Jerry and Diane [not their real names] built their home 10 years ago and wanted to update the window treatments in their dining room, sitting room and master bedroom. All of their windows have blinds that are sandwiched between the panes of glass. The couple recognizes that, while this type of window provides the important functions of light control and privacy, left alone they do nothing to enhance the rest of a room's decor.

The master bedroom is outfitted with an oversized four-poster and armoire. The three windows are set low in the wall, leaving 26 inches from the top of the window to the ceiling. We used a tailored butterfly Roman shade in a rich chocolate brown and blue embroidered faux silk. This structured, but soft, style added softness to a room dominated by large wood furniture. To balance the height of the furniture, we hung the shades at the same height on the wall as the bedposts.. Two custom pillows in the same fabric tie the couple's existing bedding to the shades for a finished look.

Submitted by: Linda Pinsker and Mary Humphries, Budget Blinds serving Hutchinson, KS

Today’s recall of 5.5 million window coverings has many homeowners assessing their current window treatments.

None of the manufacturers involved in the recall announced on August 26 have been members of Budget Blinds’ Vendor Alliance.  However, while none of our preferred vendors are on the recall list, franchisees may occasionally source product from elsewhere to meet customers’ needs and so you may wish to contact your Budget Blinds Style Consultant to be certain that your window coverings include the latest safety features and are not included in the recall.

When choosing window coverings for your home it may be tempting to purchase off-the-rack treatments from a local store. However, as today’s recall shows, it is worth calling in a professional Budget Blinds Style Consultant to benefit from Budget Blinds’ custom products and services, particularly if the population of your home is changing.

Benefits of calling a Budget Blinds Style Consultant:

• During a free in-home consultation, a Budget Blinds Style Consultant can help homeowners evaluate their window covering needs, taking into consideration the family’s decorating style, lifestyle, how the room will be used and the features the family wants. 
  
• A Budget Blinds Style Consultant can suggest a number of products and features to homeowners of which they may not be aware of, but will benefit them in the long run.
  
• Unlike other window covering retailers, Budget Blinds Style Consultants can offer you choices from the Budget Blinds Vendor Alliance, comprised of over 30 leading window coverings and home décor manufacturers, including: Kathy Ireland Home® by Alta®, Castec, Lafayette Interior Fashions and Budget Blinds’ own private line, Signature Series®.
  
• A Budget Blinds Style Consultant will take all the measurements needed to order window treatments and ensure a perfect fit.
  
• When the window treatments arrive, they will be professionally installed. Proper installation is necessary for the safety features to operate properly.

It’s equally important to remind parents and caregivers that while added features can enhance safety, nothing can replace the watchful eye of a loving parent or caregiver.

For more safety tips, please visit our Safe At Home page at www.budgetblinds.com/safety.

 Budget Blinds of Roanoke (VA), owned by Chip Lilly and Doug Guilliams made a recent donation of blinds to their local SPCA. 
"My wife, Teresa and I adopted our dog from the facility and we were so impressed with them we pledged to make regular donations," said Chip Lilly.  "They make a positive impact on our community and we want to help wherever we can." When the SPCA designed their new 'state of the art' building, the board of directors wanted to make it a totally transparent facility.  The executive directors office not only had a glass door, but three walls of glass as well. 
While delivering our latest donation of dog treats and paper towels, we inquired to the director, Leslie Hervey about the efficiency of all the glass.  She informed my wife and I that while on the surface it seemed to be a good idea, it was hindering her ability to complete some serious business.  "It makes it difficult to write grant requests when people are tapping on the glass to wave," she told us.  She had taped giant pieces of cardboard in various places, trying to gain a little privacy, but it really didn't help the decor of her office space.
"It was like a light bulb went off over my head.  Hanging the Signature mini blinds would afford Leslie the best of both worlds and make her office a bit more fashionable," said Chip. 
"I LOVE my blinds.  You guys are awesome!"  Leslie said in a recent email.