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Kitchen/family room window treatments

11 years ago

During the process of gutting/renovating kitchen, pantry, and family room we took down the old horrible blinds. We *planned* on putting in shutters but there are a ton of windows and the views look out to the backyard pool, garden, etc. It is really beautiful & makes me happy! The trim has been freshly painted everywhere.

My question is---do you or should you have window treatments? This is facing the back of the house on the second floor and no one can really see in since houses are not too close together. We have treatments facing the front and they are all shutters

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Comments (3)

MarinaGal
11 years ago
If you love the views and look, why cover them? My view has always been that if you don't need the privacy and you like the look of your windows and trim, it's fine to leave them bare. Our last house was generic new construction and, frankly, the windows looked better covered than uncovered in some rooms. We just moved into an older home with gorgeous woodwork and windows and I am hoping to keep as many bare as possible. Even though heat retention would be better if we covered them!
firstmmo
11 years ago
I think window treatments fall into two categories:

The Practical: you have too much sun and need some shade because of the glare. You need privacy.

The Decorative: many people use window treatments sort of like eyebrow pencil, or putting a scarf on an outfit--it finishes the look. Also, it can be used to add color and/or texture.

It sounds like you are more in the "decorative" category. So, if you don't feel it would add to your kitchen in any way, I'd skip it. Plenty of kitchens don't have window treatments and they are beautiful without them.
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Hi Malhgold! I have the exact same reaction everytime I see your kitchen. My heart goes--YES!! I have a sample of the gray imperial trellis you just posted. It has been in my group of favorite fabrics I might use in the new kitchen or maybe the FR, LV or DR. Specific, huh? ;-) All the rooms have gray or grayish (not every room is the same color) walls. The second fabric is fun and energetic! Since I'm assuming that very little of the whole pattern will show when the shades are up, I could see that pattern working. The coral-ish shades pick up those in the family room(?). And could you please tell me about that last pattern? I think the colors might be right for my DD's room. Thanks! Can't wait to see what you decide! And maybe that means you'll be getting closer to an all out kitchen reveal? :-)
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No, that's where the rod belongs - it is done that way all the time. Lower looks like a 1940's man with a hat on his head that is too big and is covering his forehead! Look into have an awning put up outside. I actually have roll up metal ones on the back side of my house (due West). I would never put them on the front - tacky - but no one really sees them on the back. I can roll them down when the strong spring sun starts, leave them down all summer, and room them back in the late fall. Or you could have a canvas awning permanently installed if this is a year 'round problem. I put one over my kitchen door and the stairs down to the terrace (which then provided cover for the double windows in the breakfast room. I was very nervous about a canvas awning, but my great local awning company owner, assured me that this was NOT my mother's old canvas awnings that rotted and had to be replaced every 2-4 years. I could not be more pleased and we have STRONG wind storms where I live (tornado alley). I like awnings as I have a lovely garden in the back I want to SEE, but it blocks that fierce and damaging strong sunlight. I think I'm going to look into putting one over the french doors in my DR this spring.
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Thanks for your comment. We used a Walter Smith designer when selecting the couch. I too think it is a bit big for the space, but we just purchased it so we will have it for many years and will need to make it work. I had never heard the rug needed to be the length of the couch. I may relocate the rug to the dining room which we just added wood flooring, and then get a new rug for the family room.
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Since you have the cranks on the windows and need access to them, I wouldn't put anything there. Valances can be old fashioned and your windows are more contemporary. If I didn't need privacy, I would forego window treatments. The views are nice, but if you don't want to see the deck and its furnishings, try an inside mounted semi-sheer cafe curtain on the tall window. That still allows a view of the trees, but will block the deck and railings from sight. Add color to the kitchen with some colorful hand towels, pot holders, crocks/cookie jars/canisters, a kettle or small appliance. If you limit the items to a few decorative accessories, you can change them out when you feel the mood or the seasons change. Pops of orange A bit of lemon Turquoise
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designerguyjc
11 years ago
One thing to consider with shutters is that are typically the only window treatment that will increase the value of the home. Google PVC Shutters or Vinyl Plantation Shutters if price is an issue.

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