Winsome Windows
Winsome Windows
I have a typically feminine fascination for thinking about and experimenting with home design. I find windows especially interesting: there is so much potential there. Here are several little suggestions.
Endeavor to make the views out of your windows pleasant—especially that of the kitchen sink window, where busy mothers and daughters spend lots of time. Rake the yard, trim the grass, pick up any trash or stray toys, plant flowers. Make it a restful and pleasant scene.
Do not allow any asphalt or industrial squalor depress you. If you can do nothing else, set up a window box and let its bright splash of color cheer you. (Read further for more on window-boxes.)
Don’t clutter the windowsill with too many doodads (unless you’re trying to hide an especially ugly view). They are difficult to keep clean and, if you use blinds, get in the way. For the kitchen sink, though, you might put up a little plaque with a Scripture verse or poem to memorize, or perhaps a particularly interesting knick-knack.
In my opinion, windows should be open as long as the weather allows. If you use heavy drapery, tie it back for the time being. Let the sunshine and breezes fill and freshen the rooms. Let the curtains billow and dance, and hang a little wind-chime on the dowel rod too, if you like. Its silvern music can be quite calming.
Window seats are also quite pleasant when you can get them. There is something so alluring in those little nooks set in the wall, something that begs for a thick book and a cup of tea. A window seat would be one of my “little dreams” come true.
In order to enjoy a window, of course, it must be clean. There is nothing like fingerprints, cobwebs, or a film of dust to spoil the view! When was the last time you cleaned your windows? Let’s begin today!
Dismantle the entire window: remove curtains, blinds, screens.
Thoroughly wash, scrub, rinse, and dry the window glass, sill, and surrounding area. Use vinegar and castile soap. Attack tiny crevices with a brush or (if you’re working on the outside) a blast of water.
Polish the glass panes until they sparkle. Using cloths or paper napkins may leave lint or streaks on the glass: newspapers work very well.
Hand-wash the curtains and hang outside in the sun to dry.
Thoroughly dust or vacuum the blinds.
Vacuum the screen; if necessary, rinse with a disinfectant and dry.
Reassemble the window and enjoy the view!
Curtains are a favorite way to frame our view of the outdoor world. They soften the edges and give an elegant appearance to the room. You can also find handy little hooks to keep the curtains to the side when you like. Some are quite whimsical.
These are the curtains I like best: sheer lace, light as a whisper. I love the way they soften the sunlight and almost glow in the sun. Cafe curtains are also very nice: they cover only the bottom half of the window. Sunny plaid would be nice for the kitchen, sheer batiste for the bedrooms.
(The following collection of photographs are from The Attic.) These curtains can be anywhere between $15-$50 each, depending on the size and style you wish.
I love window boxes: brightly colored blooms tumbling off the window-sills in merry confusion. It certainly is a cherry prospect to look out of the bedroom or kitchen window and see flowers nodding at you. Even a small apartment can enjoy these miniature gardens.
The flowers in the following photograph appear to be petunias. Other traditional choices would be geraniums, nasturtiums, marigolds, impatiens, snapdragons, pansies, and violas. Choose those flowers that thrive best in your climate and suit your tastes. Harmonize their colors with that of your home or make an interesting contrast.
This painting (one of my very favorites!) by Daniel Ridgeway Knight is another beautiful example, especially for those who have little apartments with a balcony. You can still have a very Romantic little garden!
Text: Winsome Windows. © Handmaidens of the Shepherd, February 2008.
Photographs: (First) © Flower Framers. (Others) © Olde World Lace. (Title/ Last) Unknown title and copyright information. Painting: Pensive Thoughts. Daniel Ridgeway Knight.
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OLD TIMER said...
You have some nice ideas for curtains. They are light enough to let in sunlight. I have always wanted window-boxes. Flowers always help to cheer me up.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 09:49 AM
Tuesday, February 26, 2008