The Tricky Bay Window

Hi....

I have bay windows in my living room and kitchen. There are several problems in trying to find window treatments for them. Right now, there are these awful vinyl vertical blinds.First problem, is the windows are old and can only have blinds, etc. outside mounted. Secondly, the windows are so close together that it is difficult to have two outside mounted items end to end. Thirdly, there is an "overhang" that the windows are tucked under.I'm open to pretty much anything at this point.

Thanks so much :)

Amy

Dear Amy,

You have a number of different options.

1. You can add a cornice to the bay windows- I like the look of a wood crown molding- I am not a big fan of the upholstered ones most of the time. With the crown hiding your top- you can add whatever blinds you like. You can also "dry-wall" a sofit in that would act as a crown in this way- without photos of your place it is hard for me to tell you what would work best. (see the last picture in the post)


2. Eliminate the entire idea of "blinds" or shades and just use drapery panels and sheers. Hang them as high as you can- and take them to the floor.


3. The smallest, least intrusive blinds are roller shades. Use roller shades and add drapery panels on top to cover outside mounts.


4. Use a cafe curtain in the kitchen area. (like shown in this post.) No matter how awkward the top of your window is, this won't go near it.


5. Use Roman shades- have them outside mounted- butted right next to one another.- A fabric valance like the one at the top of the post would give a similar look.

Notice the pictures in this post, and in most nicer design magazines. (these are from House Beautiful) I know that blinds are very functional- but they are definitely not the design ideal in window treatments. You will more often see no blinds at all in nicer homes. So- if you are unable to have blinds- you are in good company.

The Lakefront Kitchen Remodel

Hello again:-)

I am spending WAY too much time reading your blog today:-) I wanted to see what your thoughts were on my lakefront house that we are planning a total kitchen renovation in VERY soon. We are planning on painting all the woodwork in the kitchen white, with the island being rebuilt and painted chocolate brown. I want to keep it light and airy as it is a lakefront property and I want to bring in the blues/browns to decorate. I am unsure of the countertops to use. Keeping in mind this is our second home, budget is a huge factor. I really do not like speckled granite/quartz. I have a shiny black quartz countertop in my home now and absolutely hate it. It is so hard to keep clean. I cannot spend a lot of money in this lakefront home as we are renovating the whole thing. I need to remain frugal. :-) Any ideas would be truly wonderful. :-)

thank you so much and I hope I can get all my pics to you. :-)

deb

Dear Deb,

I will tell you exactly what to do.

1. wood countertop


2. beadboard backsplash


3. stained island


4. wood floor
   
   

1. Wood counters are a less commonly used material- but generally speaking- you can get them for a fraction of the price of other solid surfaces. Sure- they require some maintenance- but they are timeless, charming, and inexpensive. You can't get a bigger bang for your buck.

2. Beadboard backsplash. Forget the expense of a tile backsplash- purchase 4 x 8 sheets- and go beadboard. Again- charming, timeless, classic, and inexpensive. Paint it to match the cabinets. The perfect look for lakefront property.

3. Stained island. I don't like wood painted brown. Wood is brown. Wood painted brown doesn't make sense to me. You said it was being rebuilt- don't paint- stain. With the wood counters on the other area- and now that we are staining the island- do a different surface on the island counter. I would do a grayish black soapstone. If that is too expensive- stay with the white cabinets and wood counter. The backside of your bar can be beadboard to tie it together.

One more thing- if you don't NEED the privacy- remove all of those blinds and valances and put in cafe curtains. We need a little more charm in your place. :) Look at the picture at the top of the post. These would be extremely inexpensive to make or have made- and what a great look! Add chrome or black hardware. (I would probably do black.)

Thanks for writing in, and thanks for spending too much time on my blog. :)

- Christine

PS- Remember that the blue and brown combination is trendy- bring it in though dishes, pitchers and wall decor, not permanent items like backsplashes and islands.