Breakfast Room Living Room

Deciding On Woven Roman Shades (Plus A Peek At My New Fireplace Paint Color)

Last Updated on December 2, 2016 by Kristi Linauer

I have just a little bit to go on the fireplace before her big debut with the new color and the new chandelier. But for now, here’s a peek at the new fireplace color with the Iceberg wall color.

dark-gray-fireplace-in-living-room-with-gray-blue-wall

I’ll try to have all of that finished today so that I can show you how it turned out tomorrow.

In the meantime, I’ve been looking at woven Roman shades for my windows in the living room and the breakfast room. When I put the breaks on my whole “black, white, and bright colors” decorating plan (or lack of a plan), one thing I wasn’t liking, besides the fact that I wasn’t being true to myself and my love of blues and greens, was the lack of warmth in my rooms. All of the black and white felt harsh and cold, and the bright colors felt very in-your-face, but other than my wood floors, there was no warmth.

So on my decorating plan reboot, I decided I need my woven Roman shades back on my windows. They’ve always been some of my favorite things for adding a natural element to a room, but for some reason, I decided they didn’t work with that other color palette. I think they’ll work beautifully with the new one. But I’m not sure exactly what color would work best with the new palette. As a reminder, here are the pieces of the puzzle that I’ve shown you so far…

living-room-drapery-fabric-with-color-palette-for-paint-fabrics-rugs-etc-2New living room drapery fabric with some color selections for paint, fabrics, and accents

consignment-store-find-upholstered-tufted-chairs-for-music-room-3Blue tufted chairs (minus the black walls)

accent-fabrics-for-living-room-breakfast-room-and-other-rooms-2Fabric selections for possible use in living room

sneak-peek-new-kitchen-cabinet-colors-benjamin-moore-rever-pewter-on-uppers-benjamin-moore-gentlemans-gray-on-lowers-2New kitchen cabinet colors. The countertop will be much whiter and brighter after it’s refinished.

grasscloth-walpaper-for-the-breakfast-room-2Grasscloth for the breakfast room walls

dark-gray-fireplace-in-living-room-with-gray-blue-wallNew fireplace color and wall color in living room

Some of those colors may be off since they were taken at all different times of the day, but they all work together. So now I need to decide what woven shade material would work with all of that.

I don’t want anything that looks like a natural fiber that’s been bleached or whitewashed. That would defeat the purpose of adding warmth to the room. But I could go with something natural and light like these.

Here’s another room with light natural woven shades. I really like how they do their job without making the windows look dark and heavy.

And yet another room with light natural shades.

If I go that direction, it’ll be a departure from what I’ve used in the past, which is a warm medium brown like this…

These actually look exactly like the color I used at the condo, which I absolutely loved.

Home Depot used to carry my favorite woven Roman shades in stock, but it looks like they’ve discontinued them. I loved them because they were woven so tightly that they actually offered privacy at night without having to be lined. But I think this time around, I’ll definitely have them lined. Not only do I think that white lining looks better from the street view, but I just don’t like how some of these woven shades look with light pouring through them.

Dining Room

Plus, it doesn’t seem like this would offer much privacy (if any) at night.

Now I need to get some samples ordered. Which direction would you go with the new color palette I’m using? Light and natural, or a warm medium brown?

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61 Comments

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  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Tegan
    November 30, 2016 at 8:56 am

    Cannot wait to see the complete reveal of the fireplace! Love that grey!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sue
    November 30, 2016 at 9:04 am

    Id try to match that tannish color in the grass cloth.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Debs
      November 30, 2016 at 9:48 am

      I agree with Sue. And the fireplace is gorgeous! I didn’t comment on the photo of the “mistake” color…but when I saw it without first reading your explanation, I thought you had lost your ever-loving mind! Excited to see this all come together!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Abby
    November 30, 2016 at 9:09 am

    I like the direction you’re heading in now! One thing I really like about your blog is how honest you are when things don’t work out and you decide to start over. Your house is like a big canvas and you can try as many ideas and cool techniques and colors on it as you like before you find something you love and want to live in. I enjoy seeing the variety of colors and styles you’ve tried out, it’s a lot more interesting with all the experimentation!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Cheryl
      November 30, 2016 at 10:39 am

      I agree with Abby! I have enjoyed all of your color schemes but you need to find the one that works for you.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lynette
    November 30, 2016 at 9:12 am

    Warm medium brown. It would look beautiful with your floors.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      WandaNTexas
      November 30, 2016 at 11:21 am

      I agree with Abby (& Lynette on the roman shade color, warm medium brown!).

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Peggy
    November 30, 2016 at 9:15 am

    I like the lighter color with your other colors. I’ve bought a lot of the Petite Rustique from Overstock. I don’t know if they’re available lined; I’ve always done that part myself.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kelsey
    November 30, 2016 at 9:22 am

    Loooovvve how that looks with the gold <3

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Connie Sikora
    November 30, 2016 at 9:26 am

    Hunter Douglas has some beautiful woven woods that would work perfectly with your scheme. I would try to pull the floor color up and unless you can select a style that is woven very tightly I would highly recommend that you line them. The rule is that whatever you can see out during the day is what “they” can see in at night. Love the new direction! Great job!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cheryl B
    November 30, 2016 at 9:28 am

    I like the fireplace color now. I think you are on the right path now!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Carla from Kansas
    November 30, 2016 at 9:32 am

    Since you really loved the warmer ones in the condo I think you should use those.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Leslie
    November 30, 2016 at 9:36 am

    Warm medium brown. It picks up what I see as a splash of brown in the fabric.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Dale
    November 30, 2016 at 9:38 am

    Love the grey on the fireplace, what color are you using? I know your gorgeous mural didnt make the cut for your entryway, are you still thinking of incorporating it someplace else? Maybe just add some blues and greens to it? Can you tell i love it?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      November 30, 2016 at 9:48 am

      It’s actually a custom color. I’ll share details tomorrow.
       
      The bird and butterfly pattern that’s currently in the entryway will be used somewhere else. And there will be more of it than what I currently have.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Melissa Cain
        November 30, 2016 at 11:44 am

        I cannot help but cringe knowing you will paint over it. Its beautiful as it is! The small pops of color will not be distracting, will it? Oh, the meticulous tasks ahead…

        • Reply To This Comment ↓
          Kristi
          November 30, 2016 at 11:49 am

          Haha! I’m sure quite a few things ahead will make many people cringe. 😉 But I have a definite and complete plan this time. It’ll all work out in the end.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Gail Vandebrink
    November 30, 2016 at 9:38 am

    I’ve been folowing you for a long time now and I am so happy you have found your way back to follow ing your heart again. Remember you only need to please yourself.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jo Miller
    November 30, 2016 at 9:41 am

    Look at the tiny bit of brown in your drapery fabric. I think you will need to put the fabric and wood together to tell which shade of wood is best. Love the fabric and the fireplace is great and the wall color really works.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Maribeth
    November 30, 2016 at 9:42 am

    Try JCPenney for cordless blinds! I just put them in a guest room and I am now planning on putting them in several more rooms in my home. I ordered based on the experience of Emily Clark and her blog. Really really pleased with them and have had great comments. Very reasonably priced as well.

    On sale and Cyber sale still going on. Here is link http://www.jcpenney.com/burnout-bamboo-cordless-roman-shade/prod.jump?ppId=pp5002200349&catId=SearchResults&searchTerm=cordless blinds&N=4294963491

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Debbie
    November 30, 2016 at 9:50 am

    Touch choice. Since you’re lining them to look the same from the street, how about the lighter in LR & darker in breakfast room. Same but different. I think the lighter will go better with LR drapery & wall color. The darker better with grass cloth in breakfast room. Are you still doing a full length drapery on each side of fireplace. I hope so. I liked that look so much better than the short toppers you had before. Is the new color going on the full wall or is the bottom staying white. Can’t wait to see more. Love that you’ve been blogging every day this week. Guess it’s because you’re so excited.Good you’re being true to yourself. I think you were trying to make the house so different from the condo going in those other color direction. Are you still doing the build-in in the breakfast room or has that changed since you need a table that can expand? Can’t wait to see the fireplace. I take it you’re happy with the color this time.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      November 30, 2016 at 9:53 am

      Yep, I’m sticking with the drapery panels on each side of the fireplace. I like that option much better also. I won’t be doing the built-ins in the breakfast room now, for the very reason you mentioned. Since it will now be my only eating area, I need as much flexibility as possible in being able to move table and chairs around the room. Built-ins would limit the use of that room. And yes, I’m very happy with the fireplace color this time. 🙂 The guy did a custom color, and he got it just right.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sandy
    November 30, 2016 at 9:59 am

    Hi Kristi

    Love where you are going with your colours. I did have one thought on the living room blinds.
    Maybe wait to see how the curtains look made up and hanging before making a final decision. It’s a lot of fabric. Maybe you could make a mock-up that would enable you to see the bigger picture.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Brenda Pawloski
    November 30, 2016 at 10:05 am

    I guess those Home Depot woven shades were too good to be true. I bought 5 of them on your recommendation and I love the look, function and the price. I doubt we’ll find such a value again.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Colette
    November 30, 2016 at 10:09 am

    I’d go with the warmer color. IMHO you will need to bring in some warmth to offset the cool color pallet you have going on now. The picture of the living room with the TV set is a good example.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sue
    November 30, 2016 at 10:10 am

    The grey on the fireplace looks good. I’m sure the completed project will truly make your fireplace the focal point it’s supposed to be in that room.

    As for the Roman shades – love them! I think the warm brown would look best with your blues/greens but without actually seeing them together I guess I don’t really know, do I? LOL

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Alta Craig
    November 30, 2016 at 10:18 am

    I think the warm brown shades that you already have are perfect, they would coordinate with both the wood floors and the new fireplace color. Jmho.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Melissa
    November 30, 2016 at 10:28 am

    Please post a link when you find some. I have been looking on and off for a year and a half and just can’t settle on some. I am up for other options.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Poohla
    November 30, 2016 at 10:42 am

    Hi Kristi, the fireplace color looks beautiful from what is showing. Good choice. Did the counter guy come out yet? I have been waiting to see your comments before I call them…I want to do my concrete floor and wanted to read more about your experience before I contact them. I would have to call the guys that service San Antonio, but it looks like they are located in Corpus Christi, so it would be a commitment for them to come up and look at what I have. Looking forward to seeing your progress. I like the color of the blinds in the third picture, “Gordon’s Window Décor” the best. That entire room looks very inviting.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      November 30, 2016 at 11:10 am

      Not yet. It took me a while to get the paint colors for him, and then he was out of town for Thanksgiving. He’s supposed to stop by this week to pick up my paint samples. I’ll keep y’all posted!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Peggy Talley Rickard
    November 30, 2016 at 10:43 am

    Light and natural. Love your blog.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jayme
    November 30, 2016 at 10:59 am

    I like the 2nd and the last ones…exactly for the reason that they are filtering light. But you seem not to like that property in them, so I am not sure I would like them as much lined. Which is why YOU are the decorator!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    chiflipper
    November 30, 2016 at 11:04 am

    Off topic… When viewing the pic of your kitchen the current countertop reads as matching the upper cabinets (on my monitor). The “warm” color seems to set off the bright white tiling. Reminds me of very old / aged marble. Have you ever considered keeping the warmth while eliminating the stains?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Patricia Rio
    November 30, 2016 at 11:13 am

    I like the color of the shades that you used in your condo. I follow a fellow blogger who is an interior decorator and she had a nice post about shades. Here is the link:

    https://laurelberninteriors.com/2016/06/29/classic-woven-wood-blinds

    I am sure that whatever resonates with you would be the best pick.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Deb
    November 30, 2016 at 11:41 am

    Warm medium brown or pick up the darker brown in your drapery fabric.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Janette @ The 2 Seasons
    November 30, 2016 at 11:53 am

    I have Iceberg on several ceilings and a few walls in our home, and we love it. Maybe you mentioned this, but I haven’t seen it – will you be painting over the mural in your foyer? Also, what about the chairs you built for the dining room? Will you still be able to use them?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      November 30, 2016 at 12:34 pm

      The mural didn’t make the cut. But I’ll be using that bird and branch pattern elsewhere. The chair I built might end up in my office.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Linda
    November 30, 2016 at 11:54 am

    I’m lightening up everything in my home, but I really think the warm browns will work better and if you had them before and loved them, sounds like the thing to do.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Teapotlady
    November 30, 2016 at 11:56 am

    Does anybody know where the blog that tells about the decision to not do a dining room and do a living room instead? I’ve looked and looked…..I need to read about that decision. Can someone point me in the right direction?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Linda
    November 30, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    I personally like the lighter and brighter in LR, but that’s just me. I’m afraid the darker might clash with your beautiful fireplace color. Warmer might be better in BR though. Just my two cents 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Theresa
    November 30, 2016 at 12:02 pm

    I think roman shades will be lovely! I wouldn’t recommend “matching” your floors, but I would try to match the tonality of the shades to the floor. Since your paint and fabric pictures don’t really show your floor, I can’t really tell what I would like better. My gut is that I would like the warm ones better and that the lighter ones might (stress might) look washed out in your room, but I’m not sure. Yay for forward progress! It’s looking great!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Denise Cassells
    November 30, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    You found an awesome color for the fireplace – and fast! The blue grass wall cover is exactly like some round placements I ordered for my new round kitchen table; which will get a make-over tabletop when I get to the kitchen. There are so many colors to draw from, and both light and warm work well either separate or together – so your preference should lead your decision. The sample color swatches are all great choices, #s 1 & 9 would look amazing together. I just purchased a Frosted mint green, and another called Distant Haze for my master bath. The toilet alcove will be the only three walls that get paint, and I am going for a very natural feel because the room gets a lot of sun. The Frosted Mint is very similar to your number 1 color (lighter though), it’s barely there. The Distant Haze will go in the marble vanity I’m doing with two greys and white. These greens will go nice with the Ming Green Marble basketweave backsplash, which I’ll also add into the stone on the jacuzzi, also around the two wall sides, a small square on the front, and some along the top edges of the half wall we are adding between the tub and vanity. Your blue grass wall cover would be very pretty with a suede-like very light tan. I love reading your blogs btw!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Carol
    November 30, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    The new fire place color is right on😃

    As for shade color, I would think a little lighter. You are going to have a dark -ish large sofa, and a dark prominent fireplace, and if you keep your buffet black..that’s a lot of heaviness I the room…..

    …mouring the loss of your mural in the entry way.
    It is an immediate show stopper right at the front door!!!!!!!!!!! It says, we have a creative, fun, house— come in and feel welcome🤗

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Julia
    November 30, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    I really like the darker brown color. They give an anchor and a richness to the room, especially now that your walls are light….love the new fireplace color!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lu Ann
    November 30, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    Love, love, love the changes you are making! I totally want grass cloth wallpaper in my guest bathroom but question how does it do with humidity. Not that it is used very often…

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Melody Howell
    November 30, 2016 at 1:46 pm

    Kristi, can you post a tutorial on lining bamboo shades when you get to that point? I never even thought about lining them, and thus never considered them an option in my home (small lots=not much privacy).
    I think a light medium brown would work great for your blinds. Love the grey fireplace!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Marianne in Mo.
    November 30, 2016 at 2:05 pm

    I’m torn on shade color. I like the warmer medium brown, but I feel that this room doesn’t get as much full light due to your porch roof. Plus, if you line them, that will cut down on light too.
    I recently ordered Super Value Woven Wood blinds in Mesa White from American Blinds for our bath. I love their look! I didn’t get them lined, because the weave is pretty tight, and I wanted a bit of light coming thru them. They look classy. I usually like a more natural wood blind so I was surprised to find I liked these!
    I know you should go with what you like, because if not, you will want to change soon!!!
    Love the paint on the wall and fireplace! Iceberg is such a pretty blue! And I’m not a “blue” person!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    ELlen kelly
    November 30, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    I would def go with the MEDIUM brown for a nice contrast. Loving the new look!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    SusanD
    November 30, 2016 at 4:02 pm

    Kristi,
    I’m not sure where to start with this because I’m afraid it will come off as criticism, but truly it’s not intended to be. As a decorator myself, I don’t necessarily appreciate criticisms on my designs while in progress,because others cannot see the whole picture – so therein lies my hesitation. You have stated you’re wanting to keep that to yourself, and that’s ok, but I’m seeing something here that in MY process is somewhat out of order. Please be patient with me while I explain: wall color is always the last thing chosen in my designs and here is why; you have chosen what I consider your inspiration piece, jumping off spot so to speak of your public spaces – that gorgeous fabric! From there you have chosen other items that you’re thinking of putting in these rooms, but not purchased, like the sofa, a very large, perhaps colorful piece, and could definitely be an expensive piece of furniture. I would propose that you get all of the elements together, decided on, and, (dare I say buy them?), and once you have these in place the (not literally in place but committed to) room will then “tell” you what color will be needed for the walls and even the color of woven blinds.
    It’s like framing an art piece before you’ve finished painting it. A frame should be chosen to compliment the picture, not the otherway around. Again this is MY way, and it’s served me well for many years, but to you, I just offer it as a suggestion. You have already painted your walls in your living room and from what I can see of it, it’s really pretty and love it with the fireplace. Perhaps my angst is just because you are keeping your plan to yourself and you could have it all worked out! In that case forgive me!
    Again, please do not “hate on me” Kristi fans. I am one too, have been since RMS days, I just don’t weigh in often as I enjoy watching her progress as you do! (Kristi, You know me as rmemom)
    I will gladly serve as your “decorator in your pocket” if you need to bounce something off of another professional. You have my email address. Feel free to edit this as you wish.
    Susan

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      December 1, 2016 at 2:01 pm

      I haven’t actually made my final choice for the wall color in the living room yet. 🙂 All I have so far is a sample of Iceberg that I’ve painted a sample of around the fireplace and then on one other wall in the living room. But until I make my fabric/furniture choices, I won’t actually purchase a gallon of wall paint and start painting my walls. I’m pretty sure Iceberg will work with what I’ve envisioned, but it’s subject to change once I’ve made my final fabrics/furniture choices. 🙂
       
      RMS seems like a lifetime ago! Those were the good ole days. 😀

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sian
    November 30, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    If you loved your last blinds that were up in those windows, could you not just rehang them?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      November 30, 2016 at 7:17 pm

      I only have two of them, and I need eight. The ones I have are also the wrong size. I’ve gotten new windows since I used those shades.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sharon C
    November 30, 2016 at 5:45 pm

    Loving the fireplace color! Can’t wait to see the full reveal, it’s getting very exciting and I’m really loving the direction you are going.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Guerrina
    November 30, 2016 at 5:51 pm

    Agree with pulling the floor color into the woven/bamboo shades. I live with unlined bamboo shades and they give zero privacy at night. I diy-lined those on the front of the house, but still didn’t get the black out I wanted. Definitely recommend ordering them lined!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Chris
    November 30, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    OMG! the fireplace looks outstanding! I can’t wait for the full reveal!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lauren
    December 1, 2016 at 11:06 am

    I like how big the sun is! I think it gives it power and character. I can see how some people may prefer it to fit perfectly, but i like it.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Donna Johnson
    December 5, 2016 at 10:44 am

    I love, love, love your blog!!!You changed the color of your green kitchen. Really like the new color but really liked the green too! You are a very talented decorator! Can I hire you to come and help me with a 70″s ranch??? Can’t wait to see what you “create” next!!!