I did make my valances for my kitchen from a Pates Meadow pattern. It really wasn't hard if you have experience sewing. You don't have to be a really expert sewer, you just have to take your time. What I found the most difficult was the long length to handle and the thickness. I did an interlining which I think makes the valances really drape nicely. This valance I made is called the cuff valance. It's the same one posted earlier in the black/white with the green trim. That one they made some faux ties in the green. I used rings and put mine on knobs. The whole thing is actually one big piece - the pattern is designed to be extended or shortened based on how wide your window is. Your window looks like a manageable size. The one over my sink was pretty long due to the excess fabric you need to make the "humps". If you have any questions, let me know.

Sorry for the delay in responding. I have a senior graduating from high school this month and we have been busy with senior activities. I'm not feeling the whitewashed on the brick. Too country I think. I'd like to tone down or get rid of the pink altogether. I definitely don't like the black surround. I agree with Grover that it looks like a big black hole. I finally opened the fireplace screen (first time doing so!) and it's so dirty inside the box, I don't even want to go near it. Not sure I'm up for the fireplace project yet. Would like to get it converted to all gas and paint inside the box too. Probably best if I wait until after I get my daughter off to college later this summer. Would like to add additional lighting too as Izzy suggests. Can I ask for opinions on furnishing the rest of the room? I've decided against the chairs and media console I referenced at the start of this dilemma. I want to have a transitional-coastal feel to the space, if there is such a thing. I've had my eye on this swivel chair from All Modern in the Classic Smoke fabric. The color pulls one of the tones from my sofa. Two of these to go side by side across from the fireplace. The height of the arms and back are the same as the sofa, so scale should be good.

Put an upholstered banquette or bench/settee with the back against the peninsula. Get a single run setteee if you don't want to block the tall window (or a corner banquette) if you don't mind the overlap. With a narrower table (32 to 36" minus overhang) you should have enough clearance to fit chairs on the other side, with seating for six. There are upholstered ones (like from Ballard) that are not too uncomfortable and will protect the walls, windows and cabinets.

Pretty room! So many directions you could go. A few that came to mind: https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/joss-main-monticello-polyester-blend-upholstered-arm-chair-in-brown-w003590669.html?piid= https://www.houzz.com/products/akoya-velvet-dining-chair-set-of-2-navy-prvw-vr~126495992 https://www.ballarddesigns.com/dayna-side-chairs---set-of-2/292536?SourceCode=BDSBT1&cm_vc=Popular%20Searches Or black .... You said fun, right? These are fun. :D https://www.chairish.com/product/2083534/vintage-blue-upholstered-bernhardt-flair-division-chairs-set-of-6