D&RR: Kitchen (huge PIPs)

mamie329

Yes, I've totally asked you guys about this before, but I'm totally getting closer.  I've decided to go neutral on the kitchen rugs and towels (beige and black tones as you can see from the kitchen rug). I'm planning on making my own curtains for over the sink. 

 

 

As I was browsing fabrics yesterday, I saw the cutest patterns in different colors. Would it be too busy to do a patterned curtain in either orange or edamame green? Or could I do a black/beige floral or damask to keep the neutral tones cohesive?

 

Kind of like this:

 

vhcoleman09

I really like the color and pattern of what you posted and don't think it'd be too busy at all.

hawkilady

I think you can do that -- since everything else is so neutral, that pop of color would be welcome I think.  Plus green is almost neutral to people and that pattern is pretty simple. 

SBS0628

Okay, as I'm sure you've come to learn, I'm ridiculously opinionated when it comes to decor. As such, I will not be offended if you just skip over this. But, here's my $0.02 anyway:

1) I LOVE the edamame green with the color combination you've got going. I'm not totally sold on the pattern you posted, especially since it will be hanging directly above the striped rug you already have, but I'm on board with the idea.

2) Orange is a stupid color. Well, maybe stupid is the wrong word. But I can't see orange & black together without going straight to Halloween. I do think you could sneak a little bit of orange in with the green (maybe a trim on the curtain?) because I love orange and green together, but then I would say throw out all the black stuff you have and just use the other neutrals (tans, beiges).

3) I don't think damask belongs in a kitchen. It's too froofy.

mamie329

SBS, are you thinking no pattern at all? I just saw the cutest patterns at the fabric store and wondered if it would work. I was originally just going to hem my old white curtains. 

SBS0628

No, I think pattern would work fine. But if I've learned anything from HGTV (and I'd like to think that I have at least a little bit) it's that if you do a pattern next to another pattern, they need to be very distinct, and if one is small the other should be much more bold.

My worry about the picture you posted is that it's still kind of in the "stripe" family, and it seems to be about the same width of lines as the rug. That could just be weird perception angles with the pictures, though.

I just seem damask as more formal (esp. in b&w) and I don't think of the kitchen as a formal place.

mamie329

How would you feel about a more circular pattern to complement the stripes? I wish I took a pic of the fabrics! 

chrissyvcm

I'm going to go against everyone else completely. I don't think a bright pop via a lone curtain will work. To me, it seems very out of place, unless you work it in in other ways (matching canisters, a few pieces of wall art, etc) Also, if you do a pop of color and pattern on the curtains, you should have a solid black rug. I don't think the striped one will make sense decor-wise.

I do think a damask would work though, insted of bright colors. You can keep the same tones you already have and bring in whimsy and interest via different patterns. Just make sure the patterns coordinate in style (not just color). They don't have to be matchy, they just need to look good together. Okay, that's my .02. Do with it what you please.

mamie329

I see what you mean, C. I think I just fell in love with the fabric patterns and thought ... ooh kitchen! I was thinking the same thing about a different black/beige pattern that would have the same colors but more of a floral or damasky pattern. Or I could just hem up the white curtains I already own.... 

stephriz

Personally I'm not a big fan of curtains in the kitchen, and you don't have a lot of room to each side of the window.  I know you don't have a window ledge, but maybe consider 2-inch blinds or roman shades.  Since you have navy and gray in a lot of places, I agree with a bright green to coordinate

Since a kitchen is a more utilitarian room, I would consider going for a style rather than a color combination.  Modern?  Farmhouse?  Cottage?

stephriz

PS  DH used to have black kitchen towels, but they bled dye horribly.  Wash those towels separately until you know they won't bleed onto anything else in a load.

mamie329

I *was* going to do a roman blind until I noticed small snags in the screen window on both sides. Curtains will hide them. 

megs1383

i like the green and the pattern, but don't think I would pair it with the black striped rug. And I also agree that if you add a pop of color, there should be other places in the room that pick up the color (maybe a vase or canister on the counter, a small rug, or using that same fabric on a chair or stool cushion, etc). 

stephriz

If you really like the fabric, but it doesn't go with the rug, switch the rug and enjoy the curtains.

mamie329

stephriz:

If you really like the fabric, but it doesn't go with the rug, switch the rug and enjoy the curtains.

I like the fabrics, but sadly that little kitchen rug is the thing out of my new home purchases I like the most. So it stays. I can get daring with patterned curtains in other rooms. Thanks for the advice, all! 

stephriz

mamie329:

stephriz:

If you really like the fabric, but it doesn't go with the rug, switch the rug and enjoy the curtains.

I like the fabrics, but sadly that little kitchen rug is the thing out of my new home purchases I like the most. So it stays. I can get daring with patterned curtains in other rooms. Thanks for the advice, all! 

Ah, well then enjoy the rug and get window coverings to match!