I would keep it light, in the family that matches your paint tonally -- a cream or taupe, say.

Cream.

Thank you so much, I will go for a cream, do you suggest anything for a valance or side panels?

I wouldn't - keep it clean and simple.

Thank you for your expertise, will take all into consideration, lived in this house for seven years once we had it built with no window valances so now 22 years later I will try it again. I do like the clean look, but hubby may throw a wrench into my plan LOL.