Recently, we had the privilege to take an inside look at Jenika and Robert's beautifully restored bungalow. Many readers commented on how much they loved her hand-made, black and white window treatments. Jenika has created a step-by-step guide to recreating the lovely window treatments and we are grateful that we are able to share it with you.

What we love best about Jenika's DIY drapery is that it has so much style and character and doesn't cost a lot of money. It can be a great solution and complement many different styles of decor. Listed below is Jenika's instructions for creating the low-cost window treatments.

What You Need

Tools

• Measuring Tape
  
• Hammer
  
• Stapler
  
• Finishing Nails
  
• Scissors
  
• Pen or pencil

Instructions
1. Measure the width of the window and cut a 3/4" thick screen molding to size. If you have a saw at home that's great, but I would suggest making your cuts at the store where you buy the molding. It is easier to transport when the pieces are not 10' long and hanging out the back of your car. Most places like Home Depot will supply a small hand saw and tape measure for your convenience.

2. Measure the height of the window. Using a straight edge (extra piece of molding will work), mark lightly on the the back of your fabric the length (plus 3/4") and the width of the window and cut out. If you are using a stripe or pattern fabric, be sure to place your cut molding in the center of the pattern so that when you draw the curtain the edges that meet will match.

3. Lay your pre-cut molding 3/4" shy of the top edge of your cut fabric and fold the excess over. Secure with heavy duty staples every inch and a half.

4. Cut a piece of twine double the length of your fabric and lay over the center of the molding.

5. Either very strategically on your own, or with help, hold the molding tight to the window casing (staples facing up). Hammer in finishing nails at either end first and then follow with one in the center and any additional that are needed. The heavier your fabric, the more finishing nails you should use.

6. Tie the loose ends of the twine in a bow/knot as high or low as you prefer. The higher you get the more gathering will occur with your fabric. Once you have secured the twine you can adjust the folds. The softer the fold the better; if they are too perfect your curtain will look like an accordion. Just lift the fabric and gradually set it down letting the fabric settle on itself.

That's all there is to it! Of course, if you would like a more finished look and you know how to sew you can add a hem to all four sides of the fabric before you staple the fabric onto the molding. Just be sure to account for this when measuring.

The custom window treatments are such an easy way to add color/ texture with the added benefit of privacy. Also, you can switch out the fabric as often as the desire strikes you. If you want to change the look, replace the twine with ribbon. I myself was struck with the inspiration to change the fabric this weekend while visting the fashion district in downtown Los Angeles. I discovered, after a long absence, that Michael Levine has hundreds of awesome, affordable fabrics that would work fabulously in my own place.

To see more photos of Jenika's black and white window treatments, see the links for her house tour and her personal blog, No More Mauve.

• Jenika and Robert's 1944 Bungalow Renovation

(Images: Jenika Kurtz)