Six months ago this is where we started.
This is the family room hanging its head and its windows in shame.
The blinds were always down.
A big valance hid the top of the windows where the cracks were.
It was a pitiful sight.
These were the windows in all their glory.
Cracks and sags and off-center and crooked and painted in place.
Sad. Pitiful. Forlorn.
Like they needed people to show up and toss out all the clothes in their closet and school them with a makeover.
And now?
Are you ready?
Are you sitting down?
Meet my new windows.
I know…right?
Let’s just pause for a moment and take all that sunshine in.
*sigh*
Look how they frame that view.
In the mornings with coffee, the trees gently blow in the wind and the grass dances and the sunlight tiptoes in through the window and across the floor.
In the evening, the moon shines through the trees and the stars twinkle across the horizon.
It’s a wonderful thing.
I never knew before.
I never understood how much a window could change the space in a room.
I never understood how new windows could make an old farmhouse shine.
I ended up choosing double hung windows without the grids to match the existing windows with the rest of the house.
They tilt in and make everything easy to clean.
From the outside of the house you can’t even tell they are new because they match everything else so seamlessly.
I took down the gray damask valance and made simple roman shades from drop cloths.
The new window treatments emphasize the windows even more and don’t take away from the view.
The valances were super easy to make and I’m posting a tutorial on them later.
I couldn’t post the window journey without thanking you.
You were here for all of it.
You helped me when I had no idea where to start with window shopping.
You guided me through all the decisions and pointed me in the right direction and helped me choose the windows that felt the most authentic to the space and honored the voice of the house.
And Window World?
They truly delivered. From beginning to end they were here for every step, every question, every decision. I couldn’t ask for a better window partner.
I’m so happy right now and I want to twirl and shout and dance and spin around and compose odes and songs and shout my new replacement windows from the roof tops.
But I think I’ll settle for sharing the news from my new window sills instead. 🙂
disclosure: This post was written in collaboration with Window World.
All opinions are my own.
Please see my disclosure page for more information.
Gorgeous! But I'm missing dolphin claps?!
It's just beautiful, Miz karianne! And the gorgeous view, along with the new shades, is the perfect reason to show off those windows! Happy for you, little one.
Wow, wow, wow. I really didn't think I'd see any difference. I thought I was the only one who had to paint their window frame thingys, lol. I probably need new windows too. But honestly, you could live in a cardboard box and I'm sure it would look glam, LOL! Glam seems to follow you, ha ha.
The Windows look great! What a difference! Can you tell us about the white pumpkin with the gold design?? I just love it! Happy Fall ...... you will have a great vantage point from your new window, Elaine
Ta-Da! Let the sun shine in! Lovely!
KariAnne, they really shine! (Pun intended...ha). Seriously though, what a difference! It's too pretty of a view to hide behind cloudy, dingy windows. I bet you do want to dance! Yay! Love the new valances as well. It's a gorgeous room with gorgeous windows! On a side note, I rearranged my furniture so I could see my view out my window! Why hide a pretty view? I'll be sharing that soon. Hugs and sunny smiles, Cecilia
I too have Window World windows. So easy to clean. Your room looks lovely! Grea job as usual.
Pretty new windows can really change a space. They look great! Nancy
Window World did a magnificent job on your living room window replacement! The valences are the perfect showcase for this spectacular view. I really love the awesome window seat! I would stay there all day just sipping coffee and daydreaming about anything & everything. This must be your favorite space- it definitely would be mine. I miss the window seats from my former house so much, even more since I've seen yours(sigh!). I'm sure you are enjoying the crowning touch to a marvelous living room. Thank-you for sharing this journey, the destination is more than worth it!
Love those new Windows! Makes the whole family room feel crisp and clean! Love the softer side of your fall decorating! Actually, I love every inch of your old farm house! I keep going back to you blog for inspiration! I'm Sooo jealous!
Your window is now a sexy beast ;) lol! Let the sun shine....let the sun shine.....
They look great! Can't wait for the tutorial!!
They look fabulous! Are you planning on showing us the view from outside??
The windows are lovely...but those Roman Shades began Life as Drop Cloths? Can't Wait to See and Learn!
Beautiful windows! I love Window World!! They did our home in New Mexico! Made a huge difference! The new windows will make your cozy reading nook more inviting! Can you tell us more about the beautiful white pumpkin with the gold design? Is it decoupage? Please tell us more!!!! On another subject...the drapes in the dining room....did you make them or buy them. Would you mind sharing the pattern or vendor? Thanks
Absolutely gorgeous new windows! And the window seat is so much more of a focal point now. Also love, love, love the paisley pumpkin and the roman shades...did you make those?
LOVE the new windows. It's such a great feeling when the new ones are installed - it's like everything pops to life in the room. We redid several of our windows just over a year ago and we love them. Even on a dreary day in Minnesota...I'm sitting here looking out and everything is just so crisp looking. Can't wait to see how you made that window treatment!
exactly what I have, and love. Six years ago, and made a big difference in my utility bill. good for you! Beautiful! Beautiful!
What nice windows, KariAnne! I'm ready for new windows too! Gorgeous windows and window seat!
Beautiful windows ... and looking forward to the Roman shade tutorial! I gave up on making my own shades and ended up with a cornice instead, but I'm always up for new ideas. :) Isn't it amazing how a "functional" home makeover can improve the aesthetics of a space?
I just LOVE how you show sooooo much appreciation for something all too many of us take for granted...way to be amazing, yet again, KariAnne! And you know what...those beautiful, old floors of yours seem to know how to show their appreciation for the new windows, too...look how radiant they are, sparkling in the sun...those are some happy floor faces if ever I saw 'em! And I can sooooooo completely understand the smiles, because those windows really show this gorgeous room off like the crown jewel that it is...they're absolutely perfect! Way to go, Window World....you are amazing, too!!! You made those gorgeous Roman shades out of drop cloths??? Is there any end to your amazingness??? I think it stretches beyond the universe...your amazingness is soooooo giganormous that our human minds cannot wrap themselves around the very concept! Seriously, those window treatments are off-the-hook gorgeous and I can't wait to see how you made them and then imma take your instructions to a sewing-savvy friend and say, "Pretty please, can you help me make these?" :)
They look incredible, and blend into your wonderful old farmhouse so well! Bet you will reap some energy savings, too.
Gorgeous. I do not live in a farm house but a house that needs new windows. Yes, what a difference it makes. I rent my home and it ha a picture window in the front. I wish it had double windows also. So much easier to find curtains not to mention cheaper. Love the new windows and all your pumpkins.
Sunshine is a girl's best friend! Beautiful!
Beautiful windows! Yes, it i amazing what windows can do for a room!
Beautiful, KariAnne! And SO not to have blinds down all the time!
I can just see you dancing through the room. The sun is shining in -- focused on you the star who bought the windows. The whole world is watching you now that you have your blinds up. Oh, I know, you live out in the country but think of the owl in the tree and the deer taking a peek. They are all watching your wonderfulness!! Have a happy let the light shine in day!
Beautiful! Wating for tutorial in Roman shades from drop cloths. Would like to try to make them. Yours are lovely!
I know, I know.
Love your new windows & pumpkins... Still loving your cushion with the Pom poms. Must look up your tutorial again.
Looks great. Love all of the light you have in your family room. Sheila
KariAnne, Your new windows look fantastic!!! I love the view from the inside! :) I'm so glad you're happy with your new windows and with Window World, and guess what? We're getting replacement windows later this month -- also from Window World! I can hardly wait!! Most of our neighbors have used Window World, and some of our family members, too. The company actually got its start in North Carolina. I bet you'll save money on your electric bill, too. Thanks for sharing, KariAnne, and have a wonderful week. Hugs to you, Denise
Wow! The new windows and window treatments are gorgeous Karianne!
It looks amazing, Karianne. So much light.
I can hear your living room singing "I feel pretty, oh so pretty!" LOVE!!