It’s not blaringly obvious. Not like the teal or Pepto carpet…or the tan painted trim…or the crazy red basement…but it’s there.
staring.
right at me.
everyday.
It’s the picture window in our kitchen. From most of the photos you’ve seen, it’s your basic Hanes white underwear. What you don’t see is the skidmarks…err…the fog. That’s right. It’s one of those big double paned glass windows that got moisture trapped in between the panes…causing it to fog up faster than a 18 year old’s memory at a rush party. And since replacing such a huge window isn’t in the Bower budget, I decided that if you can’t hide it, I would try my darndest to make it look intentional. Enter my dear friend Martha Stewart.
She doesn’t know it but we are close. I paid her salary last year. and the year before. But don’t tell her, I don’t want her to get all weird around me.
I decided to stecil a pattern directly onto the inside of the window. I know. I am coo-coo.
The stencil was actually on sale and I had my bonus coupons in hand at Michaels so this entire project cost less than $10. Plus, the stencil came with a bunch of other options if I ever want to stipple my way into stenciling again.
I used the ‘frosted effect’ paint that was also at Michaels (half off) and I love it. Plus, it’s way safer than the actual etching stuff (which smells and can be caustic)…AND this paint can be removed (whereas if I took the big plunge into etching my big ole window and hated it, well, too bad soo sad.
Ta da!
One finished stenciled window. oh and here’s probably the best photo to see the actual fogginess compared to the other windows.
It’s super subtle and hard to photograph – which is why all these photos show the inside so dark.
BUT I think it accomplishes my ultimate goal of taking the window and making it blend a little better…making it more intentional.
plus, I dig the overlapping circles.
Here’s a close up so you can see how the paint actually looks.
Obviously you can’t Windex this or it would come off…but obviously I am not a window-washing type of person….I’m more of a window-shopping type of person 🙂
And yes, I did this a long time ago – right before my sister’s wedding in September and so far, so good…even with the little hands in the middle, I just do quicky cleanups with a paper towel with a light spritz (careful not to get the paint).
And yes, it’s far from perfect…but honest to goodness, it looks more perfect in real life because of the way the light shines through.
Maybe I’ve lost it…painting windows.
Or maybe it’s crazier that I have like a hundred photos of this window on my computer.
If people saw what was on my computer they would think I’m nuts. Window pictures. Quick google searches to complete randomness – like “how to tan a hide”…it involves battery acid & salt, who knew?!…and “blue balls christmas”….you don’t want to know what comes up….and ‘what is the little space on your lower eyelid between the lashes and the eyeball called?”…..crucial to life info.
You see how when more light comes in, it kinda disappears? Yeah. That happens a lot…but for some reason, making the edges more fogged up with the paint makes the entire thing better to me.
And because I know you’d love to see it at night – here she blows.
What do you think? I rarely ask your opinion…but sometimes I love it, sometimes I can’t wait to replace the window completely….so I’m on the fence…with an extra cheek leaning more to the pasture of likage…
Looks great! But just wondering…Did you check the warranty on the windows? Many times they are lifetime guaranteed against things like fogging.
Enjoying your creative blog! Keep up the good work.
It looks really good! I would have never though to do that!
thumbs up!
I think it looks great! That was definitely a creative solution. I have almost gotten that stencil about 1000 times. (Although now that I have the Silhouette Cameo I might just have to try my hand at making it.) I too have a special relationship with Martha Stewart. 😉 I love “etching” like that on glass – windows, mirrors, glasses. Definitely adds a pretty but subtle touch! (And I’m totally with you on the etching paint – last time I went to buy the real stuff, I ran away when I saw the huge letters that said “Danger MAY BE FATAL!” Didn’t sound like they were kidding…)
What brand is the frost effect paint? I’d like to try something similar and want to get the right stuff. Thanks!
Definitely love it. I love the pattern and the etching effect. I would bust it out on the other two windows too. So cool.
You get an A for effort. It looks really pretty. BUT since you can’t clean it, I’d be more apt to spring for textured blinds. Panels between would be awesome too…I have a window like that and eventually just put cheapie white vinyl blinds up and valance so it looked less low end. Someday! But a great solution for now.
I think it is a great fix!
Ok, so I really don’t like to rain on anyone’s parade, but I will be honest (since I think you can handle it)…the first thing that popped into my head was, “It’s the maxi-pad window.” See, your readers are just as coo-coo as you are. 😉 Or perhaps maxi-pad paranoia runs in my family…my dad took my mom to a dance in college (1970’s) in a light blue suit that he looked like Mr. Kotex man in…my mom swears it and I’ve seen a photo (she’s right).
I love it! It looks great and is such a neat idea 🙂
love it!
ps – that space between your lashes and your eyeball is called the waterline 🙂
This turned out really well! Maybe using a glass etching paint would make it more permanent. Are you going to paint the other window and door, too??
Do you know what kind of windows they are? If you have Pella windows, they will come and repair your window for free. My dad worked for Pella for 35 years, so I know way too much uuseless information about windows! : )
Great idea Katie, you are too clever (and too cute!)
I think it’s a great fix. It really does make the foggy nature of the window look intentional and adds a little visual interest to boot. Two thumbs up! 🙂
That’s a creative solution! I’m not sure how I feel about it either. One picture I really love it and the other I’m not so sure. I think it would tide me over until I could come up with a permanent solution.
OK, because you asked for honest opinions, it’s not my cup of tea. It’s definitely creative, but it doesn’t fix the issue with the window, and in my mind, it actually draws more attention to it. That being said, it’s your house, and you get to do with it whatever you want. Especially if it’s not in the budget to replace right now and the fix makes you happy, then it’s money well spent.
Love the window! Such a great idea. The only thing I’m not so sure about is the fact that you can’t clean the window without ruining it. With two little ones, I have to clean off finger prints and stuff all the time, so that would bug me.
Also…when did you paint the bottom of the bench at the table?? Did I miss that post??
We had a similar problem with a double-paned window and had a service come out, drill a teeny hole in the glass, suck out the moisture and then seal the hole. Unfortunately, I haven’t a clue what service it was…google it maybe? It worked beautifully.
Do you think my husband will leave me if I do this to our THREE giant picture windows that are foggy? I just leave the blinds down most of the time, and the rest of the time paranoid-ly (it’s a word…) explain that I DID wash those windows, they are just foggy, honest!
I think it is a great temporary solution to your foggy window! If some little hand happens to “mess up” the lower portion–easily fixed with a few minutes of painting touch up. Great idea…
Great idea….I’m always trying to think of ways to make the most of a “no money to fix” it situation….and I LOVE stenciling. Borderline obsessed.
Just curious…now that you have my attention drawn to it, what is the space between your lower eyelid and your lashes called? Don’t make me google it…:)
Christine
PS – I don’t know why I think this is an embarrassing question, but how do people get their photos next to their comments? Is it a blog thing? I don’t have a blog….yet…
I like it because it isn’t permanent. 🙂 It is very pretty, but if you decide you don’t like it or get sick of it, it’s gone.
I think you should add a horizontal stripe with the stencil that goes across all three of the top windows to tie them together a little more.
GENIUS! 🙂 Love it!
Dude, what a great idea. Never would have thought of working with the fogginess. Works for me!
What a creative solution for an annoying problem you were having! It looks so pretty!
I love your solution! I’ve used the spray frost stuff (didn’t hold up to life) and now my bathrooms have the bottom pane of their windows frosted with the frost film stuff. They look pretty darn good, but not 100%. Had I seen this first, I think I would have done this instead! It looks soooo good.
That is such a good idea! Painting windows…I hadn’t thought of that but what better way to hide the fog?! Love it! Good job!
I think it looks great! It frames the window perfectly!! 🙂
I think it’s a really creative solution! I wouldn’t have the guts to do it, but it’s a plus that it’s washable. Now, I would personally try and save up and replace the window. It’s a bummer that such a nice big picture window with a great view is all blurry… It would personally drive me nuts to look at it all the time all fogged up like that.
I like it!
We had a foggy window like that and we were able to take it out, take it to a window repair place, they cleaned it and resealed it and we reinstalled it. Way cheaper than a new window!
Dont love it…a little too granny for me…
I love it, Katie! I think it’s a great solution! I’m not a huge fan of huge windows without any lines (why can’t I think of what they are called)? I don’t like one big sheet of glass – not sure why, but it looks odd to me. I think the stencil helps with the fact that it’s all one huge sheet of glass with no extra lines to break it up. Plus, it looks cool with the light shining through! And, if it helps hide the fogginess, than of course it’s an upgrade!
It’s kind of funny to me that you’ve seen to do more with the windows in your house than with the walls, but when you have so many windows (and some that were hideously covered in fake stained glass), I suppose you want to make them look better. Just an interesting observation!
We had moisture in a side window of our kitchen bay; since the windows were out of warranty, I called a company (here in CA I used Glass Guru) that specializes in window moisture removal. They drilled a small hole in the window, sucked out the moisture and voila’…looks brand new! It was an inexpensive fix (maybe $80). Definitely cheaper than replacing the window!
Hi! I have been reading your blog for the last couple weeks and LOVE it!! It’s pretty much my first blog…and this is my first blog post! Anyways, I should have written something positive for my first post – so I will say that I am in love with your Homemade Advent Calendar. I think that’s what first attracted me to your blog, I was searching for ideas on how to make one myself.
As for this window… it’s a little too ‘warm country’ for me. It makes me think of doilies and a lot of ‘Home is Where the Heart Is’ embroidered tea towels. (Which I have nothing against… just not personally my style!) It is executed very well though, and I admire your creativity. I will definitely keep on reading about your daily adventures! (it’s pretty much impossible to phrase that in a way that does not seem stalkerish…sorry… I’m not one… agh, making it worse…)
I think it’s a good solution. And heck, if you like it, you can always etch it — in the summer when you can open the windows because of the fumes. I wonder if doing a stencil on the other windows would help it not stand out as much, like some of the other commenters said. It might be nice to have some gauzy white panels to help bring light in, but somewhat hide the fog.
I love it!!! Such a great idea, where did you think that up? I love that it isnt permanent and if you ever decide you hate it you can windex it away with no remorse or money wasted (as you can use the stenicls again and it was super cheap in the first place!) You should stencil a photo (like on the cover of the Martha Steart) or place mats/table cloth to tie it all together in the kitchen… Great job, though 🙂
Love your blog!
I actually kinda like it, but… You should check with your window manufacturer to see if you can get replacement glass. I don’t know how your windows are constructed, but I was able to replace the glass in my 5′ x 5′ picture window when it fogged over (and mine are triple pane windows!) Just buying the glass was way cheaper and I didn’t have to remove/replace the window frames which made it a much faster process. It took me and my dad about an hour to do start to finish. Because this big window is mulled together with a single hung window on either side, we would have had to work on a 9′ x5′ window if we couldn’t do it this way. Would have sucked big time. Oh, and you get to rent some of those cool suction cup handles to move the glass around. They’re fun. 😛
Katie, I think you are very funny and very, very creative. The window looks pretty! I don’t think I’d ever have come up with that idea but it seems to be helping so good job!
I would like to know when we’re going to get to see some more pictures from your lovely sister’s wedding? I know you’ve been in a black hole so no pressure:) just didn’t want you to forget to share them with us 🙂
Good solution for an annoying problem, very creative! I never would have thought to do that, but I think it looks nice.
I’m sure someone has already pointed this out, but just in case, most of those double paned windows have at the very least a 10 year warranty. Other companies have even longer warranties, lifetime even. So, you might be able to get the company who made the windows to replace it for free.
I think it looks nice (love the circles design). I like that it’s removable, but I don’t like that it comes off so easily.
Love it! I think I’m going to give that a try on some of the windows at our farmhouse. BTW…if you have a home warranty (and you can buy one now if you don’t), the replacement could be covered.
I like it! My parents had trouble with that in their super well insulated home… it’s a pain. BUT hey, it’s better than having super old windows that leak air and are super cold. You could even add another square or frame of it on the inside, but maybe that would be too much in person.
Love this idea, I think it turned out great! I used window films to accomplish a similar goal on my french doors, except with the basic films you lose the view . I never thought of doing stenciling on the window. However, I have specific window in mind to try it on. Thanks for the inspiration!
I think the pattern is really pretty, and it looks great. It doesn’t detract from the fogginess to me, but if it makes you happier about the window, that’s the main thing. I’ve been thinking about stenciling something on my sidelight window to add some privacy, so good know that that paint isn’t washable. My parents had the same problem with windows in their old house, and they also found it was much cheaper to replace just the glass than the whole window, but it was a lot harder to find a company that would do that. And I’m sure that even just the glass for a window that big will run you some bucks.
not really loving it…but great idea to hide the clouded windows!
smart!
and here in canada…you can’t walk out of Micheal’s with out spending less than 20 bucks.
Am I missing something…where is the night picture? I like it, I wonder if it would work in a bathroom, or will the steam be bad for it?
I really like that stencil and it does help make the fog blend in. We had a sliding glass door with the same foggy problem and before we sold that house we replaced just the glass; much cheaper than replacing the whole door!
I was going to suggest something similar to this as an alternative to completely replacing the window (since my Jer was hanging over my shoulder reading the post with me and pointed it out as an inexpensive alternative). So I’d look into it!
Either way, I like the pattern and think it adds some interest to the window without blocking any of that amazing daylight. 🙂
Have a wonderful day!
Emily
I assume the window isn’t still under warranty because if it is you should be able to get it replaced, even if you aren’t the original owner. But of course, I could be wrong!
You may think I’m crazy, but we did something like this to our bathroom mirror around the edges…but we used stencils and CLEAR NAIL POLISH….i used one of those spongey type things and just poured some nail polish onto a paper plate and then dabbed over the stencil. It gave it that etched type look… worked perfectly…i use windex to clean it all the time…I did this 6 years ago and it still looks great.
I LOVE IT!! And thank you for inadvertently giving me some help on fixing the windows next to our front door!
We had a foggy window caused by a gas seal leak (I think it’s fairly common). I hated it! I hired a window company to come and replace the gas seal. The removed the window, did their thing, and put it back.
I wasbalso thinking something should be done to the top window(s) to tie them all together. but a part of me feels like if you do all of the top windows, then the door would need the same stenciling or it might look out of place. Plus, if you stenciled the other windows, wouldn’t it then be obvious again that the large window is foggy-er than the others?
Hi Katie,
The only thing I have to say is that I recently learned what that space of eyelid is call between your lashes and your eyeball….it is the waterline!
I was watching a beauty tutorial on a website called the beauty department that mentioned it. Oddly and randomly enough the website is backed by Lauren Conrad of The Hills fame. Strange world! fun website though. I learned how to do a fishtail braid there as well.
I really like the pattern but could see how the fog could still get annoying.
I’m just glad to read there’s someone else who doesn’t clean windows. 🙂 Big windows are totally awesome, especially when you are rocking a great view, but cleaning them…..ugghhh. I wish it were as easy as that commercial with the guy and girl in the backyard with the pool.
Great idea! It’s perfect!
sorry, your comments are in the top
I love it!
I am LOVING this! I think you totally achieved the effect that you wanted. (Making the fog look intentional). Plus I love this if you decide you don’t like it anymore you can wipe it off with windex. How long did it take you to complete it? I have been thinking about stenciling the ceiling in my half bath, but after reading you girl Sherry’s post about how long it took her to do the office I have been weary.
I think it’s a great solution. It does exactly what you wanted it to do and makes the frosted look seem a little more intentional. You’re so creative.
-Diana
The space between your eyelash and eyeball is called the “waterline”….at least that’s what all the make-up bloggers call it. Works for me!
About an hour…one nap 🙂 That’s how things are measured these days – in naps 🙂
xo – kb
Yeah…it’s a blog thing I think. You can do it without one i think but I have no idea how.
And it’s called the waterline apparently 🙂
xo – kb
I wasn’t planning on it…mostly because they are not fogged…but I’m sure it would look not terrible.
xo – kb
It’s also Martha Stewart – available at Michaels in the craft paint section (it’s with the glow in the dark paint and the crackle effect paint!)
xo – kb
Christine, you can go to Gravatar.com and set it up so your picture shows up whenever you leave a comment.
Hey Katie,
I think it’s a really creative temporary solution to the problem, but I’m kind of in the camp of replacing/removing the moisture from the window. It’s not because I think the stenciling looks bad, because I actually really like it and would probably tell you to do something more permanent on the new/fixed window. I think the window should be “cleared” up because it would drive me absolutely bonkers to have the foggy view all the time in an area of the home where the view should have more prominence.
That’s just my two cents. Love your blog and love seeing what you come up with.
Alison
What a way to work with what you’ve got!
Fantastic! Its so subtle, but it does an amazing job of breaking up the picture window. I love it!
Katie, all of our windows and doors on one side of our house we sold over the summer had this problem. As per the home inspection they had to be fixed…something about leaky seals…losing heat/air…anyway, we had a glass place replace all the seals and he cleaned the windows as he did it. It was around $1000 for 8 double paned windows, 2 single windows , one single door and 2 large sliding glass doors. Just something to file away for future fixes if you’re interested.
Your line about being on the fence & the extra cheek had me laughing out loud… funny! 🙂
I am squarely in the “liking it” pasture myself. And if you fall over one day into the “hating it” pasture, you could always just take one of the recommendations above regarding fixing the seal.
I love the idea. It’s not permanent so you can change it if and when you want to. It’s also a very creative way to blending in the problem, until it can be fixed later. 🙂
Thanks!
I second (or like 50th) the whole warranty thing. We moved into a house with like 6yr old windows – about 4 of them had the whole fog type thing going on and I contacted the manufacturer. They shipped us out new window ‘sashes’ (we were able to pop them in ourselves since the whole thing was removable). But your stencils do look awesome!!
Looks great! And it is awesome that it isn’t permanent in case you want to do something else in the future.
Hi Katie!
Would you ever paint the legs or the spokes of the chairs white to help tie them in to the table/bench/upholstery? Or is it their complete redness that allows them to “pop”? I think they’re ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL, but I would just love to get a look into your brilliant design mind!!
Thanks and God Bless! 🙂
U blow my mind in the creative department. I think it looks cool. Had u asked me I would have thought it was made to be like that for privacy. Works for me. I like how u did the trick with the window for your bathroom too!
Longtime reader (like – forever, longtime) first time commenter! This house down the street from me went up for sale not too long ago, on BOWER BOULEVARD!
http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=10954058&PidKey=-469952021
Every time I drive by I think “Katie would probably find it hilariously awesome to live on Bower.” Talk about ultimate Bower Power! And hello, the california closet inside is worth the look at the pictures!
That is awesome – I really love it! There are several windows in our home that I’ve been considering treating with that stick-on frosting material. It never even occurred to me that paint is an option, let alone paint that I could remove in future. Thanks for the great idea.
WARRANTY?
Did you check with the manufacturer about warranty coverage? Most reputable manufacturers offer some sort of warranty against seal failure (10 years, 20 years, lifetime, etc) and most are transferable from owner to owner.
Hopefully you looked into it before painting the window (it looks great) as that has likely voided any warranty you did have.
It also isn’t just the ugly appearance of the moisture between the panes of glass, but it is a performacne issue as well (the insulating value is decreased by approx 70% when the airspace is not sealed).
It looks great, like it was meant to be that way! Such a great idea!
This has nothing to do with your post (btw, the window looks amazing), but have you seen this bacon ornament!? http://www.fredflare.com/APARTMENT/Bacon-Ornament/
I love the frosted look, but unfortunately I have a child who is amazingly good at putting sticky fingerprints all over the windows. Mine would need to be washable.
Maybe some contact paper would work for that? You know, the kind for making windows more “private”? Like Sherry & John’s kitchen/side door window! Though the cutting would be awful and take forever…
And I forgot to mention that I have a crazy red basement! Carpet, doors and trim! Maybe they filmed a bad 70s Austin Powers type movie down there?
katie,
timing!!
i have a problem too…
i created it..actually.
the previous owners walled off two windows in the living room making it all too dark for us…so we decided to let in the daylight!! now it is winter and looks great. but when summer comes, living with windows and no window treatments in Arizona is not fun.
the other problem i have is that it has a steel lintel? (i am unable to drill holes into the window wall..:(
anyway, wanted to get your expert advice on what you would do for:
1. creating privacy
2. energy saving option
thanks so much..sorry for all the rambling..:)
That looks wonderful! What a great idea. 🙂
Question – why would painting the window make the warranty be voided? Isn’t it just like a window decal or a 3m hook or something else you would typically stick to the window? especially since it is completely removable?
And I am definitely going to look into the warranty info – if I can find it online (since the house was a foreclosure, there was no inherited info on pretty much everything!)
xo – kb
I definitely think that their complete paint job in red makes it look best…although I think painting them white completely wouldn’t be a bad option either. In my opinion having a chair in a completely different color makes it look a little more mix-n-match…casual and not too matchy matchy 🙂
xo – kb
LOVE it! What a good idea! After reading this post, I’m thinking of a window in my house that could use some “painting”! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I love what you’ve done with the window….it’s looks awesome!..it really does: great job!!
Things like window films for frosting glass can sometimes cause thermal stress on windows. So some window manufacturers say that putting window films, etching, or paint can void the warranty. I’m a little fuzzy on the physics, but I assume it has something to do with sunlight absorbing unevenly? Anyway, since your paint is removable, if you are able to file a warranty claim, you should probably remove it before anyone comes to check it out (just to be on the safe side).
I have that same issue with my sliding glass door in my kitchen! I hate the fog! This is a great idea and I think it turned out cute!
I love it! I’m working on the furniture in my new office and using stencils to personalize it. Stencils ROCK!
Katie-You literally make me LOL. I love reading your blog (I stumbled over from younghouselove.com…which I also LOVE), your decriptions are fantastic and your projects are creative. Keep it up and a Very, Merry to you and yours!!
Jess
i just pinned your dining room. it makes me happy. i love the red chairs, the farmhouse table & your choice of wall color. the whole package is just plain fun! thanks for the inspiration!!!
Thanks for the inspiration, Katie! I just painted my windows too! http://twosmithereens.blogspot.com/2011/12/little-privacy.html
blackbird is right on with having a service come out and fix your window. If you have a local glass company for windows in your town they usually will come out for big windows like that to help you fix them. We have had to have 3 (and looking at 2 more) of our regular windows fixed and it takes them no time and so cheap too. The best part is your not paying for a completly new window.
We have been contemplating stenciling our kitchen windows because I don’t want curtains or blinds in there and hate looking into our neighbors house….this gives me the confidence
Hello. I live in the city and my windows are totes useless since I never draw the curtains. So I’ve been thinking about frosting for awhile (to get some beloved daylight every now and again) and your lil post made it seem pretty easy. But what is this paint that you used? I went to my local craft store and all I could find was Rust-oleum Frosted Glass. Big Mistake. Huge. 1. I now know I’m not into huffing, and 2. It stinks and sucks. What is this Martha frosted glass you speak of?
It’s sold at Michaels…do you have one nearby? Otherwise I think you probably have to look up where Martha’s products are sold 🙂
xo – kb
Michaels is a bit far without a car but I finally found it on their site. Martha Stewart Crafts™ Frost Etching Effect. Too bad it’s not sold online (ahem, Michaels). I would’ve bought an entire case for every window! Off to the interwebs. 🙂 Thanks for your help!