Silk is pretty, but not that practical with children or cats. Why not do some sort of drapes that have a more substantial feel, something that would not be as easily damaged? And I love drapes right now, not valances so much. Red

NHB, I will say once again, I love your home! We don't have the arches that you do, but a fair amount of architectural detail in our home. I understand the desire to "soften" the windows in the dining room. Here is what I did: I have French Doors that lead from my dining room out onto the veranda. The designer I chose wanted me to put Roman Shades on the windows because of the millwork but mostly because of light switches on either side of the doors. I wanted something to soften as well as the ability to close the drapes when entertaining or just enjoying a romantic dinner with my husband. I decided to go with plain panel drapes stacked to the side of the doors with batons for when I wanted a more intimate feeling in my dining room (it's open to our living room too). We like a lot of light because much of this room is north facing plus we have the large overhang. I put the cordless cellular shades up on the windows (from Penny's they are great!) and my drapes were installed last week. I'm glad I went with them instead of shades or just blinds, and the designer did agree with me that it was the best choice. Of course, your home has more millwork than mine does and we don't have the large capitols over the window as you do. I love the look of the simple goblet panels though. Whatever you do, as others have said, will be beautiful. You have great taste! Susan

lets see a pic of the shower curtain you mentioned? and it would be way more helpful if you post a pic of the bathroom. (or at least pictures of the elements you're trying to explain) a wood vanity could be light oak, or dark espresso. a white top could be something w/gray in it, or cultured marble. light brown rug,,,,,? what about the shower? is there tile? you get what I'm saying? here's a similar dark wall color with a light brown patterned rug. do you have a window? is the layout lke this? however, off the bat I would go neutral w/some texture Or, bring in something w/some color. (again, without seeing the actual bathroom, it's like throwing darts )

Thank you all for your input! @Donald, I like your idea of a Roman shade but would it still work if the shade is semi sheer, or would that still look odd/disproportionate because it would look opaque at the top? I need a semi sheer (curtain or roman shade) in the center to allow light but privacy during daytime, since the bedroom is close to a busy street. The light-blocking motorized blind that I currently have on it will also need to stay on the window because there is a streetlight just outside. And the velvet curtains I was planning on hanging on either side are to block any stray light around the corners of the shade since the streetlight is very bright.