such as wind-driven tree limbs or baseballs from the neighborhood game.

Additional Safety Tips

Window safety is just one of many considerations when decorating a home with small children. For more information and tips on whole home safety, visit www.cdc.gov/healthyhomes.

-Pamela Brown

3 Tips to Decorating with UltraViolet [2018 Pantone Color of the Year]

December 14, 2017Leave a comment

“The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.” – Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

The 2018 Pantone Color of the Year is UltraViolet. The Pantone Color Institute chose Ultra Violet because it is “A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shades [it] communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.”

If you want to bring the 2018 Color of the Year into your home, make sure you follow these 3 basic, yet essential steps to ensure you have the most stylish home in town!

Step 1: Use the 60-30-10 Rule

When introducing Ultra Violet, or any other color scheme into your home, be sure to use the 60-30-10 Rule. To do this, mentally divide a particular room into 3 different percentage categories. 60% should be a dominant color, 30% should be a secondary color and 10% should be the accent color.

Some throw pillows, a vase or a great piece of art in UltraViolet will give a room that 10% pop of accent color that you need!

Step 2: Create Flow

To create the best look in your home, make sure your UltraViolet décor “flows” from one room to the next. Avoid using the same exact objects in each room, instead create an interesting visual experience with a mix of items, materials, and fabrics from one room to the next.

Step 3: Don’t Play It Too Safe

Go for that UltraViolet accent wall or couch! Sure, it’s less practical, but if you’ve always fantasized about it, do it! Life is short… Letting your home be too boring is the biggest mistake of all.

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

-Pamela Brown

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!

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?

blindladystilly

Tag: Style