Since our very first walk through of this house we are slowly making home, “There should be a big window to the left there” we said. It’s the kind of comment that perked our realtor’s ears up. He knew we were looking for a house in a good neighborhood that needed fixed up. Us already chatting about demo–that was a good sign.
And here we are, 18 months later, and we finally have our window (among other things) and all is right in the world.
Last we showed you, the window was roughed in and in place, but since then we’ve repaired the walls, trimmed it out with simple 3 inch trim like the rest of our windows and doors and added new, coordinating window treatments. This shot (below) was taken shortly after we moved in and got some lighter paint on the walls:
Here’s how the same angle looks today:
There definitely should have always been a window there. It feels so natural to see it now. One more sad, early before shot:
Ta-Da! Having this window has already been a game changer. It is so light in the great room now. We don’t have to turn on lights first thing in the early evening because the sun just pours into the living room. It was the best money we have spent since moving in.
West Elm was really excited about our window project and wanted to be a part of it (and wanted to give something to our readers, too. Wait for it. Wait for itttttt.) We dressed both windows in their 96″Â White Linen Grommet drapes hung from West Elm’s Oversized adjustable metal rods in polished nickel. I am such a fan of injecting a variety of metals into a space, and these polished nickel rods are thick, substantial, shiny, yet play a supporting roll instead of the lead–just what we wanted.
I teetered between clipped up curtains or grommets, but in the end the casual grommets mixed with the amazing visual texture of the linen curtains felt like a good middle ground. It felt sophisticated, but not too serious.
We hung woven shades (these) under it all for another layer. It all feels incredibly comfortable and home-y. Soft, textured, layered window treatments add so much to a room.
We have so enjoyed working with West Elm to put the finishing touches on our new window–now, they want to give away a $100 West Elm gift card to one of you! You can enter through the Rafflecopter widget below and we’ll randomly select a winner Friday, March 13th. Take Luck!
How do you like the roman shades now that you have had them for awhile. Do you roll them up and down? Have they been durable over time? Thank you.
Hi! I know it’s been a while since you posted this, but do you mind sharing where you found the area rug in here? I’m having a heck of a time trying to find something along the lines of a navy over-dyed Persian rug (that doesn’t go crazy blue). Thanks!
It’s the Crate and Barrel Baxter rug in Indigo. Beautiful and worth every penny!
Hi Julia,
This post was a while ago, so not sure you’ll see or not, but…
Wondering how those linen curtains are with wrinkling? I bought some (from Ikea) years ago, and I never could keep them looking smooth. But, I love these. Hoping you say that you didn’t/don’t have to worry about it. ;)
I ironed them right out of the bag and haven’t since. Couldn’t love them more!
Hi! This blog is new to me, so apologies if this info is in a previous post, but I’d love to get more info on that long wooden shelf. Purchased? DIY?
Thank you!
We DIYed it. Check out this post: https://chrislovesjulia.com/2014/11/a-massive-wood-picture-ledge-for-the-living-room.html
im sorry for asking this, bc im sure its on the blog, but what color is the family room walls. it looks gorgeous, i love the window
Benjamin Moore’s Hazy Skies
Thank you so so much, I absolutely love your style. Keep up the great work!!