5 DIY Window & Door Remodeling Projects for Fans of Rustic Decor

Pella Windows & Doors of Wisconsin offers many attractive window fashions that can be made to order.

From our convenient between-the-glass blinds and shades to distinctive cellular shades featuring a honeycomb design, you can select coverings for windows and doors that meet your needs and your style.

However, it’s always fun to add some extra personality to your home, and windows provide a great opportunity to do just that.

Here in Wisconsin the Door County peninsula is a special part of our state –  offering its own distinctive atmosphere. Many people comment on how Door County interior decorating is rustic yet warm and inviting.

You don’t need to own a cottage to give your home that Door County-feel. If you’re up for a DIY project, we found five ideas to give your windows and doors a picturesque makeover.

1. Shutters on the Inside of Your Home

Courtesy: Betsy Speert

You need some carpentry skills to do this one on your own. Luckily, Donna does give detailed directions on how she created her wooden gate screens.

She points out how she purposefully gave the tops of the gates a curved shape to “add some architectural interest to an otherwise very square window frame.”

Beyond vertical blinds and valances, you might think there isn’t much you can do to dress up sliding glass patio doors.

This idea from designer Betsy Speert’s blog brings a common exterior window dressing inside!

She installed plantation shutters with hinges on patio doors leading from a bedroom to an outdoor pool at her home in Florida. The two sets of shutters can open like French doors, and the blinds can be opened and closed to let in light or to get some privacy.

If you have a patio or deck off of your master bedroom, a simple remodeling project like this can add a lot of character.

You can use this same idea on windows! Get some advice on installing interior shutters from DIYNetwork.com.

The easiest way to do this is to find a set of slatted shutters that are the right size, and use a series of simple hinges to attach them together. This gives you an accordion-style screen allowing the shutters to stand up on their own while also making them easy to move around.

2. Folding Wooden-Gate Screen

Here’s a similar idea with an even more rustic feel. Donna from Funky Junk Interiors explains how to build-your-own folding gate screens for an interior window covering. This is a project she’d been planning for awhile.

They remind us of doors to a barn, vintage boathouse, or a larger version of a charming, picket white fence. It’s definitely a very specific style, but if you like that summer cottage look, this is to die for! These screens are not attached to the wall, but moved into place when she wants privacy.

You need some carpentry skills to do this one on your own. Luckily, Donna does give detailed directions on how she created her wooden gate screens. She points out how she purposefully gave the tops of the gates a curved shape to “add some architectural interest to an otherwise very square window frame.”

3. Window Boxes to Get the Cottage Look

Courtesy: Lowes.com

Window boxes bring the outside of your home to life – especially if you have a green thumb and can grow some beautiful plants and flowers in them.

Most people tend to install window boxes that match their home’s exterior trim and shutters. However, for a bold look, you can choose eye-popping, contrasting colors instead.

Watch the video above for instructions on how to build your own window boxes.

Video URL: https://youtu.be/ERk8gnermcU

4. Corrugated Tin Interior Awning

Using corrugated tin indoors is a super creative way to bring a rustic, farm, or industrial look to the interior of your home. This design would look really fantastic with wood blinds of any color! It involves building a simple awning frame to the size of your interior window and attaching corrugated sheet metal, which is similar to what you would find on an outdoor chicken coup or a barn.

Ashley Turner from Shanty 2 Chic got this idea from her favorite salon and then built the tin awning herself to dress up the windows in her son‘s bedroom. It gives her son’s bedroom a unique look that will be sure to impress.

Want to give this project a try? Ashley has detailed instructions on how to build the awning as well as how to take shiny corrugated tin and make it look weathered. Just visit her blog to see all the details.

5. Top of Window to Floor Curtains & Drapes

The first four DIY projects in this article are going to require some carpentry skills. Of course, a much easier way to express some personal style with windows and patio doors is adding some simple curtains or drapes.

This interior decorating idea is affordable, too. And, if you buy your own fabric, you’ll be able to find the perfect patterns and colors for your home. Kristi at Addicted 2 Decorating says she never buys store­ bought drapes and curtains. That’s one of her designs above, and you can see more on her website.

Keep in mind, there is a ”proper way” that designers suggest to hang your drapes to give them the most visual appeal. Keep in mind, there is a right way and a wrong way to hang your drapes. It’s more about going with what you feel is right and what works with your home.

First Things First …

Before you can decorate, you should make sure you have quality windows and doors along with blinds and shades. Whether you’re planning a big remodeling project or constructing a new home, Pella Windows & Doors of Wisconsin has the products you need to help build the house of your dreams.

We are happy to offer no-cost consultations. So connect with us soon to talk about your window and door projects!