Tag: trends

3 TIPS TO DECORATING WITH CLASSIC BLUE, THE 2020 PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR!

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“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 2020 Pantone Color of the Year is PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue. The Pantone Color Institute chose Classic Blue for its abilities in “Creating a stable foundation on which to build, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue injects creative confidence into interiors, transforming a space through unique color combinations and tonal statements. Easily applied across so many different materials, textures, and finishes, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is a dependable blue that can take you in many different directions, expressing tradition and elegance, as well as unexpected boldness.”

If you want to bring the 2020 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 Classic Blue, 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 Classic Blue will give a room that 10% pop of accent color that you need!

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Step 2: Create Flow

To create the best look in your home, make sure your Classic Blue 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 Classic Blue 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.

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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

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Get Both Style and Safety with Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo

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With Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo, your family’s safety is Pamela’s top priority.
Budget Blinds adheres to industry child safety standards and offer automated, motorized, and cordless window covering solutions to keep potentially dangerous dangling cords out of your home.
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Cordless shades offer added safety for children while making window operation a breeze.

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Automated shades are an excellent option because of their cordless operation and ability to be programmed to open and close at your preferred time of day. 

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Shutters ensure optimal privacy and child safety due to their cordless nature.

Call Pamela Brown at Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo today at 651-351-7620 or visit her website budgetblinds.com/stillwater

 

Dress Your Home in Layers This Fall

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The fall season is here and that means it’s time to dress your home in layers.  Count on Pamela Brown at Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo to deliver beautiful new window coverings that help keep out the cool temperatures while bringing on the style!

Pamela Brown of Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo will bring the showroom to you. From her complimentary design consultation to the final installation, she will do it all for you, so you can sit back and relax.

CONTACT PAMELA TODAY!

651-351-7620
https://budgetblinds.com/stillwater/

Installing Cordless Window Coverings Could Save a Life

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Preparing a home for a new baby, or modifying home décor for a growing one, is as exciting as it is essential. To ensure a child-appropriate home means not only to make room for a crib or to decorate a baby’s room with soothing, warm colors; it also means to close the electrical sockets and secure any hazardous items that are not meant to be played with.

The precautions we take must be meticulous and not exclude the consideration of window coverings. As adults, we may overlook the danger of dangling cords––but small children and even pets can perceive them as hidden playthings. Choosing cordless window coverings is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure the safety of your little ones and your furry friends.

Choosing new window coverings can be a daunting task. I can walk you through the various types of window coverings that are most appropriate for your home and suitable to your lifestyle, including cordless blinds and motorized shades.

Motorized shades and other popular window coverings can be operated by a hand-held remote, a power-wand, a wall switch, or set on a programmable timer for extra convenience. Motorization is especially ideal for those tall, hard-to-reach blinds, and for windows directly in front of furniture, such as dressers or cribs. Whether you prefer the classic look of traditional blinds and shutters or the modern appeal of curtains and shades, most Budget Blinds window coverings can be motorized.

Schedule a free in-home consultation with me and I will bring samples of cordless blinds in a variety of styles, colors, opacities, and textures, directly to your home so you can see how they will look with your family’s existing décor.

By making your home’s window blinds cordless, you protect your family from risks of entanglement or even death. The Window Coverings Manufacturers Association (WCMA) announced that a new window covering safety standard is set to take effect on Dec. 15, 2018.

Budget Blinds has always promoted child safe window covering products.  Our Home Office teams have worked diligently with all our vendor alliance partners to ensure they are in accordance with all safety regulations including those advanced by the WCMA and Health Canada.  That’s 100 percent of our alliance manufacturers providing child safe products.  And, we’ve been aligned with the WCMA for nearly twenty years.

Taking it a step further, 80 percent of our vendor alliance partners are participating in WCMA’s “Best for Kids” program.  This safety program is voluntary, and products must be submitted to a WCMA-recognized third-party testing laboratory.  Products that meet stringent criteria will be eligible to be listed and labeled on packaging and materials as “certified” Best for Kids.

To learn more about how Budget Blinds meets or exceeds these heightened child safety window covering standards, schedule a free in-home consultation with me, today!

To see a complete list of requirements of the new standards for stock and custom-window covering products, click the following link:  Revised Standards Take Effect Dec. 15, 2018

Pamela Brown
http://www.budgetblinds.com/stillwater

 

Improving Veterans’ Lives with Fabulous, Functional Faux Wood Blinds

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Okay, so I can’t lie – this blog post from Budget Blinds Corporate (love it!) I read the post and thought it was too good NOT to share! I am so proud to work for a company that gives back to the heroes of our country.

— Keep reading 🙂 

“Home” calls to mind many images and emotions.

  • Safety, love and comfort
  • Family and friends
  • Good times and good food

If, however, you are a severely injured military veteran, it may also mean inaccessibility, frustration, pain and threat of injury. That’s because standard homes are not built to accommodate people with special needs such as wheelchairs, prosthetics and limited mobility.

HFOT House

Since 2004, Homes for Our Troops (HFC) has been rectifying that situation for as many injured veterans as they can, as fast as they can, by building specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans Post 9/11, to enable them to rebuild their lives. To date, 211 homes have been built and 70 projects are currently underway nationwide.

Budget Blindsbecame a corporate sponsor of HFOT in 2014, committing to install faux wood blinds from our Signature Series® collection into all the homes built over the next three years. It’s been an exciting journey as, month after month, veterans and their families move into these new, mortgage-free HFOT homes. Blinds are donated by our manufacturing partner, Springs Window Fashions, and local independent Budget Blinds franchise owners do measuring and installs for the homes in their areas.  Read more about our relationship with HFOT by clicking here, and read on to meet the two newest home recipients.

 

Faux Wood Blinds are the right window blinds for all seasons!

Whenever and wherever the HFOT homes are built, white faux wood blinds from our Signature Series collection are ideal because of their versatility and high quality. Regardless the climate or season, our faux wood blinds create a comfortable and safe home environment for veterans and their families.

  • They provide energy efficiency by blocking sunlight to reduce solar heat
  • Made of durable polymer materials, they won’t crack, chip or peel and are easy to clean
  • Classic, white 2” slats are compatible with any home’s color scheme
  • They are moisture resistant, excellent for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms
  • With UVA inhibitors built in, these blinds will not turn yellow over time

Faux Wood Blinds

Budget Blinds is available to help you with refreshing your own windows with our extensive line of window treatments including blinds, shutters, shades, drapes and more.  Increased energy efficiency will keep your summers cooler, eco-friendly products can help you go green, and cordless options, including motorization, provide child-safe environments. Call 651-351-7620 to schedule your free, in-home consultation! 

To learn about the many ways to support Homes for Our Troops or to make a donation, go tohttps://www.hfotusa.org/How_to_Help.

VALANCES: The Crown for your Windows!

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Adding a valance to your window treatments is a super easy way to customize and personalize your home! The versatility of valances is only limited by your imagination, as you’ll see in this “Valances 101” crash course 🙂

From a crisp, clean line for the minimalist, to pleated, ruffled and trimmed traditional opulence, there is no right or wrong in designing valances.  With names like swagged, pleated, cascading, layered and balloon, there truly are unlimited design possibilities! Scroll down to see why we LOVE valances… and most importantly, why you will too!

 

 

* SOOO MANY DESIGN OPTIONS! 

Valance Styles

Valance styles: A sampling of what’s in store in the iD Lookbook

Window valances generally take one of two styles : board-mounted or rod / pole-mounted.

1. Board-mounted has multiple cuts of fabric draped and upholstered to a board (Cornice boxes are included in this category, finished wood or upholstered)

2. Pole-mounted has fabric attached and draped in various ways, including rings, tabs, ties, bows, ribbons and hooks

 

 

Either style can be simple or elaborate, layered and trimmed, coordinating or contrasting (suuuper customizable!) Design options include shirred, stylized cascades, long and short layered swags, jabots, pleated and inverted pleat panels, pelmets, tassels, ruffles, decorative edging, beaded trim and more!!

The Budget Blinds® exclusive Inspired Drapes® collection of sumptuous fabrics and gorgeous hardware will have you wondering how you’ve lived without window valances in every single room (seriously!) Valances add definition and charm to your windows. Our online Inspired Drapes Lookbook (page 26 to start) can take you on a tour of valance designs that will get you excited!!!

 

* PURPOSEFUL DESIGN

The first step in valance design is to determine what exactly you want to accomplish. A valance can be  so much more beyond “a big ruffle capping your window.” They can camouflage crooked or uneven windows and elevate the beauty of existing window coverings (designer tip!)

Valances are fashionable as stand-alone window treatments, or they can be combined with window blinds, shades or drapery for layers upon layers of style. Let us walk you through the wonderful, innovative world of window valances to help you find the ideal accent for all your windows!! Let’s get started today! 

 

 

Frame a window, finish a full treatment, create a new look or add a seasonal touch.

Brown ValanceThis layered treatment includes Roman shades, custom drapery panels and a swagged decorative valance that adds colorful interest and elegance. For a room design update or refresh, just replace the valance for a whole new look without spending a fortune on new window coverings. For example, a brown and white subtle stripe or Greek Key patterned valance would give this room an entirely different vibe.

 

 

Cover unsightly hardware or pleats and headings of functional draperies or shades.

Although there are curtain rods for the roller shades and the drapes, these custom valances hide the hardware so all you see is a beautiful, continuous treatment across all three windows.

 

 

Soften the appearance of hard window treatments like blinds or sliding panels.

Orange ValanceThe straight lines of the vertical sliding panels on this patio door are softened with a pleated valance that adds a colorful focal point in this dining room. Even when the panels are stacked off to one side, the door is stylishly adorned, enhancing the view.

 

 

 

Create the allusion of additional height or width for a window.

One valance across two smaller windows helps to create the allusion of one large window, especially with drapery panels defining the space by extending the width of the windows.

Unify the appearance of different types of window treatments used in the same room.

Light ValanceMatching valances create symmetry between the vertical and horizontal blinds in this bedroom. When window treatment styles don’t match, you can unify any room with coordinating valances.

 

 

CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF MODERN DESIGN

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Window Coverings Add Polish + SophisticatioN

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

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

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

 

* critical elements of modern design:

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Essential Silk Drapes

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

AS SEEN ON PROPERTY BROTHERS: 

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

  • The living room was transformed with mirrored and mixed metal textures for a sophisticated style, set off by Budget Blinds’ Essential Silks, floor-length drapery panels in sparkling Sterling Gray on contrasting Matte Black curtain rods. 2” faux wood blinds in the color of Ecru provide complete light and privacy control.
  • The dining room received matching window treatments. Keeping with the modern and metallic vibe, new table and chairs, geometric patterned rug and a colorful, over-sized art print were added to tie the dining space to the living room, creating an artfully dramatic great room.
  • The kitchen was lightened up with soft grays and white, new stainless steel appliances and a stylish, informal eating area. 2” faux wood blinds in Ecru on a 2-on-1 headrail allow for complete functionality at the patio door, whether open or closed; sage colored woven textures drapery panels frame the door and anchor the room.

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

 

* let’s connect!

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

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

interior sun solutions

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

– Well, of course!” 

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

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

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

 Budget blinds window coverings EFFECTIVELY FILTER LIGHT while maximizing light control

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