Room with a View

I woke up this morning and was in the bathroom getting ready to jump into the shower when I heard a loud 'ting-ling-ling' of shattering glass. I ran out of the bathroom immediately to my room, wondering if I had left my mug of tea too close to the edge of the desk only to find

--broken glass. I couldn't believe it. The bottom half of one of the windows had been blown by an apparently tornado-like gust of wind into the room, banging on a chair and breaking into a couple of large shards and lots of tiny pieces. Needless to say I was flabbergasted....but the morning had to proceed, so later this evening, thinking about replacing the window, I have my mind on window treatments.

Here are a few ideas for customizing your window treatments:

 Custom Paper Shades
"Origami paper squares are just right for dressing up a plain roller shade. Use squares from the same color family in a variety of patterns to create a grid. Adhere to a plain roller shade with craft spray adhesive (spray both the shade and the back of the paper for best results). For a uniform grid, mark the vertical center of the shade. Start by placing the squares along the bottom of the shade on either side of the center line, then work your way up in rows. Trim paper along the sides if necessary. Glue ribbon across the bottom to finish"
- BHG

Fake a Window Seat
"Sometimes a flat wall with an unadorned window isn't a pleasant touch, it's an eyesore. Make the most of the mundane by pushing two bookcases against the window and sliding a painted toy box topped with a cushion underneath. Then pick an unlined Roman shade in sunny yellow to let the light shine through even when the shade is drawn"
-BHG

Layer your dressings
This works for both salads and windows :) Layering window treatments is a great idea to create a custom look for a window-even if someone else has the exact same shades you do! This specific method of using two panels on each side and a shade in the middle can be used to frame a window seat is simple and formal

Layering a pattered valalnce over natural shades adds an interesting, yet casual look for kitchens and dining rooms
-HB

Customize plain panels in a kids room or bathroom with stencils. What a fun idea- the variety of stencils you could use are endless!

You could also use buttons in different colors  adhered with fabric glue.
-BHG

 Use the exact same color (but different patterns) as the walls for your Roman shades, and watch the room appear larger right before your eyes. One palette alone creates continuity, making the room appear slightly larger, but also adds calm to rooms such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
-HB

Who says window treatments are for windows alone?
In this bathroom, palazzo curtains are placed on either side of a sunken bathtub to add elegance.

"Lambrequins are a good solution when you want shape and movement but not 2,000 yards of smothering silk taffeta," says designer David Kleinberg. "The hall has four windows — full-blown curtains and valances would have been overwhelming."
-HB