Welcome back! We’re in the final stretch of the One Room Challenge. I am making good progress and I’m so happy with the way the room is shaping up already. It’s going to not only look different; it’s going to feel different too. In case you missed it, see below for links to previous blog posts.
Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4
Before we head to installation which is where the magic seems to unfold, I am wrapping up the remaining DIY (do it yourself)/custom projects that I have been working on.
This week, in fact last night, I finished the faux roman shade for the window. You may be wondering what faux means. My husband and a few friends looked at me weird when I used the term because they didn’t know what it meant in this context. It really just means that the roman shade is not operable/functional. It looks exactly like a roman shade, but its length is fixed and it doesn’t move up and down.
I chose the faux option because I am going for just an aesthetic enhancement for the room. I made the length fixed because I didn’t want to block the view of the backyard. Sometimes our neighbors, The Bambis stop by for a visit and we don’t want to miss them 😊 I also made the length long enough to hide the current blinds which will be stacked behind it when not in use.
Window treatments regardless of what style you choose help to take the interiors of your home to the next level and give it that professionally styled look.
So, let’s talk about window treatments for a bit. When we move into a new home, many of us immediately focus on the hard window treatments made from hard materials such as blinds, shades and shutters. This may be enough if you like the minimalist look, modern home décor or don’t want to hide certain architectural features.
Soft window treatments are usually an afterthought or forgotten entirely because it’s thought to be unnecessary. They are made from soft materials such as fabric and textiles. This include drapery, sheers, valances and roman shade to name a few and is a design element that truly pulls the room together. I think it’s a missed opportunity to enhance your room if you don’t use them.
If you’re not sure how to incorporate them the right way, here are a few things to consider.
Appearance is important but think about function too. What would you like them to do? Perhaps you would you like the option to open and close them for privacy or to block out light. Maybe you only want to enhance your space and don’t mind them being stationary so that you don’t block your outdoor view.
Your answer may help you decide on the right fit for you.
Before investing, know your window treatment options and keep in mind that many windows aren’t standard sizes. You can purchase soft window treatments at any home décor store, they can be made professionally/custom-made or similar to my case, DIY.
You may recognize the fabric. If you do, it’s because I used the same fabric to recover the chairs in the office. I mounted the faux roman shade to a 1-in x 2-in board and added this leather button trim which is a nice touch to complete the look.
This week, I’m also reusing an old frame that I thrifted and had in my garage. Custom frames can be really expensive, so whenever I see large frames that are in good shape at yard/estate sales or at the thrift store I tend to buy them. I still have a few rooms in my home to complete so I know they’ll be put to use.
If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen me gently pull this old frame apart. I saved a highlight titled “ORC” on my Instagram page so please feel fee to check it out. I painted the matting black to match the art I custom ordered. You’ll see the complete transformation in next week’s blog post reveal.
I also made this floating frame for a 32-in x 32-in canvas wall art. I used unfinished pine boards, mitered the sides, and secured it with brad nails and staples. Coming in at less than $30, it cost a fraction of the cost for a custom frame. The paint is drying as we speak and I am happy with the way it turned out. Be sure to come back next week for the reveal.
Don’t forget to check out the progress of the other guest participants and featured designers! See you next week for the final reveal!