Never heard of that. Usually there's just a wooden header above windows and doors. Did you try masonry bits? The problem is, once you've drilled the hole, then you need to be able to screw into something that will hold. It's not a plaster wall, is it?

several ideas: a) going light..texture is somewhat repeating your pattern. you're relying on texture rather than color b) picking up one color from your curtains(btw love them, even love the accent wall while I'm usually not a fan). obviously can be any other color you prefer c) the most daring one-picking up all the colors and introducing some(which can be easily repeated in other accents, to tie it all in). It being a totally different, much calmer patter, will help not to compete with the curtains..and will allow for still being bold with accessories, just as an example: (they're all from Anthropologie so the prices are allover..went with ideas rather than with budget..:) you also need to be mindful of what the rug is made of, technique, etc. some will be more durable, some less, some will require more maintenance than others, some will withstand a lot of traffic some won't..you'll want to make sure you'e picking the rug that suits your lifestyle and the function of your room. and d) one can live happily in a room for years without a rug..especially when he/she has beautiful wood floors that are probably not too cold or slippery etc, and wait until a rug he really likes blinks at him..:) true it's easier to start with the rug but sometimes it happens not in that order, and it's fine too. rooms are not becoming done at once(or maybe they're never fully done-they develop over time), and rug(unlike a mattress for example) is not an immediate necessity. you can take your time on that and still have comfortable and beautiful room I'd never have anything if I started with rugs because every rug I'm ready to commit to is somehow several grands..so I'm willing to wait. I'm even willing to live without a rug happily ever after. I need to really love something big like that..so either it will be in stars, or it won't. (yes I know a lot about second-hand and internet resources like ecarpetgallety..all of these, I highly recommend. Will take time; or one might get lucky and just stumble upon something really soon. You never know. But you won't stumble upon something if you don't look for it really often, that's for sure)) Congratulations on your new house!

Melissa, I like your curtains....Others have said buy longer ones and hem them....that would be fine but have you thought of sewing a strip on the bottom of your curtains you have now? Either the same color of fabric, a satin fabric the same color, or a contrasting color of fabric....to me that would be easier that raising your rod, taking the curtains back and getting long ones. You will have a nice room when done.

I know you said you don't want shades, but these windows have such a sleek modern look, I think shades would look best. if this was my house, I'd do "top down / bottom up" pleated shades. like this, but more opaque. I don't think the windows need curtains to "soften up" the space. your kitchen looks beautiful, and the addition of furniture / plants / accessories will go a long way.