Saturday, October 25, 2008

Window Mistreatment Exhibit 1

Our house gets really cold and drafty in the winter, so we are going to do some things to try to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Heavier curtains downstairs is the first step.

I've been researching on window treatments, looking at blogs for inspiration and gathering fabric swatches for about two months. But there are two obstacles that must be overcome, the lack of money and lack of sewing ability.

I was getting kind of discouraged, but then I remember something that Catherine wrote about last year, which led me to this blog, which gave me the courage to be creative with what I have. So here it is. This is the sliding glass door in our kitchen before, a simple tab curtain. Very utilitarian, I know.

And now:

But lest you think that is all. I plan to have tie backs on the wall which will reveal this bit of color:


This mistreatment was done with 2 window panels from Walmart clearance ($8), 2 drapery panels from Goodwill ($8), a can of black spray paint ($2) and hot glue. Yep, I spent $18 and didn't sew a stitch. How's that for a mistreatment?

We have an open floor plan, so all the windows look at each other. This creates an interesting design challenge. But I have plans, two more identical panels and more hot glue.

11 comments:

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

I've been to the Nester, but I didn't know if I could even swing it! What did you use the spray paint on??

Catherine said...

That's fabulous! My mistreatment efforts are still under revision. I have decided that part of the solution for me will involve stepping AWAY from the sheets and tablecloths method I tried before. :)

Monica said...

Great Job, it looks so nice!

mindi said...

i was wondering about the spray paint myself :) Very nice job, I'm looking at replacing our very battered very old and inefficient patio door. But the cost astounds me!!

Monica said...

You can't really tell from the picture, but the original rod is gold colored. That's what I painted black. Looks much better now.

Tisha Alexander said...

Once again my dear friend, you have amazed me!!

Andrea said...

Wonderful! It really looks great! I struggle with window treatments too - something that I wish looked better or kep out light or drafts but don't want to spend the money on...

Mary@notbefore7 said...

WOW! I think that looks great. I spent a long time on the Nester's site and am so inspired. I have so many windows and they all have the utilitarian tabbed top panels on them. I am so ready to pick something else and go for it!!!!

Maybe after the holidays it can be my winter project!

Heather L. said...

What a great idea! I love getting creative ideas from you on decorating. I'm so excited for your girls' room! Can't wait to see the finished product.

Tara said...

Sure beats the fleece blanket I take up and down from my daughter's room to keep the cold air out. And also the fleece blanket I stitched button holes in that we hang between the laundry room and the kitchen to keep the drafts out of the kitchen. Ugly, but useful.

Unknown said...

How'd you do it, and have you thought about having the pretty plaid facing the kitchen? I'm proud of you, Monica! Our Godly character trait this week is thriftiness. You are a wonderful example of that in the flesh. I thought I was kinda thrifty until i met you!!!!