The Stars are Aligning

Lately, I've been getting that "designers itch," and, no...I'm not talking about a rash.  I'm talking about that urge you get when you just want to break out the craft supplies and work on a project, night and day...day and night.

Whenever this happens the first thing I have to do is look around the house to identify projects that are on "the list" that need to come off said list.  Though there are many of these projects I also have to look at my time allowance throughout the week and determine if said project can be completed within said time, so that it can come off of said list without creating another item for the "unfinished projects list."  Whew.  That was exhausting!

The good thing about this week is that I have a three-day-weekend coming up because my place of employment will be closed in celebration, commemoration, and honor of President's Day.  To me, a three-day-weekend is not merely a three-day-weekend...it's a golden opportunity tied up in a pretty red bow, brought down from the angels in heaven and placed at my door!

It wasn't too difficult to identify the project I want to work on this weekend.  No, actually it was simple.  All it took was a quick glance at the sliding doors in my family room to realize that my weekend was already betrothed to the much-too-short curtains flanking each side. 

Even though I already have a game-plan in mind for my curtains I like to start the process by looking for inspiration pieces and ideas.  This helps me to get into "the zone" (echo: zone...zone...zone...zone).

While seeking inspiration I came across this video on HGTV that gave some really good information on window treatment options for sliding glass doors.  Check it out:

I really like the balanced look that comes from flanking curtain panels on each side, but sometimes function of the doors will not allow this.  It really depends on the function and form.  If your sliding door gets a lot of use throughout the day, perhaps flanking a curtain panel on each side would not be the best option for your space.  Instead use a panel that pulls to one side so that the door hardware can be easily accessed.

The best way to determine which solution will be best for your space is to track your use of the space and traffic flow throughout.  Right now, since we haven't even started to fix up our back yard, Mark and I don't really go out to the back patio all that much.

Here are some take aways from the video:

1. Add the illusion of height to your window by not hanging your curtain rod directly above the window.  The height you choose will depend on the height of the room's ceiling.  For example, I have a 9' ceiling, the doors are 7' high, and we hung the rod at 8'.
2. Add the illusion of width by extending your curtain rod over the actual width of the window.  You can also use this technique to balance a window that is off-centered in the room by allowing a larger overhang on one side than on the other.
3. Be sure to provide adequate support for your curtain rod.  If the width calls for a center support, don't cut any corners.  It's better to have the center support bracket then to see your beautiful curtains fall to the floor.

Well, I will definitely keep you posted on the outcome of the project.  It looks like the stars are aligning, which means a craft project is just around the corner!