Becky's Windows

Christine,

No worries if you are way too busy for these silly questions-but if not....

I am getting ready to purchase the fabric for the window treatments throughout my main living quarters of my house (ie kitchen, living room, family room, and dining).
Can I combine drapes topped with a wooden cornice over Roman shades? Is that too much "stuff" for each window? If I do combine the drapes and Roman shades can I use patterned fabric or is it too busy?
For example: If I use a large floral print panel should I use a solid Roman shade?? How much is too much pattern?
These are not great examples, but they are close to what I want, except I would combine drapes and Roman shades..

Here are the fabrics I am eyeing...how should they be used in window treatments? I could use either brown or blue solids as well...

Hmmmm...possibly I need to use some of these cool fabrics in pillows and do something solid on the windows....

Hi Becky,

Those are not silly questions at all- in fact- you really made me think ;)

A couple of things:

1. Use more than three patterns and also more than three textures. You don't want all cotton or you will look like 1980's Laura Ashley revisited. Pull in sheers, velvets, quilted fabrics, something else- but feel free to combine these with the three above- use them all.
2. I love layers of window treatments- but.... I do question the cornices.... I know I'd like the kitchen picture better without the cornice. But when I see the bedroom picture, and imagine adding a Roman shade- I think it would look great... Keep this in mind- if your home and room is on the formal side- you can get away with it easier. If the cornice is the only woodwork in there... maybe not so much. Remember that "sometimes more isn't better- it is just more." I could not remember what movie that was from- but I distinctly recall the English accent... anyone know? In general- I will say that I don't use heavy cornices often. I especially do like using them when I have a wall of windows and I can go wall to wall with them. Then they don't "stick out" into the room.
3. What fabric to use where? It doesn't matter. Select your favorite- use it in the largest area- remember that on one drapery panel you could use all three. Check out Anthropologie's window treatments. They will have a single panel with three fabrics- blended together seamlessly.

It will look great! Send me pictures!

xoxo

Christine