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Could your home or business benefit from automated window coverings? Consider the energy efficiency, privacy, and security needs that automation can offer. Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island offers a variety of automation options with Lutron smart shades, blinds and more. 

Smart shades, lights, and thermostats from Lutron all integrate easily with your choice of smart home devices that that include Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Nest, Sonos and more.

You’ll be able to monitor and control your smart blinds, lights, and home temperature from any mobile device by using the Lutron app. Use the app to create lighting schedules that change with the seasons, and provide added security when you're away.

With Lutron, your home or business shades and blinds can be programmed to automatically open and close for both peace of mind and energy savings. You can set your blinds to automatically tilt throughout the day to diffuse sunlight or maximize the privacy in your space.  And best of all, they install quickly and easily, with no new wiring required.

Start your home automation with just a single window or room - Lutron automated shading systems are modular and can be easily expanded. 

And Budget Blinds will measure, install and do it all for you. It’s smart and easy. Ask about Lutron smart home automation today! 

Contact your local store today to learn more: 

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

Cooler weather will be here before we know it. Now is the time to prep your home to reduce those winter heating bills.

As much as 50% of a home's heating (and cooling) energy can be lost through windows. Energy efficient window treatments can make a significant difference to help conserve energy, and cut down on the chill and those bills!

Look to Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island for a number of great solutions that will look great, and save you money year-round. 

Modern, energy saving window covering options include:

• Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, combine the soft look and energy efficiency of window shades with the functionality of horizontal blinds.
• Layering your curtains or drapery with light filtering or room darkening liners to control light gaps and improve insulation retention.
• Floor-to-ceiling drapes that fold back against the wall. This allows the drapes to seal off the window, preventing drafts and loss of heat through convection. 
• Traditional wood shutters use an insulating design that helps make indoor spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter, keeping your room at an ideal temperature.
• Window film deflects up to 99% of damaging UV rays, reducing heat gain and protecting your furniture against harmful UV damage.

Learn more about all of the options at your local Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island:

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

We all know the weather on Vancouver Island varies dramatically from season to season, and depending on the direction your home and individual rooms face, that variability can signifcantly impact the light and temeprature in your home.

South-facing windows

If your home faces south, direct sunlight from the south causes heat to build up, forcing your AC to work harder. However, it may also be warmer in the winter for the same reason. 

Southern exposure helps makes a room cozier in the winter. The addition of shades to the window allows the option to raise the shades and enjoy the sun's warmth during those chilly winter months. However, it can also make summer too hot or bright without the right window treatments. That’s why it’s essential to work with a professional window treatment designer to determine which product will work best for a southern-facing window.

North-facing windows

Windows that face north receive natural light all day but don’t receive direct sunlight. Interior shutters are a great way to take advantage of the indirect sunlight from north-facing windows. Their louvers can let in as much or as little light as you like while the cordless design looks clean and uncluttered in kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices. 

Alternatively, sheer curtains add gentle textures and patterns to your interior decor without restricting sunlight. In daylight, pulling sheer drapes across the window allows the indirect sunlight to shine through and highlight the design. 

East-facing windows

An east-facing window will catch the early sun, which can appear bright and glaring in the morning, and diffused and delicate later in the day. Dark colors will seem gloomy, but light colors and sheer materials bring out the softness of the sunlight.

Morning sun can be pleasant in a kitchen or living room, but it can be an annoyance in a bedroom. The best way to deal with morning light is to customize your window treatments to get exactly the amount of light you want.

West-facing windows

On summer afternoons, west-facing windows can cause heat to build up in your home. To keep the room comfortable, make sure to keep them covered. Like with south-facing windows, you don't want to lose all the natural light you get from west-facing windows, but you also need to deal with glare and heat. Blinds are a great choice because you can change their angle as the sun moves, diffusing light without blocking it out.

Energy efficiency

Most energy-efficient window treatments use layers of fabric to improve insulation and control light in the room, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Whether you like shades, drapes, blinds, or shutters, there are many energy-efficient window treatment choices.

To prevent UV rays from damaging your furniture and decor, consider solar shades or try UV-resistant window film if you prefer a clear view but don’t want to risk damage to your decor.

Motorization

Motorized window treatments will help you avoid continually moving the position of your blinds. With various sensors and timers available, they can be programmed to change on their own based on the sun’s position to give you the perfect lighting without lifting a finger.

Regardless of your home's direction, Budget Blinds can help you find window treatments that make sense for your home. 

Request a free in-home or virtual consultation from your local Budget Blinds design experts to get started.

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

New homes on Vancouver Island often showcase West Coast Contemporary interior design - with clean lines and surfaces that offer comfortable and inviting spaces. The right window treatments will help you perfect these aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Window treatments are essential to the overall look and feel of your home while also providing functional benefits like privacy and light control.

What is West Coast Contemporary design?

West Coast Contemporary interior design is characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and the use of natural materials to bring the outdoors in. It features open floor plans with carefully curated decor for a clutter-free look. 

When thinking about decorating your space, consider your style and taste. While trends can be a great guide, it’s most important that your home decor reflects your style. When choosing window treatments, go for those that will enhance the aesthetic of your West Coast Contemporary design. The right window treatment can help bring more natural light to the room and create an illusion of space and openness. Or use a bold pattern to add colour and patterns to the space.

Window treatments are an essential element of contemporary design style. Drapes, roller shades, and Roman shades are all popular choices for window treatments and are perfect for West Coast contemporary interiors.

If you’re looking for custom window treatments for your contemporary design, reach out to your local design consultants at Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island, who are ready to help. Request a free in-home or virtual consultation from your local Budget Blinds design experts to get started.

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

Discover the laid back West Coast style of living with this meticulously designed upscale rancher by Brando Construction, located in the sought-after community of The Ridge in Courtenay, BC. Offering 2,774 sq/ft of living space, this home welcomes you with a spacious layout that blends comfort and style from the moment you enter through the foyer.

The heart of the home is the great room, featuring 11-foot ceilings, custom built-ins, and a cozy gas fireplace—perfect for relaxing. The contemporary kitchen is a chef’s dream, equipped with stainless steel appliances, a large island with an eating bar, an oversized walk-in butler’s pantry with built-in shelving and cupboards, quartz countertops, custom shaker cabinetry, a custom-tiled backsplash, and hardwood floors. Adjacent to the kitchen, the formal dining area provides ample space for family gatherings and entertaining guests.

The primary bedroom is a serene retreat with a large walk-through closet and a spa-like 5-piece ensuite that includes double sinks, a custom tile shower, and a soaker tub. Sliding doors lead to a private covered patio, with provisions for a hot tub, offering a tranquil outdoor sanctuary.

The floor plan also includes two additional bedrooms, each with access to the main bath, providing comfort and privacy for family members or guests. Solid French doors open to a versatile living space, ideal for a media room or home office. Thoughtfully designed window coverings enhance both functionality and style in every room.

The fenced rear yard is perfect for outdoor relaxation, featuring a plumbed gas fire pit for quiet retreats or social gatherings. Professional landscaping, an underground sprinkler system, and a garage wired for an EV hookup complete this exceptional home. Scheduled for occupancy by the end of July, this home embraces the Vancouver Island lifestyle for the entire family.

Address: 3997 Buckstone Road Courtenay, BC
Price: $1,187,000
Listed by Courtney & Anglin 
Email: info@courtneyanglin.com
Bill Anglin: 250-703-6119

This time of year, as the sun peaks up so early, you may be considering blackout blinds or curtains for your bedroom. When decideing on window coverings for your home, start with the question “Do you want any light in your room?” If you want the light, but need the glare and harmful UV rays filtered out, and a little privacy, Budget Blinds can offer options that may be more suitable than a blackout shade. 

On the other hand, if you need to sleep during the day or have a toddler that needs to take a daily nap, then a blackout shade or blackout curtain would likely be your best choice.

Options That Filter Light and Provide Privacy

If you like light but need privacy consider translucent roller shade fabrics that let a glow of light in but provide a level of privacy. Or woven shades with a light weight liner that allow light to filter through, but no one to see in your windows. This option also allows for the wonderful texture of the woven shade to be enhanced and not completely washed out by the harsh sunlight streaming through an unlined shade. Or consider the ever-versatile cellular shade with a range of fabric opacities and options like top-down/bottom up.

This is another reason to call your local Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island design consultant who will bring the samples to your home and show you how each fabric works with the light coming through your windows.

Do Blackout Shades Have to Be a Dark Colour?

Your blackout shades do not have to be black! In fact, they do not even have to be a dark colour. The “blackout” effect of the shade is not determined by the colour of the shade but the backing layer in the material.

You can have a light-coloured woven shade, or fabric Roman Shade, lined with a blackout liner. The blackout liners come in shades of white, beige and greys, great for condos. You can also choose a lighter colour for a roller shade - as long as it has the blackout backing, it will do the job of darkening your room. 

What about Blackout Curtains?

Like shades, custom blackout curtains are offer light blocking thanks to the lining and not the face fabric. So you can use a lighter weight fabric combined with a blackout lining to get all the light control and privacy you need.

As you can see there are a lot of things to consider when selecting the right window treatments! Budget Blinds is here to help. Your locally-owned stores bring years of experience, and a variety of samples directly to you. Budget Blinds will assist you in finding the right product that fits your style, your needs, and your budget. 

To get started contact your local store and schedule your complimentary in-home consultation today:

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

Big bright windows are a fabulous feature in any home, but have you considered how they affect your home’s heating and cooling? As we head into another hot summer season, you may want to give your window coverings some extra thought!

As much as 50% of a home's heating and cooling energy can be lost through the windows, costing you extra money and making it difficult to regulate home temperatures. Remember, “it’s the little things”, such as energy efficient window treatments, that make a difference in helping to conserve energy.

So rather than cranking up your heat or air conditioning to avoid uncomfortable temperatures inside your home, look to Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island for a number of great solutions. Choose from blinds, shades, shutters, and window film that are practical, energy efficient, and stylish.

• Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, combine the soft look and energy efficiency of window shades with the functionality of horizontal blinds.
• Layering your curtains or drapery with light filtering or room darkening liners helps control light gaps and improve insulation retention.
• Traditional wood shutters use an insulating design that helps make indoor spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter, keeping your room at an ideal temperature.
• Window film deflects up to 99% of damaging UV rays, reducing heat gain and protecting your furniture against harmful UV damage.
• To maximize energy efficiency, consider our floor-to-ceiling drapes that fold back against the wall. This allows the drapes to seal off the window, preventing drafts and loss of heat through convection. 

Learn more about all of the options at your local Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island:

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

Window coverings need updating from time to time, just like other items in your home. They can get worn and damaged, or may not match your current decor.  Sometimes though it's unclear when it's the right time to replace your window coverings. 

Here are 4 signs it's time to upgrade your existing window treatments, as suggested by Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island.

1. Warped, Bent or Broken Slats
Faux wood blinds will bend when exposed to high heat for long periods, while wooden blinds warp when exposed to moisture. Aluminum blinds also dent when you apply heavy pressure. 

Solar/roller shades might be a great replacement choice for those windows that get a lot of sun. Choose from a range of opacities to filter light, heat, and harmful UV rays. 

And while aluminum blinds can be a cost efficient choice in offices or commercial settings, it's best to avoid aluminum blinds at home, especially if you have kids or pets, because they dent easily.  Additionally, they often also have cords which create a choking hazard.

Honeycomb or cellular cordless shades or roller shades are an excellent upgrade because they're child-friendly, available in light-filtering to room darkening, and are flexible, very durable, and easy to clean.

2. The Window Treatments Are Difficult to Open
Do you struggle to open your blinds and shades or draw your curtains? If so, it means that your opening mechanisms are damaged or are simply worn out and need to be replaced. For corded blinds, the damage may also be tangling or broken cords. For non-motorized curtains and drapes, opening and closing may be restricted due to jammed curtain tracks. The carriers in the track could be off or the cord control is simply worn out and frayed, making the curtains even harder to operate.

Frayed cords that have outlived their years are also difficult to operate. A new set of blinds helps you eliminate operation issues and the frustration of not being able to raise or lower your blinds. You may also experience problems with old, motorized blinds, or shades. Automation has improved greatly, with new motorization options from rechargeable to smart home apps. Replace outdated technology and enjoy opening and closing your window treatments with the push of a button on your smartphone.

3. Discoloured Slats and Fabrics
Over years of use and exposure to weather elements, the slats on your blinds and wood shutters lose their color and begin to yellow. UV rays from the sun discolor the material, making your blinds and shutters appear faded.

New window treatments are pleasing to the eye, especially if you're looking to upgrade your home for sale. Homebuyers are more willing to give your house a chance if the window treatments are as new as the freshly painted walls in the rest of the house.

4. Out of Style
Do you think that your horizontal blinds are out of style? Perhaps the floral patterns on your curtains are outdated? Upgrading your house to a contemporary more modern on-trend style is a perfect reason to upgrade all your window treatments.

Fortunately, you can still find blinds, shutters, shades, and drapes that match your updated style while allowing natural light control, privacy, and beauty in your home. It's wise to invest in custom window treatments that fit each window perfectly. 

Also, after years of using the same style, changing your window treatments is rejuvenating for you and your home.

If you're looking to cut energy costs, shades and blinds are great choices because there are varieties with solar insulation properties. The best part is that you can choose different window treatments for every room to serve the space's needs.

Where Should You Start?

Do you need new window treatments but don't know where to start? Budget Blinds has the solution for you. Schedule a free consultation with us to receive expert guidance on window treatments for a fresh look or sale upgrade.

Contact your closest Budget Blinds location today:
Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

Could your home or business benefit from smart window coverings? Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island offers a variety of automation options with Lutron smart shades, blinds and more. 

Smart shades, lights, and thermostats from Lutron all integrate easily with your choice of smart home devices that that include Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Nest, Sonos and more.

You’ll be able to monitor and control your smart blinds, lights, and home temperature from any mobile device by using the Lutron app. Use the app to create lighting schedules that change with the seasons, and provide added security when you're away.

With Lutron, your home or business shades and blinds can be programmed to automatically open and close for both peace of mind and energy savings.

With Lutron blinds you can set your blinds to automatically tilt throughout the day to diffuse sunlight or maximize the privacy in your space. Programmable features allow you to use heating or cooling only when you need it for maximum energy efficiency.

And best of all, they install quickly and easily, with no new wiring required.

Start your home automation with just a single window or room - Lutron automated shading systems are designed for modular expandability. 

And Budget Blinds will measure, install and do it all for you. It’s smart and easy. Ask about Lutron smart home automation today! 

Contact your local store today to learn more: 

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

More homes have been built by Brando Construction than by any other builder at The Ridge. Brando brings a sense of west coast style into every home they build. Currently, they have a home that has been completed and is ready for occupancy. 

Step into this 2,069 sq/ft Brando Construction rancher, and you'll find a spacious 3bedroom, 2 bath home ready for immediate occupancy. Expansive windows allow for natural light to stream into the welcoming living room customized with a tiled gas fireplace and built-in shelving.

Stainless steel appliances, a gas stove, and an island featuring a quartz counter eating bar, complete with a wine fridge make this kitchen the heart of the home. A thoughtfully designed butler's pantry, balancing functionality and aesthetics, seamlessly extends the kitchen with quartz countertops and built-in cupboards. 

The primary bedroom is a luxurious retreat, which includes a lavish 5-piece ensuite with a relaxing soaker tub and a generously sized tiled shower. You'll also find a large walk-in closet, providing ample storage space with built-in shelving and drawers. Two additional bedrooms share a guest-friendly 4 piece main bath configuration.

Enjoy the covered back patio, ideal for hosting barbecues and entertaining both family and guests. There is also a sunny front patio to soak up the sun. This home offers everything you need to move in – including appliances, an efficient heat pump, underground sprinklers, and meticulously landscaped surroundings. Nestled on a tranquil no-through street, this residence provides a peaceful environment and stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and forest. Immerse yourself in the quintessential Vancouver Island lifestyle at The Ridge – your forever home! 

Location: 4001 Buckstone Road, Courtenay, BC                                                                                                                                                   
Price: $1,068,000
Realtor, Bill Anglin at T: 250-703-6119 E: bill@courtneyanglin.com
Re/Max Ocean Pacific Realty