Homebuyers don't necessarily have the time or design skills to make their own kitchens pretty, so they're looking to buy something with "cute," says real estate agent Mark Nash of Evanston, Illinois. The easiest way to create a look that sells is to focus on window treatments, says Nash, the author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home. .
Nash and Sue Pelley, national spokesperson for Interiors by Decorating Den, based in Easton, Md., offer these window treatment ideas to potential buyers:
"Remove heavy window coverings and replace them with simple shades," says Nash. "Younger buyers, in particular, have a slim look. And no one seems to want a lot of fabric."
One way to less fabric is to use an upholstered cornice, says Pelley, or a flap valance like the Ace Three-Piece Set from Swags Galore.
“There isn't enough natural light in the kitchen to deter buyers,” says Pelley. "Pleated shades offer a privacy treatment and still allow plenty of light."
Just one example of an attractive pleated color is the Smith + Noble version, available in shades from Whitecap to Lilac, with subtle stripes and a tropical-looking pattern. It even comes in versions suitable for skylights or arched windows.
If you use fabric, make sure it's in a contemporary tone.
"Terracotta tones, with khakis, peaches and oranges are very mixed with greens, blacks and golds," says Pelley. "You can also mix cotton fabric prints, either within a treatment or by coordinating a print on the valance or cornice with another print on the cushion tie seats or mats."
If your kitchen is particularly small, then cool, light colors can make it look larger and brighter, while warm, dark colors can make an oversized kitchen more appealing.
Another popular trend to get shoppers excited about your kitchen is Roman shades made from rattan, bamboo or other natural fibers, Pelley says:"They add visual interest with their texture, but still roll smoothly like the Roman shades of yesteryear."
Too much direct sunlight is also a problem in kitchens, Pelley says, making it hot and unpleasant to work in. Simple wood blinds or woven wood shades, like the Provenance sold by Hunter Douglas, will filter the light without looking too heavy.
"There are usually a lot of straight lines in the kitchen:the cabinets, the appliances, the counters, everything is straight or square," says Pelley. "It's a good idea to add a gently curving window treatment to open up the space, especially in a small kitchen."
Arching a valance is a good option, particularly over the sink. JC Penney sells a clear arched window bar that will do the trick. Other options include a curved cornice, a box-pleat valance with a curved line along the bottom, or a London Shade from Smith + Noble that is almost flat on top but falls from inverted pleats to smooth closures along the bottom. from the bottom, with wings on both sides. side.
And don't forget your window treatments when you sell or buy a house.
"Custom window treatments are affixed to the wall, which is a bargaining point and usually means they have to be left in the house," says Pelley. "Make sure you calculate that when you're calculating the price."
