Advice needed for choosing color and fabric for drapes (floors, ceiling, curtains)

[SunInHair]

We are completing a contemporary log home. Most of the walls are D-log style with a clear stain finish. Pergo floors same color as log walls. Due to high ceilings (23 feet at highest point), decided to consider drapes for sound deadening factor plus insulation from New Mexico's sun. The great room has upholstered furniture in brown (but may do a slipcover because the dog lounges on the couch). Kitchen cabinets are light oak. Oriental carpets are salmon, brick, and neutral shades of tan. There's one slider door, 2 large dining area windows, and one large kitchen window. Might do blinds plus drapes. Any suggestions as to drapery fabric, color and style?

[kinkytoes]

Can you post a couple of pictures? If the wood has yellowish undertones that can affect the color curtains you should select. On the other hand, if the undertones are reddish, then that may also have a effect.

[SunInHair]

Originally Posted by kinkytoes

Can you post a couple of pictures? If the wood has yellowish undertones that can affect the color curtains you should select. On the other hand, if the undertones are reddish, then that may also have a effect.

Will have to try to get the camera to work. All colors are a warm, golden tone. There's just an awful lot of it!

[GloryB]

I think considering this is a log home that the weight of the window treatment may be as big a factor as the color chosen. If you are using shades to block out the heavier sun days, then you might just want a nice light curtain treatment so it still lets in some natural light and keeps the rooms airy looking.
If they are too heavy....the rooms may feel stuffy after awhile.

[GloryB]

Originally Posted by SunInHair

Will have to try to get the camera to work. All colors are a warm, golden tone. There's just an awful lot of it!

I hope you can get them posted....I bet the place is just beautiful!!!

[SunInHair]

Originally Posted by GloryB

I think considering this is a log home that the weight of the window treatment may be as big a factor as the color chosen. If you are using shades to block out the heavier sun days, then you might just want a nice light curtain treatment so it still lets in some natural light and keeps the rooms airy looking.
If they are too heavy....the rooms may feel stuffy after awhile.

Thanks, GloryB--didn't think of that. Fortunately, there's lots of natural light, especially with the skylights. But I don't want too heavy a look because it's a log home in high desert New Mexico, not in Montana, for example. The question of color still has me baffled.

[Cattknap]

My first thought is always to use google. I did a search and the itneresting thing is that very few log cabin interiors shown had window coverings - they had beautiful windows with beautiful views and no window coverings.

I think of the casualness of log cabins (and add the fact that you are building a contemporary log cabin) and there seems to be an aesthetic disconnect between a contemporary log cabin and drapes. How about netural insulated blinds or shades that visually just blend away?

I did a search and this is the first page that popped up:

Insulated Window Treatments, Insulated Shades, Insulating Blinds

I you do decide to go with drapes - choose a fabric that has a contemporary feel to it - a nubby silk linen paired with a fabric or wood insulating shade for instance.

[Cattknap]

I have been thinking about your window coverings - if everything is warm golden tones and you are into contemporary - how about an insulating shade in one of your accent colors - what colors are you using for accessories?

[KittySkyfish]

I recommend combining professional window tinting and solar shades. Used to live in Florida and many waterfront homes used window tinting to cut glare and heat from the intense sun.

The solar shades further inhibit glare, plus they will inhibit sound from bouncing off the window. Solar shades are a minimalist window treatments and similar in concept to old fashion roller blinds, except they are constructed of a tinted fine mesh. This reduces glare but doesn't restrict too much view. IMO they are attractive in a contemporary setting.

Both links are provided as examples of each product type. I don't endorse any one brand (unless I state otherwise).

Window tinting:
Gila Film Products : Residential Window Film - for your Home and Office - Reduce Heat Glare and Fading while Lowering Energy Costs

Solar shades:
North Solar Screen: Energy Saving SilverScreen Heat Reducing Solar Shades: Green Product

FWIW: I have a whole house of cellular shades and love them for their insulating factor and ability to cut the sun's rays, but they wouldn't be my choice for a contemporary log home. Log home living is geared to give a commune with nature feeling and cellular shades (and curtains that cover windows) kinda kill that feeling. I recommend window treatments that protect while still providing as much nature viewing as possible.

[SunInHair]

Originally Posted by Cattknap

I have been thinking about your window coverings - if everything is warm golden tones and you are into contemporary - how about an insulating shade in one of your accent colors - what colors are you using for accessories?

Think the accent color will be brick or dark red. Need drapes eventually to help deaden the echoing in the great room. Maybe nubby fabric drapes with blinds, solar or other. Have time to give it lots of thought. Don't want to put drapes up until the new kitten is older.