We finally made the call: the old floral curtains had to go. After a few laughs about Kim Kardashian’s Met Ball floral dress, we set about taking them down.
They looked fancy enough, but they weren’t our style, so we removed them to make a donate pile for Habitat for Humanity. What surprised us most was how attached they were. Some were pinned in place, others were actually screwed into the window trim. Seeing white pushpins and bits of fabric caught in the blue molding was a good reminder of creative, “make it work” DIY solutions people use.
Mission Remove the Curtains took longer than expected. Between straight pins, safety pins, tacks and twine holding fabric to windows, trim, and sometimes to itself, it turned into a slow, careful job. There were plenty of “how is this still clinging on?!” moments.
After about an hour of work with a screwdriver and hammer—making sure every last nail and screw was removed so the windows are ready for spackle and paint—we were left with a tidy pile of fabric ready to donate.
We also collected an impressive assortment of tacks, nails, screws and pushpins.
Although the curtains were full of tacks and dust, I couldn’t help myself.
My favorite bit of silliness: the curtain rod repurposed as a scepter. All hail Curtains McFlower.
With the curtains down, more light floods the rooms and each space already feels more like us. We’re imagining a layered curtain look for our new house—perhaps bamboo blinds with curtains hung high and wide over them. We’ve been pinning inspiration for layered styles and traditional-modern mixes, thinking something with more color or pattern than plain white or cream.
It’s the little things that make the day: more light, a cleaner look, and a little playful dressing-up along the way.
Psst—this week’s giveaway winner was announced. Check the original post to see if it’s you.