House and Home: What About Those Window Coverings?

With the change of seasons, I am always considering a home refresh. Spring and Fall translate to cleaning the big stuff. Carpets need cleaned, chandeliers and fans cleaned and polished, window treatments need refreshed, removed, or replaced. I just visited a friend's new home, a custom build, it is fantastic. Trends in window treatments were diverse throughout her new neighborhood, everything from custom brocade draperies to plantation shutters were all beautiful. 

I insist on some sort of window blinds in most of the home because I live in the woods, I don't like black windows at night. I have lived the dreams of slatted blinds in the past and I really don't like cleaning them. Plantation shutters would fall into that category, as had my wooden slatted blinds of the past. 

I am still searching catalogs and home stores and have not made up my mind, but a change is likely in the offing. In my search I found this tutorial that may interest you. A bit of fabric and some inexpensive tension rods and you have a plan!

• Light filtering treatments are great in the kitchen I think. I need brightness and light in a workspace. Even if this is a short-term solution, not much money is invested and if you sew, you can do this!
• I love that cozy look one sees in magazines with cute little kitchen curtains around a cottage kitchen window, but I must be honest, they will be wet and stained most of the time. 
• While this treatment as it is shown does not entirely cover the window, an extra row or two, with a casing on the side seams holding a fine drapery cord could make it a drawstring to tie up and able to drop down a bit when needed. 
• If you want a bit of bling, fringe, embroidery stitching, or a button banner could easily amp it up a bit.  
• Are traditional sheers and panels making a comeback? Take a pick at Shannon Ables little reading nook and her new window treatments. They are beautiful, cozy and classy without being stodgy, HERE!
  
• If you are renting a space, this might work well. 
  

 Tutorial for Roman Shade, HERE! (this will take you to another link, just click, it's a safe one)