Lisa's Palladian Windows

Dear Christine.
Let me begin by saying that I am so excited to have stumbled across your blog! Your advice is terrific.
I may have another stumper for you. We are planning a full redo of our living room, from furniture to cabinetry to fireplace mantle to paint colors. The room has (from what we've been told) Palladian windows. The windows currently have custom wood shutters that were installed before we moved in. The house is a Spanish/Mediterranean style, and the shutters seem incongruous with the style of the house. So we've been thinking of doing an alternative window treatment as part of the decor. But what? As you can see, our living room has a slightly rounded ceiling (not quite a full barrel), and windows on three of the walls. The middle window on the back wall is taller and wider than the others.I have attached photos of the walls with the windows, and also a shot of the other side of the room. We are planning to install floor to ceiling built-ins for the wall opposite the windows (where you see the television) and also get new furniture for the room. (lighter color rug and couch, with some darker accent colors.) Basically, everything in the room is up for redesign, so we are very open to any ideas! But the window issue seems the most complicated to me.The windows on the bedrooms upstairs also have the same custom wood shutters, but we are also considering putting in roman shades. I think the window treatments should look somewhat consistent (or at least in harmony) from the front street view. (also attached)I would greatly appreciate your advice.
Thank you in advance!
Sincerely,
Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Let me start by saying that I would definitely not remove the shutters. Keep them. They are a great start for your window treatments. The style of the shutters is not your problem at all. The Palladian windows are too strong a statement in the room. Part of that is accentuated with the high contrast in the trim color and the wall color. I would lighten the trim, or darken the walls. Make the look more subtle. You will like your windows better the day you paint.

Secondly- I would add panels- like in the photo below. This will soften the line of the windows, and also add a lot to the room in general as far as adding more textural variety, softness, and pattern if you choose.

Those two changes are exactly what you need. Don't remove those expensive shutters!!!! If you have other questions with your project- let me know.

Thanks,
Christine

Thanks to Country Living for the photo.

PS- it takes a little more than some Palladian windows to stump me ;)

PPS- I like your sconces.