Showing posts with label decor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decor. Show all posts

Jan 30, 2012

Frosted Panes

25 COMMENTS

Things are off and rolling with home improvements. Furniture shopping has been challenging thus far so I have been excited to make some easy and affordable changes. I have seen simple contact paper used to frost windows and doors to add subtle privacy. The master bathroom is sandwiched between the master bedroom and the sunroom. This different layout paired with glass paned doors, while gorgeous, create a privacy issue. When we moved in, the doors and window in the bathroom featured sheer, floral embossed curtains hung with tension and mounted curtain rods.


The treatments were not horrible, but once I had the idea and vision of frosting the glass I knew it would look so much better! I purchased three rolls of basic contact paper. I measured each pane and cut the contact paper to size. I researched the best way to apply the paper and decided on this method. Clean and dry the glass, spray a coat of window cleaner evenly, peel off contact paper backing, and apply to glass. The cleaner allows more control of paper placement. Position paper and then use a pot scraper to ease out the bubbles. 

This method did not work on the first attempt...or the second. It was time consuming, frustrating, and while trying to remove bubbles, my scraper was causing streaks in the paper. It looked horrible!

I took a break and expanded my research to look for application instructions from more professional window film products. I found a great review on Amazon that offered a different method using dish soap and a shower glass squeegee. The process was very similar, only dish soap and water was used rather than window cleaner. It worked perfectly and the application of all 32 glass panes was not as intimidating. Because the window film is in a bathroom, I applied the paper to the outside of the glass doors to avoid any possible problems due to shower steam. The window film was applied inside, but so far steam has not altered the application or appearance.

          



The project was time consuming and tedious, but well worth the work! I love the subtle privacy it offers. Removing the curtains makes the bathroom look more open and airy and I also really enjoy seeing the architecture of the doors and windows. I hope this inspires you to make a small and affordable change to your space!

Jan 22, 2012

Fresh Mantel Decor

21 COMMENTS


This year, I am one of those people who didn't quite get the Christmas decorations back into the closet until long after the holiday...just yesterday to be exact. Even though there is snow on the ground and it is bitter cold, I am starting to feel spring creeping in and the lovely idea of new beginnings.

I absolutely loved our Christmas mantel decor this past season in the new home. Once put away, the ledge was quite bare. After being snowed and iced indoors the past few days, we all ventured out to lunch and Home Goods. My last trip there was a let down, but this visit proved very successful! I gathered some great items to put together a classic and yet somewhat springy {to me} mantel display.

{Family Rules Sign by Treehouse Treasures }

The white petal vase is something I would not normally choose. However, I have been seeing a lot of white ceramic floating around and love the contrast it brings! I am also getting excited for some refreshing projects that are on my list!

Jan 17, 2012

Curtain for Curtain

13 COMMENTS

I finally found time {and a babysitter...thanks Kel} to take a trip to Ikea. It is over two hours away so I had to be sure of my wish list and measurements! I made out with a lot of great items for the new home...mostly storage for my craft space!

In addition to furniture, I found some fun things to make the kids' bathroom more FUN! They used to share a bathroom with our guests and so it was always very 'adult' decor. I found towels for $5 each and a fun, soft bath rug. I also loved the Barnslig Randig window curtains in the Ikea showroom. I was drawn to the primary colors and gender neutrality since Mr and Miss share the space.

Once home, I got to work transforming the window panels into a festive shower curtain. I sewed the two panels together {thank goodness the design pattern matched up!} and then made 12 evenly spaced buttonholes at the top hem of the curtain. I finished out the buttonholes by cutting slits and adding anti-fray solution for durability.


It was so easy and looks amazing! I love the colors and the simple, yet fun design. Mr E and Miss C are excited to enjoy it as well! I am hoping to have more new home reveals coming up soon!