Dummy Panels for Dummies

Hey Friends,
I showed you my DIY Dining Room Artwork the other day, and told you that curtain panels were in the works.  So, I’m working on that right now, and started at one of my favorite places – Target.  And I’m not kidding when I say started.  Originally I picked up these three panels.

With a goal of making paneled drapes like the ones found in my inspiration photo:

But when I brought them home, I realized the brown drapery was too light and the blue wasn’t the right blue.  So, I took them back and opted for a darker brown panel, and kept it basic – dark brown and beige.   Boring or classic?  

Did I mention when I returned the panels and bought different ones they were on sale for $12 each?  Nothing boring about that!

So, here’s my current conundrum.  Before I tackle this sewing project (I break out into hives at the mere mention of the “s” word), what do you think?  Don’t worry, I have jury rigged some options for you to noodle on before making a decision.

Option #1:  Brown panels with a cream center stripe (please excuse the crudeness of your design choices here):

Option #2 – Cream panels with a dark brown stripe in the center.

A reminder of my dining room space – 

I’m leaning towards the brown ones with the cream center stripe at the moment.  But I would really love it if a Sewing Fairy showed up at my doorstep and could make some panels in three colors that blended beautifully.  

Or could I force the blue into the palette?  See the rug above vs. the blue in the drapes below?

And just between us, I’m starting to question my choice of wall color in here.  It seems to be taking on more of a green undertone, and while I’m trying to ignore it, it’s gnawing at me.  Maybe new drapes will serve as a distraction.

Or do I just say to heck with it and buy some drapes online?  Even though I can’t find what I want online…

How’s that for wishy washy?  What do you think?  Sometimes having fresh eyes is just what you need, right?


Don’t forget to link up to this month’s Room Evolution Party!

22 Comments

  • Reply
    Emily
    June 7, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    I like option #1 🙂 Since you didn't like the blue there's not sense in making it work because you may still not like it down the road. I think #1 would look great in your dining room!

  • Reply
    Megan Sloan
    June 7, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    I love the brown with the cream in the center. It would balance out some of the light colors in your room and you could always add a small blue ribbon stripe to the side (going vertical?) if you decide to add some blue. Or add blue with other accessories.

    I break out in hives over sewing too. I currently am in need of a sewing lesson with my machine (it was my husband's grandmother's) and it's a beast. It's great quality and works like a charm… for those who know how to use it! I'm wanting to do curtains too. I bought some ones I loved at Lowe's but am going to cut them in half and sew the seam to make two curtains from one – it's cheaper, I don't need two giant curtains for my smaller windows, and it'll still cover the window when I take naps. 🙂

  • Reply
    Jean @ Flower Hill
    June 7, 2012 at 12:51 pm

    I love the three colors from your inspiration pic. Do you think the wall color is the issue?

  • Reply
    Angeline
    June 7, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    Love the cream in the middle!

  • Reply
    Maury Kilgo
    June 7, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    Based on the pictures you can't tell that the blues aren't right. I do think it would look cool with the blue but don't force it if you dont think it flows. I love the brown/white/brown combo even without the blue. $12 is a steal!

  • Reply
    Comeca Jones
    June 7, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    You are so brave!!!

  • Reply
    Rosalie
    June 7, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    The blue's don't look like they clash just looking at the pictures. I've always been told that you don't want everything matchy matchy, so it may go better than you think. But, ultimately, follow your gut…you're the one who has to live with it!! Good luck with the sewing. I love sewing, but curtains are one of my least favorite things to sew.

  • Reply
    Andrea
    June 7, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    lovin #1

  • Reply
    BizzyMom
    June 7, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    I like 1 too.. You can find a blue satin ribbon to cover the seams where the 2 different fabrics meet.. just for that little pop of color 🙂

  • Reply
    pam {simple details}
    June 7, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    I like #1, but I think it's going to make the room look darker and give it a heavier feel than your inspiration photo. I say don't settle, keep looking till you find something you really LOVE. Maybe try a fabric store for the blue? 🙂

  • Reply
    marty (A Stroll Thru Life)
    June 7, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    Love the brown with the cream center. Go for it and if you don't like the wall color, that is totally an inexpensive change. Hugs, Marty

  • Reply
    Pine Tree Home
    June 7, 2012 at 4:00 pm

    I vote number 1. I think this is a great idea for the drapes. Not boring and very stylish.

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    June 7, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    I like the blue from the inspiration photo. Add the blue.

  • Reply
    Budget Design Girl
    June 7, 2012 at 7:42 pm

    I like the brown with the cream center. I think number one is nice, but I like two much more!

    I think the wall color looks nice, but I know how it is to look at something and have it gnaw at you. Maybe the brown background drapes will serve to deepen the color on the walls a tad?

    Looking good so far, Jen!

    xo-Lisa

  • Reply
    Lisa at Shine Your Light
    June 7, 2012 at 9:20 pm

    Jenny, where will you hang them – at the top of the transoms or the bottom windows? And also, where will the stripe fall in relation to your bamboo blinds? I need to know these things before voting!!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Cindy
    June 8, 2012 at 2:01 am

    I think the curtains in the first photo which I think is your inspirational photo would be the best, all you have to do is add the blue and make the sequence just like they did and it is really hard for me to see green in the walls in your photo of your dining room, but if you can't match up the wall color with a curtain color then paint, painting is so easy and all you have to do is paint the walls, then you could choose the exact blue for the blue section in the curtain and the blue paint on the wall. I think the brown and cream is pretty, but the curtains in the inspirational photo would look fabulous and if you are going to take the time to do it, do it just like you want!!! I just went and looked at the photos again and I really think you need the blue section in the curtain, it would bring everything together!! Just an opinion!! Can't wait to see the finished curtains in your room!

  • Reply
    Gwynne
    June 8, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    Out of the 2 options presented i like #1. The brown-cream-brown option. However, (and this is a big however) I feel like this will "cut" the room at the wrong spot. As Lisa mentioned above we just don't know where all these other elements will hit your striped drapery. Plus, your drapery colors are much darker than your inspiration room. I personally vote for the brown-brown-cream look. The brown at the top will separate it from your moulding and define the window. While the cream at the bottom will blend into your floors. Just my two cents.

  • Reply
    Cathy Wall
    June 8, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    Love the inspiration photo, there is a softness about it that will look fabulous in this room, don't settle!

  • Reply
    cajuncutie
    June 8, 2012 at 9:51 pm

    I can't see the green on my monitor you're stating is bothering you. I think add some blue for sure, just because of your beautiful rug, it's really screaming "it needs some blue"! And, I also love the brown, cream, brown…but, I feel like that combo is alot darker in relation to the inspiration photo, if you are truly wanting that "feel". But definitely go for the blue!!

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    June 10, 2012 at 1:19 am

    I think the brown is too dark. If you are going to keep the walls blue then I think you should ditch the blue in your panels. It will be too hard to coordinate the right "blues". You could use a cream and tan combo for your panels. Did you have a lighter brown in that first picture?? Now if you are going to switch your wall color, then you could look for the perfect blue and go for a trio panel of blue, cream and tan. Sorry, I just think that the brown is way too dark. Love your blog!!

    Ava

  • Reply
    Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
    June 10, 2012 at 2:15 am

    OK i like option 1 even though it will be more work for you 🙁 Sorry.
    XO
    Kristin

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    June 16, 2012 at 5:21 am

    I vote option 1, looks more put together.

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