Sunday, March 14, 2010

The Naked Truth


Recently, Jane, one of the talented and delightful women from Attic Mag and I had a fun conversation about windows and window treatments.

It started when she made a comment on a post I did about a friend's home and how her bathtub was surrounded by windows with no blinds.  Here is the picture that sparked the conversation between Jane and me.


After seeing this "naked" window Jane left me the following comment...

Ok, I must ask...
for those of you who live in the country, woods, in the middle of nowhere...do you really step into the tub with no window shades? LOL Just one of those weird thoughts that goes through my mind when I see a tub w/a gorgeous view and no one (supposedly) around for miles.

Jane T. 


I wrote Jane back and told her that I don't have a blind, curtain or shade on ANY windows in my entire house!


I think this freaked her out even more and she sent me a cute message back that read...

OMG.  I just don't think I could do that!!  Maybe I watched Rear Window too many times.  Visions of James Stewart with binoculars in hand, LOL.  Even if he lived in the next county I think it would still feel so eerie. 
Scardey-cat Jane ;D

We continued our conversation via email and had a good laugh about the possibility of deer, peeping Toms, or whatever might be lurking outside my windows and I think we both concluded that it's not really so much about whether or not someone can see in, but just the sense of security that you get from being able to cover up your windows.

Now, I understand that if you live 3 feet away from your next door neighbor, then of course you'll want blinds, curtains, or something to block "their" view of you!  But here in the country, that really isn't much of an issue.  We have one neighbor who is close by, but our home sits further back and we have large evergreens that block the view into one another's houses.



This is the view out of one of the windows in our master bedroom so you can see that aside from a few field mice, there isn't much chance of someone taking a gander.  Plus with two big, noisy dogs that tell us when the wind is blowing...much less if someone is creeping around outside...I think we are safe!


Another view from the same window.

When we first looked at our house it was owned by an elderly couple.  Every window was covered with dark, heavy drapes and the shades were all drawn.  They took the draperies with them, but after we moved in we took down the shades and installed mini blinds.  Knowing a renovation was in our future, I didn't even bother to put up curtains in most of the rooms.

"Before"

This is how the old family room area looked shortly before the renovations began, see the bits of the blue painter's tape on the walls...we put those there to show us how big the new windows would be!  Even before we purchased the house we knew that this area would need to change dramatically.  We knew that the kitchen would need to change, and that we wanted lots more windows in this room, which has some of the best water views in the whole house!


Living in a brick house is great, except when it comes to expanding windows!  We had to have a much bigger header installed and the dust made by cutting bricks is unbelievable, it makes drywall dust seem like a walk in the park!  There were clouds of pink brick dust floating all over the inside of our house and that was with plastic on the walls to help minimize the mess!  Our brick mason, Ronnie Trossbach, did an amazing job of matching the old and new brick.  After the mortar dried you couldn't even tell that any brick work had been done.


Here you can see what a huge difference it made to add just 2 extra windows to the room.  That's Richard, our hard working contractor, doing what he does best...hard work!

"After"


And here is a picture of the windows today.  It's partly cloudy and a little dreary outside today, but even on a cloudy day these windows make a huge difference in brightening up the space!

During the renovation we replaced every single window in the house.  Along with the expansion of the family room windows, we added more windows to the master bedroom and the kitchen.

"Before"
The kitchen windows were widened, raised up, and box bayed to accommodate the new cabinetry.

"After"

"Before"

Even the sliding door was replaced.  I really wanted french doors but the slider takes up so much less space.  

"After"
I chose prairie grills on the slider to help maximize the views.

Our bedroom had just two windows when we first moved in.  After the renovation there are now 4 windows.
"Before"
Above is a picture of how the bedroom looked with the previous owner's furnishings.  They used this room as a TV room.

"After"

Adding just 2 windows afforded us wonderful water and field views.

Now when we wake up each morning we have amazing views of the creek.


And when I do my make-up each day I have views of both the creek and the fields.  I get to watch deer, birds, and just a few days ago I even got to watch a red fox.  It must have been a mother fox out looking for food for her babies.  It's unusual to see a fox during daylight hours, but in rural areas, and when they have young, they will often hunt during the early morning hours for extra food to bring home to their "kits".




Maybe one day Mr. Tide and I will want to put up seagrass blinds, plantation shutters, or install some pretty curtains, but for now we are going Au Naturale!   I don't think I've been able to convince Jane at Attic Mag that this is the way to go, but I think I have convinced her that if she ever comes to my house for a visit, that she'll be safe.  And hopefully she won't get the heebie jeebies, but will relax and enjoy the sunshine, stars, and summer breezes from my very naked windows!

Don't forget, there's still time to enter my latest Giveaway.  Click HERE to find out more!

It's time for Metamorphosis Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch.

45 comments:

  1. Your bigger & better windows are fantastic!! I'm sure they bring loads more light into your house.

    Not sure if I could go with totally naked windows, even out in the country. Even if I logically know that only the deer and field mice can see me, I think I'd still feel too exposed at night without some sort of window covering. But it's great that you enjoy your naked windows :-)

    Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your new windows are gorgeous ! I would love to have that much light and those views. You know I would still have to put something on those beautiful windows !

    ReplyDelete
  3. Will we get censored for saying "nekkid" on our blogs????? Hehehehehehe

    I like light, and I like openness at windows - - - in someone ELSE'S home. I'm even OK with windows that aren't covered in rooms where I DON'T GET NEKKID.

    But - - - the bathtub and bedroom windows? Must have shades or I don't show my lumpy self in front of them. ;-)

    Truth: There USED to be a peeping "Tom" across the street from me. Even my teenage "beauty" of a daughter got a little paranoid about windows that prior to that time she left uncovered.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your new windows are amazing. I would be very happy in the country not to have curtains or blinds on my windows in all the rooms except the bedroom - and that's not because of privacy, but to help me sleep in the summer. I think the 5:00 am summer sun would wake me up if I didn't have drapes.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love all the windows and light. I think that if I had a home situated the way yours is, I would leave the windows uncovered also. I'm sure that I'd have a heck of a time convincing DH though, he grew up a city boy with a mother who loved heavy, ornate window coverings. But if I had the view he grew up with, I'd want my windows covered too :) Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your new windows and kitchen are beautiful. Oh, how I long for property like yours. I would love to take my home and plop it in great scenery like that!

    I love the bare window look but I'd be a little creeped out at night. But with your dogs, I could probably get used to it. We live in a sub division, large homes, small lots. But each morning it is a routine for the husband, kids and I to open all the blinds and curtains. I like to let the light in too.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm another one of those without draperies on my windows! Our lives are open books! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your home is so lovely and I love your big windows.
    We live on the golf course and built our home with windows completely across the back of the house. It's so nice to have all the sunlight coming in. We do have sheer blinds, but they are always up to the top. I love bare windows too.

    hugs
    Sissie

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have to have something on my bedroom windows because it has to be dark for me to sleep. We didn't have anything on the great room windows until last year and that was just so we could put them down when it is extremely hot to help block the sun out for a few hours. We have no one on the back of us so we don't really have to have anything. I love all your windows with those wonderful views.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sweet greetings Ms. Low Tide High Style! I absolutely know what you mean about windows being left alone in a home. Although my master bedroom makeover included some beautiful window treatments, most of the rest of my home has windows that are adorned with different things or with nothing at all. Also, many of our windows have 2 foot insets due to the stone walls so I place different things on the deep windowsills, which decorate the area fine - the addition of curtains would just be too much! Ciao, Bella!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your naked windows are beautiful. We live in the country too, but there's a development next to us and God only knows who's living over there. But we have hardly anything on our windows as it is. I'm just used to it, I guess.
    And I would be perfectly at home in your home with its naked windows! (and it's quite beautiful)

    ReplyDelete
  12. If I had such beautiful views out of my windows I think I would ditch the blinds too!
    Janette x

    ReplyDelete
  13. OH my gosh, that email exchange had me laughing again :D

    Here's one for ya Kat...so what happens if you're in that gorgeous tub and the dogs DO start barking? Just sayin...

    Your home is beyond lovely and the added windows make an enormous difference. And are those my favorite m&m candies in the jar on the kitchen counter?

    All joking aside, your home is heaven.
    Your pal, Jane T.

    ReplyDelete
  14. LOL Jane, and since you've never met me, trust me when I say that the person looking in at me when I'm naked in the bath is the one who would get the fright!

    Kat :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Those windows are beautiful & make a huge difference in the way the room looks.

    ReplyDelete
  16. That Jane! lol Lovely home, and the windows make it even better.

    We too live "out" and did not have window treatments for several years. Still don't have any in our bathroom. At least the guest rooms won't give Jane the heebie jeebies. ;)

    Allison

    ReplyDelete
  17. The trim on your windows is lovely! Nice job. I Live in the suburbs and have nothing on the windows in the rooms that don't face anyone. If I was in the country, I would definitely leave them bare.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love your naked windows - they must let in so much light and how nice it must be to see the all the pretty country views. I would love to leave my windows bare but I have too many neighbors - I just might do it anyway!

    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have a few naked windows too....shhhh don't tell the Window Police !
    Kammy

    ReplyDelete
  20. Love those windows.....the views are fabulous. Probably the only thing looking in would be deer. And the kitchen with extra window is just gorgeous. Are those jelly bellies in the jar on the counter? I LOVE jelly bellies! Linda

    ReplyDelete
  21. The candies in the jar are actually M&M's. My husband really needs a 12 step program for his M&M addiction! Either that or they need to become a sponsor and give us free candy! ;)

    Kat :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I just LOVE your look of naked windows. If I had your view... AND your sense of security... I would love to have openness like that.
    What a difference they made!

    Sadly, I'm still more of the atticmag mindset in that I would be positive that someone was looking in and getting a big chuckle out of it. My MIL actually has the naked window look in suburban Atlanta, and it doesn't unnerve her one iota. I nearly freak out when I'm there and feel the need to fashion a covering in the room where I sleep.

    Goofy, huh?

    Also...Thanks for the post on my blog. I agree with your son's perspective about high school too.

    This is a wonderful blog and I'm having a great time reading older posts and looking at the wonderful pictures as well. I'm very glad to have found you!

    ReplyDelete
  23. This was interesting and I like the idea of waking up and seeing nature out your window. I'm still trying to figure out if I could have all my window exposed like that though! heehee! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  24. All the new windows and your renovations are just gorgeous. Such a beautiful setting. I think I would just look at the views too. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  25. What a difference new windows make, and yours are gorgeous. I too like them unadorned.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your windows are stunning and the amount of light they let in is amazing. If I wasn't scared of the dark I'd go bare too.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I found this hilarious because I've been trying to decide for months if I'm going to put up curtains or at least blinds in the master bedroom. As you know, we are far from in the country, and even though you see mostly trees from the windows, there are houses that can be seen in the winter when the trees are mostly bare. Even though it occurs to me that people could possibly see, I continue to walk around getting dressed or undressed! To be honest, I haven't gotten blinds or curtains simply because I'm too tired and don't want to deal with anything else - haha :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. We live in a neighborhood and need window coverings, but if I lived in the country with stunning views like yours, I would never want to cover the windows either! Your windows are beautiful, as is your gorgeous home- I just love your remodeling projects!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love your expanded windows and all that glorious light. But I'm wondering if you ever get any boat traffic on that creek. I've become a window covering person here when it gets dark out, but I do love to leave the drapes open during a full moon. This was a rather fun subject to read! ~Lili

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love all your windows, but I'd still need some blinds or shades to pull down at night even if I had no neighbors... I'm always worried I'll look out and see two eyes starring back at me, and although it might just be a deer or even a raccoon I know I'd get the shock of my life!! SO, I'd have to have shades ;)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Those windows are AWESOME! What a huge job y'all have done on your house, and oh so worth it! Those views are wonderful!
    Doni

    ReplyDelete
  32. The redo looks amazing! I with you, let the light in and allow that remarkable view to be seen.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Fantastic post Kat:) I love your bare windows! I just have a question regarding how cold your rooms are and how you heat your home with bare windows? Or doesn't it get very cold where you live? I would love to just have white floaty sheer curtains on our bedroom windows here, but it is freezing in winter and I was just wondering how you cope without having window treatments in winter? Hope you are having a lovely day my dear ~ Tina x

    ReplyDelete
  34. Your home is lovely. Great idea to add more window to let the light in and enjoy the beautiful vistas!

    Cheers!
    Tina

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love all the views and agree, no curtains or blinds. I've always wanted to live way out in the "sticks" for this same exact reason. The view would be all I needed.

    ReplyDelete
  36. At some point in our remodeling we're going to put in some larger windows. But we'll have blinds as we don't have the lovely privacy you do.

    When I was a child, my step grandfather lived on a cattle ranch. He had no window treatments either. One night I was scared silly when one of his white faced Herefords looked in the bedroom window. It's white face looked like a skull face!!! Oh my!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. This is the other Jane at Atticmag (there are two of us, LOL) and I wanted to say I love your black and white kitchen. We also have a house where no one can see in. There's really no need for window coverings but, we face west and the afternoon sun is feriocious during the summer. So I not only went with curtains (which I needed to "fix" newer architecture) but blinds under them. Otherwise, I'd look like the house had been to a bleach festival. You're so lucky that it's not necessary to worry about sun fading things. I love naked windows. -- Jane F.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Well this is certainly and interesting conversation!

    I must say, personally we go for a bit of both; treated and untreated windows in our home, yet we also own, live in and operate a bed and breakfast.~ So therefore, we've had to somewhat 'amend our ways' with regard to our own preferences!..,

    Do pop by and visit, I'm also having my 22nd, Tuesday Tea For Two, blog party/ meme tomrrow, and you're most warmly welcome to pop by and visit; perhaps even partake!

    Cheers from Wanda Lee @ The Plumed Pen

    ReplyDelete
  39. The new windows look great. As you have shown, natural light is the best way to brighten up a room.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I've lived in homes where we had to have drapes and where we could care less (no neighbors). I loved waking up and looking outside from my bed instead of at a drape. I like my drapes too...but there's no way in this house I'd take them down! I love your lights in the kitchen and the blue walls on one of the other photos!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I have both and love the big windows. Only really have curtains or shades in the kiddos rooms to block the light for sleeping purposes. If I didn't they would wake up at the crack of dawn. We wouldn't want that.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I can see..., you really don't need blinds! I actually never close the blinds in half of the house, because nobody can see either. Your kitchen is awesome!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I have a bathtub on my back porch at our cottage on a lake, there is no one around for miles. I bath in that bathtub all the time, there are no windows and my ceiling is blue sky and clouds during the day and stars at night. It's a great place.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I always want to be able to be part of what is happening outside, to check the moon and the tide, so I sleep with French doors and curtains wide open. I am always surprised by people who say they don't like the 'big black space' outside. it's just a different way of looking at things I guess.
    As for privacy, I don't care, just take off my glasses. My days of prancing around the house naked are alas, long gone.

    ReplyDelete
  45. you have a very lovely home and I love your kitchen. Makes me drool a bit!

    Just found you from over at our suburban cottage

    Great blog you have and great taste!

    Natalie

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.