Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Window Dressing

Before
Installation




After

One questions I get a lot is what to do with windows in the face of so many choices.  Although I am always happy to give my opinion and advice on someone else's project, it is not so easy on my own home.  I find this is true for most people.  It helps to approach it from a more methodical perspective and imagine it is not your own home.  Window treatments can be the major expense in room, so take your time and consider their use, material, and flow with the rest of the home.

I have to confess that I lived with paper shades in my master bedroom for two years.  In my defense, I was busy with many other projects (my own home mostly), but I really had a hard time deciding.  When I could live with the paper no longer, I carefully considered my options and what worked with the space.  The decisions of matchstick blinds seemed obvious (after two years!).  The natural element of the bamboo really helped tie the room with the view of the woods and lake outside the bedroom window.  

I had them hung just under the crown molding to bring more attention to the ceiling height.  This also allows for full exposure of the window glass for maximum light.  I only wish I had done it earlier.

Thrift Store Finds Before and After

I am always on the lookout for great furniture pieces at thrift stores.  I found this glass top coffee table for $29.99 at a local store.  It had a little rust and the paint was in awful shape, but I liked the geometric look going on. I was not sure if it was going to give me the look I was going for but for only $29.99 I thought it was worth a shot.  

I primed the metal frame with spray paint then painted it a gold color with spray paint made for metal.  The glass was in great shape and had a bevel so it cleaned up really well.  I love how it turned out.  Always be careful when using glass tables, they can be dangerous for young children. Don't be afraid to try painting pieces you are unsure of if the price is right.  More times than not they will become favorites! 

 Before




After

After