from Ugly House Photos.com

This photo from Ugly House Photos might have been in our own little condo, but it wasn’t. Still, it looks awfully familiar. They have some other great examples in this article, “Design through the Decades,” on 1980s style.

But now, twenty-five years later, my life is a bit more relaxed. My color preferences have changed, my home is very different, and my tastes have taken a 180. I’m not saying there was a problem with 1985 home style. OK. I might be saying that. But only because I was queen of mauve. And seafoam green. And peach. (I still kind of like peach. The deeper, rusty kind.) My husband made us some bookcases in our 1986 condo. (That was an engineering feat!) And they were painted a very pinky, purpley, mauve.  They looked great. In 1986. So, if anyone should be allowed to criticize the 80s, I am that person.

But time marches on. A person can either continue on down the road or get stuck in the middle of the road. And then get hit by a bus. Yeah, we all know those people. They still wear their Farrah Fawcett hair today! (Again, I can criticize. I had big–very big–hair. In the 80s.)

The epitome of big hair

But I digress.

It seems to me that most people are living a more casual lifestyle than a few years ago. This is evident in almost everything, but particularly in home decorating. I want our home to be warm, inviting, and comfortable; I do not want to rope off the living room. I want it to look put together over time–not perfectly matching and rigidly styled. The 1980s were great. I have some very fond memories of those years. But it is time to move on!

New window treatments can give a room a big update. Look around you. Are you stuck in a past decade? Think about updating with less structure and a more casual look and feel.

If your windows  need to be dragged out of the 1980s, start looking in current magazines or on websites and create a file of things you like. Take a good look at window treatments. Collect pictures that appeal to you. You do not need to use terms like jabot or cornice; simply clip pictures of window treatments that make you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Notice how few pouf valences there are in any post-2000 magazine! (If you love the pouf, ignore that comment please.)

Start thinking about change. About updating. About comfortable and relaxed. Think classic. Think casual. Think twenty-first century. You’ll be glad you did.

Next time, I have some pictures to share that show the huge change a new window treatment can make. Not as big as jumping from 1985 style to 2010, but still big.  And the best part is that it is not difficult.

Glad I don't have to do this! (photo by Francois Schnell)

My neighbor’s house across the street always looks clean. (Inside, too.) My home seems to suffer by comparison…But one thing I notice immediately is how clean Mary’s windows are. No bird droppings, no oily hand prints, and no dog-nose smudges. And no screens! I think the “no screens” thing is the main reason her windows are so pristine. (I like you in spite of your neat and sparkly house, Mary.)

Windows aren’t my only problem. I tend to let things go for a while, and then I go totally berserk, spinning madly into a cleaning frenzy. My house is approaching the point of no return, so a frenzy is imminent. It’s Do or Die; Now or Never…You get my point. (What would the FlyLady say? You don’t know the FlyLady? Check her out at www.flylady.net. Lots of tips, lists, and encouragement.)

I’m getting a late start today, but the time has come. Watch out dirt, dog hair, dust bunnies, and smudged windows. Your days are numbered. I need a plan–and lots of energy. And this time, I’ll remember the windows.

It’s kind of messy for your hands, but try newspaper instead of a roll of paper towels when cleaning windows and mirrors. It really adds some sparkle! I’ve heard of using vinegar and warm water as a quick, good, homemade solution. I might try that over Windex. We’ll see…What’s your best cleaning solution for glass?

Wish me luck. It’s a jungle in here.