Growing up, I thought my sister had to be one of the coolest people in the world. Frankly, I still think that. When I was in middle school and she was in high school, I desperately wanted to emulate her style and I loved nothing more than to see her get all dressed up for a dance or a date. This was partly because she knew how to rock the big hair and lace, finger-less gloves like nobody’s business but mostly it was because when she would head out for the evening, she allowed me to spend time in what was to me the holy grail….her bedroom.
As I tried on her long bead necklaces and teased my bangs within an inch of their lives before spraying them with Aqua Net, I magically transformed from awkward pre-teen to an 80’s superstar. At least in my imagination.
More than anything else, I loved listening to my sister’s 45’s on the little record player she had in her room. And one of my most favorite songs of all was called, “The Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades” by the band Timbuk3.
I still know it by heart which must be why it played over and over again in my head when we decided to add shades to our family room windows.
A few months ago I felt this sudden and uncontrollable need for light, light and more light which led to me taking down the blinds in our family room windows.
But, while we loved how it opened up the room and how much brighter it felt on those dark, dreary days, when the sun would actually make an appearance it made tv watching a bit of a challenge.
It had a bright future but it really needed some shades. Some bamboo roman shades (‘Custom Size Now Light Filtering by Levolor’ at Lowes) to be exact.
I love how they add texture to the windows but don’t block the light like the blinds did. And obviously being able to lower them when you want to take a nap on the couch on Sunday afternoon is a big bonus.
Or so my husband tells me. 😉
So many things from the 80’s are making a comeback and frankly, the music from that decade dominates my playlists.
But, as I think back to how this room looked when we first moved in and how it looks now, I’m very grateful that we’ve brought it into THIS decade.
After all, some things are just meant to stay in the past!
Thanks so much for meeting me at the Fence today,
What color are your blinds and where did you purchase them from? They look so nice with your curtains.
I don’t just LOVE your bamboo shades , I am obsessed with them. I can’t wait to
get some. Please, please, please tell me where I can appease my obsession.
I am absolutely obsessed with those charming shades . Please , please, please
tell me where you got them. I think they add panache . I can’t wait to have the same
warm and charming windows.
Hi Deirdre!! Thanks so much! We got them from Lowes where you can have them cut to fit your windows right there in the store. 🙂
Your room looks beautiful and I love the freshness of the shades! I also loved your sweet story about you and your sister. Too cute!
love and blessings~
Lynda @ Gates of Crystal
Vanessa,
I recently deformalized my living room/dining room. Windows including a patio door are all on the same wall. We opened the formal dining room wall to the kitchen and updated everything. No more formal widow treatments and upholstery. I love country French and my case goods are inspired by that look.
Do you think bamboo shades are too casual? I have not figured out upholstery pieces yet.
How did you decide on a color? I have a honey – medium oak trim.
I love the look you created and your blog today gave me a great visual.
Like so many of the previous commentators, I love your shades and how they compliment the curtains. I know you said, in both the post and the comments response, that the shades came from Lowe’s but can you tell me the brand. I recently looked at similar shades at Lowe’s and, if I recall correctly, there were several brands. Also, when you say Lowe’s will cut the shades ahdes to the correct size, do you mnean both horizontally and vertically or just horizontally? w
Hi Betty! They are called ‘Custom Size Now Natural Bamboo Light Filtering’ shades by Levolor. They only cut the width not the length but with tons of sizing options you should have no problem finding ones that will work for your windows. 🙂 Hope that helps!
Loved this story Vanessa….and those blinds are so beautiful and add the perfect beauty and texture to the room!….
Thank you Shirley! xoxo
I just did the same thing! I was so tired of these awful wooden blinds that we inherited.But were looking at way too much money for the custom size of two windows. We did vertical blinds and the light pouring in is wonderful! That change completely uplifted my mood! Yours looks amazing!
That might be justthe paint color I’m looking for! Can you tell me what it is?