That is a great idea!

Hi Genevieve, The panels are stationary. I am open to introducing more colors, what do you suggest for the furniture?

you have double height windows - why not to make curtains longer?

I "think" your problem with the valances is that they are "gathered" so the design, which is fairly large, doesn't read well for you any more (as it does in the pillow). Ideally I wish you could have a more subtle valance there (smaller print) with less contrast to the drapes, but that still has some light colors to tie into your walls/white shades. Hope the picture posts ...

Use the valance fabric for something else in the room, like the ottoman. I feel like the pattern just isn't working up there.

Stick with a solid pattern for window treatments. The dark blue in the pillow wouldn't let as much light through.

I would take down the Valance and just put up a Decorative rod that curves with the window . I would keep the panel they look great it will look alot more modern with out the valance.

http://www.blindsdirectcanada.com/drapery-toronto/drapery-hardware.html

Look at the patterned pillow on the floor.

Blackout fabric will not solve your problem.

The carpet and wall colours do not work with lovely red pattern on white.

Either change the valance or change the wall colour and carpet.

And the red strips in the valance do not seem to match the colour of the curtains and the red in the valence clashes with the panels,

[this should be an easy decision.]

We pay so called "pros " to avoid these mistakes.

"I see what you mean with about the ultra light blinds, do you recommend replacing those instead of changing the wall color?"

No.

The valances simply do not coordinate with the panels.

I would get a couple chairs and cover them t with the same fabric used for the valance set them on fron of the windows and rearange the rest of the furniture ,use green and turquoise those are the colours that you have in the fabric ,a tall glass vase for example set on a table or even a lamp would do the trick
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=59154796

I like things that are a bit different then everyone elses so I found this lamp for you .
http://www.lightinthebox.com/Aegean-Sea-Style-Blue-Glass-3-light-Zinc-Alloy-Table-Lamp-0925-T9874-_p115361.html


About something like this one
http://www.furniturestorenc.com/Item_Riverview_Galleries_-2108396800~731532+534+533+541.aspx




Oh! furniture I will see what I can find :)

So many great ideas! Here is The picture that someone requested with all the blinds pulled up. Also, I do have one chair with the same fabric...do I just get rid of the big couch by the window?

Perfect

Hi Nadia, I thought about getting longer panels but the rest of the family voted against it :-) I am sold on the idea of removing the balance, and as many pf you suggested, I can use the fabric on some of the furniture. I really like the picture in the left you posted with the green panels, I am thinking on doing the shorter version.

ok! the back of the chairs ARE the same fabric as the valance, so - ottoman has to be in a light solid colour, recycling idea is no longer working:))

As I was getting excited about buying the blue lamp, I noticed that is out of stock! I will be on the lookout for something similar

Oh no! Is it too much of the same fabric? Why does it not work on the ottoman?

Hi Erika! then you can use the printed fabric to make about 12' long stripe on the top ov the pannels,look carofully @ the pic how it's made. the tieback holders are not that costly,so you won't spend too much. and i also posted a message about ottoman,:)))

since the seat of the chair isn't the same as the back and depending on the shape of the ottoman I would choose a plain fabric for it .

Another view of the room

Yes Dear! Cushions, back of the chairs plus ottoman - way too much!

I'm with Carolyn - have the lining changed to black out.

How do you feel about the walls this colour

i would make a seat of that chair with printed fabric as well:))

Nadia would you post the picture again? The first one Is not very clear

Carolyn, I love it! But my husband is dead set against red on the walls, I actually have two niches painted red but that's all I could get away with :-)

i'm not @ the desk top right now , can it wait untill tomorrow. it maden as a sleeve cuff ,so you can use the same fabric or printed,

Agree, or at least the large toss cushions.

Show him what a difference it makes. It makes the draperies look less imposing and also takes your eye up so you take advantage of the height. I know, men can be soooo difficult :-)

more red?????

Consider two chairs in the window with the table in between. In a complimentary fabric, but not the same. Can the big chair and ottoman go anywhere else in the room?

If the panels and valance are staying I'd consider it and then two chairs in a different fabric that co-ordinates with what's there. It all depends on what's staying and what's going. I understood that there was a big cost with the draperies and was trying to suggest a way to tie the room together without going into the expense of more draperies.

Wow...with the walls painted red, you could keep the valances....what a difference!

What do you think about using the pattern fabric on the bottom half of the pannels (and remove the valance, of course)

I like it the way you have it now ,if you took the valance down there will always be something missing on top Put the large sofa on front of the window , try to place thos chairs by the window. this way the pattern will blend with the panels

here is that pic

i would not use the pattern fabric on the bottom

I like the picture with only the panels but this means adding more fabric to the ones already in place unless they are long enough to obtain that look , this all depends on the budget but if money isn't the issue go with just plain panels .

Keep the drapes, ditch the valances. I think her description of the light and the dingy valances is not about the light coming through the valances, but with the amount of light that comes into the room note there are also open transoms over these windows so the light is so intense that you cannot see the valances not matter what the material. If you feel the light is too intense..you can always have a film such as Vista Film applied to the window..problem solved. We have all seen this. Now back to the drapes..Hang drapes on continuous rod, drapes hand straight down..keep it simple. I would not use the valances anywhere else..The fabric in the pillows is much more interesting. Add additional pillows, larger and cover the chair with the pillow fabric completely. OR a large patterned rug..that would be my choice.

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTrKHN7YBbYYY7S9i8A7rLhtPJrVVE4LyDbhf2eDi9h-0d_7O6I

The colours in the valance do not go with the colour of the panels.

What was the designer thinking.?

The window treatment looks like a Christmas decoration.

I would be having a little chat with the designer.

On the contrary , there is red in the floral fabric ,the designer chose the strongest colour and made the panels according to it .

Looking at the window treatment makes me want to sing Christmas Carols.

The reds do not match!

After placing the order, I am guessing the dye lots changed big time.

Your decorator should have caught it and changed it before it was delivered to you.

No!

Do not try to "make it work."!

We do not have to go through this when we have paid our good money for an expensive window treatment.

I think the valance is not that great looking and does not add to the room, is too distracting...I would keep the panels and get rid of it.

thank you Barbara!!!

Wish my living room looked that nice...

If you like the valances, I think the picture without the blinds looks very nice. I would just get a darker color blind or do away with them (if you don't need them for privacy. Can the drapes be closed at night?

Plain red ,matching ,onthe valance would be more elegant

Why are you yelling ? This fabric was chosen by the owner first of all , to me this means that she must have liked it and agreed on the design . My suggestion to "make it work" was strictly because the title read "Paid a small fortune" this kept me from suggesting to remove the valance in the first place . Again if money isn't the issue opt for just the panels . The colour of the sofa should compliment the fabric used if not find one that does.

Oh my.....didn't mean to start an argument :-) I appreciate all the responses and the great suggestions.. Right now I am at work and can't look at all the postings, but it will be the first thing I do when I get home....can't wait.

OK, I'm not a designer but I have a suggestion: Since the shades don't work, why not switch them out with the same woven wood blinds from the connecting room ( as seen in your second set of photos). It will give the room a more comfortable and casual vibe, especially if they need to be used during the day. Plus there will be more continuity between rooms. Just a thought...