I don’t know about you all but I’ve had one of those weeks that call for a strong drink. In fact, two. Straight up with a twist. Yesterday I received several calls from friends and fam who were going through crappy things. Everyone’s situation was different but bottom line is that a lot of people close to me are going through a really hard time. My heart goes out to each and every one. Love you all!
On a brighter note, I’m hunkering down for a few days while a few house projects get tackled, including the installation of that total splurge light fixture from Restoration Hardware I hinted about last week. Don’t worry, there will definitely be pics! The other project is new tile in both our bathrooms. “Why Megan, I thought you just built a house, why would you ever need brand new bathroom tile?” you might ask. Ahhh…well, I would say back to you, its a long complicated story that involves the recall of the tile mud that they use to stick the tile to the floor. Slight problem. Its not sticking. When you walk on it, it makes the sounds of Rice Crispies. Great cereal, but not what you want to hear when you step out of the shower. So I have a small army here over the next two days to rip it up and reinstall. Fun times. Thankfully it was caught in time so that we are not responsible and the end result will be gorge!
Ok, so now lets get down to the good stuff! Decorating, of course, mwahhhh! Last weekend I was having a conversation with my friend Angie and thought some of you out there might be having the same decorating issue she has. Angie lives in a gorgeous older home in DC. When she went to install nice wood blinds a few months ago she realized that her windowsill depth actually wasn’t wide enough. Literally the only types of blinds she could hang are the little metal ones, which lets face it, have kind of a office-like vibe. We came up with a few solutions to dress up those glass beauty’s without the use of blinds.
Layering a shade with long curtains softens the look and still solves the small windowsill issue. Photo from HGTV.
Bamboo shades that can be hung from the outside of the window.
Roman shades, soft and classic. A great alternative to blinds!
When all else fails, a bright curtain from Pottery Barn Teen does the trick!
So any other suggestions that don’t break the bank but still get rid of the ghastly metal blinds? Thoughts on what we’ve come up with?
{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
we have the same issue! and have yet to tackle window decor. these are great ideas
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i love the look of floor to ceiling curtains to make the room look taller!
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What fun fresh takes on windows!
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We have put new tile in our bathrooms in our relatively new house as well.
Look forward to the pics on your fixture project.
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All comments and suggestions are GREATLY appreciated! Love you Meg!
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I like the 2cd one my dear!
I hear you about the need for a drink (or 3)!! It seems like everyone always falls apart at once : ( Sorry!
mmmm…Rice Crispies…lol
{hugs}
Johanna
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Curtains are always a difficult thing for me. I used to get them from Spiegel and now I let my mom pick them out for me. My favorites were the ones she made for me years back but she doesnt like to sew anymore.
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I love this post. It’s funny, inspiring and I love that you also share a grown up love of PB Teen!
Can’t wait to see pics!
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I personally love the look of plantation shutters. Those bamboo ones rock too though!
Good luck.
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Anaiz Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:06 am
@Anaiz, But maybe plantation shutters wouldn’t work?
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The BonBon Rose Girls Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:52 pm
@Anaiz, They’d have to be custom which gets pretty expensive, but maybe for a few of her windows in special rooms!
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I love the ideas you’ve come up with — especially the Roman shades, I’m a huuuge fan of those!
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Good luck with bathrooms, and I am praying for your friends.
I have always loved J C Penney curtains they are affordable and stunning.
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Great tips! Can’t wait to see the new lighting.
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They have a Pottery Barn Teen? I had no idea! And I love nice drapes- mine are so old and horrid!
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These are all so great, I love the last one especially.
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I love the idea of a roll up shade with soft drapes beside. The panel tab drapes are so inexpensive now too!
XO
Lenore
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In my babies room (he’s not a baby anymore, he’s almost 9)…we used a vinyl roll up shade. I loved it because it really darkened his room during the day for him to nap. I had seen a cute Martha Stewart article on how to spruce up the shade (paint directly on it with stencils, add some wall paper, add a trim). I stenciled on it and added a ribbon trim. Then we had a cute denim valance. Nothing like denim and khaki for a little boy. Hang side panel curtains or a valance over a shade…and when it’s pulled up, no one sees it. Even some pretty sheers can use a shade behind them to darken a room.
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I tend to like bamboo shades with a luxurious fabric long drape puddling on the floor. But, I am a bit traditional in my decor. All very nice alternatives.
xo,
Christina
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Now you got me looking at my windows…I think I need a change for the Fall.
Hugs my friend…thanks for the ideas. xo
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Such great tips…Roman shades are a big fave of mine as well!
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I love bright curtains! And I’m so sorry that you’re having such a rough week, dear — hope it improves soon!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com
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I have always been a fan of natural roll shades paired with drapery. It’s that earthy texture married with textiles that is appealing. Ikea always had great bamboo shades as well as World Market & cheap. Even bought my last one @ Lowes & was surprised by their selection & good prices. Windows have always been my thorn. If money wasn’t the issue then windows would be a pleasure to dress. Oh the perils of the middle-class…lol!
Hey, you ladies have a fabulous LONG weekend? Hope you have some fun mixed in with the work? Cheers my dears xo
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I too have had a terrible few weeks. It’s been hard to get out of this funk. Thanks for sharing. Have you thought of beaded curtains? Kind of like those used in doorways? Take care.
Plan B
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pottery barn is great to pick up stuff, it’s so classy. hehe I need new curtains after looking at your post
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The fiance and I just moved into an incredible vintage apartment downtown Chicago. The ceilings are 13 feet. When I saw them I knew I had to have insanely dramatic curtains nearly just as long. I special ordered them from Bed Bath and Beyond and received them last week; they definitely broke the bank…but they look so fabulous!
XO
Carly
All this is Grace and Charm
http://allthisgraceandcharm.blogspot.com
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The BonBon Rose Girls Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:55 pm
@Carly, Who even knew you could special order from the BB&B!? Thanks for the tip!
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Great ideas!
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Roman shades are a great alternative to blinds and I love the way they look!
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i absolutely love the use of shades instead of blinds. such a pleasant alternative!
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Love both the Roman and bamboo shades. I think the Roman are my favorite.
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Those window-dressings are lovely!
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I like the shades in the first and second pictures. We have bamboo shades in our Florida room and they’re great. Hope things start looking up soon for your friends and family.
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Great pictures. I am a fan of Plantation Shutters when and if I need privacy. We have no one around so I typically ‘dress’ our windows with very simple/elegant couture style ballroom window treatments that puddle on the floor like a gown and let the sunlight just pour in. I love this look with a modern piece of furniture and an antique piece mixed in.
good luck with your projects, sounds fun!
xoxo
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I’m having a ‘I need a drink week’ as well. Ooo, these are such cool ways of decorating. I love the bamboo shades.
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I have metal blinds in my bedroom and I definitely need to get rid of them. I really love the long curtains and the bamboo shades. Definitely some great alternatives!
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I love the top option. I went to target and bought some black and white Parisian-esque drapes and I tie them back with a black ribbon. I am a fan.
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Hi !
It’s been a while i didn’t comment…
In my appartement i fixed some woods blinds but ON the bottom of the window without doing any hole . Do you think it could work for your problem?
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Do you have an Ikea? I had great luck with roman shades from there with my vintage condo,
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I love the 1st and last options! I’m all about prints
xoxo
Giovanna
Boho Market Blog
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I’m sorry to hear that, Megan:( I’m with ya, it seems that a lot of people are hurting right now. I love the idea of the first picture and also the bamboo shades!
TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com
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I love bamboo shades on windows, I always think it looks so fun!
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I love the layered look!!
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Ooh, those bamboo shades and Roman shades look great. Although I opted for white linen curtains in my own room; they really make it seem lighter in there.
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I actually love the bamboo shades! I’ve found that you can use them in many decorating styles! Love your blog, by the way. I read even though I don’t comment every time. xoxo
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I love all those options-so pretty! I can’t wait to see pics of how the tile and light turned out!
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