Privacy Window Film Tutorial

My sister recently bought a new house (full tour to come soon) and they are slowly working on making it "theirs." The other day I drove up for a visit and noticed that you could see all the clothes hanging in her laundry room from outside the house. Uh, not what she wants the whole neighborhood to see! I told her that they make privacy window film that would still let light come in, but prevent her neighbors from seeing their laundry. She didn't hesitate to have me to work on this project for her.

She had already taken down her laundry before I took this shot, but you can get a little peek inside the arched window. (Sorry for all the phone pics, I forgot to bring my good camera.)

This is the view from inside the laundry room.

I pretty much followed Young House Love's directions from when they used a similar product on their first house's basement windows and door. My brother-in-law picked up a plain frosted film and a textured film. We decided to use the plain one on the window and we'll use the textured one on the sidelights of the front door at a later time.

First thing to do is trace around the window and cut out a piece of the film, about an inch or two wider all around.

Next, spray the window with a solution of water and a little dishwashing detergent. I had a GILA Window Film Kit from when I had done this to a window in my own home so that is what I used. Spray liberally!

I couldn't get a picture of the next step, but you just peel back the paper from the film and place it over the window. Because you cut it bigger, it doesn't need to be lined up perfectly, because you will trim the excess anyway. Just do your best to center it and you should be fine.

Use the "squeegie" from the kit or any old credit card will do, and starting from the center, smooth it across to the outer edges to get out all the air bubbles. Don't worry if the edges aren't completely flat yet.

After the film is smooth, use a razor blade (your own or from the kit), and get in real close to the window frame. Get in to the space right where the glass meets the frame and carefully slide your razor blade and slice off the excess.

After: privacy + light!

It's not totally opaque so you can see shadows when something is directly in front of the window, but all least her neighbors won't get a free show anymore!

And since we all love a good before and after:

Another quick and easy project with lots of impact!

p.s. I'll be linking up with Sherry, Katie, Sarah and Carmel as part of the Fall Pinterest Party.



Linking up:
Home Stories A to Z | House on the Way | House of Hepworths | At the Picket Fence |

Indian Summer

We've been having an Indian Summer here and the kids are loving it! Temps were up in the 80s today - I can definitely get used to this! The other day I took the kids to a local arboretum and we took a little hike through some woods. It's kid-friendly and the path is a circle so you don't have to worry about walking all the way back to the beginning once you've reached the end.

I took a picture of them in a gazebo and told the kids to make each other laugh. The little guy started tickling his big sister - that's one way to do it! :-)

 .
Here they are fascinated with a tiny bug. Actually, it may have been a caterpillar. Either way, I thought it was so cute!

Is anyone else not looking forward to the cold that's coming? Don't get me wrong, I love that we get all four seasons, but in the winter I like to snuggle up under a warm blanket with hot chocolate and avoid going outside when possible!!

Easiest DIY Hair Clip

Okay guys, this is hands down the easiest hair clip you will ever make. You don't need to cut, sew, heck you don't even need glue!

Check out these organza beauties that I got at Michael's for less than $2.50 (with the 40% off coupon)! The only other thing you'll need is some plain clips. I got these at Michael's also, a while back, so I don't remember exactly how much they cost, but it wasn't more than a few dollars.

When you remove the backing from them, you'll see they are attached with a twist-tie that goes through two small slits in the felt.

Simply slide the clip through those same slits and you're done!

Find a cute girl to model them :-)

It doesn't get any easier than that, does it??

Linking up:
Home Stories A to Z | A Bowl Full of Lemons | House on the Way | Not Just a Housewife | House of Hepworths | At the Picket Fence | Craftionary | Remodelaholic | Serenity Now | DIY Showoff | Creative Jewish Mom |

Simple Ways to Update Any Room (Part 6)

We are back to part six of the the "Simple Ways to Update any Room" series, inspired by House Beautiful. If you've missed any of the previous posts, check them out (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5).

Please remember to pin the original source!

• Create your own lantern: Fill a bamboo or wood birdcage with LED pillar candles of different heights.

These are all so beautiful and easy to implement. Birdcages are not too hard to find at thrift and antique stores and they make such a great statement centerpiece.

Source

Source

Source

• If your kitchen is cramped, remove your upper cabinets and install open shelving. Just as much storage space, but without the bulk.

Ahh, one day... My 80s laminate cabinets are (unfortunately) not going anywhere anytime soon, but in the kitchen of my dreams, there will definitely be open shelving. It's great for opening up the room and adds so much convenience, not to mention a perfect way to display some of your lovelies. If demo isn't in your future, consider just removing the doors of some of your cabinets.

Source

Source

• Make a slipcover for your headboard, even if it's wood. Ever consider shocking pink?

There are so many ways to DIY a headboard and so many ways to make yours unique. From old doors to upholstered headboards, and anything in between. One quick search on pinterest can give so many ideas. The great thing with making a slipcover is that you can change it every season or just whenever it strikes your fancy! Shocking pink may not be your cup of tea, but in a neutral room, it would definitely be a great focal point.

Source

Source

• Paint the ceiling of a white room a pale, pale blue or gray. It will feel as if there's no ceiling at all.

These rooms are all gorgeous for so many reasons, but ultimately it reminds us to not ignore the "fifth wall" of a room because painting it can make a big impact.

Source

Source

Source

• If you have a room with a low ceiling, put up striped wallpaper or curtains — it will feel a foot taller.

This is an optical illusion that really works wonders. As we all know that horizontal stripes on clothes can make us look fatter, vertical stripes in a room, make the ceilings feel higher.

Source

Source

Source

Which of these ideas have you added or do you plan to add to any room in your home?

Linking up:
At the Picket Fence | Serenity Now |