Reader Request: Dress My Windows

By Jessica

Jennifer wrote in with a dilemma about how to deal with the windows in two very important areas of her home, here is what she had to say:

"There are many things I would consider myself good at, but choosing window treatments is NOT one of them. After five years in our house, I'd like to finally get my act together and hang some pictures, hang some curtains, and generally make our house more of a HOME. I know MANY of your readers have more style in their little pinkies than I have overall, so I'm hopeful that your writers/readers might have some suggestions!"

So something you may not know about me, is that I *love* picking out things for other people's homes; obviously, I was all over this. In further conversations with Jennifer, I learned that light control wasn't much of a concern for the bedroom and there wasn't an unfortunate view out the kitchen windows that we needed to block or anything. I also took a good look at the pictures she included and inquired about what stores she has available in her area. (no Ikea unfortunately)

For each area, I wanted to give her at least couple of different options, starting with the bedroom:






Option 1: Dark bamboo or faux-wood blinds flush-mounted inside the window casing on all the windows. On the larger window add a decorative curtain in a neutral shade with some pattern to counteract all the straight lines and yet add another layer of texture. I'd go with an iron rod to repeat the look of the bed, but bronze or brushed nickel would work here too.

(From L-R Bamboo Roman Shade in Espresso at Target $45.99-69.99, Santiago Rod Pocket Panel at Overstock.com $45.99, Bali 2" Vinyl Blinds at Target $12.99-18.99)


Option 2: Patterned fabric Roman Shades on all the windows. These do double duty on their own by adding pattern and softness. They also have the added bonus of being flush-mountable.

Savannah Ogee Medallion Roman Shades at World Market $34.99-39.99

For the kitchen, I was drawn by the pops of red in the pictures:

Option 1: I love fabric ticking stripes. This would tie-in to the full red drapes on the sliding glass door (which are canvas and washable) but not make the kitchen one big mess of red. I also love that they have tulips right next to the window in the picture and there is a picture of a tulip on the wall next to the window in Jennifer's kitchen, that might have swayed me a bit too. Additionally, the tier comes as a three piece set so in theory she could buy one set and stretch it to both smaller windows.

(From L-R Ticking Stripe 3 piece set at Curtainworks $17.99, Casual Home Tab Top Window Panel Pair at Target $14.99-29.99)


Option 2: This is a slightly more toned down version of the red and adds some dimension with the green and natural stripes. For the cafe tier, I went with a wheat color but the added pinch-pleating keeps it from being boring and the light color will keep the kitchen from being too dark with the heavier drape.

(From L-R Woolrich Stripe Window Panel at Target $24.99, Ashdale Pinch-Pleated Cafe Tiers at JC Penny $12.49-$17.49)

Option 3: This option is totally mono-chromatic, even though the picture above doesn't look that way. This would blend more with the wall color but still stand-out with the details through the use of stripes and grommets. 

(From L-R Imperial Stripe Grommet Curtains, Sage/Taupe at World Market $34.99, Essex Grommet Window Tier at Macy's (avail in wheat) on sale $17.99-$19.99)

So, I hope this helps Jennifer! If you have any more questions just let me know. All of these items should be available in a store near you or online for purchase. I can't wait to see the end result!

{Photo Credits: Target, World Market, Macy's Curtainworks, JC Penny)

   

Comments

[Maura]

I love everything you chose! I especially loooove option one for the bedroom, and I'm torn between option one and and option two for the kitchen. I can't wait to see what Jennifer picks!! Awesome job, Jessica!!

P.S. Jennifer, your bedroom and kitchen are stunning!

[Jen]

Jessica, I love ALL of your suggestions! If we were loaded, I would buy them all and have winter and summer curtains!

Amazing - it's like you visited my house and then went out shopping for me. I will definitely share the after pictures...once I can decide what to go with!

Thanks again!

[Jessica]

Yay! I'm so glad you are happy with my suggestions! I can't wait to see what you come up with and if something jumps out at you in your shopping and you want a second opinion, feel free to hit me up :) I'm more than happy to help!