I haven't read through all responses completely, so forgive me if these suggestions have already been made. I would flip the rug so that it's parallel to the fireplace instead of perpendicular, if it would fit. Having it perpendicular kind of reads "landing strip to the fireplace". Sofa table really helps soften the transition. I don't usually like bright window treatments, but I think those IKEA drapes work very well to tie in all the colors, and really help that quad panel to the right of the fireplace stand out. With no blinds the yellow drapes disappear into the wall, and with your couch up against the windows they aren't function, so at that point, what's the point? If I can take a slight detour with a question for you -- I like bamboo/natural blinds. I've been back & forth about getting them for my windows (debating them vs. shutters), which like yours are wider than the average window. I think seeing your pictures has kind of made me not consider them so seriously. I've never had them and don't know what they're like to live with. Do they always hang kind of "lumpy" and/or uneven like that? Do you ever get the nice straight bottom edge when they're pulled up like you get with wood blinds? TIA

magnaverde!! I love this look.. are they on rings (I can't see rings). I hate how ties can bunch up, but the fishing line is a great idea. My curtains are hung... but this gives me another option to try. I certainly have been know to do finish something, only to take it apart and try something else! So please let me know how they are hanging on the rods! The main thing I didn't want to do is block the water view. I left the windows naked for the past four months.. and although I loved the wide open view, I open felt the house felt a little naked, and un-lived in. I like the open weave linen, they are sheer enough not to block the view much, but last night and this morning, it made me feel like I had a shirt on..lol. Before (don't look at the green chair & table by sofa - they will be changed) From curtains dressed with sheers From curtains From curtains From curtains

I think a good idea would be to move the chair that is to the left of the sofa (if you are looking at the sofa) and put it where the Christmas tree is now and make sure they are not pushed up against a wall. I would then pull the sofa away from the wall. Pulling furniture away from the walls gives you a feeling of coziness. You could put something behind the sofa and add lamps etc or just pull it away and leave the space open. I think since you have so many windows I would go with a neutral color from your drapes. Maybe a khaki or a sage olive color. I have added a link below. JCPenny is having a huge sale on curtains right now. Check out rugs at TJMaxx and find one you love. That would be my jumping off point for then choosing pillows, art and other items. Here is a link that might be useful:

I don't know whether patty_cakes still reads here, I hope she does, and finds comments helpful, since it's her thread. but I stopped finding this discussion constructive some time ago-I feel we're going in circles, and everybody's answering his own thoughts on the matter, without really listening to what others have to say. I, personally, am tired..and feel I'd rather excuse myself, for the time being. I'd like to distract myself since my MIL felt very sick yesterday and is in the hospital, and continue to talk to you guys, since whenever we disagree I still like talking to you-but for now I feel it's hard for me, and not sure how helpful it is to Patty. One thing to add..since I'm sad and worried anyway..I'm old enough to know that the moment you're attached to something, you love somebody-you're bound to have heartache..you're bound to get devastated at times..you care-you'll be hurt. You have-you risk loosing. Yet I'd still rather fall in love, become attached, and take all the hell that comes with that. That was the deal. And this is the package. As for the property per se..I don't need to own property. Don't feel this need, in the first place. I simply come from other society. As much as I hate it-I'm its product, to a certain degree. So if my family decides it makes sense to own-yes, I'd much rather fall in love, because otherwise I don't understand why to go through this hassle at all. Well I guess that's partially why it makes it so interesting to discuss these things-we're different. Yet similar. Yet different. Yet similar. And so it goes, like in my nickname. Never ends. homeshef59 i do like knowing my triggers. It is with much interest I figured them out You know when I love homes more? Or actually anything? When they remind me of people and animals..:) what about you?.. But I'm talking too much already, while I said I wouldn't. So. I'm off to smoke. I hope you have a great day, and Patty, I wish you luck..it will be fine. If the question was "Did I elevate my place?" the answer is "Yes, you did".