When we moved into the apartment there were beige microfiber roman shades in the kitchen. I don’t have a ‘before’ picture because they were so gross that they were the first thing to come down and be stashed in the basement. Since then we have had bare windows… not the best option for our single-pane heat-losing windows.
I considered bamboo shades and wooden blinds before deciding we needed some color in the kitchen and that would best be achieved with fabric shade. Problem is, most window treatments with any ounce of style cost a pretty penny.
Not these puppies:
Thanks to a tutorial from fab blog Little Green Notebook, and paired with some mini-blinds ($9) and fabric ($7 per yard), I made two window shades for much less than it would cost to buy them. Yep, I said mini-blinds. They are used as a structure for the fabric and by leaving the pull strings in-tact, you can use the original hardware for a functioning roman shade.
We chose red because of the fantastic red chandelier that was here when we moved in. I love how the curtains bring more attention to the chandelier now.
Our kitchen table is where we eat breakfast and listen to music on the iPod dock. And I’m dreaming of a wall filled with vintage cutting boards between the two windows.
This was a fairly simple project, but it did take two people for some of the measuring (Ryan held things in place so the tape measure didn’t pull it all over the place). I’m very happy with how they turned out. They still let a little light through but add a little barrier against the cold weather outside.
What do you think? Would you consider tackling a project like this? Questions on technique or supplies? Hit me up in the comments section!
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They look great Maggie! You are right, the red chandelier needed some red company! Cutting boards would look great on the wall… have you checked out goodwill yet to snag some? I just did a “plate” wall with silver trays… and used the 3M sticky stuff to stick them up… very easy and renter-friendly!
Also, Birdhouse Interiors had a similar chair as yours on her blog that she sprayed gloss black and it looked amazing… ever consider that for your chairs?
Jill – I’ll definitely be scouting for cutting boards, especially at places like Goodwill and Value Village. And we’re planning to eventually refinish the table and get new chairs, but I bet the black would look cool with what we already have. Thanks for the idea!
Mom – Thanks! I think that pig cutting board I made was given to Aunt Sue at some point for her collection. But I’ll probably be giving her and Aunt Mary the heads up that I’m collecting cutting boards so they could keep an eye out when they’re antiquing.
Amanda – thank you! There was a lot of beautiful fabric but this seemed to fit the look we were going for best.
Your shades turned out great, Maggie! The color is really fun and it does accent the chandelier just right. Way cool! Are you saying that you will want the wooden cutting board you made in shop class back? It really is as nice as any antique boards I’ve seen (and it’s getting more vintage every day)…
You (and Ryan) did a fantastic job! You definitely picked the perfect fabric for the room.
Maggie, these are absolutely beautiful!
I love this Mags!! When Matthew and I finally get our own place you will be our own little decorator.. lol Well for some things at least =)
Wow, they turned out so great. I’m impressed by your DIY skills. I love that chandelier.
WOW! Nice work! I’m so impressed! Red is such a great accent color for a white-walled room!
i’m impressed. the shades turned out very nice. interesting that the mini-blind was used.
The red is luscious, Maggie. You might consider using bread peels for the wall, as they are thinner and lighter and also what is pictured in the sample!
The curtains look great! I just loved your red chandelier when I saw so I love that you matched the curtains to it. I am totally smitten with red now and am already thinking of ways to bring it into my family room.
Loving that red chandelier – so fun!