DIY: Kitchen Window Valance

For the past week my world has been filled with shredding, decluttering, organizing, and the start of new projects for 2011.  My mind has been going non-stop about all the things that I want to tackle...of course, I'd love to snap my fingers and it all be done like Barbara Eden in I Dream of Jeannie, but that's not reality.  SO...where to begin... I've been working on multiple projects and gave you a sneak peek of one yesterday....here's my latest....  

Since moving into our home almost a year ago, I've been wanting to install a valance at the kitchen window.  The window is almost 90" wide, so I envisioned creating a treatment that was unique, yet one that didn't compromise the entering light.   

{Kitchen Window ~ COMPLETE}

{Materials}

I chose a cotton material that has a WHITE background with taupe accents; It has a casual look and complements my taupe-colored, silk dining room draperies.  Not handy on a sewing machine (like me)? Stitch Witch is your answer...create anything using this fusible tape and your iron!  Depending on the fabric, this project could cost less than $20.

Supply breakdown:

• 3 yds of fabric (my window is 89" wide & I used about 2.5 yards ) = $3.99/yd = $11.97
• Stitch Witch fusible tape (heavy duty) = $3 +/-
• Ribbon (18 feet long ~ I used 4 feet) = $3.99
• 1 x 2 wood strip = $2.99
• 'L' Brackets = $3 +/-
• Screws (I already had)
• Iron (hopefully you already have this)

My Project Total:  $25

Depending on the materials you  already have on hand, the project total could be even less!

{Breakdown}

 

Determine the length (drop) of the valance and double it, so the fabric is two layers.  (Hint: I used my wood floor to 'assist' in keeping the fabric and wood strip aligned). Once the fabric is positioned at the right length, but the wood strip underneath and pin the fabric to it (so it doesn't move while stapling).  Then STEP TWO!

 

STAPLE! Using your staple gun, afix the fabric to the top of the wood strip.  
Remove the pins.

Wrap the fabric around to the back of the wood strip, and STAPLE.  

Once that's complete, trim the fabric.

The CORNER! Since the top edge of the wood strip would be against the ceiling, I wasn't concerned to make it look "pretty".  I wrapped the fabric around the side to create a boxed corner to hide the side / return of the wood strip.

HANGING TIME!  Install the 'L' brackets to the underside of the valance.  Then it's ready to hang.  My window condition was a little tricky and I had to install the valance on the window casing, but it would be best to install it on the wall or against the ceiling. (Hint: Position your window treatment as high as possible on the wall ~ it makes the room feel taller, and also provides close to the same amount of light to enter)

For my valance, I wanted the ribbon to align with the window mullion, so I measured in from the side and stapled one side of the ribbon to the top of the wood strip (This step was done BEFORE installing the valance).

Once I determined the desired 'swag' length, I stapled the ribbon on the underside of the wood strip.

{Simple & Sophisticated}

Thanks for checking out my new window valance!  This was a fairly easy project, but it's always best to have a helping hand, especially with a window that's almost 8' long, like mine!

Do you have any windows that need updating with new treatments?

You can find my projected linked up to:

As well as these linky parties

Make a Statement with your Windows

If you have one or multiple windows in a room, deciding on window treatments is often a challenge. When thinking about window treatments for your home, here are some things to consider: your style, the architectural details of your home, your colors, the need for privacy, safety, energy efficiency, and functionality.

Windows in the same room may be different in size, shape, and/or height, and it's often challenging to achieve a cohesive design.  Tailored panels in the same fabric that are installed at the same height, provide a sleek, uniform look, and 'hides' the differences in the windows.

 In many spaces, you want your window treatments to be functional AND aesthetically pleasing.  A great way to achieve that is by incorporating stationary side panels along with functional shades. Woven roller shades or bamboo shades add an organic and casual element to your space.  Pair the shade with a solid color panel which can be more traditional or casual, depending on the look you want to achieve.

 These loose roman shades add a touch of casualty, yet elegance to the French Doors.  The shades are also completely functional and block out light when fully drawn.  

 Simple is truly Spectacular!  Sometimes when window treatments are understated, they become the focus of the room.  The window treatments in the picture above couldn't be simpler with solid colored panels on a single rod, but they scream  

GLAMOUR and SOPHISTICATION!

Used on their own or over another window covering, valances / top treatments offer both decorative and functional advantages, and can be structured (see above) or loose (see below).  In the top picture, a woven roller shade is paired with the valance and provides privacy when drawn.  In the picture below, the valance is paired with side panels and incorporates the same colors, giving a unified, tailored look.

 A loose valance/top treatment is a great option for a sink window.  It gives a casual look, but adds color AND a beautiful design element!

 Multiple windows in adjoining spaces are always a challenge!  Most likely the windows are not the same in each space, and in the picture above, there are built-ins under one window.  A suggestion would be to choose the same fabric for each window but have a different style window treatment. This same fabric relates the windows, but allows the design to differ to fit the condition.

 Let the Architecture SPEAK!  The windows in the picture above are beautiful and it would be a crime to cover up....so leave them alone!

Go Natural! Using a woven shade bordered with a solid or pattern fabric is a great look for multiple windows in a sunroom or kitchen, as seen above.  The fabric border gives the treatments some color and definition, but still conveys a fresh overall look...
Love This!

What a awesome looking room with this Tone-on-Tone look using light and airy oatmeal colors!  The woven shades give so much texture and depth to the space, while paired with solid, pleated (CLASSIC) colored panels.  The coordinating slipcovered dining chairs, adds one more dimension to this sophisticated space!

For a clean, more modern look ~ great in kitchens ~ wood blinds are a great choice for your windows.  Again, they are functional, yet look beautiful.  Wood blinds are completely customizable and are available in an array of colors and slat sizes.

Create a frame using your window treatments.  When you have a large wall with two windows and an open space in between, dress it up a bit by creating a 'frame'.  Put a piece of art or furniture on the open wall in between and pull your window treatments back to each side.  Adding a cornice on top gives it a formal look, but it's not a must.

Window Treatments are one of the most challenging interior design elements in homes, but with the right look they make a huge statement! 
Continually check back for more ideas...

(images courtesy of better homes and gardens)

DESIGN TIP: Buying Window Treatments

When buying new window treatments or decorating materials, take a cushion or pillow from the sofa when going out to shop.  This will ensure you get the right color match!