Nothing like a super corny joke to start off my morning!
I had a really hard time deciding what to do with the kitchen windows. We have a pretty pane detail at the top that I didn't want to cover with blinds. I also wanted to add a 'soft' element. There's only hard edges and stainless steel in the kitchen .
I considered roman blinds but they would block the detail at the top & because our kitchen is east facing blocking out light isn't a concern.
So, taking all of that into consideration we decided that little cafe curtains might work. I wasn't fully convinced but if I had to try an option first I should try the cheapest and cafe curtains are CHEAP!
The rod is a tension mount (no screws or other hardware needed). I used little alligator clips to hold up the curtains (it took two packages from Home Outfitters @ $6.99 ea.). I love using alligator clips, all you have to do is sew a hem around a piece of fabric . . . you could even buy pre-made napkins and just clip them up!
Including the tension rods the total cost was $34.
Since this was just a test run, I used some old fabric I had lying around from our Library Curtain Project last year (I still love the little brown polka dots).
What do you think?? I'm still deciding on leaving the brown polka dot fabric or changing it up with a more modern fabric??? Or maybe something more BOLD???
I think it looks really cute. Soft and warm :)
ReplyDeleteThe polka dots are cute and suit your kitchen but I'd go with something bolder to add some colour, myself. But really, if you are using alligator clips, why do you have to pick just one? Make a couple of sets and change them around to suit your mood or the season.
ReplyDeleteTonic Living out of Toronto always has awesome fabrics. And the best part about them is that you can order little swatches for $1 each in case you aren't too sure about something. I did that when I was getting pillows - got a couple of samples to make sure the colours fit with my room.
I always laugh because we seem to be on the same page all the time. We are trying to decide what to put on our kitchen window above the sink. We used to have blinds, but they were getting old and I was tired of them. We do have a wooden cornice piece below our transom window that goes between the cabinets, but I'd love to add a bit of color. Thought about bamboo blinds, but not sure.
ReplyDeleteI love the polka dot fabric. Looks great with the tile and countertops. I love that it's an inexpensive treatment, so you can change it up if you want.
Your curtains look great! Later you can make a set to switch out when you feel the need for a change.
ReplyDeleteI like it. It goes well, especially with your brown border in your tile. But, you can make a couple different sets to switch out with your mood or season like someone mentioned. Which I can totally see you doing. :D Whatever you decide or make, it will look great. It always does.
ReplyDeleteHey Ashli, is it just the pictures or did you really position your tension rod above the bottom of the window detail? If you did, it looks a bit awkward. Other than that, I love the curtains and would love to see interchangeable sets to coordinate with your table linens. A pair of crisp white curtains with some kind of detail (subtle stripes, dots or embroidery) in white as well would be perfect for summer.
ReplyDeleteIt's just the picture Laura,
DeleteThey are actually hung just below the window detail!!!
haha
Lots of love
Ashli
Okay, good! I was a bit concerned there.
DeleteLove em! I'd have extra curtains made up in different patterns & colours and switch em up according to mood or season :) Tea towels would be the perfect length! Beautiful job!!
ReplyDeleteHi Ashli,
ReplyDeleteI like how the cafe curtains enhance the window without taking away from it. I like how the fabric compliments the colors you currently have without taking attention from the overall look of the room. I am in agreement with the bunch, if after awhile with them you want to try a bolder color why not?? with the ease you made this happen, why can't you have more than one look?
Sandy
Looks super. I love the polka dots. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteI love the polka dots but I think it could be really fun to go with something a bit more bold!
ReplyDeleteMan that's pretty! I love the polka dots!
ReplyDeleteGo with something bold. It will highlight your window, the cupboards and tile. I also think you should hang them from the top of the window but leave them open so you can see the pretty panes at the top.
ReplyDeleteI love it the way it is. As I am also looking for something for my kitchen windows, I might make some like those. I am thinking of making them with ribbons on top so I can tie it to the rod with bows...
ReplyDeleteYou can always go for any other fabric, although I like how this one matches the tiles. Your kitchen is so neutral that you can also try bold designs!
Jule
I love the cafe curtains. I've been considering adding some to my kitchen windows and this just might be the motivation I need to do that. So thanks. I love the fabric that you used as well, although if it were me I would want to add a fabric with just a little more color to it. Just my opinion though.
ReplyDeletePerfect! Pretty! I agree with others that you could go bold if you want to because of your decor in the kitchen - but I love having simple on my windows because I love the outdoors. I think of my curtains as "frames". I've tried bold on some of my windows and they compete with the outdoor scene and keep all my focus on the inside. Like my eyes have to stop at the window to look at the curtains.
ReplyDeleteI think they are perfect! Perfect, pretty polk a dots!
Lisa K.
Hmmm...cafe curtains are a good option. I may have to look into that.
ReplyDeleteReally love the look, you made a great choice. Lovely!!
ReplyDeleteThe curtains look fantastic! 'Temporary' or not, I think you should leave them as is. It's nice to have the softening of fabric, without your eye being drawn to too much colour/print. The neutral with the dots is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI actually like the curtains you have up there now. The neutral color and print looks very attractive. I can hear my dear Grandma whispering in my ear. . . ."be careful with the color of your curtains. You don't want to look like the Beverly Hillbillies from the street". LOL. . .I miss my Grandma.
ReplyDeleteI love the little dotted fabric! Since it is so easy to do with the clips, you could even has seasonal sets, to change up when the mood strikes.
ReplyDeleteI love the neutral! I agree that it is nice not to have them compete with the view outside. But, when fall and winter get dark and gray, put up a splash of color to brighten the mood! You could have a few sets, like others have suggested.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I love the look of cafe curtains!
xo-Lisa
A - I am loving me some bold right now, but I MUST tell you that I also love that fabric. I didn't purchase it when it was on clearance (you know, when I totally stole your library curtains idea?! I used chocolate brown instead), but I was at Goodwill two weeks ago and came across the EXACT table cloth from Target - in PERFECT condition for $1.99. The polka dots one. Can't wait to see what I come up with when my new sewing machine arrives. I've never sewn before... this should be fun!
ReplyDeleteI love! I love your whole house and your style....and your photography! I enjoy reading every post you write!!
ReplyDeleteJen
athomeinthenorthwestblog.com
Love the look but spice it u with some color!!!
ReplyDeleteThe polka dots add a great touch to the otherwise very basic curtains-- but I'll admit to being curious about how they would look with a touch of color. Do you have any napkins you could take on a test run? Cheers! ~Erin
ReplyDeleteI think swing arm rods would look nice there.
ReplyDeleteYou can see them here.... http://www.swagsgalore.com/fitoswarmrod.html
I kind of love how they look on windows.
Super love the cafe curtains! I would add something with a small amount of color though. They are otherwise a bit too subtle and boring for me otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI think they are great...and the tones work well with your kitchen bench top and feature tiles too.... definately you could have some others for christmas time, etc. but at the moment job well done I would say.
ReplyDeleteLove them! I am thinking I will use the idea in a bright cheery color over my sink...it is just what I have been looking for there.
ReplyDeleteOh I love these. I think they look perfect! I would probably make a couple of sets to change out with the seasons/decor....
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what I do in my kitchen; I usually use cloth napkins and am always on the lookout for good, heavier weight fabric with great prints. And because it is so easy and inexpensive I usually change them out with the seasons. BTW, what kind of tension rod are you using? It is much more attractive than my basic one.
ReplyDeleteLove this look! So pretty! Love the idea of using those fabrics. I would love to see the bolder one too, I think that space is perfect for it.
ReplyDeleteLOVE THEM!!!! just the way they .....perfect!! :)
ReplyDeleteJust the way they *are
DeleteI like that they complement the colour in the accent tile, and the roundness of the dots mirror the round return of the faucet, the paper towel holder and the lids of the jars, without being too perfect. Don't seek anything different, but IF you find something you simply MUST have, you'll know it.
ReplyDeleteSo cute! The polka dot curtains fit right in, but this could be a great place to put a pop of color every now and then. I know whatever you choose will look great!
ReplyDeleteI recently found some shower curtains at Target that I will use as curtains. Thinking outside the box which I never did until I started blogging . . .
ReplyDeletebtw where did you get the tension rods for this project ? how much ?
ReplyDeletelooks good !
From amazon! You can find them in our Amazon store:
Deletehttp://astore.amazon.com/minimanorblog-20/detail/B00069C86Y
Hope that helps!
Ashli