How Automated Shades Changed Our Living Space with Budget Blinds

For years, our mornings and evenings started with the same frustrating routine: battling with our old horizontal  blinds. We love natural light, so every new dawn I’d wrestle tangled cords, trying to pull the heavy blinds all the way to the top for a full window view.

At night, it was the same exhausting process in reverse. The cords constantly twisted, the blinds never moved evenly, and sometimes they’d even knock off our security system window sensors – triggering false alarms that had us scrambling to disarm them before the police showed up. 

I was so over these blinds!

Those blinds left me irritated before my day even began and annoyed right before slipping into the realm of the subconscious.

Our old rental home had the same issue, except those blinds would bend so easily and ruin the aesthetic of our home – not to mention the cost of replacing them all.

Ugly and frustrating to open and close!

Our cat Peach was equally frustrated. She’d headbutt the blinds, eager to start her security watch over the property. Sometimes she’d even get tangled in the cords, which are now recognized as hazardous for pets and children and are no longer allowed in new blinds.

Peach, always eager to look out the window!

These old, ugly, antiquated blinds were probably some of the most frustrating and despised features of our house and home. I didn’t realize how bad it was until I saw the light, – otherwise known as Budget Blinds. 

We first encountered them in a luxury home featured in last year’s Triangle Parade of Homes. We stood in the bedroom watching the blinds going up and down with the push of a button enthralled with the discovery of our ideal solution.

Fate led us to meet Dan Parlin and the team behind Budget Blinds of Raleigh-Durham. Impressed with the level of service, quality of products, and commitment to making Raleigh’s home life easier, we partnered with them to transform our home blind challenges!

The In-Home Design Consultation Experience

From the moment we scheduled our consultation, the process felt seamless and stress-free.

We started with a personalized consultation at home with Dan and Ben. They took the time to understand our needs (and frustrations), assessing our windows and providing expert advice on the best automated shades to suit our needs.

Ben showing us our options

During the consultation we discussed our preferences, and they helped us select shades that not only matched our aesthetic but also enhanced the functionality of each room. Watch our video.

Also high on our wish list were patio shades for our screened in porch – something that could make it usable year-round, especially banishing the pollen plague every spring and bug invasion every summer.

We were very happy that Dan and Ben were honest in their appraisal letting us know that what we desired – and our challenges like escaping cats – would not work with our particular screened in porch., However, they gave us some design modification ideas we could do to make it work later. 

So, for now, it was automated shades for our dining room and office.

Budget Blinds Showroom in Durham

While the in-home consultation was more than adequate, we also decided to visit the Budget Blinds’ beautiful showroom near RTP in Durham so we could get a closer look at all their interior and exterior shades, shutters, and blinds (and keep adding to our future home upgrade wish lists).

Exploring our options!

We explored a variety of styles, colors, and materials, and had fun running into the exterior shades to validate that they were indeed strong and built to outlast whatever might be thrown at them.

These patio shades are tough!

The team were friendly and knowledgeable, guiding us through options that would complement both interior and exterior spaces. It was great to see the different options and compare them so we could ensure we found the right fit for us.

The visit confirmed that for us the only choice was automated roller shades by Lutron!

Customization That Fits Like a Glove

Choosing the perfect shades was easier than expected. After dealing with these low energy, chunky, inefficient blinds, we needed a sleek, minimalist design that blends seamlessly with our window frames.

Before / After

All Budget Blinds’ window coverings are custom made to fit your individual windows and design choices. Since they are experts, they quickly noticed that our unique office bay windows needed a slight measurement adjustment, so they had gaps between each window, creating a more aesthetic look.

There’s a wide range of fabrics and weaves to choose from, allowing you to achieve the perfect look – from contemporary to classic – while also customizing the opacity and texture to control light filtering or room darkening to your preference.

For our office and living space, I didn’t want any room darkening, so I chose a weave that allowed more natural light to filter in, opting for a crisp white neutral color that complemented our interior design.

We also considered potential future paint changes and decided that white was the safest and most versatile choice!

The Installation Experience

Once we decided on the right automated shades for our home, Budget Blinds of Raleigh Durham promptly placed the order, and within six weeks, we were ready for installation.

They kept us updated throughout the process, making it easy to schedule an installation appointment at our convenience.

I was genuinely surprised at how quick and efficient the installation was – everything was done within an hour! The installation team arrived on time, took down our they-shall-no-longer-be-named blinds (good riddance) and even handled the disposal for us.

Quick and easy install.

But the best part? They didn’t just leave us to figure out the new system on our own. The team helped set up the wireless router, programmed the remotes, and walked us through the Lutron app for automation.

They explained how everything worked, helped us set up our automation schedules, and even offered tips on new ways we could automate our home – hello, lights, you’re next!

Simple automation through the app

Honestly, I feel like I’ve unlocked a whole new level of home living. I might even be a little addicted to home automation now. It’s wild to think that something as simple as automated shades brings me as much joy as swinging in a hammock at sunset on a Thai beach.

The Magic of Automation with Lutron Blinds

The real game-changer? Automation. We chose motorized Lutron blinds, known for their superior quality, durability, and seamless integration with smart home systems. Lutron blinds are incredibly popular due to their long-lasting performance, sleek design, and whisper-quiet motor. 

Plus, the battery life is impressive – lasting up to 3-5 years, depending on usage, before needing a replacement.

Our shades are now set on a schedule through the Lutron app. They rise 20 minutes before sunrise and lower 20 minutes after sunset – no more manual labor required. 

Professional installation

The Lutron app allows us to create custom schedules for different needs. Have plants that require specific sunlight? No problem. Want to adjust the blinds without leaving the couch? Use the remote, wall mount, app, or even voice commands through Siri or Alexa.

We also love that the shades can be controlled remotely through the app, even when we’re miles away from home.

As frequent travelers, this is a game-changer. We can either set a schedule for the shades to open and close automatically or adjust them manually with the tap of a button on the app. Nothing signals an empty house more than blinds staying down for two weeks straight – now, with automated shades, it will always look like someone is home!

Use the app, or wall or desk mounted controls

Beyond controlling blinds, the Lutron app can sync with other smart home features like light automation and your home thermostat, making it a comprehensive solution for home comfort and efficiency.

Peace of Mind for Us and Our Cat

Sitting at my desk in the morning, I often forget about the blinds until they glide open, revealing the day outside. It feels almost divine, sparking a sense of joy and awe that sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

Peach is thrilled, too. She no longer has to headbutt blinds or wait impatiently for her morning view. With the shades opening automatically, she can start her security watch without delay.

Plus, no more dangerous cords to get tangled in – a win for her safety and our peace of mind. And if she’s insistent on an early start, I can just tap the button on the remote sitting on my desk to open the blinds earlier.

Peach loves this view!

Or, since they are so light, she can easily sneak inside of them to sit on the ledge while she waits for them to magically open. 

A Stylish, Stress-Free Home Upgrade

Before / After

Budget Blinds has completely transformed our living space. The shades are not just functional; they’re sleek, stylish, and whisper quiet. They let in just the right amount of light when closed during the day, creating a cozy yet bright atmosphere.

When the shades are up, they sit so snugly at the top that it looks like part of the window frame itself, offering an unobstructed view of the outdoors. No more chunky blinds interfering with our scenery or security devices.

Gone are the days of wrestling with cords, triggering false alarms, and starting our mornings with frustration. Now, we enjoy effortless light control, enhanced safety, and a touch of everyday magic – all thanks to Budget Blinds.

Why Triangle Residents Love Budget Blinds

Love the one touch automation

Budget Blinds of Raleigh-Durham is dedicated to helping Triangle residents create smart, stylish, and comfortable living spaces. Locally owned by Dan and Angela Parlin, they have been serving the community for over 26 years, specializing in custom window treatments tailored to each client’s needs.

Their expert team provides a seamless experience, from design consultations to installation, offering a wide range of high-quality blinds, shades, shutters, and soft treatments from top brands like Lutron, Pro-Design, Signature Series, and Norman.

They also specialize in home automation, making it easy to integrate window treatments with smart home systems for effortless control of shades, lights, and thermostats.

With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Budget Blinds of Raleigh-Durham serves both residential and commercial clients across the entire Triangle Region.

For a FREE In-Home Design Consultation, you can either call (919) 944-4607, schedule it via the Budget Blinds website, or visit their showroom at 5131 NC Hwy 55, Suite 104, Durham, to explore their selection in person.