When you first make a post, fill in the message, then click on preview message like you are posting it. The next page you get will then have the Optional link URL & name of link. This will allow you to add one web site to your post. If you need to add more, check out this site. It is an HTML "cheat sheet" which gives you basic html codes. Look where it says "Links" it says [a href="URL"][/a]
Creates a hyperlink

You paste the http where the words URL are. in between the "> and To test it, click on preview message. You should see your link looking like this:

Pottery Barn

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{{!gwi}}

I couldn't get the Pottery Barn link to work; the two photos are from Country Curtains.

Astrid, I'm so sorry I didn't think of this earlier, but if you are truly working toward a craftsman/mission style decor than I was wrong is saying the rug would work. I don't know what I was thinking. I did a bit of searching for curtains and it dawned on me that floral wasn't going to cut it down the road when you get your mission chairs.

Anyway I also found a site that might give you a fair start on the style you're wanting. They call it Prairie, but that's just another name used during that era. It's not completely historically correct, but it's aimed more at someone who wants the feel of this style in their home with decor that available now. They have some beautiful rugs on their site that I'm sure would work in your home too. Make sure you check out the links at the bottom of the linked page for more information on color, furniture and textiles.

Good Luck

Here is a link that might be useful: Prairie Style Decorating.

Thanks justgotabme- I've looked at that link before and I've been thinking what to do.

The thing is that while I really like Craftsman/Prairie/Mission style I'm not married to it. I honestly am not crazy about the rugs they showed on that website- I wish I could describe what about them I don't really like. It's funny, they keep talking about "organic design" (not sure what that really means) but those rug designs don't say "organic" to me. KWIM? I'd really like my house to be warm and cozy with some elements of the Craftsman style, etc mixed in. Does that make sense?

I really feel that the windows are lacking something (other than the obvious trim!). I just don't know what would look good to achieve the warm and cozy space I'm after (especially since it's such an open & boring room).

Here is a link that might be useful: A rug I've always liked...

Astrid, I know exactly what you mean. I also think you are right on the money with the rug. It has an organic feel, earthy colors, floral/leafy design and will look look great in your home. while not a reprodution of a rug from the Craftsman era it has a feel that will go well with it.

I've usually seen organic designs in stained glass, ceramic tiles (around fireplaces) or wall borders from that era. The rugs from that era are more linear in design in my opinion.

Now you just need to find the right window treatments that has the feel you want to acheive in your home. I've linked to one on PB that I think will work with the rug and in your room. They're a bit feminine so not sure you want to go that far with a floral. They are beautiful though.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pottery Barn WTs

Funny! I've been trying and trying to do another post on this thread ...I was going to post a link to either those curtains or similar ones! Now, while I love PB I don't love their prices. Is there somewhere else that has curtains like that for a fraction of the cost? I have five windows to cover.

Thanks for all your help! (by the way, I'm actually in a boring Colonial style house - that's why I'm not worried at all if it doesn't end up being truly Craftsman. ) :)
Astrid

Also, what size rug would look best? I think the current one is 8 x 10. Naturally a smaller would be more affordable- but how would it look?
Astrid

Justgotabme- what do you think of the following curtains? Do they have the same feeling as the ones you posted a link to? I LOVE the ones you had a link to!

Here is a link that might be useful: more drapes

Hi Astrid. It's good to know we are on the same page. I agree about PBs prices. I'm sure they are worth it, but while our home is still unfinished (we're paying cash for all we do) I won't be buying from them. Maybe someday I'll buy something from them on sale. :)
I like the ones you found at Country Curtains. Much better prices for sure! I also found one to look at from JCPenneys....

Here is a link that might be useful: Pompeo Embroidery Coordinates

Hi bristlingacres,
I am the writer of the Decorating in Prairie style articles on the rug website. I wanted to explain what I mean by "organic architecture". It is different from what most people think of "organic". Most people describe "organic" as something that looks like plants, flowers, along the lines of "organic gardening". Also people looking at Modern designs describe organic shapes as very elongated curvy types designs. Nothing rigid. I think the shapes the "stuff" in a lava lamp are organic.

For "organic architecture" that I write about, it means that the home and all the furnishings are designed for the specific site. Frank Lloyd Wright used the term all the time, so since my rugs are geared towards people who like that concept, I use the term organic in that context. Since the Prairie style houses are generally low, horizontal, rectilinear structures, the furniture designed for those homes were rectilinear. The art glass windows were mostly designs of the wild plants found near the building site of the house. The architects of the time would do geometric abstractions of those plants in the window design. If rugs were designed specifically for the home, then they would echo those geometric designs. Thus (finally got here, whew) the rug designs tend to be geometric motifs and not the curvy or plant like designs that most associate with the term organic.

I agree, my designs are not for everyone, but for the people who are attracted to the whole concept and like a linear abstraction - they seem to be the ticket.

By the way I think the rug you picked is a great addition to a Craftsman look and feel. Thanks for looking at my website.

Astrid, have you looked for draperies/curtains on eBay? There are tons of them there, and at all sorts of prices. Once you decide what you want you may find a real bargain.

fllwfan, I love your rugs and have bookmarked your site in hopes of one day being able to purchase one once our home is finished. In reading your reply to Astrid, I'm quite improessed with you too. So very kind of you to take time to let her know her choice of rug will work with the feel she's going for.
I am a fan of many style of architechture, but my favorites are Victorian and the Craftsman/Prairie homes the most. The Vic for it's love of all that was available because of the machine age and craftsman for it's return to hand labor. They are extremes, but both were so very rich in design. I can't help but love them both.

fllwfan- Thank you very much for your reply and taking the time to explain the concepts to me. My background is in biology- so when I think of organic I think of either animal or garden related OR I think of carbon chains (as in organic chemistry). I've heard the term "organic" used over and over again in popular home decorating and I've never been sure what it actually means. I think, perhaps, it means something different to everyone. I DO think you have beautiful rugs and designs. They may not be right for me but I'm sure many homeowners would be proud to own one of your rug designs.

justgotabme- I agree with you on the Victorian and Craftsman styles and why they're so appealing. It's why I feel terrible when I'm considering furniture that isn't handcrafted but will fit my (very tiny) budget. sigh.

Thanks again for all your input!
Astrid

Hey Astrid, we do what we can with what we have. In fact right now if I buy any furniture it comes from thrift store or Craigslist. I've had such fun I may never buy new furniture again!

I'm so excited! Dh let me buy the PB Franklin rug! It looks awesome but now I desperately NEED help picking out curtains.
The roman shades will have to come down too. They're cranberry colored and the rug doesn't have any of that color in it (it's more sienna toned). Besides, while I thought the dark roman shades were a good idea I think they block out too much light.

I really like the curtain options that justgotabme and I mentioned BUT I honestly have no clue what color(s). What color curtains would look best? I'm afraid to make a decision.

Please help me as I'm so clueless!
Astrid

Astrid, I just wanted to chime in to say that I've been eye-balling the PB Franklin rug for a while myself. I'm glad to hear you like it!