Friday, January 22, 2016

A Quick DIY

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
January 14, 2016

 Don't you just love it when a completed do-it-yourself project exceeds your expectations in every way ?  Such was the case with our new window treatments.  Finding the "just right for us" shades took longer than the installation.  After much internet searching during the last half of 2015 (and what turned out to be the hardest part of the project), we finally decided on special order Levolor shades from Lowe's. After ordering sample swatches that came in within three business days, we made our final selection and placed our order.  We opted to have them shipped to the Lowe's near us and picked them up in just over a week.  On the same day, we took our old shades down and installed the new ones.  We were amazed and so proud of ourselves because rarely are our DIY projects as easy as we anticipated them to be.  Know what I mean ?  I do have to admit  "Auto-Motion Shades" were our first choice, but these Canadian made shades can not be purchased directly by the consumer and for a host of reasons we didn't want to go through a "middle" man.
Before... accordion type push up shades with side tensioning cords. We were not in a big rush to replace these as there was nothing wrong with them. However, They did let a lot of light through the sides, had visible cords on both sides when raised,collected dust, and were difficult to raise and lower.

 After... a much neater and more up to date look.














I am sure enjoying the easy pull with no cords. 
We also replaced the accordion shades in the bedroom with a black-out cordless pull-down shade.
I was a little skeptical and expected light to shine in through the sides. Joe already had a plan to fix that with a side piece if needed. I am so happy that our bedroom is dark and there is even a post lamp outside the large window. I love the neutral color and texture of this natural shade.

 Our space is small and since these shades blend in so well, I can have fun with quilts and colors. 



 Directions and all hardware were included. 

 Up next, let the good times roll...
HAPPY TRAILS!
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17 comments:

  1. Jeff PierceJanuary 22, 2016 at 3:34 PM

    I'd like to do something similar as those Day/Night blinds are a pain. But have yet to find a Day/Night shade/blind that secures at the base and is easy to use. Not having a 'bedroom' we do need the Day/Night combo, despite my whines :)

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    1. Joe and GayJanuary 22, 2016 at 4:35 PM

      A choice with the Levolor is to have small rings at the bottom which I guess attach to a small book of some kind...worth checking out Jeff. Joe always says we have more time than money and we really don't mind the research. The Lowes store here was also a huge help. Good luck!

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  2. Wanderin'January 22, 2016 at 5:43 PM

    Okay, we need new shades and I'm really interested in the ones you got. I never thought about going to Lowe's. What a great idea!

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  3. Metamorphosis LisaJanuary 22, 2016 at 6:57 PM

    Niiiiice!

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  4. our awesome travelsJanuary 22, 2016 at 7:02 PM

    What a great project and so easy to do, looks great.

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  5. Sheila at WolfSongBlog.ComJanuary 22, 2016 at 7:40 PM

    Looks very pretty Gay, love your choice of colors! Enjoy them!

    Great pelican shot!!

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    1. Joe and GayJanuary 22, 2016 at 9:29 PM

      Thanks Sheila! I was one happy girl taking Pelican photos!

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  6. John and Pam (ohtheplacestheygo.wordpress.com)January 22, 2016 at 9:20 PM

    DIY project can be such fun. Your new shades are wonderful! Great color! Getting rid of the pin holes is so exciting:)

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  7. Steve and JoanJanuary 23, 2016 at 8:21 AM

    The shades look so nice! It's such a great feeling when you diy it not to mention the money you save.

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    1. Joe and GayJanuary 23, 2016 at 9:52 AM

      Its really hard to put the MH in the "shop" with the pups. Plus it's always a good thing to save a few extra dollars and be happy with the results!

      Thanks Joan!

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  8. Jodee GravelJanuary 23, 2016 at 9:40 AM

    Love the look without the box valance frames - and good to know the light doesn't come through the sides without them. Looks much more like home. The color and textures look great.

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    1. Joe and GayJanuary 23, 2016 at 9:57 AM

      Thanks Jodee! It is interesting to me that our MH (an '08 Itasaca Latitude) is one of the few MHs I have been in that does not have the side boxes. I have always liked the "simple" look it offers. Joe and I recovered the top box valences a couple of years ago.

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  9. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2016 at 10:56 PM

    DIY projects do not run in my blood but do enjoy and get amazed at other peoples labor of love such as yours, Gay.
    The window treatments sure look more homy, and its beautiful. Good Job!

    ReplyDelete

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