A design solution/uneven windows and high ceilings

My life is an adventure and a challenge. Being in the military we are always on the move at least every 3 years. The adventure part is moving to a new home, meeting new friends and having a different state to explore. The challenging part...just when we are finally getting settled, found our dentist, doctors, stores, friends and knowing the schools, we move. A new home of course means new decorating adventures, but also new decorating challenges.

I believe good design is something that happens over time. Since we move quite often, I am never done with the ideas and projects that need to be finished with each home we live in. So, here I am again...waiting to move in the next 2 months and still many things not completed.

Some of the features I like about my home is it's many windows, bringing in lots of sunshine and very high ceilings that give an open feel. I have found though having these features have added quite a few design challenges. Our ceilings are 18 feet high and the many windows are uneven making it tricky to design treatments for them.

After much pondering, I came up with a design that brought the height down to give the room coziness and warmth. I was also able to achieve balance for the uneven windows so that your eyes would sweep across the room and not disrupt the flow. Here is my solution for the uneven windows and high ceilings.

As I said, many windows! This is just a few of them. The two longest windows that flank the fireplace are long and narrow and the one to the far left is more rectangle and short. I didn't want to take from all the light coming in, so I made valances for the two narrow windows and hung my rod for the shorter window at the same height. By doing long vertical panels on this window I as able to trick the eye and level out the uneven windows..

The two narrow windows have very little area on each side. I originally thought I might do panels that swept to one side away from the fireplace. I realized that having more fabric would take from my light, so I decided to do valances.

More balance is added by having the pillars with the candles be symmetrical and the picture becomes the focal point above the mantel.

An overview look from my stairway that leads up to our loft. I did not add treatments to the top windows, it would have taken from the height being brought down and made your eye go up. We did have some wooden blinds added for privacy and to control the light.

Some of my unfinished projects? Adding cushions to my wicker chairs and pillows. Painting the lamp bases and the pedestal table cream. I then am going to create a chess board on top. Still looking to find an area rug that I like. If we had owned the home, I would have covered the not.so. pretty. fireplace with a wood mantle that was detailed and painted the vent to match the wall.

Adding vinyl lettering gives height, whimsy and keeps it airy. Using different textures adds interest and keeps your eye moving. Group like items together. A great way to achieve flow and balance in a room is to scatter your colors throughout your design.

There is my ottoman transformation I showed you all. I have seating throughout my rooms to always make my guest feel welcomed. The room still has many missing elements I want in it. Some of those projects I still am working on and will add before we move.


I hope this inspires you to find a way to solve any design challenges you might have. Would love to hear what some of your design solutions are?

For more great problem solving~ decorating dilemmas, I am partying with Amanda@SerenityNow. She is having her first Decorating Dilemmas Party!

Stop by and visit many other great blogs that are sharing their decorating dilemmas as well! Should be lots of fun!

Make sure to check out my Whimsy Spotlight and Giveaway here!

Hugs to you all,