Thursday, September 10, 2009

Seeing Stripes: DIY Curtains

I always think the clothes we choose to rock affect the way we decorate our home. A lot of us take more time in picking out clothes that represent the true us then in decorating our home which are not on display everytime we leave the house.



When working with a new client I always pay attention to the way they present themselves. Are they in all black, wearing accessories, etc? It helps paint of picture of what their effortless style is, which is what I want to do for them in their personal space.



More than once I’ve been inspired by a fashion pic and during one of my latest projects a clothing picture saved the day.



When I first painted this room it was in the height of the blue and chocolate brown craze.



office-after 006



Only problem was the room was placed on the back burner when other projects took precedence and it never fully come together. With all that time placing I had at this point grown tired of blue and brown.



So instead of starting from scratch I removed all the brown in the room and went with a new color combo.



katespadeskirt 



As always Kate Spade comes to the rescue! That yellow and white striped skirt was always one of my favorites and until recently I hadn’t realized that the top featured was the same blue as my walls.



I then decided that horizontal yellow stripe fabric was the solution to my problem. When I saw that Jenny was doing something similar I knew I was on the right track.



I couldn’t find the exact fabric that I wanted so I decided to go with a DIY solution.



Enter IKEA with my basic white  curtains:



lendacurtain



Plus Tulip Fabric Spray Paint, Frog Tape, tape measure, construction paper:



curtainsupplies 002



Now for the how to. I decided that I wanted 7” stripes so we (and by we I totally mean Jon) started taping off the fabric.



striped curtains 002



As you continue to make the stripes you will notice that spaces don’t look equal. This is because the painted sections are 7” on the inside of the tape, but the section that will remain unpainted is also 7”, but from the outside of the 1” tape.



striped curtains 007 



We tried a bunch of techniques on the first panel to make sure we had no overspray, but for the second panel this technique worked best.



striped curtains 008



We cut construction paper to size and then taped it over the white section. No chance of overspray here!



striped curtains 009



Next step is spraying!



striped curtains 010



It’s important to have a light hand when you spray. Keep the bottle moving as  you spray so that you get a yellow mist coming out. Make sure you let  the stripe set for around 5 mins and then remove the paper:



striped curtains 015



Immediately after you remove the paper move on to removing the frog tape. Be careful when doing this because there will be yellow overspray on the frog tape, which you don’t want to get on the white section:



striped curtains 016



Voila! Finished Product:



striped curtains 017 



Hanging them was rather simple. I didn’t like the pull tab look, but it was the cheapest option at IKEA. Instead of cutting the tab off or using the sewing machine I used clips instead.



striped curtains 043



They still need to be hemmed, but I couldn’t wait much longer. So up they went so I could snap some pictures!



striped curtains 070 



Close up:



striped curtains 068



Due to the fabric paint the curtain was a bit stiff, but since we had done the first panel weeks earlier it was already soft. So the stiffness does disappear. After 3 days of setting the fabric can be washed!



Hope you all enjoyed the steps and try it out yourselves! I can’t wait to try it out again. 



Now I’m off to finalize the room. It needs artwork to go up along with the flat screen that Jon is trying to get in every single room of the house. Oh boys and their toys.

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74 Comments:

Blogger Jessica said...

What a great idea! I love it!

September 10, 2009 at 9:24 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Brilliant! I was just trying to figure out what to do with some ready-mades I got from IKEA. Great idea! I'm a lover of stripes!

September 10, 2009 at 9:25 AM  
Blogger ###### said...

looks very cute...great job. i need to try it.

September 10, 2009 at 9:29 AM  
Blogger bluehydrangea said...

You have made my day!! I have been looking for brown and white awning striped fabric for curtains and can't find what I need. I cannot wait to try this. the real beauty is that is easy and inexpensive!! Many thanks!! you are brilliant!

September 10, 2009 at 9:32 AM  
Blogger Monica Benavidez said...

That is SUPER brilliant! Great idea! I would have never thought of doing something like this. How many bottles of the paint stuff did you end up using for both panels?

September 10, 2009 at 9:33 AM  
Blogger Lynett said...

Great idea! I'm loving the yellow with the blue!

September 10, 2009 at 9:37 AM  
Blogger alison giese Interiors said...

OMG! They look FAB-U-LOUS!! Thanks for the how-to tips!

September 10, 2009 at 9:39 AM  
Blogger Amber said...

I love this idea!! I had no idea you could do something like that!!

September 10, 2009 at 9:39 AM  
Blogger High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Thanks everyone! Glad you like them. I used 5 bottles. They are available at Michaels and around $6 and you can use a 40% coupon on them!

September 10, 2009 at 9:42 AM  
Blogger Liz @ It's Great To Be Home said...

LOVE the color combination, and your painted stripes are genius! I've been thinking about dying the curtains in my craft room, but I may have to take this route instead . . . looks awesome!

~ Liz
www.itsgreattobehome.net

September 10, 2009 at 9:42 AM  
Blogger JennyMac said...

I am SOOOOOO impressed. These look absolutely perfect.

September 10, 2009 at 9:48 AM  
Blogger vanessa said...

Those are awesome! I am helping a friend with her nursery and I can't find a fat green stripe anywhere, looks like painting them might be the solution!

September 10, 2009 at 9:59 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

FABULOUS job! they look absolutely great and I love that the inspiration came from a skirt!

September 10, 2009 at 10:10 AM  
Blogger Lauren said...

hahah i LOVE it!!! genius!!!!!
xoxoxoox

September 10, 2009 at 10:11 AM  
Blogger Jeannine | The Small and Chic Home said...

Are you kidding me? I was skimming through my blog reader and had to back up. Those curtains look fabulous!

I saw black and white stripped curtains a while back (possibly in Domino?) and when Jenny made similar ones, I started hunting for fabric, but didn't find the width I wanted for the stripes. I think I'm going to try this! Thank you, thank you!

September 10, 2009 at 10:15 AM  
Blogger Flavia @ Estilo Home said...

I love this! The curtains look great in the room. I've been wanting to get new curtains for my bedroom but now I'm considering the DIY route. Thanks!

September 10, 2009 at 10:18 AM  
Blogger Mary said...

Genius!!! I instantly fell in love the second I saw Jenny's horizontal striped drapes and have been on the hunt for a similar fabric ever since. When all else fails, do it yourself!!!! I love the way the yellow pops with the blue, it looks great!

September 10, 2009 at 10:23 AM  
Blogger Jami - XOimagine said...

Yes! Yes! Yes! Brilliant and want to try it myself RIGHT now!!! Thanks!

September 10, 2009 at 10:50 AM  
Blogger LifestyleBohemia said...

Your curtains turned out beautiful! Thanks for sharing this tutorial. I see striped curtains in my future :)

Have a great day!
xx

September 10, 2009 at 10:51 AM  
Blogger Karen said...

I didn't know there was such a thing as fabric spray paint. I love this idea and will be stealing it immediately.

September 10, 2009 at 10:55 AM  
Blogger Brenda said...

What a great idea. I need to try this with a stencil. Thanks.

September 10, 2009 at 10:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

looks fantastic!!

September 10, 2009 at 11:05 AM  
Blogger Jennifer said...

delightful! great solution when you can't find the fabric of your dreams -- just make it!

September 10, 2009 at 11:09 AM  
Blogger Scientific Housewife said...

Great ideas on decorating and doing something so nice on a budget. Much cheaper than buying them already decorated.

September 10, 2009 at 11:22 AM  
Blogger Jill GG said...

I love this! I was actually just thinking of painting some curtains! Thanks for the "how-to"!

September 10, 2009 at 11:23 AM  
Blogger Blair Friedeman said...

Fabulous job!! I want a pair:)

September 10, 2009 at 11:24 AM  
Blogger paula said...

they look amazing! I love finding inspiration in unexpected places, kate spade is perfect.

September 10, 2009 at 11:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is so perfect! I love how budget-conscious it is, and I love what a problem-solver you are! Now I'm looking around to see where I could put some striped curtains...
Thanks so much for sharing!

September 10, 2009 at 11:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh I love how this turned out! What a great idea!!!!!! Definitely putting this in my future DIY folder. :)

September 10, 2009 at 11:50 AM  
Blogger Kristen said...

OMG!! I didn't even know you could do something like this!! It turned out incredible! I love the colors together... so chic!

September 10, 2009 at 11:54 AM  
Blogger Erin {House of Turquoise} said...

This is seriously so cool! Thanks for the step-by-step instruction too...very helpful! The final result is fabulous....so cheery! Yellow and turquoise is just the best!

September 10, 2009 at 12:19 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Camila it's brilliant-not to mention gorgeous! Kate Spade always serves as a bold color inspiration.

I especially love that you did something so creative on a budget. My kind of project!

September 10, 2009 at 12:43 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Love this. Trying to figure out exactly where in my house I could do it.

September 10, 2009 at 12:52 PM  
Blogger Sarah Ring said...

I love the yellow and turquoise combo! So pretty!

September 10, 2009 at 12:57 PM  
Blogger Re:Fresh Design Studio said...

ooh, they look great! I never would have thought that spray painting fabric would turn out that nice. Great job! Want to come do mine next?

September 10, 2009 at 12:59 PM  
Blogger Yansy said...

You're a genius! I love them, and now I must go make my own for our new place. I can't wait to share the pics with you.

September 10, 2009 at 1:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yay! I love yellow and turquoise! Beautiful curtains!

September 10, 2009 at 1:16 PM  
Blogger Courtney said...

*clapping* I've been planning on painting some curtains for a while now.. just never got around to it. Great job!!

September 10, 2009 at 2:01 PM  
Blogger Fargerike Dagny said...

They look fabulous! I actually got similar curtains (only with vertical stripes) for baby no 2's room a few weeks ago. I'm HOPING to get them up tomorrow! Yay!!!

September 10, 2009 at 2:20 PM  
Blogger Alicia B. Designs said...

i've been obsessed with that skirt for months now. I'm SO incredibly impressed with your handywork making icky ikea into gorgeous preppy kate spade. Thanks!!

ps-my word verification for this comment is "manish." WHY??

September 10, 2009 at 2:24 PM  
Blogger Jenny at LGN said...

I LOVE these, Camila!!! Great idea, great job!!!

jenny

September 10, 2009 at 2:31 PM  
Blogger LindsB said...

Seriously how do you get Jon to do all this stuff for you?? You better watch out or I'm going to get a group of bloggers together and come kidnap him- whoever comes with me will then share him and have him do stuff around our houses too :)

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE these curtains, the stripes are perfection!

September 10, 2009 at 2:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Love this idea girl!

It is just as fabulous as you are :)

XO - Katie

September 10, 2009 at 3:32 PM  
Blogger MMW said...

I've always loved that Kate Spade image. And it looks so FRESH on your curtains. Love it.

September 10, 2009 at 5:01 PM  
Blogger Brooke Hagel said...

Cam they look fab! Good job

September 10, 2009 at 5:30 PM  
Blogger My Galveston Cottage said...

Fabulous! I love how you looked to fashion trends to achieve such a fresh crisp look. Great tip! Love the look. cheers-s

September 10, 2009 at 5:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is SERIOUSLY awesome. Seriously.

September 10, 2009 at 8:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I swear you are so amazing. Yellow stripes! How much do I love them?!

September 10, 2009 at 9:04 PM  
Blogger carlee {deliciously organized} said...

Looks AMAZING!!!

September 10, 2009 at 9:27 PM  
Blogger A Refocused Life said...

What a great idea. I have always loved the clean, crisp look of wide stripes...yellow and white are the best. Thanks for the 'how to' tips.

September 10, 2009 at 9:49 PM  
Blogger PS~Erin said...

Super transformation with the color change and bold curtains!

September 11, 2009 at 9:49 AM  
Blogger Nikki Cogg said...

Aqua blue and yellow is one of my very favorite color combo's! I also love it with a punch of hot pink. I just bought a shirt from Forever 21 that has horizontal yellow stripes just like that!

September 11, 2009 at 1:11 PM  
Blogger Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Camilla, saw this yesterday & thought I should come back & say, gorgeous! Great idea & what an impact those yellow stripes have. Love it!

September 11, 2009 at 2:54 PM  
Blogger Arianna Belle said...

This is brilliant! Awesome job!

September 12, 2009 at 6:44 PM  
Blogger Pam @ bibbidi-bobbidi-beautiful said...

This looks fantastic! Thanks for being the guinea pig- I've been wondering about fabric spray paint!

September 14, 2009 at 8:11 PM  
Blogger bluehydrangea said...

Camila. O.K. I was so impressed by your curtains I tried it myself. i wasn't as successful as you were..check out my blog tomorrow!!

September 14, 2009 at 8:38 PM  
Blogger Haven and Home said...

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing!

September 15, 2009 at 10:08 AM  
Blogger Courtney said...

they look amazing!!! GO YOU AND JON!!

September 15, 2009 at 11:27 AM  
Blogger Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE that curtain treatment! You did a great job.

September 15, 2009 at 3:39 PM  
Blogger Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

Wow, I *love* this! They really pop. So, so pretty! I'll be linking.

September 17, 2009 at 3:04 PM  
Blogger megitys said...

I just saw this post on One Pretty Thing and had to check it out. I love it!! I always want to use bold colors, but never do. That panel idea is fab. Making note of this project for my house.

September 17, 2009 at 7:16 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

What a creative and clever idea!! Congrats on being featured One Pretty Thing

September 18, 2009 at 3:31 PM  
Blogger Katie said...

SO CLEVER! Is the curtain rod and clips also from Ikea?

September 19, 2009 at 10:25 PM  
Blogger Jeannine | The Small and Chic Home said...

I did a test run on some scrap last night and am attempting to do this today.

The problem: I can't get the bullfrog tape to stay on the fabric. It keeps coming off. Can you pass along any advice? Maybe the material of your Ikea curtains worked better than the sailcloth I'm using?

September 20, 2009 at 2:03 PM  
Blogger  Viv said...

Such a clever idea!!

December 21, 2009 at 6:22 AM  
Blogger ClassiclyAmber said...

Ooo - you did a GREAT job with those curtains! I think it's a fab idea. =-D

January 12, 2010 at 8:28 AM  
Blogger B said...

Great job on the curtains! The yellow stripes look great with the blue. I'm loving it!

~ www.billiemonster.com ~

September 15, 2010 at 2:30 PM  
Blogger L.Duncan@Home23DuncanBoys said...

Great idea! They turned out perfect! Now, where can I find this paint?!

October 25, 2010 at 10:37 AM  
Blogger Julia@Cuckoo4Design said...

I LOVE YOUR CURTAINS!
Your curtains and the curtains from little green notebook have been my inspiration for the curtains in my dining room.
I have been obsessed with the horizontal stripes for a while.

http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/Dining-Rooms/Budget-Dining-Room-UPDATE/detail.esi?oid=23766216

March 20, 2011 at 1:44 PM  
Blogger Kim said...

This is on my to do list...looks great and it doesn't look too complicated!

April 18, 2011 at 5:49 PM  
Blogger Brandi said...

oh my goodness you are a life saver! thank you so much for your awesome tutorial! your curtains turned out great! love the yellow!

October 13, 2011 at 6:10 PM  
Blogger RyTy said...

Genius! My bedroom is the same color with brown accents and I totally didn't want to paint the walls again. I literally just bought yellow spray paint for the end table yesterday. Now I know how to make awesome curtains too!!!!

April 2, 2012 at 9:22 AM  
Blogger Litlem3 said...

I've been wanting to do this for a while but afraid they wouldn't turn out nice.... Did the tape keep the lines very straight or was there some seepage?

September 10, 2012 at 5:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Very nice post, impressive. its quite different from other posts. Thanks for sharing.
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June 9, 2015 at 6:45 AM  

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