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

Budget Blinds has always been renowned for their excellent selection of products to suit all tastes and styles. They are now working with two additional companies to expand the scope of their products even more.

Budget Blinds has recently introduced products from Inspired Drapes, from the United States. This company offers made-to-order blinds, ensuring the latest styles are always available. Their draperies coordinate with their roller blinds, providing a seamless look throughout your home. The draperies are dry cleanable and steam beautifully for easy touch-ups at home. Inspired Drapes are available as pleated, ring-ready or grommet/backtab styles.

Creative Threads is the other new brand now available at Budget Blinds. This family-run business features high-quality cotton/linen blend draperies. All of their designs are created in-house and the drapes feature special touches such as embroidered borders. Creative Threads curtains are available in 2 stock sizes: 50”x96” and 50”x108”. They also offer bedding and unique decorative pillow designs.

Contact your local Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island location and learn more about these and other great choices for your windows. Complimentary in-home consultations are available.

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

Budget Blinds locations in the Comox Valley, Nanaimo-Oceanside and the Cowichan Valley are all owned by the same local family and are all garnering great reviews from their customers. Some of their happy clients have shared the following Google reviews over just the past few months:

“Great service and price from Budget Blinds!  Sarah came to our house for a consultation within days of my calling to get a quote. She was friendly and knowledgeable and helped us select the blinds we needed for our home. Their price beat two other quotes we received from other companies. A few weeks later, after ordering, Bryan came to install the blinds. He was polite, friendly and super quick - he installed the blinds in 15 minutes! We love the blinds as they give us better privacy and help keep the heat down in the summer months!” - Kande

“The installers, Brian and Ian, were extremely professional and did an excellent job of installation. They were attentive to the smallest details and even removed a small blind I wasn't replacing. They removed all the old blinds and showed me how to charge the wands. The process, from the initial sale to the completion, was effortless.” - Linda

“We just had our exterior blinds installed by Pete and Andrew this morning. They were very efficient and professional and the blinds look get. Dealing with Budget Blinds has been a very smooth process and I appreciated Lisa assistance with the selection of products. A very good company. Thank you.” - Jurgen

“Before contacting budget blinds, I received quotes from a few other places and found it overwhelming. Budget blinds made it so easy for me which was a huge relief after just finishing our house build. Budget blinds came to my house with all their samples and helped me select the right style and color that suited us and our house best. It was so quick and easy. Bryan just came and installed our blinds, he was in and out of here so fast and they look great. We are so happy with the entire process and of course love our blinds!” - Carly

“Very happy I went with Budget Blinds Comox Valley. I did get other quotes and pricing was similiar (window treatment is expensive!). What made me go with Budget was that, not only did they show me product samples of what I asked for, but also options I didn't know existed. You can't ask for what you don't know about. Turns out I liked the 'other' better than what I thought I wanted. THIS is what I want in a vendor!  From initial consult to install was right on schedule. Everything went smoothly along with friendly appointment reminders. Special thanks to Pete and Andrew for a great job on the install-- friendly, professional, courteous, on time, cleaned up the mess on the way out, what else can you ask for. Would do business again.” - Teri

You’ll find many more great reviews on Google, and know that Budget Blinds will strive to make your experience 5 star!

Regardless of your needs for home or commercial window coverings, Budget Blinds can deliver on time and on budget. Contact your closest location today:

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

Integra Homes, a well known and highly respected builder in the Comox Valley has just opened their new show home in Greystone Estates, in the heart of the Crown Isle Golf Community.

This new show home is located in the exclusive community of Greystone Estates, a new subdivision made up of only 54 lots. This neighbourhood is sought after by homeowners for many reasons: it is located minutes away from the Crown Isle Clubhouse and the 1st tee; it is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac with no thru traffic; and each home is one of a kind design. 

Integra Homes is one of two designated builders in Greystone Estates and they have been building in the Crown Isle Golf community for over a decade. Their commitment to delivering uncompromising quality makes them one of the most sought after custom home builders in the Comox Valley.

About Crown Isle Golf Community

The Crown Isle Golf Community has attracted a group of enthusiastic residents who love living in the area. They enjoy the walkability, the friendly welcome they receive from other residents, the nearby amenities and the exquisite living experience that this coveted neighbourhood provides. Nearby focal points are the Comox Valley Hospital, North Island College, the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre, major retail stores, and other shopping amenities that are all located minutes away. The Comox Valley Airport is a 10-minute drive from this area, which is very convenient for those traveling for work or pleasure.

To date, over 900 homes have been built in this community over the past 30 years. The owners of Crown Isle continue to build out their vision to “Come for a tee time, stay for a lifetime”. People of all ages are moving here, including retirees, avid golfers, empty nesters and young families. This area is also very pet friendly!

Greystone Estates offers new home buyers the opportunity to build a custom home in one of the most beautiful places on Vancouver Island. The Comox Valley is quickly becoming the community known for its natural beauty and year-round recreational activities.

Build a Custom Home with Integra Homes

Integra Homes has secured lots in Greystone Estates, both on and off the golf course to choose from. Come by to visit the new show home located at:
3247 Winchester Avenue, Courtenay, BC
Saturday & Sunday: 1pm to 4pm

Contact: Bill Larson at Integra Homes for more information on building a custom home in the Crown Isle Golf Community.
Email: bill@integrahomescv.ca

July, 2023  Prices and availability subject to change without notice.

Vancouver Island loves West Coast Contemporary interior design - with clean lines and surfaces that showcase comfortable and inviting spaces. The right window treatments will help you create these aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Window treatments are essential to the overall look and feel of your home while 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 contemporary 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

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