Where to Match- Where not to Match

This is a follow-up from this post.

Christine,

Could you answer a few simple questions?  Dave and I agreed that we like the furniture placement with the couch and chairs versus the four chairs.

My question...with the dining and living room being connected....how do I handle the drapery....do they both have to be the same color and style or do I treat them as totally different rooms?

Also, with the cherry dining room set, do I try to bring that color into the living room in some way....such as in the leather sofa or through the accent chairs?

Thanks again

 Gail and Dave

In open areas, I like to use all the same fabric on my window treatments.  Sometimes I will change the style or type of window treatment, but the consistent fabric acts as a unifier in the space.  For example- notice in the photo above that the drapes are not the same height, and one is paired with a Roman shade, but the fabrics are the same.  I would feel the same way, even if the two windows were in separate, but open rooms.  An exception, is that in some windows, a fabric might not be used at all- just a woven shade, or roller shade, and I might use a fabric on a different window.  That is fine- I just avoid different fabrics.

 A word about your woods.  Yes- I would bring in a little cherry to the living area.  However- don't do all cherry.  The most interesting interiors have a mixture of woods, like in the photo above. 

Bad example:

For example, this room above- with all the same series of wicker everywhere is terribly uninteresting. 

Good example:

I would, like you to notice the window treatments in it though, same material, different style. 

Photos from House Beautiful