Since simple is chic, the challenge is to keep the look sophisticated or elegant rather than, um, cheap.   Unlined panels are like an unlined suit jacket in that they will not hold their shape, therefore looking and feeling flimsy.  Make sure drapery width is proportional to the space.  Single width panels can look like giant pencils if used in the wrong setting, and may not achieve the goal of softening the room. 

Fabrics and colors are trending towards the naturals.  Linens, cottons, and solids are becoming more common.  Having said that, most of our clients call themselves ‘transitional’ and the traditional side of transitional calls for a little pattern in the fabric but it will be more muted and subtle.  
 
Drapery hardware is to a set of panels as earrings are to a beautiful outfit, my designers would say.  We are installing a lot more metal finishes (wrought iron, brushed bronze, dark pewter) these days, which in many cases nicely coordinate with nearby light fixtures.  Metal finials allow for a little more flair or whimsy than wood, and there are some cool things being done
with cast resin and glass.

Wooden drapery hardware is still popular, however, and the good news is that there have been some downward pricing trends.  Finally!  The good stuff has always been so expensive!  Given the height of the average suburban Atlanta great room ceiling, consider using 3” wooden rods for your tall panels.  The standard pole size has been 2” which can get lost way up there.  Manufacturers have been slow to recognize this, and only in the last year or so has the more substantial sized wooden hardware been readily available.

Years ago I invested in some software which allows us to take a photo of your window and use the computer to design your treatment.  This accomplishes a few things that you will appreciate.  First, it’s great to have a strong visual to help decision making.  Importantly, the computer program will not allow us to defy physics in our design, which can happen with a hand rendering.  Darn gravity.  Lastly, men seem to respect and value computer drawings and are less inclined to try to veto the project.

Speaking of men, please resist the temptation to have your husband install a nice window treatment just to save a few bucks.  A professional knows all the tricks, especially when working around extensive moulding, and will properly dress the treatment.  Besides, whatever you save will most likely be spent on therapy, hospital bills, or with your attorney by the time he’s done.  Just sayin’.