Roman blinds in the living room

FREE IMAGES Now that the walls have been knocked down between our living room and dining room, and a breakfast bar added between the dining room and the kitchen, we have to start thinking about light fixtures, and windows.  I really like the idea of using crisp, no-fuss roman blinds.

Traditional Living Room by London Interior Designers & Decorators MPD London

With a dog floor length drapes tend to get dirty and collect a lot of dust, so I think for us roman blinds will be an easier option.

Transitional Living Room by Chevy Chase Interior Designers & Decorators Sightline Art Consulting

via Pinterest via BHG

I'm leaning towards crisp white drapes, which I've made before out of mini blinds and a medium weight fabric.  Maybe a little trim at the bottom for color.

via Pinterest via Emily Henderson

via Pinterest via Pottery Barn

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Do you like the idea of roman blinds in the living room/great room?

Inspiring window trends

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I'm trying to figure out what I want to do with our windows.  Right now it's just standard venetian blinds.  They are high quality as far as venetian blinds go, but I want something with a bit more character.  

I like the look of lush long drapes, but I don't like the fuss of them sometimes. I also really love the crisp no-fuss functionality of roman blinds, so I'm wondering if I should just do roman blinds or if I should layer them...

via Calling It Home

I feel like if I use a vibrant or bold pattern for a roman blind drapes would be overkill.
via Calling It Home

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I do like the idea of hanging drapes up at the ceiling to create a more open look.
via Pinterest via House and Home

via Pinterest via Decorpad

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via Pinterest via House of Turquoise

How are your windows dressed? Do you like any of these ideas?

Layers of color: how to break away from monochrome and embrace color

FREE IMAGES Sometimes, you can describe what you mean - you need to a picture.  I think the following examples are a great way to describe how to layer different colors in a space to create a harmonious and memorable room.

Transitional Living Room by Brooklyn Architects & Building Designers CWB Architects

Eclectic Living Room by Alexander Interior Designers & Decorators Andrea Brooks Interiors

I've been thinking of painting my office a peachy pink, so it's nice to see real examples.

via Pinterest via House Beautiful

via Lonny

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Scared?  Start with the guest bed bedding to try your hand at mixing colors.  From their you can build the confidence to work with larger spaces?

Anyone here a master at mixing colors?  Or are you afraid?

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Outdoor Window Treatment Inspiration

FREE IMAGES Sometimes all it takes a little extra something to create an eye catching exterior. Since windows are a major part of the homes exterior look, I wanted to give you some good examples to liven them up a little...or just dream!

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Adding some simple window boxes and beautiful flowers can drawer your attention to the gorgeous windows.

Wowza.
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A pop of color with the shutters makes these stand out, as well as them not being the typical shutters you'd find. I love the simplicity of it.

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Adding an arbor and some great lighting can drawer you attention in. I also love that these shutters are the same size as the windows and doors!

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It could even be as simple as painting the trim a contrasting color to make them stand out! Get outside and get creative with your outdoor windows. Find a way to make your home stand out from the rest. 

New and pretty ways to use and hang your curtains

FREE IMAGES I saw this picture the other day and it made me think that there are probably a lot of other cool uses for curtains and drapes other than just hanging them in your windows.  Have you ever used drapes in a non-traditional way?

We have a heat pump in our bedroom, and I was thinking a treatment like the one above might be a nice way to hide it without impairing it's ability to function

via Pinterest via DecorPad

No budget for that glamorous 4 poster or canopy bed?  Try installing drapery rods on the ceiling above your bed.

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Curtain rod above the door.  Never would have thought of that!

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This is a great idea for corner windows. Instead of pulling them away from each other, tucking them together in the corner.

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The two curtains really help make the alcove feel like it's own separate room

via Pinerest via BHG

How to welcome Spring into your home a little early this year!

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Spring cannot get here soon enough!  Yesterday here in Maryland was a tease, with sunny skies and almost 50 degrees.  Today?  In the 30’s with wet, sloppy snow.  All the weather flip-flopping is not good for one’s mood or health!

So, I ‘ve decided to come up with a game plan to bring Spring to me, in my own home.  Next week I am going to start implementing touches of warmth, sunshine, and new growth through small changes in décor.  And, if you have the budget – you can go big – through furnishings, etc.

In my own personal experience, the change that makes a biggest impact on my space are the window treatments.  This may simply be because I tend to look toward light sources, which are often windows.  You may be more drawn to looking at the floor, foreground, or anything with in your eye level.  Next time you walk into a room, notice where your eyes go first.  Once you pinpoint that point of focus, start by making updates in that area for the most bang for your buck.  Then, if you want, spread out!

Simply swapping out heavy dark drapes, which may be appropriate for winter, with airy, white window treatments will lighten up the entire room and allow more light to enter the room.

Window treatments need not cost a leg and an arm,  treatments like roller blinds are not only affordable but are also being offered in chic and modern designs by manufacturers like Web-Blinds.

If your focus tends to be on the floor, than consider adding a colorful rug, or a rug in a lighter weave, or one with a beautiful pattern.

Get in on the chevron insurgence, but keep it unique with this pear-hued rug.

So many beautiful rugs - so little time!

If new window treatments or a carpet is not in the budget right now.  You'd be surprised at the amount of life that a grouping of new throw pillows can breathe into a room!

All these pretty rugs and pillows are available at Joss & Main (You have to create a login to shop, but it's free and fast) .

Do you have any plans to lighten and brighten your space before Spring or when Spring arrives?

This post in partnership with Web-Blinds.com

Simple Elegance ~ Decorating with Roman Shades

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ROMAN SHADES are both practical and beautiful.  They provide excellent privacy and light control, and are an easy way to add warmth, texture, pattern, colour and style.

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These lovely shades are mounted over the window casing at ceiling height, which creates the illusion of larger windows.  Their soft linen colour and blue-grey banding ties in beautifully with the room's serene design scheme.

Source: ashleygoforthdesign.com

Mounted inside the window casing, these relaxed romans match the fabric on the back of the dining chairs.  The effect is a custom look without being overly fussy.  I love the colours in this room!

Source: windowweardesign.com

A pleated roman shade is ideal for a narrow window.  The grey paisley fabric adds pattern and interest without competing with the other beautiful elements in this kitchen. (Designer: Sarah Richardson)

Source: greigedesign.blogspot.com

Sheer roman shades and pleated curtain panels make an elegant design statement in this traditional bedroom.  The shades are mounted beneath the curtain rods and just below the crown molding, creating a sense of balance and flow.

Source: Cecilie Starin Design Inc.

A bathroom window is another great location for a tailored roman blind.  The woven texture of this simple shade provides softness in a room dominated by hard surfaces like porcelain and stone.

Source: Linda McDougald Design

If you love the look of a simple and elegant window treatment, roman shades are a beautiful and affordable option.

For those of you who know your way around a sewing machine, there are plenty of sites on the web providing tutorials on how to make roman shades.

Or... if you can't sew to save your life (like me!), check out Pinterest for some great no-sew tutorials.

Happy Decorating!

~ Wendi ~ xo