Real estate agent Mark Nash of Evanston, Illinois, and author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home, notes that homebuyers often lack the time or skills to redesign kitchens. They seek 'cute' spaces ready to move into. Nash recommends focusing on window treatments as the simplest way to create an appealing, sellable look.
Here, Nash and Sue Pelley, national spokesperson for Interiors by Decorating Den in Easton, Md., share proven window treatment strategies for attracting buyers:
"Remove heavy drapes and opt for simple shades," advises Nash. "Younger buyers prefer a sleek, streamlined aesthetic—no one wants excess fabric."
To minimize fabric, Pelley suggests an upholstered cornice or a flap valance, such as the Ace Three-Piece Set from Swags Galore.
"Nothing deters buyers more than insufficient natural light in the kitchen," says Pelley. "Pleated shades provide privacy while letting in ample light."
A standout option is the Smith + Noble pleated shade, available in hues from Whitecap to Lilac, featuring subtle stripes and tropical patterns. It's even adaptable for skylights or arched windows.
Choose fabrics in modern tones. "Terracotta pairs beautifully with khakis, peaches, oranges, greens, blacks, and golds," notes Pelley. "Mix cotton prints within treatments or coordinate valances and cornices with seat cushions or placemats."
For small kitchens, cool, light colors expand the space visually; warm, dark shades cozy up larger ones.
Roman shades in rattan, bamboo, or natural fibers are trending, says Pelley: "They deliver visual intrigue through texture yet roll up smoothly like traditional Romans."
Excessive direct sun makes kitchens uncomfortably hot. Pelley recommends wood blinds or woven shades, like Hunter Douglas Provenance, to diffuse light without bulk.
"Kitchens brim with straight lines from cabinets, appliances, and counters," observes Pelley. "Curved treatments soften the space, ideal for compact kitchens."
Arch a valance over the sink—JCPenney offers a ready arched window bar. Alternatives include curved cornices, bottom-curved box-pleat valances, or Smith + Noble's London Shade with inverted pleats flowing to smooth edges.
Don't overlook window treatments in transactions. "Custom installations are wall-mounted, often staying with the home as a negotiation point," Pelley advises. "Factor this into your pricing."
