I agree with the writers who suggest installing drapery panels on the windows. Are you keeping the blinds? If you are you can install stationary panels on each side of the windows, using a decorative rod installed between the top of the window trim and the ceiling to integrate the look. If you're getting rid of the blinds you can install a drapery that opens and closes on a decorative traverse rod. You can introduce a pop of color, either in the print of the drapery or in a solid colored drapery with a contrast banding on the inside and bottom edges. I'm attaching a picture of a drapery panel with white fabric and a pewter gray contrast banding that is in the works on my work table. The pictures are a bit crude but hopefully you'll get the idea. Also, although I'm a curtain lady, I agree with the writers who suggest getting a larger rug and and a coffee table. You can also get a large ottoman upholstered in a fabric in lieu of a coffee table; this can also introduce color. Good luck with this.

You might consider replacing the sofa in front of the windows with two chairs and a small table in the middle. Have fun.

I'd recommend putting trim around your windows to make them look a little larger. Or woven wood shades (instead of the white blinds) could help bring in some texture and pattern.

I agree that a larger area rug would make that part of your home seem cozier and be more proportionate to the couches. You could chose a colorful rug since you have so many neutrals, or stick with the neutral theme. When you pick curtains, make sure to hang them high - you have a lot of lower furniture and hanging curtains well above the window will help draw the eye up and balance out the space. Before you buy a rug or curtains, decide what kind of style you are going for. With the pieces you have now, you could go more MCM for a groovier/modern vibe (especially if you change the floor lamps) or more transitional. But I would decide on both the rug and curtains before purchasing either. I'd also add two more throw pillows to the couch. Good luck! You're very close and just need finishing touches.

I'm not sure why all the furniture is placed in what appears to be one block shaped space off the living area. There seems to be a sizeable space between the "living room" and the "dining room". A shot of the missing space in this area might help with ideas for your space.

Privacy is already addressed with the blinds, and I am soooo past draperies. We've put large mouldings around our windows, either separately or around both windows (as long as they are close together). Use several different pieces to create a unique look. Now your windows will become a large "picture/painting" over your sofa! Paint the mouldings 1 color, 2 colors, whatever you like (pick up colors in your rug/pillows). The look is clean and open.

http://www.interiorstextiles.com/windows/shades/

I say pop it up with some floral fabric roman shades using Orange/Red/Yellow/Tan - add some interest to the room!!!

If you plan to leave your sofa against the window, I would suggest you replace the blinds with a tailored (flat) Roman shade in a subtle print (in both the living and dining spaces). My finished basement is in shades of gray and gold; a beautiful and sophisticated combination. With gray acting as a neutral, you could do almost any accent color, however. A patterned area rug under your dining room table is a necessity; then add a new area rug in the living room with complimentary colors, but not matching exactly. Pull from the rugs the accent colors for pillows, artwork, etc. Add an industrial type coffee table on top of the rug.

As I see, the room has a TV and it is between the sofas. It may be better for viewing by placing the sofa from the window to the corner of the other sofa, facing the TV wall. This will open the area to hang drapery panels. It will add contrast color to the rooms. As the walls are gray, you could try using blue or turquoise color for a neutral appeal. For a fun and more casual look, orange would be terrific. Solids or prints...

I know the wall is turquoise(this could well be gray) and orange, the chairs are gray.

I agree window trim would add a lot to the space. It looks like you have a bit of crown molding above the living room window so the two could tie nicely. Panels on the sides would soften the look. First thing I thought when I looked at the picture was how do you comfortably watch tv, with both sofas facing each other and nothing facing the tv. That wasn't your question, and it looks fine, but if space allows I would have to float one of the sofas in the room facing the tv.

Thank you all for the great suggestions! Unfortunately, the room layout as well as the furniture and blinds need to stay. My variables are the window treatments, rug, and pillows. (Definitely getting rid of the existing rug and accent pillows.) pictured below are the curtain panels I am considering for that pop of color. Also, I have attached a couple rugs I am considering in an 8x10 (versus the 5x8 pictured) I would appreciate your opinions about the rugs as well as more ideas for curtains and accent pillows.

If you can afford it, built in book shelves around the windows (including above and below) would add texture, warmth, and color, and lots of interest. Use a simple shutter or Roman shade. A large coffee table between the couches would look great and be very functional. Top it with a couple of art books and a couple of other decorative items. Add colorful throw over the back of the couch. Please don't go with the valance. They look so top heavy and dated. Good luck!

I think what you need is a wonderful cornice longer then sofa and at least 18/24 inches wide with drapes , but put the drapes off from the window to make the window seem larger. A touch of black in the material and curtains would add just the touch class and style.....good luck. Remember that wall is large don't go skimpy, shutters are great but you still need a cornice above to fill that wall .......

Selectview's sites:

Cynthia Taylor-Luce: http://www.selectblindscanada.ca

mjd232: http://www.selectblinds.com/shutters.html

Hope this helps!

Thank you torettoveilside. I just had a look at the site and noticed that there's a testimonial from Barbara Nyke, an interior decorator in Toronto who is a friend of mine. I definitely need to check out this company. Hope you are having a good evening. Happy Canada Day :)

Yes Lacie your choice of drapery fabric will liven up your room. Good choice. I am not crazy about your rug choices. Too matchy matchy to the drapery fabric. But in the right direction. How about a white shag area rug? Would that be too hard to keep, do you have animals? I think the added texture would look wonderful. Add wood framed, glass top coffee table between sofas.

Here is a shag rug with a clear coffee table. You get the idea.

Definitely move the couch away from the window. Definitely get a larger area rug with a colour/design. Definitely some drapes on either side of the two windows in the lounge and same over the kitchen windows to pull the two areas together. Love the clear coffee table - much better than a solid one - keeps the space open. Larger and more scatters. Some artwork and decorative objects. Exciting - enjoy :)

I like the shutter idea. I've used off white plantation shutters in my house and love them. It will add texture and function but still keep the clean look of the room. A colorful rug, pillows and artwork will add pazazz.

You can find the SelectView Shutters here: http://www.selectblinds.com/shutters/select-view-shutter.html

Our Canada site doesn't have this product yet, but we hope they will get it soon.

I agree with both comments... If I were to do this space, Roman match stick shades with panels on the sides!!

I would start with a larger area rug. I would hang bold print curtains (stripe, geometric print or buffalo check) from floor to ceiling, leaving the curtains open. I would top it off with a wood cornice painted in the same main color scheme as the curtain. Add throw pillows in a different pattern but the same color scheme!

West Elm is having a big sale now on a lot of gray drapes. Maybe with the soft zig zag pattern. Big size pattern in one room, smaller pattern in other room? I usually pic colors from some pattern already in the room. Because I know that the company that designed the rug or pillow or whatever spent time and money on research to make their colors work.
But I don't see a pattern other than the pillows, so maybe another idea could be a textured fabric?
Good Luck!

Yes to curtains, no to shutters and definitely no to a valance, unless you're 90 years old. You have 2 couches and 2 floor lamps with no coffee table or side tables. I'm assuming you just haven't picked tables out yet, but you definitely need a couple of them both for aesthetics and functionality. The cushions on the couch are too small and don't go with anything in the room. Perhaps choose some bold-coloured art and get larger cushions in the same colour as the art. You have a lovely room and with some finishing touches, it'll look great.

Art on the walls to add color! blue and yellow maybe? or reds

I think bold curtains would look great if they can remain stationary (and hang them high to draw the eye up). You can have sheer panels on the inside to provide privacy when needed or go with a light streamlined roman shade. Perhaps a shallow sofa table behind with hurricane lamps or greenery to draw the eye up? The torchiere lamps seem dated to me. There are DIYs on Pinterest to convert them with drum shades (also provide better lighting). Are you able to mount your TV to the wall? If so, I would do that and create a gallery wall around it - also many good examples here on Houz and Pinterest. Also agree that the curtains and rug are too matchy. You could go bolder on one of the choices and then incorporate the colors with pillows/throw. Good luck and enjoy the process. If you love it, do it. But in terms of cost, it is easier to be more daring with curtains than a rug!

why not take this opportunity to bring in some color and a small print? why not grommet top panels? pick up on throw pillow color?

First, if you have the space, move the couch from in front of the window and form an L- shape with the other couch. Then put a long narrow sofas table in front oh the window. Add a table lamp and a few decorative items and pictures on both sides of of the windows. Move the rug so that the front legs of the sofas sit on the rug. A couple ottomans on wheels with tops that reverse to become trays are useful. In the angle of the couch arms, add a round table covered with a patterned fabric, and covered with a beveled glass to fit. Add a table lamp. Some decorative pilows, a throw over the couch and you will have an attractive, inviting and comfortable sitting area. No need for draperies.

I have the same kind of sofas and floors and everything.. I use 6 curtain panels, red, gray and white.

Some kinds of blinds are "all or nothing" for privacy; the ones you have are better because they're adjustable so keep the blinds you have for privacy.

If you opt not to add drapes (consider the dust factor), you might consider a corner cabinet and a pair of square "coffee" tables (better for traffic than one large table) w/matching finish for the three. If you don't like clutter, consider a pair of square footstools w/storage beneath instead of tables. Depending on your personal taste and budget, you could consider going bold with the color of upholstered footstools -- dark burgundy or bright red or something in the pillows you've already chosen.

You might consider framing the windows with a white wood cornice above (that will hide the blinds when they're pulled all the way up for daytime). If you put a single vertical board along side each window and have the cornice span the entire width, you'll have framed the window without adding fabric to collect dust and smells. There are sculpted trim boards so the cornice and vertical trim boards need not be plain.

You could add a horizontal stripe (painted stripe or, better yet, a narrow painted board (s) that would be easily removable to change color) to the cornice and vertical boards for color if you opt for a smooth plain board rather than a sculpted one, utilizing those colors for throw pillows and/or drape ties to bring the rooms together.

If you like the idea of drapes, you might consider a pair of tie back drapes for each living room and dining room window . Blinds or shutters for kitchen windows are usually preferable to fabric unless you find some you can wash regularly without fading.

If you use a double rod for the living room, you can add sheers behind the drapes to soften the daytime look and they don't necessarily need to be stark white. You'll need to pull the sofa away from the window wall a bit for this. and have the bottom of the drapes and sheers barely cover the top of the baseboard.

Plantation shutters without the center bar. Paint the wall a color with some life to it! Too much gray, brown, beige. A nice Aqua?

You definitely need some color and I like the previous suggestion of moving the sofa away from the windows and replacing with two chairs and an accent table.

I am not a curtain fan, and I think curtains can own a room and steal a lot of natural light. I think your look is clean and minimal so I would just dress up the window frames with decorative mill work and keep the simple miniblinds that are there now. adding mill work is very much a DIY project and few tools are required. all mill work on my windows I purchased at home depot. mine was stain grade, but they have prepainted white that would work for your color scheme and much cheaper. the window with shear is in a bathroom, gotta have some privacy. I think of my windows as a picture frame to the outside. they ARE the artwork on my walls.

windows

I would suggest adding color, texture, and comfort to the sofa o
chairs with some stylish accent pillows.

Check out our selection of unique throws/pillows by following
the link:

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/DcoraPillows

I say pretty grommet curtains in a print to add a little color. A larger rug with color in the living room and a coordinated print rug - not matchy/matchy - in the breakfast room. Pillows to bring up the colors in the curtains and rugs. Cushions for the breakfast room to also pull up the colors - if you use outside fabric they'll be practically indistructable. The colors in Dcorapillows above would be perfect.

Drapes - hang them high, wide and full. Put the rods near the ceiling, take the drapes almost to the corners and double the panels to give enough width. A pattern would add interest to the room.

I like your throw pillows. A little southwest vibe there. My first thought looking at your pics was you need some roundness around the windows and that I would like the 2 windows in living room to look like one. I'm sorry, I don't like that shade of green you showed for drapes with any shade of grey. A young couple I have to get a wedding gift for have grey, turquoise, blue and light purple combo stuff on their registry. It looked kinda fresh to me. If you're going geometric with the rug you might want to think about an over-sized pattern with more contrast. Just not too dark so you can show off your lovely wood floors.

Seems to me that you have a lot of empty space between the dining room and the TV area. As someone who is currently facing the same problem my suggestions are as follows

Option 1: Change the sofa or it's configuration to have an L shape rather than both sofas facing each other. The back of one of the sofas would be towards the living room. You can then have a small side board behind the sofa with open shelves for books and decorations.

Option 2: Coffee table, I would suggest white and bright modern curtains, nothing with frills or overly complicated patterns. A simple white sheer at the back and a bold coloured straight curtain on the sides which can be closed when you need more privacy or less light. I would also get rid of the current blinds.

In addition my advice is not to rush it and go window shopping at furniture and decoration stores, the right items will catch your eye eventually :)

Draperies or any kind of window dressing would complete the look and warmth in the space. My suggestion would be to add drapery panels on either side of the dining area, full enough to give it some body (width and a half each panel) but not necesarrily closing as you are keeping the blinds. Hang the curtain rod approx. one inch from the top of the ceiling. Personally I don't care for the grommet look it is too dated for my taste. You could go with a color block of some kind in very soft shades of grey and cream...

The living space appears to be set in the furniture lay out because and the sofa is covering some of the space for the draperies, I would suggest some roman shades with an border. Large color full pillows and maybe a throw would bring a splash of color

Drapes would be nice, adding some sound insulating properties. Then add a valance under the drapes that visually connects the drapery and hides the blank area above the window. In this picture I used a woven wood under the drapery. See the before picture below.

The client had honeycomb shades which they kept and the woven woods were just used as a back valance and don't operate but you could opt for operable ones.

I hope this helps.

Seeing how this room is mostly neutrals and subtle colors, I would love this room with a punch of red. Etsy has some great modern prints for red drapes. A modern printed area rug to match would tie it all together beautifully.

Wood shutters and blinds are quite pricey and are a real dust magnet. I had some for many years and really felt stuck with them because I spent so much. They needed dusting all the time. My vote is for high-hung, stationary panels in some kind of print. I like the panels you chose. Since it has a rather small print, you may want to look for a rug with a large stripe and throw pillows with the green and maybe a pop of another bold color. I agree, beefing up your molding would be great, but it is not as easy a DIY project as some may imply. It takes a lot of precision and patience, as well as proper finishing and painting. It is a very rewarding project if you are so inclined to tackle it.

This is what I have so far. I got green curtains but hated how they looked and am starting again from square one. I am not interested in doing anything other than curtains and adding more throw pillows to the couches. My question is what patterns and colors could I add to the to the room that would look good and tie in the existing scheme? I'm thinking plain white sheer panels on the windows to let the light in, but will consider any option. What do you think?

Here are some of the patterns and colors I would like to keep!

Here are some of the patterns and colors I would like to keep!

Great drapes available at Overstock. A printed blue would look great with all your pieces. Hang them high and wide. Go all the way from ceiling to floor and take the rods almost to the corners. This will give our wall presence and set off the couch. It will also make the windows look bigger. Cover most of the wall and expose as much window as possible. I did this in my den and it made all the difference. Something like this in dark blue: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Lush-Decor-Edward-Blackout-Window-Curtain-Pair/10208819/product.html?refccid=OFQ545VN4V6LIQSB4GTSTMYRLI&searchidx=6&option=15524013

Here is my room: My window was way off center but I was able to move it over visually using the drapes.

Can you use the chair elsewhere? I think it detracts from your other colors. The "M" and picture are awkward over the tv with another picture to the left. I'd move one torchier to the corner behind the chair if it must stay there, and put the grouping of three items to that right. I am more concerned about convenience than pillows and curtains. I always feel there should be a reading light and a place to set a cup of tea on either end of the couch, or a coffee table between. (And get rid of the other torchier.) Ideally, a sofa table under the window with the chair to the right, (with a new cover) then an L-shaped sofa arrangement with one facing the tv and the other facing the sofa table. I once had a high school boy make a round table to go between my tuxedo armed sofas (L-shaped arrangement). It was-arm height, (crudely but sturdily made). I made a long cloth and had a beveled glass top made for it and am still using it 40 years later!

Your ideas are good. Plain white sheers would be fine. You could also put high, long panels (as tersteve suggested) in a gray to match your walls and the gray in the carpet. I think that would tie the room together very well. You are on the right track - I think the furniture pieces you are using are fine. A large coffee table in the center would help functionally and visually. It is really coming along!

I agree you have improved your room with furniture placement. I like your color choices with your sofas. Sheers will be fine for now until you can move forward. The only suggestion I would have is to move one floor lamp next to your yellow chair and another one next to the opposite sofa. Then fill the tv wall with art.