As we were tweaking our plans before we broke ground, I firmly insisted sweetly requested that we have a window in the kitchen.
Did it matter that we’ve got a glass door right off the kitchen? Or giant windows in the dining area? Or the fact we’d have less cabinet space?
Nay.
I got my window, and I’m so glad. I love it. It allows me to gaze out over the back yard while slaving away in the kitchen.
…..You know me better than that.
It allows me to gaze out over the back yard while standing there gazing out over the back yard, is what it does.
It only comes with one teeny-tiny problem. The back of the house faces west, so while we get to enjoy some spectacular sunsets.. we’re also talking Kansas sunsets, and it gets hotter’n donut grease. Hence my sweet newspaper curtain.
I’m not a big fan of blinds, so it’s handy that we don’t have any neighbors back there. The roof getting installed on the back deck has really helped with the blinding death rays of the fading sun, but I still feel like it needs a little something.
But I’m really at a loss. I see all you guys hand sewing your very own cafe curtains in pretty fabrics, while all I’d managed to do was hang newspaper in it with painters tape.
I found a couple things that I think would work ok.
(via)
(via)
But I can’t say either are really blowing my mind.
Help a sister out!
I love that second picture that you posted…but what about an inconspicuous roller shade? You can only pull it down when absolutely necessary, and the rest of the time it would be up and hiding. Maybe behind a piece of trim tacked on and stained to match the window casing?
Oh Ashley I like this idea too!
That is a good idea! D is handy with some trim…
I’m so glad you got your window! I’m coming from a kitchen with zero windows so I’m all for the natural light! Ashley’s idea is great!! I could totally see that working great on your window
I think I would go with a Roman shade, simple clean lines and non fussy. We could whip one up in no time!
We? Or you??
Maybe an old potato sack with printing on it…that would be cute!
That WOULD be cute! I might even be able to manage that one…
What about something like this? http://www.yourwishcake.com/2009/07/on-little-bit-of-decorating.html – you could use pretty teatowels or napkins so you don’t have to sew anything…
Awesome idea! Thanks!!
I’m a naked window kind of gal myself – I’m sure my neighbors really appreciate that! You’re talking to the gal who hung a 7-up sign in her window!
But I do love a little burlap!
Kelly
Clearly I have a problem because my first instinct was “ooo – curtains” followed by “I have to go to Pinterest for inspiration!”. With that said…
You could do something fun like these beaded curtains. I’m not sure that it’s entirely practical but it could be fun.
Personally, my favorite option is (are?) these curtains. I’m not sure if they can be pulled up and down but they’re so cute that none of that matters. Yep – I’m voting for those curtains regardless of their functionality!
Great ideas, Kristen! Thanks! I’ll re-pin.
Nooooo! No window treatments!
Leave it open. It’s beautiful.
hehee!! I might, just because I can’t think of anything I love.
I personally love the two options you gave us! My first place to search would be pinterest, second anthropologie. They always have the cutest curtains even though they are way over priced. I have no idea how to sew either so I’d be using stitchwitch if I bought my own fabric to make a curtain.
Gotta have a window in the kitchen! You were right for insisting. Maybe a roman shade?
I personally think it’s awesome! If it’s more shade you need the roller behind the trim would be cool or if it’s a bit more window decor you’re looking for I love that burlap valance, and did someone say potato sack … I just so happen to have come into a couple of them this morning … but, I don’t need a valance so I’m not sure what I’m going to do with them.
I tend to leave many of my windows naked … in fact, my front of the house window is wide open!
You could also try a bamboo shade. They’re cheap and come in a variety of wood toned hues. And functional so you can pull it down when it gets hotter’n donut grease …
Linda
I am pretty much fabric and curtain challenged, however I do like #2 that you show. I saw somewhere where someone bought a fold up roman shade and added their own fabric by fabric glueing it on. Most of my windows are empty living in the country, but I know what you mean about the sun at certain times. I see something on your window there besides newspaper!
~Bliss~
I’m an open window person and this window really doesn’t need anything to dress it up. IF you must have some relief from the sun, then the roman shade idea is a good one – perhaps a bamboo one – readily available and not expensive.
I’m thinking roman shade too! I’ll be making some for my kitchen windows… eventually!
Good call to add the window (I’m always a form over function girl myself). Nothing that a pretty little valance can’t fix. I like your burlap options, but a something with a little color would look good too.
I LOVE the short panels, especially in a window that is recessed like yours. Here’s a kitchen curtain I pinned recently from Aimee at It’s Overflowing – http://pinterest.com/pin/213991419764504013/
Maybe you could add a fun print band to your burlap like that?
I wouldn’t have it any other way. A window in the kitchen is mandatory! So much so, that we even moved our kitchen window 3 inches up just so we could remodel our kitchen so the window could be placed perfectly above the sink. You have such a lovely home, that I don’t know if I could come up with a window treatment that would measure up! I love the newspaper curtains though, lol!
~Lisha
You win the Yostie Blog Award!
http://onehouseonecouple.blogzam.com/2012/05/yostie-blog-award-buffalo-roam/
Amy,
What about a valance made out of stained wood or tin? I really like the first option, too!
Happy Memorial Day!
blessings,
karianne
I like the first pic you put up; very cute! Or the idea of roman shades isn’t bad…
We have wood blinds on our kitchen window, but our window overlooks our driveway and our neighbors dining room, lol.
No idea. Sewing is one of those areas that I don’t even claim to be proficient at:) I know all about the death ray of the setting sun, we have it for the last 4 hours of each summer day, solved it with UV shades and a trellis, but I didn’t DIY them (just good-old-fashioned-bought-them!)
Jessica
stayathomeista.com
What about a valance with fabric or out of wood (to look like additional molding)? I dont think you want to block the view, so I dont think you should go with a full curtain.
I love a good roman shade! Also, if you pick the right day, newspaper could be an interesting option.