My $50 office window treatment makeover started out as an organization challenge:
A few weeks ago I was approached by a fellow home-decor blogger about joining a $50 organization challenge with a group of bloggers. I decided I would take the $50 organization challenge. What was I thinking? It seemed impossible to do anything with only $50, but if anyone could do it these ladies could. You can see their challenge results at the end of this post. After accepting the challenge I needed to figure out what I could organize with only $50. I have been looking at a disorganized mess in my office for years. Why not start there?
Before and After:
The before valance was beautifully constructed but a little dated so it was clear that my office needed a window treatment makeover, and I was ready for something with cleaner lines and that had that WOW factor. I adore the black and white buffalo check, so why not just go for it?
After seeing the before photo I had to be honest with myself and ask why had I not noticed what a mess my work space had become. Embarrassing as it is this was how it looked when I began this journey.
Organizing:
I have never done any decorating or organization with pretty containers in this room, since is not seen by anyone but our family. My attitude was so why worry with it? This challenge has definitely changed my attitude about that. It is so relaxing and enjoyable to work in an area that is organized and decorated with some pretty items.
- First step was to put away all items that have a home.
- Then to decide what to keep and what to toss from what was left out.
- Now to organize the items that I am keeping.
- Then the cleaning of the desk top, dusting, vacuuming the floor and baseboards.
Desk Top Cleaning
I decided after getting everything cleaned up and organized that I wanted use a new valance to complete the look.
The best part was I had left over fabric from another project I could use for a new window treatment. I had everything leftover from other projects, except the black fabric for the cording. My daughter picked up some black fabric for me ($8.00) and I was ready to start constructing my new window treatment. I feel like I cheated on this challenge since I only purchased the black fabric since everything else I already had on hand. I will be looking for a splurge for my office tomorrow while I am out with a blog friend checking out what A.C. Moore has on sale for spring.
Items for organizing:
Please note I did not purchase any of these items I had all of them on hand. Win win for my budget and for my organizing makeover.
This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you purchase from one of the these links I will make a small commission, but rest assured you will not pay more for any products.
Window Treatment Makeover – Valance Cornice:
I had left over buffalo check fabric from another project and I love it so I decided to use it. The details that say custom are centering the fabric pattern, cording, clean finishing. First thing was to decide the size and shape of the window treatment. I used craft paper to make the pattern.
Tracing the craft paper pattern on the board
Determining the placement of the valance/cornice on the fabric.
So happy with this valance so far. I cannot wait to install my new window treatment.
Window Treatment, Valance-Cornice Board Reveal
I LOVE the love sign see how I made it HERE.
Pretty Organization:
Pretty organization tray, vintage jars, flower pot, love sign, apple candle and spring time nest.
Rae Dunn Inspired Flower Pot DIY:
Rae Dunn Inspired DIY flower pot
Fun Decor to add a person touch
My favorite candle smells so fresh and clean.
I painted bloom flower pot this past weekend and my sweet daughter used her Cricut Maker to add the Rae Dunn inspired word bloom. So easy to get this look I will add the file below.
Easy Desktop Organizer:
Desktop Organizer
The clear plastic desktop organizer I purchased months ago see my source HERE.
I had the counter top made for my office in 2011, however, I still love it today. It extends around 3 walls so it can accommodate a large amount of office equipment. I have multiple computers, files and my Cricut Maker on the counter. It has served me well for years, but it needed to be updated. $50 office window treatment makeover and organization has breathed new life into my tired office area.
That was fun and you will not believe the amazing transformations my fellow DIY bloggers have done with a $50 budget . Please hop on over and checkout there masterpieces. You definitely don’t miss any of their inspiration.
Thank you so much for stopping by,
Kippi
Please visit all the blogs on the $50 challenge tour:
Tour Projects $50 Challenge Organization
Rufus & Henrietta DIY Wrapping Paper Storage
Southern Yankee DIY $50 Coat Closet Makeover
Rocky Canyon Rustic DIY Bathroom Organization
Joyful Derivatives DIY Blanket Ladder
Never Skip Brunch Sunglass Holder
The DIY Nuts DIY Midcentury Modern Dresser Makeover
Sand Dollar Lane DIY Boot Tray
Emory Farm Easy DIY Corner Cabinet Organizer
1905 Farm House DIY Jewerly Wall Organizer
Handmade By Ashley DIY Dust Collection Cart
SarahRCR says
The valance turned out great! The old one was nice but I adore the clean lines of the new one! Looks like a totally new office!
Kippi says
Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the tour with us today. I agree the old treatment was lovely, but just time for a change.
Happy Spring, Kippi
Linda says
Love your fabric and how lovely the valance turned out.
Happy Spring.
Linda C in Seattle
Kippi says
Thank you so much for taking the tour and I hope you found some inspiration too.
Happy spring, Kippi
Kerri says
Awesome makeover!! Fantastic job and so easy to follow!
Kimberly says
Thank you for stopping by I hope you enjoy your day. Happy Spring, Kippi
Mmb says
Looks great! I prefer this valance over the swag look.
Kimberly says
Thank you for stopping by. I like the new valance better too. Happy spring, Kippi
Jill says
What a great new look for your office! And such a great time of year to inspire productivity. I can’t wait to see what your next challenge will be 🙂
Scott J DeNicola says
What a simple yet effective solution. I was waiting to see how it was going to be done for under $50 myself. I can’t walk into a home improvement store without surpassing three digits. The valance and decorations look great. My daughter loves the Cricut machine for all things vinyl. Very informative post.
Julie Briones says
Thanks for the inspiration and tutorial. I’m planning on creating a cornice box that goes completely up to the ceiling, to create an architectural accent and my room look a bit larger. We’ll see how it goes! Would love to have you at Homestyle Gathering, Kippi! 😉
Julie Briones says
Glad you joined us, Kippi! 😉
Jennifer @coffeeandcreativity says
Oh wow such a bug difference! Love the desk decor to!
Snehal says
You really nailed the $50 organizing challenge. I like it how you have used stuff to make this project fun and easy. ????
The Sunny Side Lifestyle Co. says
You have provided some much-needed inspiration for my own office! Right now the only thing organized about it is that the door can close and be blocked out from the rest of the house. Your ideas could transform it and I’ll make an attempt to incorporate them. Thanks for the tips!
Camille says
Your office looked really neat and tidy. You inspire me to do a renovation, too! Thanks for this idea.
Subhashish Roy says
I love your creativity & the fact that you made a big change without a big price by using items you already had. Great make over too.
Thuy says
Wow I’ve always wanted to try to stay under budget when decorating and it seems like DIY is totally the way to spruce things up without breaking the bank
Erica (The Prepping Wife) says
Being able to use what you already had on hand makes the project even better! Total win/win in my book! This looks like such a fun project. You’ve inspired me to go through all of my craft and fabric supplies and see what I can make with them to decorate my house in a new and different way!
D says
Your office is lovely! I just sent your blog to my husband, who is a woodworker, to show how easy these look to construct! Great post!
Debra Roberts says
Your office is lovely! I just sent your blog to my husband, who is a woodworker, to show how easy these look to construct! Great post!
Debra Roberts says
Your office is lovely! I just sent your blog to my husband, who is a woodworker, to show how easy these look to construct! Great post!
Amy says
The valance is perfect! I love it! I would absolutely love this kind of challenge. I love organizing and am constantly (re)organizing all sort of stuff all over my house. It must feel great to have your work space neat and organized now. 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Sweet Inspiration!