Daily Informative Updates on
New Residential Real Estate & Construction News
for Vancouver Island Communities

Are you looking to take the style up a notch in your home? Consider draperies from Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island’s Inspired Drapes Collection, which features fabrics from Europe, India and the United States.

Elevate the style of any room in your house! Whether you’re looking for a light and airy coastal vibe or something to offer added insulation and elegance to your home, Budget Blinds Inspired Drapes can offer customized solutions for your home.

Opt for ready-made draperies to easily change up the look of your home, or go for something custom with a huge variety of colours, textures and fabrics for any size window covering.

And for the full package Budget Blinds also offers a large selection of hardware to hang your new curtains, motorized options, liners for room-darkening options and even premium bedding options to pull the entire look together!

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

Silverstone Estates is a 48-unit patio home development located within the Crown Isle Golf Course Community in Courtenay, BC. Construction has been completed on many of the homes in Phases 1, 2 and 3.

These patio homes are built within the popular Crown Isle Golf Community in Courtenay. This award-winning Par 72 golf course is a favourite destination on Vancouver Island. One of the perks of living in this location is the close proximity to the Crown Isle Clubhouse, home to the Timber Room, a popular restaurant built in a West Coast style, overlooking the 18th tee. Enjoy a short stroll to the Pro shop, the 1st tee and all of the amenities of this championship golf course and resort.

Phase 1 | Floor Plans for SL2 and SL3 - 1,805 Sq. Ft. 

These 1,805 sq. ft. homes feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms on the main floor plus an upper floor that offers 422 sq. ft. of flex space - use it as an additional family room, exercise space or guest room. This floor also features a third bathroom. 

A welcoming foyer greets guests and leads to a beautiful open concept kitchen and great room featuring 10' ceilings finished with crown moldings.  A cozy, tiled gas fireplace features built-in oak shelving on either side. The bright dining room leads out to the covered back patio which can be enjoyed year-round. 

The primary bedroom and adjoining 5 piece ensuite with heated floors are located at the back of this home, offering a peaceful retreat. 

Silverstone Estates is located at 1444 Crown Isle Drive in Courtenay B.C.

These patio homes are priced $945,000 each.

This is one of the only new patio home developments on Vancouver Island that offers spectacular mountain and golf course views. Silverstone Estates welcomes residents of all ages and is pet friendly. Enjoy walking along the many pathways in and around the community or stroll over to the Crown Isle shopping centre. Here you’ll find everything from groceries, banks, and medical offices to shopping and restaurants.

Enjoy the West Coast lifestyle of live-work-play in this exclusive Vancouver Island patio home development. 

Show Home Open at Silverstone Estates Patio Homes

Location: 1444 Crown Isle Drive, Courtenay, BC
Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4pm
Contact the realtor for more information or to arrange a private tour.
Realtor: Bert Jaeger, Engel & Volkers Vancouver Island North
Email: bert.jaeger@evrealestate.com  Text or Call: 250.898.9128

April, 2023 - Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

Our Vancouver Island weather varies dramatically from season to season, and depending on the direction your rooms face, that variability can be even more impactful. Your home’s direction impacts how and when the sun hits each room and this can mean big changes in heat and light, depending on the season and direction each room faces.

South-facing windows

If your home faces South, it may have higher energy bills in the summer. Direct sunlight from the south causes heat to build up, forcing the AC to work harder. However, it may also be warmer in the winter for the same reason. 

Southern exposure makes a room cozy 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. Adjust the blinds or shade behind the drapes to add privacy or control the light. 

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 sunlight is welcome 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. 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

One of the premier builders at The Ridge in Courtenay - Coastal Custom Homes - has recently finished constrcution on a 2,862 sq. ft home. Set on on a large lot, the home features a freestanding, heated garage at the back of the home. This 336 sq. ft. building offers a variety of options, to use as a workshop, studio or space for recreational equipment. The lot also backs onto a community trail system and farmalnd, providing a wide-open feel and offering plenty of privacy.

The kitchen layout is contemporary, incorporating ceiling-height cabinets, an island with granite countertops, a custom backsplash and a walk-in pantry with built-in shelving. The open living room and dining room area lead to the covered outdoor patio. Engineered hardwood flooring is featured on the main floor.

The primary bedroom features a luxury four-piece ensuite, complete with a stand-alone soaker tub and a walk-in tiled shower. A large closet with built-in shelving is located adjacent to the ensuite. 

The upper floor features three additional bedrooms, a five-piece bath, and a bonus room over the garage. There is a peek-a-boo ocean view from this floor offering views of Comox Bay and the Comox Glacier.

This home includes energy-saving technology, offers an EV plugin in the garage and is wired to include solar panels at any point in the future. It has been built to Step Code 4 standards and includes a heat pump and a full HRV system, providing heat in the cooler months and air conditioning in the warmer months.

This home is fully landscaped and fenced and has a double garage and additional parking on the right-hand side of the home.

As an added bonus, this home has a large crawl space that is five feet high! Use it for additional storage space for recreational and seasonal items.

The Ridge, one of the Friendliest Communities in Courtenay, BC

This custom home is lcoated in The Ridge, one of the most sought-after and friendliest neighbourhoods in Courtenay offering a quiet, scenic and welcoming community where residents of all ages connect and make new friends. A large two-acre park is only a three-minute walk from this home and is available for family enjoyment every day of the year. Forest trails and a walkway to the ocean are just minutes away!

Location: 3386 Eagleview Crescent, Courtenay, BC – Price $1,275,000
Contact: Dean Thompson RE/MAX Ocean Pacific Realty
Phone: 250.898.4777

March, 2023 – Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.

Often we think of custom design or custom options as luxury items for out homes, and many of us associate that luxury with a high cost.

But Budget Blinds can provide custom options for your home window coverings in a variety of price points. Working with Budget Blinds to select your custom designed come with many benefits over store bought options.

Custom window treatments from Budget Blinds wlll always be high quality, properly measured to fit and will offer a wider variety of design choices than any big box retailer can stock!

You can choose to utilize a complimentary in-home design consultation to amke sure you’re getting the look you want and professional guidance on the best type of window covering for your home and family needs.

Additionally you can call on Budget Blinds for professional install, to ensure that those perfectly measured window coverings are installed just right! Save your Sunday afternoon for family time, rather than extra chores!

Call your local Vancouver Island Budget Blinds today and get started on updating your window coverings from their wide range of custom designs.

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

Design professionals and homeowners are seeing the following trends for 2023, accoridng to the design and building site Houzz. They include:

1. The Return of Colour
2. Playful Traditional Style
3. Layers of Texture
4. Connection to the Outdoors
5. Natural Materials

We Want Colour!

Bringing back more colour is one of the most common trends in the Houzz survey. After years of gray and white, it appears our extended time at home made us realize we miss colour! As we have become comfortable in our homes, we've gained confidence to surround ourslevs with our favorite colours, regardless of current trends whether on-trend or not! Go all in with colour, by adding saturated walls in a study or office, or just bring in a pop of colour with accessories like pillows, rugs, and artwork.

Colour can also be added through custom window coverings! Budget Blinds onV ancouver Island can match a paint colour for your blinds or shutters or create a bold custom fabric for drapery, pillows, and Roman shades. 

Traditional Becomes Playful

What exactly is Playful Traditional?

The phrase popped up in the recent Houzz survey and in design magazines. Homeowners, especially younger first-time homeowners, are embracing traditional styling with a twist. They are adding their personality to the style with new colours, vibrant wallpaper, and by mixing vintage and modern furniture in rooms with traditional architecture. 

Layering shades and draperies is the perfect complement to the playful traditional look. Classic drapes in a fun print or bold updated colour over a textured woven shade is the ideal combination of classic elements in an updated style. 

Natural Materials and Organic Style

Natural materials are trending everywhere - from stone countertops and white oak cabinetry to wood floors, handmade tiles, and stone fireplaces, a natural organic feel is on-trend for 2023 and beyond.

Connecting to the Outdoors 

Windows are getting more prominent, and large glass doors are often featured elements of home remodels or new builds. On Vancouver Island, our love of the outdoors, combined with the natural benefits of sunlight, has homeowners seeking a natrual connection and ways to bring the outdoors in.

While big panes of glass us the best views and abundant natural light, also create a window covering challenge. Seek advice from a trusted window covering designer at Budget Blinds. Budget Blinds has the perfect options to filter light and give you a layer of privacy when needed no matter what size your windows are.

2023 is About Personalization

Regardless of trends, homeowners will reflect their personalities and preferred colour choices in their homes.

Budget Blinds understands personalization; it is what they offer daily to homeowners across Vancouver Island. Visit their website to schedule a complimentary consultation with your local Budget Blinds design consultant and find the perfect window treatment to fit your home's personality.

Integra Homes is a Courtenay-based home builder with three decades of experience building new homes in the Comox Valley. Over the past several years, much of their focus has been on building new custom homes in Courtenay’s Crown Isle Community. Their company is one of only two builders exclusively chosen to build in Greystone Estates, the newest 54 lot subdivision in the golf community, surrounded by the 8th, 9th and 10 fairways.

To date, approximately 70% of the new home lots have been sold, and many homes have been built and occupied. Integra Homes has reserved five lots that are available for a new custom home and some of these lots face the 8th fairway! Integra Homes plans to have a new show home open in mid-March. 

New Show Home Open in Greystone Estates in Mid March

Integra’s newest show home is opening in the middle of March at 3247 Winchester Avenue. If you plan on traveling to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, it is the perfect opportunity to take a tour and appreciate the high quality work of Integra Homes within the Crown Isle Golf Community.

New Greystone Rancher Ready for Occupancy in Mid 2023.

If you are thinking of moving to Vancouver Island this year, Integra Homes has a new custom-designed rancher under construction that will be ready for occupancy in the spring/summer of 2023. 

Location: 3191 Oxford Way, Courtenay, BC 

Greystone Estates is steps away from the Crown Isle Clubhouse, where you can tee off for a round of golf, or enjoy lunch or dinner in the Timber Room. The Crown Isle Plaza, located minutes away, features a grocery store, pharmacy, bank, restaurants, retail stores, professional offices and more. Also located close by are the Comox Valley Aquatic Center and the new Comox Valley Hospital and the Comox Airport. 

The establishment of Greystone Estates celebrates Crown Isle’s long history of continuing to offer outstanding residential planning in this desirable Comox Valley community on Vancouver Island. 

Contact: Bill Larson at Integra Homes for more information.
Email: bill@integrahomescv.ca

The New Year is a great time to create a new look for your home! Freshen up your space with new window coverings this season and take advantage of the great prices and selection from Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island.

Not sure where to start? Arrange a complimentary in-home consultation with one of Budget Blinds’ designers. You’ll learn about the newest styles and features, as well as get some guidance on colour choices and design. Work with the designer colours of the year to stay on trend, or choose something classic like wooden shades. Find the right products to suit your family’s lifestyle and budget, all in the comfort of your own home.

New window coverings will update the look of your home as well as enhance privacy, energy efficiency, and safety. Improving your home’s energy efficiency with updated window coverings will provide savings for years to come.

On Vancouver Island, Budget Blinds serves the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Nanaimo, the Cowichan Valley and beyond.

Schedule a complimentary in-home consultation with your local Budget Blinds today to learn more.

Cowichan Valley

Nanaimo-Oceanside

North Island - Courtenay

One of The Ridge's preferred builders, Candor Developments is featuring a new home for sale  - it has just been completed and is ready for occupancy. This new Vancouver Island home is located just minutes from downtown Courtenay, in Phase 3B of The Ridge community. You'll enjoy stunning mountain views from inside the home, from the large backyard, or the covered deck at the rear of the home. 

This large 2,691 sq. ft. home features five bedrooms and three bathrooms over two levels. With so much room for the family, you can also gather in the great room, family room and kitchen on the main floor. Or retreat to to any of the three bedrooms on the main floor. Two bathrooms are also located on the main floor. A gas fireplace with built-in shelving on both sides is a focal point in the great room.

The primary bedroom is located at the back of the home, creating a quiet place to relax. There are double glass doors from this bedroom leading to the outdoor covered deck. The ensuite features a tiled rain shower with glass doors, a large stand alone tub, two sinks, under cabinet lighting and heated tiles for the cooler mornings.. 

Upstairs offers two more bedrooms, a full bathroom and a bonus room, perfect to create a chidrens’ play area or a home office. With plenty of natural light, the options for this space are endless. 

This home offers a double, attached garage and fully landscaped yard. If you are looking for a piece of Vancouver Island to be your forever home, this could be the perfect place!

Location: 3274 Eagleview Crescent in the Ridge, Courtenay, BC.
Price: $1,185,000

Please contact Realtor Richelle Newson for inquiries and showings.
Phone | 778-977-2029
Email | hello@realestatebyrichelle.com

The team at Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island would like to wish their clients and the communities they serve a happy and healthy holiday season. Throughout 2022, Budget Blinds has continued to provide Vancouver Island residents with the great service they are known for.

Budget Blinds is well known for their in-person complimentary consultations with their in-house designers. These are now available in-person, or if you prefer, arrange a virtual consultation. And as always, Budget Blinds’ selection covers all price points and styles. From partnerships with famous brands like Hunter Douglas to their own in-house brands, you’ll find a style that meets your budget and your window coverings needs. From curtain to shutters, and from automation to unique window shapes, they’ve got you covered!

Contact Budget Blinds today:

Call Budget Blinds today at any one of their three Vancouver Island locations:

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564