I don't know about everyone out there, but I have a TO DO list a mile long. Make that multiple TO DO lists: kids lists, home lists, personal lists, work lists. For whatever reason (money, time, priorities, you forget), stuff piles on that list and never comes off.
Near the top of my home list -- new blinds.
Long story short: when we bought our home almost 10 years ago, it came equipped with California Shutters. That's perfect!, everyone said. Those are so expensive, others quipped.
Here's the thing: I don't like them. While they work for privacy, I feel like they don't let in enough daylight, and since I work from home, I want all the light I can possibly collect. So a few months ago, in a fit of Julia-sterics, I asked Donny to rip off the kitchen shutters. And so, my window was nekked, and stayed that way for a while. I shopped around for some sort of window covering that could give me the style, the function and the PRICE I was comfortable with -- and then I was introduced to Off Cut Shades.
Off Cut Shades is a local, Toronto-based company that specializes in premium, fabric shades at unbeatable prices. You don't need to visit a showroom or have someone come into your home, either. You do your own measuring and order online, just like you would your groceries or a pair of jeans. And because they're local, shipping is fast within 5 days!, in Canadian Funds and Free, for orders over $75.
After browsing online, we chose a Zebra roller shade in silver with motorization. Here's the before:
And the after:
So let me tell you how it all went down.
After your package arrives, you unbox, read the instructions and get going. Don't be worried, though. We've installed many things in this home, and while my hubby is definitely handy, these shades were simple to install. Easy even. Took minutes. No joke.
First, measure your frame and then, drill holes according to the instructions to mount the shade cassette or the valence. Take a look at the website for tips on measuring your window before ordering, as there are minimum clearance guides online. 
Once your holes are drilled and the mounting pieces affixed, you snap the cassette into place. And you're in business. Seriously. We opted for motorization so we had a few more steps (which I'll explain below), but if you chose a mechanical, non-motor version, your shade installation would be complete.
Motorization appealed to me for many reasons: firstly, this particular shade is in the kitchen, over the sink. Motorization meant I could just hit a button and the shade would go up or down. You can also program stop-points so your shade always stops at the same mark. Secondly, in case you didn't notice, I'm short. I wanted to make sure I could comfortably open and shut the blinds, without having to grab a chair every single time. Thirdly, the functionality and versatility of the motorization are pretty neat. If and when we upgrade other windows to these blinds, we can sync and connect the windows so they open and shut at the same time, or you can even program them to open when you wake and close when you're not home or asleep. You can also purchase a wifi connector, and then the motorization feature will sync with Alexa. Fancy.
Sometimes, when you add something new to your home, there is an adjustment or "getting used to it" period. We didn't experience this at all. It's been about a month since we installed these shades and we haven't encountered an issue.I like that they provide privacy (although not blackout) when they are fully shut, and still allow lots of light when they are partially open or halfway open. I can still open them all the way, too, if I want to let in as much light as possible.
Oh, and did I mention affordable? Without the motorization, this blind (in this size) would be about $120. With the motorization feature, it's about $500. (Tip: you don't need to motorize every window) Every window is different so the cost will vary with size and material. If you're not a fan of Zebra shades, there are also Roller and Triple Sheer Shades available.
Off Cut Shades would like to offer all Simply Suppa readers and followers 15% off your next order. When you check out, use the code: SUPPA15 to save. And while you're shopping, check out the coordinating placemats and accessories, like napkin rings. So, if you want to end off 2018 (or start 2019) by scratching something off your TO DO LIST, give Off Cut Shades a try. If you have any questions about the product or more details about my experience, please don't hesitate to reach out, or contact their customer service team online.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. All opinions on my blog are my own.
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