Simple Kitchen Decor

Collecting flea market treasures is fun but what do you do with all that stuff?

If you have a passion for vintage linens we've created some quick, easy ways to show off your finds and decorate your kitchen windows. These projects are designed to inspire you to try unusual decorating ideas and add color to your kitchen while showing your personal style. They are easy, adaptable to most windows, chairs and cabinets, and can be completed in about 30 minutes.

Seasonal Window Treatment

Napkins (old or new) make eye-catching window dressings. From chiffon to canvas, there's a wide range of fabrics, textures and colors to choose from. Give your room a vintage feel by using soft, faded napkins found at antique stores and garage sales. For a crisp, trendy look, try new napkins in checks, stripes and plaids. For a fancy affair, splurge on gold napkins or red and green for the holidays. New napkins range in price from $2 to $12. At these prices you can afford to buy new napkins and create a different look in your kitchen each season.

Materials and Tools:

napkins — three for a 36-inch window, three to five for a 42-inch window
tension or decorative drapery rod

Steps:

1. Sew decorative buttons on one corner of the napkin as shown.

2. Fold the napkin in half to form a triangle.

3. Drape napkins over a tension rod.

Designer's Note: For a different look, layer antique lace napkins over crisp new ones or combine plaids, stripes and checks together. This is especially striking if you use fabrics that share the same colors — for instance, blue and white check napkins on top of blue and white stripes.