Thank you all. It would be pathetic to count all the threads where I have asked for help with this awkward space. Parma, wall acne - that is too funny!! If I had it to do over again...I wouldn't do a backsplash....unless I was doing marble subway tiles with marble counters but that is not *me* I just like the look. BTW, I am soooo excited for you & your chairs! Brut - what you talking about, girl??!! I am enjoying seeing the pics of your house - they are beautiful!! I may not always get to post b/c of time - but I have seen your gorgeous kitchen - wow - You are creative, my friend:) I really need to focus on the windows - we face west & the sun is quite brutal in the summer. I like this treatment Here is the fabric up close But then again, shutters are such a clean - uncluttered look I kinda think it is a coin toss where expenses are concerned between custom valances & shutters by the time you buy material/lining/ fringe/labor. Nobody like the idea of woven wooden blinds or is that too much wood with the tables & cabinets? Smiles:)

If I had shades like the ones from handwerk in that off white color would I get the stencil? and put a stencil on the curtains? I think stencil on both would be too much. Plain shade and stencil curtains or stencil shade and plain curtains? The other issue is color. If the shade is an off white color what would the curtains be? I don't think it's in this thread but one of my favorite places, Roycroft inn has black shades and then curtains with a leaf pattern. Looks really cool but I can't find a photo. The photo I took doesn't show the blackness of the shade. Off white shade with black curtains? Annette I just reread your post. So plain shade and then stencil the curtains? My concern would be they would both be off white (except for the stencil part). How would that go together? Trying to find a photo showing a shade and curtains together.

I'd be interested to see a photoshop of what chelone described with the arched rod; otherwise I'd keep them just as stationary panels and not connect the knobs/rosettes as it's starts looking busy and since they are not operable, I'd be concerned how much light you will be cutting off if the panels come in too far. I think you were on the right track with your first picture--it just needed to be fuller and/or perhaps a more decorative look across the top--basically not have such long loops from the knob to the drapes. I think the long loops are what detracts from the look.

First off you have beautiful home and congratulation on your new home. I'd suggest going to the floor if you're going to go with curtains on these window and if you're okay with going above the picture rail i'd suggest that. Going above the rail will just add height to your room. 1/4'' is going to be too narrow to do an inside mount. If you like the idea of having some of your trim show you can always mount on your trim, but just don't cover it all. Honeycomb and roller shades would be good pairing options with curtains. A roller shade will project out farther than a honeycomb shade.... just something to consider. If you're open to suggestions on an alternative option consider an Illusion shade. They have a modern look and give you versatility with light and privacy. The illusion shades are beautiful on their own or look nice with panels as well.