They will both stop smelling and oxidize to a less yellow color in a pretty short period of time.

Your shades look great and you did a great job of installing them. It looks very professional. Also, I agree with palimpsest, the bamboo will mellow in color and smell in a short time. We put up very, very inexpensive bamboo shades from K-mart in our old house and at first I thought it would just be temporary (at $15 each I sort of considered them disposable) b/c of the smell and the harsh look. But after a few weeks the odor was gone and the color had started to change. They were the best value window treatment I ever had.

As far as the cords are concerned our shades came with a cleat to wind the cord around to keep it from dangling when the shades were open. If yours didn't come with this you could probably buy cleats in whatever color/finish you like in the local hardware store. HTH.

You sound like me when something is new. Give it time to grow on you. Add that fabric valance and I can almost guarantee you'll stop seeing all the monochrome. The cleats that came with them are too small. I bought some antique brass ones online. Keep the cord draped over the top like you're doing now until you find something.

Here is a link that might be useful: cleats

Could you paint them white (same white as the doors)? I have no idea how well they would take the paint, so it's just a suggestion/question.

I definitely wouldn't paint the doors black. It would just add another color to the mix and would make them stand out too much. The white doors match your white appliances and white crown molding.

Well my sister was over tonight and showed me a nice way of draping the cord over the top and that took care of the problem. I guess I just went into panic mode after I got them up. Between the color and the super long cords, uggh. I did consider painting the cords white. LOL

I'm worried about the fabric valance sticking out too far? Looking stupid from the side? I 'could' take the one down from over the sink and do a mock up but it took me awhile to get the folds all right. Do you guys agree about adding the fabric valances?

The black door suggestion, I was thinking to add some weight to the left side of the room (also the cords would blend better) because I have the black bar stools on the other side. Plus, I remember seeing Reno_fan did hers and I loved the look. I'll probably wake up tomorrow wondering where that came from! :)

If you think they're too light, could you go over them w/ some stain? Maybe you could test it on the underside of one of the valances to what it would look like. Might tone down the yellowness.

They look very neutral, something like a sisal rug, to me. I like them!

I think that they look great. I don't think that I'd "fuss" them up with valances.

I think they look great.

I totally agree with the idea of covering just the valance with matching fabric. In addition, think about banding the edges of the blinds with the same fabric. It would look something like this:

{{!gwi}}

I don't mind the color of them - I think it works with the wall color, so that you end up with a less choppy look than if they were different from the walls and the cabinets and the white doors.

I like the idea of matching valances with the fringe too, you could use velcro strips and just stick them on, if you don't like, just remove.

I agree with Terriks-- they look great as they are and I think the texture fits the tone of your kitchen and dining area.

Please don't paint them or attempt to glue a valance on them.

Sheesharee - Can you tell me what the size of the "valance" of the romans is? I want to use these romans in 2 windows that currently have a fabric valance that has a scallop along the bottom. I want to make certain that the"valance" doesn't come down too far and then show under fabric valance.

Thank You!!

Shee, I like them but the only problem I see is you have zero color in your rooms. Therefore the shades don't look good to you.

I agree about putting a valance with color on them. If you like the look of monochrome, that's fine, then ignore me. lol, but those rooms are screaming for accent colors which don't blend in with the walls and cabinets.

Are you going to hang anything on the wall by the table? If you had a couple of colorful pictures (even fun poster size) on that wall I think we'd not stare at the bamboo shades as much. I love valances when they are necessary, but since your shades have a little valance of their own I think they look fine. Some shades need the tops covered, yours doesn't. It would also take away from the clean, neat look you have going and start to look scattered. I do like banded shades, and that would have added color, but I've not seen them done "after the fact".
Do you like placemats on a table? That would also add some fabric and color in there. I keep them on my kitchen table (now after my son put a steaming plate on there and made a permanent ring) and I'm surprised how much color it added and wish I would have done it years ago. Then add a colorful bowl or basket of fruit to the table and all eyes are off the doors and they stay a nice neutral background!

eek, a valance; shee, move away from those patio doors, lol......

I am also in the camp of liking the effect, which is of the addition of a subtle texture; a kitchen is a busy place, the last thing I'd want to see is a pop of anything on those doors.

You do have color in your room, you have the nice fabric over the sink, on the stools, your chairs are recovered with the gold fabric , and knowing you, you'll bring home another ornament or a picture that you'll have to place somewhere.

You did good with those blinds, they are the perfect touch of an added layer of texture, and they will serve the purpose they were intended for.

I think they look great--they're not a feature, you don't want people staring at your doors. If you want more color, make a table cloth that matches the fabric over your sink.

And I think a big piece of art on the wall by the table would be a good addition. One big-big piece or two decent sized ones, but nothing ditsy.

Jam - The valance at the top is 6".

Oakely - "the only problem I see is you have zero color in your rooms.." I'm not following you there chickie. My walls are green, the other coordinating fabric is red. My LR has the red furniture. . . I don't care for monochromatic.

Sallymo - Yes we're probably going to hang a large picture there just didn't get around to it yet. It's on my todo list. Probably closer to Christmas we'll buy it. Since my table is tile and round I didn't know about placemats making them look busy or cluttered? Maybe a small centerpiece would help.

Mitch - haha I remember reading recently where you said you didn't care for any fabric valances.

I like them a little better today. I'm going to just look at them for a week or so. They'll probably grown on me. I didn't like my foyer/hall paint color at first. Like it now and wouldn't change it if I could do over.

I am glad you are going to live with them for awhile. I really think they will grow on you.

Reno's black front door was stunning-- but it was a front door in a foyer. If you paint this door or add the red valance, it is going to draw attention to the door-- not really where you want to draw the eye.

I think the new texture is great-- it works with your trash can and provides visual interest to bounce against the tile table top, smooth counters, and woods.

I really think your tuscan old world kitchen is coming together. You clearly have color in the room and I know you have selected a print for in the Dining area. A bowl of apples or pomegranites would bring a flash of red over to the dining area... you could also consider a rug under the table eventually. I just wouldnt add the color and pattern to the sliders.

I had a strange dream last night and I'm pretty sure I have you and Kimcarlisle (a new member with a strange first post) to thank, lol. Two houses across the street were painted black. Was the creepiest thing I ever saw.

I'm with Mitch and others re: the fabric valance on the shades, but I suggested it because I know it's something you've been talking about. I think the shades look great and hope they do continue to grow on you. And speaking of hanging pictures ... I have one tucked away in the back of my closet. It's been there for 2 years. Guess it's time to pull it out and hang it on the wall.

Funky - I'm trying to picture her door... Reno did do her patio doors also. She ended up going with dark brown instead of black though. I know Reno's home is larger and more elaborate than mind but I really like this photo (as well as the rest of her house)
before
{{!gwi}}
after
{{!gwi}}

Natal - LOL that's funny about the dream thing. I had a dream that my chandelier arrived and it didn't look anything like the photos.

Re. the woven woods and cleats: Go to Cote de Texas today and see all of her many, many curtain pics. About half way down there are several pics of WWs, AND a pic with cleats on white wood...go see:>)

Leah - What are cleats? I checked out her blog and read the parts about the blinds but I'm not making a connection here.. lol Are you suggesting I raise the shades up to the trim? One blind wouldn't work for the doors because of opening... ?? Or are you just saying I need to leave my white patio door white. :)

sheesharee, your blinds look like valances once up, and they look good. I just can't see putting a valance over something that looks like a valance.

I'm half kidding about my dislike of valances; they do have their place and yours looks great above your sink window.

I really love them -- and do agree with the above suggestion that you simply need some large artwork (or two) on the blank wall.

Jan

Shee, because you have the light colored cabinetry, the green on your wall looks neutral and blends in with the cabinets. If the cabs were white then the green would really stand out.

Yes, there is some red above the sink, but it's not enough color. As someone said above, a colorful (it doesn't have to be loud) tablecloth, placemats, and pictures will really add to the room.

Even adding colorful items to your countertops will help. Look at all your pictures above with the exception of the window over the sink, and you'll see there really is no color. Accent colors make a big difference.

Oops.. I never saw that photo of Reno's patio doors. I stand corrected. I do think something that makes the difference in Reno's home though is that the color is in the same tonal range with her tile floor and wood furniture so the doors are well grounded. Your wood tones and tile are a little lighter.

Maybe someone can Photoshop the door for you but I do like them as is.

I don't know about you, but I don't like tablecloths on a tile top table. I also know that you don't want to junk up the counters with "stuff". I think your artwork will make a big difference-- but in advance of that, some sort of centerpiece with red in it would look great. I know you can't do fresh flowers-- I still like the idea of a bowl of apples or pomegranates... and maybe some red pottery or such to echo the color in your hutch. At this point, it is going to be *little* touches that make the difference... but they have to work with your tastes and lifestyle (and your cats LOL).

Wall art and a colorful rug under the table & chairs would make a big difference in that space.

"Leah - What are cleats?"
Look at natal and flseadogs replies.
As for Cote de Texas, I just noticed the ww and cleats as I ws scrolling by and thought the pics might be of use. Sorry, no advise.

LIve with them for a while before you think of adding any fabric to the tops - I think you'll find that they look best unadorned. Once you get your artwork on that bare wall, and some color on your table, you'll be happy that you didn't "busy up" the doors too much with additional fabric. A large bowl with fruit, like red and green apples, grapes, etc., would do a great job of adding color to your table, without covering it totally. Just enough color to catch your eye, like the one below, would be ideal. You can get these fruits at places like Walmart, Michaels, Hobby Lobby or even online, and a pretty bowl there, as well.

Once you get the other decorative items in place, I think you'll find that the roman shades look great as they are.

LIve with them for a while before you think of adding any fabric to the tops - I think you'll find that they look best unadorned. Once you get your artwork on that bare wall, and some color on your table, you'll be happy that you didn't "busy up" the doors too much with additional fabric. A large bowl with fruit, like red and green apples, grapes, etc., would do a great job of adding color to your table, without covering it totally. Just enough color to catch your eye, like the one below, would be ideal. You can get these fruits at places like Walmart, Michaels, Hobby Lobby or even online, and a pretty bowl there, as well.

Once you get the other decorative items in place, I think you'll find that the roman shades look great as they are.

Oakley - I get what you're saying. I guess my house doesn't scream tons of color. I do have some candles and other accessories that aren't in these pics but overall my house is more muted I suppose.

Funky - Good point about Reno's being more grounded. Those were the words I couldn't find. You're probably right but the thought of dark doors still hasn't left me . . going to wait, going to wait!

Natal - Yeah, I've been searching and debating about a rug. Rectangular ones the correct size for under the table seem almost too large for the floor space (ends up too close to the wall with no pic). I may have to go with a round rug.

Leah - *Smacking self on forhead* I know what cleats are. :) I'm a little sleep deprived as of late and it's showing. Thanks for mentioning to go to her blog. It was nice looking at all the window treatment pics.

Nanny - I'll try some fruit or something on the table. I do have a glass pedestal on the island that we use for real fruit so the fruit may be too much for the table also?

I love the blinds, as is. No valances. Just a personal preference. I don't care for valances on doors, in particular. It looks very clean like it is, great texture.