Launched in 2013, Express Blinds founder and local entrepreneur Darla Zorn, combined her extensive experience in the window treatments marketplace with her desire to interact directly with her clients, to earn her and Express Blinds, Shutters, Shades & Drapes a reputation for design excellence and incredible value. Offering an extensive line of blinds, shutters, shades and drapes, Darla and her team of experienced and talented designers can help you to create that “look” and “feel” that expresses your unique individuality and taste.
Their passion for window fashion has been recognized by area custom builders and designers, resulting in Express Blinds being selected as the preferred source for custom window treatments. East Tennessee Mountain Views readers are likely already familiar with Express Blinds and their designs which are featured annually in the Home Builders Parade of Homes in both Knoxville and Tellico Village.
Recently, East Tennessee’s Mountain Views asked Darla about the evolution of the window treatments marketplace since first launching Express Blinds and just how she and her team can assist home and business owners alike to create those “oh-so” perfect, showcase quality window designs.
ETMV: What inspired you to launch Express Blinds?
Darla: I began my window treatment career in the franchise blinds industry prior to launching Express Blinds. I loved every minute of this experience. It was my positive interactions with showroom clients that led to my desire to work even more closely with our clients. I discovered just how much more creative I could become when visiting our clients homes. Having always strived to create a beautiful home for my family, I recognized early on that updating window coverings was a great way to change the look and feel of a space. With confidence in my success, a strong work ethic and the support of my family, Express Blinds was launched in 2013.
ETMV: Darla, what would you say was the most important lesson you have learned thus far?
Darla: Not surprisingly, that your reputation is the most important asset that any company possesses. Ignore it, and it can become your single greatest liability. That’s why we invest in continuing education for our design and installation teams. That’s why we have such an extensive product offering. And that’s why our customers experience an unprecedented level of customer care.
ETMV: What else has helped you to successfully differentiate Express Blinds from the competition?
Darla: It’s our unique, collaborative design perspective. Our designers work with you to identify your individual tastes and needs. And by working closely with you, and by combining our years of design expertise, we can create window treatment designs that are a reflection of who you are. It’s this approach that enables us to put our client’s personal touches on on their newly constructed or forever home. I also think that your readers have been excited to discover that we have a Villager on our design consultation team.
ETMV: How do you help your clients to remain on budget?
Darla: Our extensive selection of blinds, shutters, shades and drapes ensures that we have the right window treatment for every budget. We can even space out your project over weeks or months if convenient for our clients.
ETMV: What changes do you see on the horizon in the window treatment marketplace?
Darla: Plantation Shutters which block a good deal of natural light, and which were once all the rage, have been replaced in popularity with a host of new products. Homeowners are opting for Top Down – Bottom Up Shades which allow you to control both privacy and natural light. to new technology, is being used for not only hard to reach windows, but also on windows throughout the home. Look as well for more eco-friendly window treatments such as woven wood shades featuring bamboo, grass cloths and a variety of other eco-friendly, natural fiber fabrics. Be sure also to checkout today’s stunning beautiful roller shades. Incredibly reliable, roller shades have been around for over 135 years. And because today’s roller shades are available in over 500 fabrics, you now have an almost limitless palette of colors, textures and patterns to select from. Whether a smooth expanse of white on white, or a deliciously textured woven mesh, you can create that showroom look and feel that you have always dreamed of.
ETMV: How can our readers learn more about Express Blinds, Shutters, Shades & Drapes?
Darla: I would encourage your readers to visit our website at www.ExpressBlindsKnox.com or to call us at 865-730-4880 to request their In-Home Consultation. I’m confident that your readers will find our website’s gallery and testimonials helpful. Also, stay tuned as we prepare to announce the location of our soon to be opened Design Center.
ETMV: Is there anything else that you would like to add in closing?
Darla: I would certainly like to thank your readers, many of whom are already loyal Express Blinds customers, for their continued support and encouragement. I would also like to personally invite those who may be unfamiliar with our family owned business to discover the Express Blinds, Shutters, Shades & Drapes difference for themselves. I invite you to experience a level of customer care that you might have thought no longer existed.
This article was originally published in the East Tennessee’s Mountain Views magazine, Volume 21, No. 5, May 2021.
