The First before and after!

So I'm really supposed to be preparing for tomorrow (major evaluation day at work!) but after cleaning the bathroom I couldn't help but install the new window film in our master bathroom. The previous owners installed cafe curtains (as evidenced by the large holes they left behind) but I wanted to let more of the natural light in. Unfortunately the positioning of these windows would also mean my neighbors get a peep show every time we step out of the tub. I am trying to avoid vinyl or aluminum blinds at all costs in this house. But since we still have almost a month until payday we had to get a little creative. So I am installing window film in our bathroom windows until I can decide what else I want to do in there.

Here is the "before" shot from the window in front of the toilet and shower:


We went to Lowe's and purchased the Gila Decorative window film in the "crackled glass" finish. I figured this would go with any color scheme I end up with and (most importantly) give us the privacy from our neighbors. The directions recommend that it's a two-person job, but for a little window like this we would have been in each other's way. I also did not purchase the installation kit as recommended. A credit card and a solution of 1 cup water to 1 teaspoon shampoo does the trick as well. I also left less than 1 inch clearance for shrinkage after the first window because I found that the more film I left the more it wanted to pull away. It was a pretty simple installation; one window gave me a little more trouble and I may end up redoing it with the leftover film. But it's pretty much spray, lay down the film, and use the card to smooth it out.

Here's the comparison to the crackle glass and the plain window view:


All in all, it took me about 30 minutes to do the four sections of window. It took nearly as long to locate the tools in the garage since it is currently holding everything we haven't unpacked yet. I still need to go back and trim excess film after it dries, but you get the idea. I'm quite proud of my little endeavor, and I got it done just as Dave was waking up so he was surprised too!

The nearly-finished results:


A close up view of the crackle glass effect:



I hope you enjoyed this first "before and after", even though it was pretty simple. I have so much more planned. I'm going to repaint every room in this house in the upcoming weeks ( wait till you see some of these rooms! The previous owners went a little crazy!) and I look forward to your suggestions and comments.