Dining Room Window Treatments: DONE!

It took ALL DAY, but we are done! They turned out pretty much how I envisioned (see my post about my window treatment inspirations here)  It took forever to get these ideas into action, but I am so glad I did it!

Here's the before:

Here's the AFTER:

Ready for a close up:

My sources for materials were: Ikea, curtain rods, Overstock for the Bali Rattan Blinds, and WalMart for the Better Homes & Gardens drapery panels.
I spent 66.00 (about) each for the rattan blinds (they were sooo large mind you--for a small window much cheaper) and 9.00 per panel (on clearance ) for the panels. I bought 4, so I could lengthen them to 94" (from 84") The curtain rods were 9.99 each (steal! they came with fleur di lis filials, but I left those off)

Inspiration:

from Cote de Texas

Things I learned:

1. Curtain panels typically some in 55" and 84" length--check your packages carefully before you trot out of the store (I thought I had all 84" L panels, but one was 55"L!! Major bummer)

2. Stitch Witchery beats hemming a curtain panel every time...and.....

3. Satin/Taffeta is a major pain in the arse to sew straight, ok?

4. Gets hubs to help you put up the blinds...they are heavy and it'll take the two of you to hold them up while you attach them

5. Ikea has good , cheap curtain rods in lengths up to 134" in width!

6. Yes you CAN make a curtain rod our of PVC pipe, but it will sag if its longer than, like 3-4 ft ...so you will need a center bracket, ok?

Make it a Great Day!
Ann

Here it is... pics of The "Before" House

OK, Here are the befores--- hopefully this blog will be more interesting when I begin to post the "durings" and the "afters"... any advice, suggestions or references.... please comment!!!!


I was going to try to post these "in order" as you walked into the home, but I am not good at posting photos I admit! So, here they are... there is also a powder room, kids bath, master and 3 more bedrooms upstairs but I'll get to those later---

Inspiration for master bath:

Den... connects w/ kitchen overlooks backyard....nice beams, dontcha think? and the wall is all windows after those hideous verticals come down.....

cabinets are staying for now..... but I am having them professionally painted an offwhite... counters will be Ikea butcherclock in Oak (hubs choice) or Birch (mine)... Hopefully with the big white double bowl farmhouse sink..... white appliances...... Floors will be Pergo in a dark cherry finish.

Thinking of re-doing cabinetry on this side with open shelves above fridge and a small bar-area with base cab, counter and top glass-front cab to add to counter space...in place of that huge pantrycloset.... and build-in the fridge so the whole right side can be a blackboard!

Nice size peninsula...will have 4 barstools.... will look good with the new counters, yes?

Dining room--- sad now, I know... blinds: gone!(Those are corner windows- very midcentury....) Replace with: rattan shades and muslin curtains? My chandy from Overstock! My newly refinished dining room table? Yes!!!!!

Hmmmm... yes I am working on a plan for this monster. Any insight appreciated.....

Looking from Dining room to formal Living room- faces front of home, will be the first room you see upon entry so I want it to be my showplace.. The light will increase so much once those verticals are gone gone gone!!!!! This is my inspiration room:

Sigh... I love that room... its actually the lobby at my fave little hotel in Santa Ynez Valley in Central Cali....Hadsten House

Stairwell- sigh.. what can I say? I will have to think on this................... but nice double entry doors I love that and the fact there is a proper entry / foyer!!