I am posting a link to a photobucket album w/ tons of other pictures of my DR and kitchen= more than anyone will care to see I'm sure.

Here is a link that might be useful: More pictures

Here's a couple virtuals that might help....
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

You have a beautiful home.

I can't see those valances adding interest to your setting; they are flimsy compared to the length of your windows and also your chandelier over the island; I would see full length panels in your windows although I am stumped on how to do them, since there is a narrow and one wider window; I would like to see a fabric that has less contrast to the yellow of your walls, something softer. More gold than red in the fabric.

Very nice home indeed.

I'm not feeling the love, either. Agree with mitch about floor length panels to highlight the height of the windows. Also confused about the different widths and how to manage that. I have a sense that very simple panels may be in order. Bring in the red from the LR in a different way, like a tall piece of furniture on the angled wall to the right of the windows.

Love your colors and your plates!

Thanks girls. I appreciate all your suggestions. As soon as I saw those pictures I knew I wouldn't be buying those curtains. :( I have young children (twin infants) so I really can't do full length curtains. I know they'll get pulled down or just dirty.

I will try to figure out how else to pull in more red from the DR, but that nook is way too small for a piece of furniture unless it's very flush w/ the wall.

Anyone have any other ideas? a cornice maybe? it would be more substantial and give visual "weight", but might not work w/ the length of the window...

I had to LOL about the twin infants. Twin infants turn into crawling infants in no time flat. lol.

What about putting a white/cream lace valance up there for now, and when the kids stop crawling, then add matching panels?

They're inexpensive and you can get them in different weights of material. I have similar colors too, and that's what I'm doing.

Do you girls think this one, in burgandy, might work better?

Here is a link that might be useful: Another possibility?

I am posting another option. Panels this time. That idea is sort of growing on me.. I guess I'd have to treat it like half of a bay window sort of and do one panel on the small window (it's only 27 inches) and two on the large window (it's almost exactly double the size of the other one)

Or I could just do the plain white valance mentioned above or for that matter, I could just leave it as is and not have to worry about it. ;)

I am certainly open to any advice you girls are willing to offer...

Here is a link that might be useful: checked panel

I took a quick pic at your account....pretty house!

I had panels made out of this fabric for my kitchen but gave them to my MIL (they looked sooooo much better in her kit !!) they had a border with a stripe and a welt in a check - sooooo cute!! Anyways, when I saw your plates, rooster rug & painting - I thought of the fabric for your house.

Cafe curtains?
Plantation shutters on bottom part of window with a valance?

In the DR, you could do a simple goldish color silk with a pretty trim - look at Jcpenney.

Smiles:)

Ruby,

I like your fabric! Where can I find it? do you remember the name?

TIA,
gin

I really like the checkered panels you showed. They're perfect and they tie in both rooms. And when the little one's start crawling, all you have to do is put one of the chairs next to the curtain...instant baby proofing! lol

The frist thing I noticed was there seemed to be quit a lot of wall space between the top of the window and the ceiling. I would mount a valance on a board and mount it above the window casing. It would give the window more height. I love the plates and the fabric Scooby suggested.Also her idea of the plantation shutters. Do you have more of the plates, they could be hung in 3's.

What about something in a blue/white or blue/cream color to match your pretty plates. You would have red in the DR and yellow and blue/white in the kitchen with your pretty yellow walls.

Have you looked at valences or panels at CountryCurtains? They have a marvelous selection, are top quality and show many different styles that have a red background color.

I usually always sew my own drapes, panels and valences, but on the occasions where I haven't been able to, I always find something suitable at CC. I have no interest in this company, just like their quality and selection.

Here is a link that might be useful: valences at Country Curtains

I was going to link you to the checked BHG curtains. I have them hanging in our gameroom upstairs and I adore them.

Thanks girls! I am so ready to have SOMETHING there that I am going to go ahead and order the checked curtains. I like them and I think they'll help pull together the kitchen and dining areas. They're not available anywhere near me so I'll have to order them online. I have my credit card all ready. lol ;) Long term I'd love to get the plantation shutters and valance w/ the pretty fabric scoobyruby suggested. But I just gave up my teaching job to stay home w/ my little ones for a few years so we're adjusting to living on one income. I think that puts the shutters out of our budget until I go back to work! lol

I really do appreciate all the advice. I'll post some pics when I get them hung. My next project will be the DR drapes and I'd like to run some options for those by you girls in the next few days. I'm so happy I found this board...