Sunday, September 18, 2011

Office Window Redo...Finally!


Six years ago when I bought Buttermilk Cottage
I had to have a small addition made to it.
There was no space for me to work,
so I got a brand new office/sewing room.
The window treatments were planned
before the room was even finished.
Unfortunately, I did not consider
the natural light/sunshine in the room.
I have two double windows in the room, 
which are wonderful for viewing the garden... 


...or other little distractions from work.
However, there are certain times during the day
when the sunlight streams in so strongly
I cannot see the images on my computer screen.
There have even been occasions while sewing
that the sunlight reflecting off the throat plate
of my machine makes me wonder if
sunglasses would help.
I've let this go on for six years.
First of all, I liked the window treatment I already had.
Second, I thought I would have to get
custom made blinds.
The times I checked prices for that
were enough for me to put the project on the back burner.


A few weeks ago while in Lowes I took another look at their possibilities.
Lo and behold, they had a tortoise shell, roll up blind
(the exact look I have wanted for about five years)
by Levolor which Lowes would cut to desired width,
while I waited.
I actually have carried around the window dimensions
for a long time hoping I'd at some point,
find something that would work for me. 
I walked out with my four, custom-cut blinds!



Now the fun part...


Undressing the windows was no problem.
However, getting a ladder close to the windows was.
It involved unplugging computer, router, printer, internet wires,
and all the lamps, radio and other electrical things
that set upon a desk.
Then I could move the desk away from the windows
to position my ladder.


Why is it these projects ALWAYS create such
chaos and disorder???
And, of course while the windows were bare,
it was a good time to wash windows,
and really dust behind the desk,
which had not been moved since I moved in.  Ugh!



One down, three to go!
I didn't mention I had to reposition the curtain rods
while in the midst of this project, did I?
Me using a power drill is not a pretty sight, trust me.
And, if I dropped one screw and had to get down
from the ladder, I dropped at least twenty!



But, you know what?
It was all well worth the effort!


Shades up.


Shades down.


No reflection on my computer screen in the middle of the day!

Since I  think I may be redoing the paint in this room within
the next year, I repurposed my original curtains
to a simple valance.


Why did I wait SO long???

This week I'm linking with
Metamorphosis Monday/Between Naps on the Porch
Wow Us Wednesdays/Savvy Southern Style
Look What I Made/Creations by Kara
Transformation Thursdays/The Shabby Creek Cottage
Feathered Nest Friday/French Country Cottage
Show & Tell Friday/My Romantic Home

27 comments:

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Well, aren't you the handy lady. I let Mr. Savvy do all that kind of stuff. He drops lots of screws, too. I love those blinds and the valances.

Debby said...

I love the blinds and the new curtain/window treatments. I couldn't have gotten them up myself, either.

Stitchfork said...

Skilled with knitting needles, sewing machine, AND toolbox tools! Looks great and I like your curtain changeover to valances. But how do you keep your desk so neat?
xo Cathy

Allison Shops said...

They look great! DD2 wanted to put some of these in her MBR, but we've yet to do. Just got her curtains (finally) two months ago. I'll check out Lowe's - had NO idea.

Dropping by from Met Monday.

Allison
Atticmag
Vintage Gumwood Cabinet Kitchen

Jocelyn said...

Wow your window treatments look great! Love the blinds.

Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

I love the new blinds and your valance is so cute.
Hugs,
Sherry

sweet violets said...

The change looks great...nice job, and love the new look!!! hugs...cleo

John'aLee said...

Wow girlie! I am so impressed! The valances are adorable!

Tanna said...

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. your new window treatments, Susan!! That looks WONDERFUL and is functional. My favorite combo! Great job. blessings ~ Tanna

pve design said...

I absolutely love bright sun light but I think technology does not. Most creative types prefer northern light to paint by. I always choose the sunniest corner. Love your sunny corner office and the way you just instantly transformed it to have the option of less distraction and less light to work by.
pve

The Single Nester said...

What a lovely space to create! I am making over a guest room into my office - slowly . . .

Signing Out said...

Such a beautiful room! The new shades look fantastic, and I like the valance, too!

Jane at frugalfineliving.com
Join us on Facebook!

From the Kitchen said...

What a pleasant space to work in!! I need to investigate those window treatments at Lowe's. I'm not satisfied with some of ours.

Best,
Bonnie

joanne said...

I've been trying to leave you a comment since I happened along here and it was your birthday...no deal said blogger. Then I was drooling over your previous post and tried to leave another comment...no said blogger. So here goes; third times a charm right???
So, your room is very pretty, love the blue but the view is wonderful. How fortunate you are to have such a lovely, serene, relaxing yard to peek into during the day!

The 2 Seasons said...

Wow that looks great and I am sure you are glad they are up. Enjoy your day.

Vicki Boster said...

Oh my - what a wonderful work corner - I love your new window dressings - and THAT view is killer. I would so look forward to sitting at that little space and having those windows to look through - you did a fabulous job in your make over!

Vicki

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Beautiful....I love the blue color and those cute curtains!!!

Marcia - Crafty Sewing and Quilting said...

I love the blue valance! Makes the corner so inviting!

Anonymous said...

LOVE your space. The blue walls against that crisp, white woodwork - gorgeous! And the view out the windows is dreamy. Great job on the window treatments.

Visiting from The Shabby Creek Cottage. Following you now. :)

Fifi Flowers said...

LOVELY work space!

Unknown said...

Love it - I adore the valances! Still haven't made the ones for my living room window because I can't decide on three fabrics!

Jenny @ Simcoe Street said...

Great work!

Karolee said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. :o)

I can't get over the view outside your windows! Everything is so lush and green. How beautiful. We live in a very brown world. It has a beauty all its own.

Shabby chic Sandy said...

That looks so great! Good job!

Anonymous said...

Now, now, now, you did NOT do the blinds right.

Don't you know the man way? You find a helper. Then you drop every screw 10 times to the point said helper questions if you are doing it on purpose. Then you make 10 holes in the wall because you are too stubborn to put on your glasses to read the measuring tape. After moving said blinds another 2 or 3 times, you tell everyone around you that the wall must be crooked so that's just how the blinds have to hang.

But no, you had to the show the boring way we women do it without all the drama! Good for you for figuring it out! :)

I like the creative way you did the valance too. Have a great weekend!

JudyMac said...

Great job! Love the double layers, and what a beautiful garden to view. Should present lots of opportunities for daydreaming.

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