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I love my new kitchen drapes. I originally installed a brushed nickel curtain rod (which I was fine with) but after hanging the drapes, I found that the black grommets looked funny. So I went out and got a black rod. Now that the black rod is up, I'm a bit uneasy about it. The brackets looks weird to me. Maybe too frilly / curly for my space? I feel like it gives the space a totally different look and that it doesn't suit the rest of my home. Should I keep the black rod up or put the silver one back up???

Sorry for having to view the photos this way, but there are so many of them and I need to see which one suits the space better

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32901578@N04/show/

I think the black works - maybe a slightly thicker rod with different finials would work - perhaps something round? I saw some black wire "basket" type round finials that I think might work.
Your home is really coming on - looking good.

Have you thought about tall candlesticks for both your fireplace mantle and your great serving piece in the dining room?

Abby-Baby... I like the black better then brushed nickle for this space, even though the finishes in the rest of your home are silver/nickle. I noticed that your serving table in the dining room is black - so it's not totally inappropriate to go black in the kitchen. I think the main reason I like it better is because it looks great with the colour of your drapes. And you can get away with the different (yet complimentary) finish because it's in a different room... and, like I said, you have the black in your dining room. I also like the finial on your rod, but I also like Caro's idea of a wire basket-type finial.

I've seen the wire basket finials and for some reason I don't like them. They seem too delicate?

I've thought about candlesticks and / or vases for the mantel and console table but I don't know what finish to get. Black or brown and wooden or the grey/blue vases (same as the pillows).

The console table has always been in the room. When the furniture is set up the other way, the sofa is in front of the window and the console table is behind the sofa. In order for my Christmas tree to fit into the room I have to move the living room furniture around. I like it the other way more because the room doesn't feel so small.

My next question is - what kind of light fixture would look good in my kitchen? Should I be looking at brushed nickel or black now? I like the barrel shade fixtures with a little bit of the metal arms showing from the bottom... Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

I like the black too. I don't dislike the finals you have now, but what about a plain simple round one? I like the idea of a drum shade too, nice choice. With a ball finial, the shade would pair nicely. I couldn't find a picture on the net but I think the one I've posted (another member's kitchen) is what you mean.

As for candlesticks, I would like to see maybe mercury glass? It's everywhere this year, at PB and a plethora at HS. Spectacular during the holidays. Reasonably priced and if you like the look, you can change them out with different seasons.

That light fixture is beautiful! Do you know who makes it? That is the type of fixture that I'm looking for. I wonder how easy it is to keep the shade clean as it is above a kitchen table and in front of a patio door...

I can't remember for sure, Progressive maybe? Anyway, they sell them at HD - $169.00 I think.