My nekked kitchen windows
October 12, 2010
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Sooo…do you remember that little bitty kitchen project I started ohhhhh…five months ago? I've been making some simple changes I've planned for the space for years.
Well, the summer-o-lazy hit, and then the closer we got to fall, the more obsessed I got with decluttering, so the kitchen has had very little DIY action lately. I’m finally getting the urge to get it finished up – especially since there’s not really that much left to do anyway.
I do have one thing I’m stuck on though – our window treatment-less windows. My plan has always been to redo the no sew roman shades I had up before – I absolutely LOVED them, but the fabric was a bit heavy for the updates I made to the kitchen.
But the further I got into the changes to this space, the less I wanted to cover the windows again!
I started the window redos by reinstalling molding around the windows. I had done this once before a couple of years ago, but they never looked quite right because I never painted everything out white:
I ended up stealing that molding for a family room wainscoting project a year or so ago, so they were trimless again for some time. Nothing is safe with me – I’ll pull it right off the wall if it will save me some cash. :)
This time, I installed the trim again, using this technique – the molding is just the right width and matches up with our window sills perfectly:
I painted out everything in a glossy white paint, to give the illusion of window casings:
It’s the thrifty man’s version of beautiful molding around the windows. :) Not nearly as thick as I’d like, but I do love the result!
My main mission with this kitchen redo was to brighten up the space. It was never really dark and dreary, but I was craving a change after six years. My original plan was to paint our bay window area an apple green to go with the accent color in the room.
But we all know how the apple green went. :) NOT GOOD. Bad. Very, very bad.
So I decided to just paint the whole area out in the wall color that goes throughout our great room – Sisal from Ralph Lauren. BEST. color. ever. (Home Depot doesn’t carry the RL line anymore, but I think they can still find the formula for it! I get it matched to Behr paint.)
It brightened up the space so much, and I swear it made the area feel more spacious too!
The before, with the olive green bay window:
The after, with the Sisal walls, trimmed out windows and a few other new additions:
But here comes the dilemma – I started making new window treatments a couple of months ago and they were a colossal FAIL. In the end, I think it was the fabric I chose. It was gorgeous, but too bland for the space. There wasn’t enough contrast -- everything was blending together.
And now that we’ve lived without treatments in this space, I have to say…I’m quite loving it!
FOR SHAME, I know! I’m usually a decorating, window treating, cover those windows, fanatic!!
But with the changes, this:
Now looks like this:
I mean, look at all that beautiful natural light! (I know, the before pic was taken at night, but just nod your head and agree with me.) :)
Oh yeah, and the unplanted basil, honkin’ cat water bowl (with a fountain, GAH) and Halloween stickies on the window are the perfect touch. I know you’re jealous.
When I redid our backsplash, I took the beadboard up high around the window over the sink, and I absolutely love how it looks with the trim around the window:
On a side note -- since all our other herbs died, I added a little Halloween to the sill by filling my Ball jars with candy corn:
And sticking a little orange LED candle in each one:
Adorable. And I don’t like candy corn…so absolutely ZERO temptation. That is what I’m talkin’ about.
Anyhoo…I can’t believe it, but I don’t want to cover those windows! Is that crazy? Good LORD, is that even allowed?? Will the decorating police come and find me?
When we moved in, I put treatments up thinking I would close them often, but we’ve found little need to do that. Because of the way our house is situated, we don’t really need them for privacy.
I do think a bamboo roman shade would look pretty fab above that kitchen sink – especially up against all that white trim. But the bay windows are super skinny, so finding matching shades for those would be hard. (And expensive.)
Are you a window treatment fool like me? Or do you prefer your windows completely uncovered? I think I may have crossed over. :)
I think you need something. :) I am like you, I LOVE light and hate covering up windows. But I love the touch and added texture that curtains bring to the room.
ReplyDeleteSo maybe sheers in your bay window - white, cream? And cinch them like you had the previous ones?
I just redid my eat in kitchen and added cream sheers and cinched them in the middle with a ribbon. When the blinds are open, honestly, the curtains let in as much light as if they weren't there. But they make a HUGE impact to the room.
http://www.centsiblesavings.com/2010/09/decor-on-dime-party-eat-in-kitchen-redo.html
then maybe just a valance over your sink? or I like what you said about a bamboo shade!
your kitchen is gorgeous! and you can really tell the difference in your camera. I am hoping to upgrade for Christmas! :)
What I have done in my home is just cover the lower half of our windows with a light curtain. I have done this in practically every room. You never have to move them up and down and you get a degree of privacy at night yet you can always see the trees and sky out the top. The curtain is inside the frame. I use spring loaded rods from Country Curtains. Some of the curtains are from this catalog, some are sewn to fit. Martha does this a lot.
ReplyDeleteI like them naked!! I also love decorating with candy corn, I don't like it either! :)
ReplyDeleteI say leave it open! I love natural light beaming in all my windows. It's incredible the transformation just painting the bay window and taking down the curtains. You rock my socks off Mrs. Sarah!
ReplyDeleteMy kitchen windows are bare too (well, except for the junk displays) and I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/10/sns-51-brings-you-window-sill-decor.html
Your brighter colours are lovely! And I do like the roman shade idea. IF the bulk was above your windows so you don't block out that luscious light!
Donna
I'm thinking just a little something on the windows. Maybe something like the ribbon tie curtains from Pottery Barn? Light, airy, and still tons of sunshine. You might could even make them although the price for those isn't too bad.
ReplyDeleteI like the candy corn in the bell jars. I also think your eating area looks SO clean and fresh.
Good luck...
I think it looks awesome! LOVE it! Your kitchen is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI vote nakedness. Love all the natural light. Totally a magazine worthy moment you have going there.
ReplyDeleteStay naked, my friend.
That looks beautiful, all trimmed out and fancy! I am a window treatment fool out of necessity. It is just now getting below 90 here in TX, so part of keeping cool and not having astronomical electric bills is being sure to have heavily lined drapes covering the windows. It's ok, it gives me an excuse to have peacock curtains from Pier 1! :o)
ReplyDeleteI'm diggin the nekked look - esp with the trim on the windows. LOVE the light pouring in!
ReplyDeleteDO NOT COVER THOSE WINDOWS! Let in the light! Who says you need curtains? I took mine off about 8 months ago and have never looked back. One less thing to collect dust and pet hair, one less thing to look dingy, need ironing or "fixing", one less thing to clutter up your beautiful, fresh, clean space! Welcome to the dark side (or more specifically, the light side with all that beautiful sunshine!)!
ReplyDeleteCandy corn doesn't tempt me at all either, so a great decorating piece! :)
ReplyDeleteCandy corn doesn't tempt me at all either, so a great decorating piece! :)
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of windows call for window treatments, but those do NOT. We have a similar eating/bump out area, and I've never once questioned not having treatments there. I guess if you start eating all your meals naked, it might be something to think about. Otherwise, let the light shine in!
ReplyDeletelove the wall color choice...it really makes that area flow and the first thing I was drawn to was your table and decor.. i love the openness (is that even a word..haha) of not having anything there.. but if we know you by now you will come up with some beautifully.. amazing window treatment.. love your blog.. keep up the great inspiration you are to the bloggy world!!
ReplyDeleteI love your nakid windows! It looks all so new, fresh and crispy!
ReplyDeleteI love your pictures!!! How do you get that shot with all that light coming in? When I try that, everything looks dark.
ReplyDeleteBonnie :)
We recently moved into a house with a good-sized fenced yard that backs up to a greenbelt. There are 2" white faux wood blinds on all of the windows, but we never close the ones along the back of the house. It is such a hassle to open and close them every day (6 windows just in the hearth room and the living room), and I NEED that natural light coming in during the day. I am planning to take down the blinds and maybe put up bamboo shades (which should be easier to raise and lower than our heavy blinds). I can't decide if I want matchstick ones or the wider ones. Hrmm.
ReplyDeleteI love the natural light and I think the door and sink window can go nekked - but the side windows feel like they are missing something - even if just a cornice to finish the top or maybe 2 inch wood blinds on the whole window, but it feels like it need something across the top. I like the redo though, very pretty!
ReplyDeleteLeave them nekked!! I love the clean lines which really opens up the space. The new color really makes that space flow. Love it! Great job.
ReplyDeleteI have the same kind of area in my kitchen and love the windows without any coverings (even though I live in TX too). I ended up put crisp white sheers on the two side windows - pulled back with white tiebacks and left the rest of windows & the door uncovered. I love sitting at the kitchen table and being able to see the birds & other "critters" visit every morning. I love your new kitchen.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/window-coverings/diy-cafe-curtains-from-martha-stewart-076313
ReplyDeleteor
http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/simply-dressed-cafe-curtains-00400000008426/
If you love the idea of the bamboo blinds, check out Overstock. I got bamboo blinds for practically all my windows in my house a few months ago and they have a huge selection of odd sizes . . . you may be able to find some for your tiny windows. Just a thought. :)
ReplyDeleteI would go with white wooden blinds. I leave ours with the slats turned so you can see out of them, so they serve no purpose other than to make the windows look like we didn't just move in. But that's just me...
ReplyDeleteAnd ps. it looks a milliion times better without the green paint. No offense. ;)
Love the way the new space looks! Crisp and gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI think a bamboo roman shade above the kitchen sink would look great, but I am with you on the bay windows... I say leave them bare! The white trim is beautiful, and if you don't need the privacy, I love them open, airy, and bright!
Definitely something on the windows. With the high cost of heating for the winter - the windows having a covering would be insulating and help with keeping the house warmer. Plus it finishes a room to have window treatments.
ReplyDeleteYou know what they say, sometimes more is less. It love them without their dressing.
ReplyDeleteI love the natural light!! The center piece is adorable. And the candy corn in the jars is perfect for October!
ReplyDeleteI am a minimalist when it comes to window treatments. I don't have any in our living room or dining room and get loads of natural light. I say keep them uncovered if that's what you like!
ReplyDeletexo,
cristin
I've personally wanted to start a no-window treatments movement since I finished my son's nursery. Our house doesn't get as much natural light as I'd like, so when does shine its way in, I hate blocking it. I also can't make up my mind on treatments anyway. I love the bare look. It also shows your room has such wonderful quality and design it doesn't need them! : ) I didn't even notice the stickers and cat bowl until you pointed them out-haha. Thanks also for linking to your window moldings. Ours are moldless also, but unfortunately, we have black windows from the 80's. I'm wondering if the trim would spruce them up or make them more obvious...hmm
ReplyDeleteIt looks great naked but if you feel weird about it being naked try thick white wood blinds. They are bright and can be pulled up and pretty much disappear during the day.
ReplyDeleteWe have the same bump out situation in our kitchen and I went with 2" white wood blinds (mostly for privacy because I'm a freak about uncovered windows at night even though no one lives behind us...HA!) It's a good compromise. :)
I'm not sure if it's your developing skills or your camera but your new photos are looking fab! The light in them is really nice. For that reason, I vote nekked!
ReplyDeleteI love saying the word 'Neked'... but in this case, I think you need to cover them puppies up. I'm kinda a freak about night time and people trying to break in, so my rule of thumb is 'if I can't see um', they aren't there'. Blinds make all the bad people disappear. lol. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love all the bright, natural light during the day but night time would be an issue for me. (I spend way too much time wandering around in my kitchen in a state of half-dress!) When I lived in Seattle (where natural light can be an issue in winter) I put up white cotton half curtains that just covered the bottom half of the window. Voila! Light and privacy...
ReplyDeleteI think they look great naked. And if you are comfortable without window coverings and privacy isn't an issue, then leave them! It's not often that we have the option of leaving windows naked because we are usually facing out to neighbours or the street so nighttime in particular is tricky. (I'm one of those people out for walks at night who can't help looking into people's houses when they're windows are bare!)
ReplyDeleteIf you were to put up something, I would choose white fabric romans (I had bought some at Walmart a few years back) that would look great with the trim and you can leave them pulled up to let in as much light as possible :)
I grew up in a home with window coverings, but when I went out on my own, loved all the light without them. I've lived in apartments, in the country, and now in a small town. My only concession to window coverings has been shades on a couple of windows that I never bother to put down except in extreme heat to help keep a room cool.
ReplyDeleteI think your choice is excellent,and opens up the room. The before picture seems claustrophobic by comparison. Enjoy the light!
Looks terrific!! I'm stealing your candy corn idea!
ReplyDeleteI say do what you love! But, since you asked, I really liked the roman shades from before. The space just seems a bit washed out without a little something.
ReplyDeleteIf privacy is not an issue, I say leave em nekked! After finding out I had a horrible dust mite allergy last year, we took down ALL of our curtains. We do have wood blinds (I would love Plantation Shutters some day). I love the cleaner, more open look. We added a wooden cornice above our kitchen window to give it some pizazz and I love it...still clean and crisp, but a little dressier.
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I too have undressed windows. Sometimes I feel they look a little harsh but love the light that comes in. I also love being able to see the patio and pond out back during the day or the path and pond lights at night.
ReplyDeleteI think a kitchen could go either way with or without window treatments. If you don't need privacy or sun control, I'd leave them for now. When the cold hits you might change your mind, but why couldn't you take them down in the warmer months and have something up in the colder months?
ReplyDeleteWe needed odd-sized bamboo roman shades and ended up buying a standard size from Lowes and cutting them on the table saw. It worked PERFECTLY!
ReplyDeleteYou do need something in the windows, though.
The windows in our kitchen look almost just like that, and I don't think I have the heart to cover them! I can't bare the idea of losing any of the natural light! :)
ReplyDeleteI have lace curtains on most of my windows. They let in all the light yet the windows don't look so bare.
ReplyDeleteWe don't do much for window here. For privacy we have plantation shutters on all windows on the main floor, but they are gorgeous and during they day they open wide and all the sun comes spilling in. Wood shades on the upper levels. All white. Something about how clean it looks. I am for whatever makes it look bigger and brighter. You did a fabulous job on that bay. No doubt about it! Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI think it's whatever you desire/think... it is your decision! It's your house and if you are happy then that is all that matters.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful kitchen - windows and all! I'd love to know where you got those cute little pumpkins with the scroll design in your first pic. Too Too CUTE
ReplyDeleteI love them without any thing! I have some window treatments in my house but not every window. If you do feel like you need something you could do panels on either side of the bay. I have done that at some clients house and it looks great- softens the look of the room without blocking any light!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you posted this! I took off my window panel and valance on our sliding door in the kitchen and kind of want to keep it that way. I do love the added texture but now can't decide what to do with the space. I like your space without the panels. What a change!
ReplyDeleteWindow coverings are one of the areas I struggle with. I sold window coverings for almost 10 years. I love the looks of the fabric, but I also NEED the light to come in. I say if you like them nekked then keep them nekked-you can always but something up later.
ReplyDeleteMy solution has been to use simple white side panels to just soften the windows.
I was going to suggest the roman shade too but if that's going to be to expensive maybe just a nice clean valance will do? That way it won't cover the whole window & will look more finished. I am pretty partial to the nekkid windows though, they do let in a lot of light & are beautiful. Can't wait to see what you come up with :-)
ReplyDeleteNaked all the way!! :P
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about agonizing over covering natural light. I have very thin, white sheers on my windows since I live in a garden apartment and get very little natural sunlight. This helps cover the area, without obscuring too much sunlight.
ReplyDeletePS: Totally copying your candy corn in bell jar move. No temptation for me either. Them things are nasty.
I love how you've got a beautifully decorated space...and then the Halloween stickers on the window in the background!
ReplyDeleteKeeping it real! I seriously love it!
I vote window coverings. They warm up a room and can offer pattern. You don't have to cover all the window so you can have your light, but a small valance at the top would be perfect! Check out Lowe's they have a decent selection with good prices!
ReplyDeleteI vote window coverings. They warm up a room and can offer pattern. You don't have to cover all the window so you can have your light, but a small valance at the top would be perfect! Check out Lowe's they have a decent selection with good prices!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm a no-window treatment kinda gal if at all possible, but you gotta do what makes your heart sing! If you're lovin' all that pretty natural light, go nekkid!!!
ReplyDeleteWait.
That came out wrong.
>:-)
Layla
Oh! Oh! Leave them naked! As somebody who lives in a condo with stupid tiny windows, enjoy all that natural light you're getting! I'm jealous!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love...love...love your style. Please come to Washington and do mine!
ReplyDeleteLove the candy corn in the jar. What a simple and inexpensive way to decorate!
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely with you on the candy corn and the naked windows. Let there be light!
ReplyDeleteI vote no window coverings! I felt the same way and when we moved into our new house I didnt have curtains up for the longest time in the kitchen. We back up to a park and it is very private. I like the open feel of nothing on the windows. Every once in a while I think I should put something up then just as quickly change my mind.
ReplyDeleteI love the light. We have a very dark house that we have a hard time getting light in so in my mind I am thinking do not cover those! Maybe a little bamboo shade over your sink as it looks a little bare, but I love the side windows nekked!
ReplyDeleteHow about a garland at the top? I know it sounds country, but I once saw it done with a twig & fruit garland, and it looked quite sophisticated.
ReplyDeleteI think you should keep them as is. Like you said, there isn't a privacy issue, and all of that natural light is wonderful. I don't have window treatments on my windows and they look out onto my back yard. I could sit and stare all day at the outside, even though we can see our neighbor's house too. I don't care about privacy in the kitchen; who cares if they see us eating dinner!
ReplyDeleteI think it looks beautiful just the way it is. Leave it nekkid!:)
ReplyDeleteI think you like 'em Nekkid! ;) So, who are we to tell YOU,TDC,what to do? Seriously, I think your windows look great, but it's up to ya!!
ReplyDeleteWhile I think that no treatment is nice also, I do love the roman blinds you had up before. Perhaps a different fabric that would be more suitable for your new lighter/brighter look?
ReplyDeleteBottom line is, whatever makes you happy is the right choice. Trick is, sometimes it's just hard to figure out what you want...at least that's what I find =)
I think you need something too...it needs to be softer somehow. I'm just starting out on my decorating so I don't have any suggestions, sorry! But I wanted to tell you, I laughed when you said the candycorn is NO temptation to you so it gets your a-ok to put it out. That is SO me.
ReplyDeleteLast night I went to Winco and got some in the bulk section, and am excited to do something pretty with it today. I ALSO got my son some m&m's for his lunch and oooooh how I have been eyeing those today! I KNOW my weakness and it is ALWAYS chocolate. So no Halloween chocolates allowed in the house. LOL.
I am really loving the Sisal from Ralph Lauren color. I think that is what I want to use too, but I am going with Benjamin Moore paint. It looks beautiful in your home!
Hello! My name is Kara, from Texas...Im a new blogger, WOW! It is alot More than one would think (at least more than I thought!) WHEW! Its a bit overwhelming...ANYWHOOO! I LOVE YOUR SITE! I have been an Interior Designer for over 20 Yrs and I think you ROCK! The MANY WAYS you continue to redecorate on a constant basis is AMAZING! You are one BUSY, BUSY Chick! I would love for you to visit my NEW BLOG...I use alot of PIX from my Portfolio from over the years...But I have to tell you, God gave you a TRUE TALENT! Again, you are AMAZING!
ReplyDeletexoxokpb
I am having a GIVEAWAY on my BLOG right now at
www.elements-interiors.net
I like them naked. I love all the light that comes in. But, I have no window coverings on our french door OR kitchen window, so I'm biased. In our case, very little sun hits the back of the house, so I don't block it in any way.
ReplyDeleteOoooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!! And, Im a nut Too! I LOVE to use the words:
ReplyDeleteLUUUUUURVE
Caaaaaaaaaaauuuute!
AH-Duuuuuuuuuhh!
alot of this:
;-) :-) ;-O
I overuse :!!!!!!!!!???????? & ....
and like you said, i wont change that for anyone......(oops, see)
xoxokpb
www.elements-interiors.net
I'm in the naked camp, too. Love all that natural light!
ReplyDeleteLOVE THE NOT GREEN!!! As for the windows, I vote with Centsible Savings for sheers (White?) with an inside mount so they're not floppin all over and this will leave your window frames showing! And as already suggested by others, try cinching in the middle! GO SARAH!
ReplyDeleteI hate candy corn! Never in my life would I have thought to decorate with it! Ew,ew,ew, but it sure is cute! :) Oh, was this about windows? I am a natural light girl & I love them uncovered. But, I live in TX & due to the extreme heat/sun we need coverings. I say, unless you too get hammered by the sun, let 'em shine! :)
ReplyDeleteJust going by your pictures I say leave them naked for now. Think of this winter with that warm sun coming through and the reflection off of the snow. I do like the idea of sheers too that someone mentioned earlier. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI say stay naked...it looks clean and streamlined. Maybe i'm hypocritical because i'm currently making window treatments for my dining nook...but we have a western exposure without any shade trees and it gets HOT and obnoxiously bright, even with the blinds closed. Maybe if you want a little something without covering the windows, do a box-pleated valance treatment that mostly goes ABOVE the windows, a la Candace Olson (I love how she makes windows look bigger by covering the wall above them!) Box-pleats, while not necessarily easy to make, look streamlined and clean, non-fussy.
ReplyDeleteI say leave them alone right now and live with it for awhile. I am still working on getting window coverings in my home...one room by one room. The natural light is awesome and puts you in a great mood.
ReplyDeleteOn a different note..love the bead board as a backsplash. Was it easy to do? Did you just paint it with a glossy paint. Great idea and very lovely kitchen.
I like the naked look...for windows that is! Seriously, love all the natural light. You can't beat that!!! Your moldings look pretty fab. I'm impressed.
ReplyDelete-FringeGirl
My windows in the kitchen are trimmed out in white also. I like all of the natural light, but in the winter, I wanted a way to make to space seem more cozy at night. I used spring rods and put them inside the window frames. I them made simple curtains out of white dotted swiss that fit inside the windows. During the day, the curtains are pushed open. Since they are white, they do not distract from the window or the view. During the winter with them closed, the provide enough insulation to make the kitchen feel warmer.
ReplyDeleteDid you mention where you got the ceramic pumpkins that are on your kitchen table. They are beautiful.
Your kitchen re-do is great. You should be so proud. Anna
OH please leave them alone...Beautiful light coming in. If I had it my way half of my windows would not have screens or window coverings. I keep my windows very clean. they are my fav thing in my house I think they look great with the molding. Great job I love natural light and I love fresh air. I open my windows every day. Hot or cold. At least for a little while. I think your windows give a fresh crisp look.
ReplyDeleteNekked is good for the summer but for the winter I like a little more coverage. How about just panels on the outside of the windows placed at the ceiling of the window alcove on swing arm rods. Lined in another fabric. Then a handkerchief valance with both fabrics (the top shorter to show the lining) over the door and kitchen window.
ReplyDeleteI say,"Put something on them nekked windows." It looks fine bare but I think something (not sure what) would add a lot. I love the eating area all one color... looked like a completely different room almost! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteI do love bamboo shades, but my dream - someday when we don't live in base housing (military) - is to have super nice windows with nice molding and thick blinds so that I don't have to worry about curtains because curtains are my arch nemisis. I never know if curtains should flow with the wall and blend in or stick out and be a statement.
ReplyDeleteSO: I vote for NO curtains because I think it looks awesome without - lots of light - and NO decisions to make! :)
I enjoy reading your blog! You are truly inspiring, thank you! I love the space without window treatments, it's cleaner and simple yet classy. Great job! I have to tell you that when I saw your pet fountain, it brought a smile to my face. It's refreshing to know of other people who love their fur kids and look out for their best interest! I have the big dog one, so you can imagine how bulky mine is but it's so worth it because it encourages our cats and dogs to drink more water.
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday! :)
Leave the windows nekked! We let the sunshine in on most of our windows. Hate all that clutter blocking the beautiful light.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI actually LOVE windows without any treatments on them! I have many a window in my house that is treamentless. I just love all the natural light it provides. And I think your bay area looks so much bigger and gorgeous! As far as privacy in my house... I live on 3 acres with no neighbors in eyesight, so I can sit on my front porch nekked and no one would know! :) TMI?
Enjoy the sunshine!
Hi Sarah-
ReplyDeleteI love light- lots and lots of it so I think your windows look better without any treatments. Having clean lines at your windows makes your room look more updated, plus less work for you.
My best- Diane
Beautiful change.... I love that you are allowing natural light to flow into the room. There is something refreshing about natural light!
ReplyDeletehttp://marriedtothemound.blogspot.com/
How do you read all of these comments, there are so many?!!
ReplyDeleteI think your bay window looks awesome, you did such a wonderful job. I love love nekked windows because natural light is amazing! but I am loving the look curtains add to a room. curtains can make such an amazing difference. sometimes I will spend hours upon hours upon days and weeks searching for the perfect curtains and I hate them all until I see the ones that just scream "I'm what you are looking for!" You know it when you see if it's what you want.
I think your bay windows look really awesome with no curtains and would be perfect left alone.
On the other hand, if you decide you have to have curtains, I think it would look amazing with a black bay window curtain rod along the top, and four sheer panels.... none of the curtains would have to block any of the windows, but be at the ends and between the windows. you know what look I'm talking about?.... that would look beautiful.
Im hunting now for bay window curtains... and finally found ones that said "I'm the one!"
Check out this post from YHL which has the look I'm talking about... http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/06/email-answer-its-curtains-for-you/
I think you go either way....and ultimately you should do what makes you happy. Because it is your house and you will be looking at it every day.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, the power of window treatments to make a space look completed, never ceases to amaze me. I always think the windows look OK bare, but when I finally get around to window treatments, I am never sorry. They just make a space look....finished. And maybe you can find something that does not block the light but complements it. You don't want to lose that!
This is why I LOVE valances! They give you a little "something" and make the space look finished--but they aren't full blinds. I never fuss with blinds anyway, they tend to be, and stay, either closed or open and I LOVE the light. : )
ReplyDeleteThis is why I LOVE valances! They give you a little "something" and make the space look finished--but they aren't full blinds. I never fuss with blinds anyway, they tend to be, and stay, either closed or open and I LOVE the light. : )
ReplyDeleteLove it! and, I love the candy corn jars! Great idea.
ReplyDeleteThe ONLY windows in our entire house that have anything at all on them are the bedrooms. I KNOW! I despise covering my windows. We spent a fortune on all new windows a year ago and put Levolor blinds (zip it - I have the worst asthma on the planet and the less fabric, the better LOL) in the bedrooms. Nada, nothing, nill, in any other rooms and I. LOVE. IT. Granted, we live in the woods in the middle of nowhere, so unless Bambi or someone who's lost peeks in our windows, I doubt we'll have any issues. In fact, we just had a window installed in our shower yesterday - uncovered!
ReplyDeleteLeave 'em nekkid!
Oh, I completely know how you feel about covering your windows. This happened to me in our living room, when we replaced our windows. I just loved all that extra light, and I still don't really want blinds or curtains in there now! But I'm weird~ I like that open look!
ReplyDeleteBUT now, thin, almost wispy curtains that you don't close can act like a frame and soften the room without stealing the light! I don't know though~ if you don't need them for privacy's sake, and you don't want them right now, maybe just leave it until you do? And don't worry, the window treatment police will NOT come after you! :)
Oh, and I LOVE your kitchen! It is gorgeous! I am just wrapping up ours and know how much work goes into it! All of your hard work has really paid off. :) And the idea to put candy corn in a open jar with a little light is so cute! I am going to have to do this! :)
Blessings,
Jenni
{Beautiful Nest}
I love having light come in the windows like that. But I think the curtains would give it a more finished look. You have much better decorating skills than I have so go with what you like.
ReplyDeleteI love the natural light, but wonder if it's gonna let a lot of cold air in when the winter months hit. (see...I'm being the watcher of the electric bill here! lol) Maybe naked in the spring, summer and fall, but a little in the winter months. (of course, maybe you have some super duper, anti freezey windows and don't have to worry about those things!) :) Either way, your kitchen looks great! Oh and I love it painted in the sisal color...much better than the green...and I adore green! lol
ReplyDeleteHUGS
Missy
Mmmm candy corn!
ReplyDeleteI say bring on the light! Yes, I know curtains are the norm, and that is why I say nekked windows is GREAT!!! Enjoy that sunshine!
ReplyDeleteI think no curtains looks better, fresher and cleaner!!! I think the way it is now looks amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteI folded a crocheted round lace doily in half and hung it in my bathroom window with clear push pins. Instant window embellishment and the light still comes through.
ReplyDeleteMy window is tiny but you could find crocheted table cloths to fit.
Mine cost 25 cents at the thrift store and about 30 seconds to install.
Well, first of all, I love the new look you have going on...Halloween stickies on the window and everything! ;) I love all that natural light and it looks so fresh and clean...but I agree that a simple treatment would soften the space up and add texture. But what do I know? :s
ReplyDeletePS. I have a clear glass pumpkin by my window that has candy corn in it. A lot less candy corn right now than when it started. ;)
I vite for something to add a little color or pattern or at the very least SOFTNESS! it's all hard surfaces over there. maybe a simple stationary pointed valance? (single point in the center. super easy to sew. line it to prevent fading, ofcourse.
ReplyDeleteLove the naked look! We have a roman shade in our kitchen, but I never close it because like you we don't need the privacy. The only thing I'd worry about with the larger windows in your meals area is loss of heat over winter. If you don't find this to be a problem go ahead and leave them naked.
ReplyDeleteI am SUCH a fan of "untreated windows"!
ReplyDeleteActually, I love my kitchen window treatment, made using your faux Roman shade tutorial. But I have very few window treatments in this house. Don't get me wrong--I love pretty draperies--but if the walls are painted a color that contrasts with white trim, I just love the look of pretty windows with sunlight flooding in!
I'd say live with your naked windows awhile. See if you get the urge to something more. And if not, just enjoy!
I need to tell you a story about "nekked"--I'll email you. :)
I love those little LED candles and use them as night lights in our guest bathroom. Works really neat-o!!
ReplyDeleteDi
Please leave nekked! It looks updated, bright and happy!! Shows off your newest trim work creation and has such presence... But it's your house - do what seems right to you!
ReplyDeleteI say just use bamboo shades, you don't have to put them all the way down, but it might help cut down on the glare and heat int he summer.
ReplyDeleteI am a window treatment fanatic but I also LOVE a room that is filled with warm and natural light. I also live in a house that is 70 years old. The windows are gorgeous (and inefficient). The casing and trim is all wood finished to match my hardwood floors and each window has the grids in them. So, to satisfy my need to add texture by putting up window treatments I have sheer curtains on all of the windows except in the bedrooms where I need more privacy. I love that I have added texture and color to my rooms without hiding my gorgeous windows. And I really love the way yours look without anything. :)
ReplyDeleteI've converted to nekked windows without treatments -- you can do it! I will say that I'm somewhat in a "recovering" mode as I am occasionally tempted to put something on my nekked windows.
ReplyDeleteThe bare windows just look so fresh, keeps the light coming in (important in winter!) and keeps the room from looking too overdone.
Your room looks especially nice without the window treatment.
I vote keep it nekked!
I know nothing about decorating. And I am dying to do your stairs on my stairs but I am so scared casue I know nothing about decorating. I have six kids and need something that isn't going to get ruined. The carpet has just gotten trashed. Anyway all that to say even though I know nothing about decorating I like them better naked.
ReplyDeleteLove your ideas.
I LOVE the decoration hanging on your door! Did you make that? Is their a post for it somewhere???
ReplyDeleteI think they look great as is! We don't do any fabric window treatments. We have 2" faux woods blinds on all our windows and that works perfect for us. IMO, window treatments are gorgeous in general, but it's also just another thing to get dusty. ha!
ReplyDeleteGo with the nekkid windows. :-)
I love the naked windows during the day but hate the black hole at night. I have been struggling with finding something that offers privacy at times but doesn't cover up the windows and light. Something that isn't too fussy like curtains for a breakfast room. I love natural woven shades but the stack size covers a big chunk of the window when drawn up. Who wants that? Are honeycomb shades too blah- at least they draw up almost completely so all the light comes in when you want it.
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