I've had pleated blinds, metal horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, and wood blinds. Even though there are pretty pictures of blinds, blinds are not my favorite, especially vertical blinds. Blinds are impersonal, not cozy imho, and pleated blinds are very difficult to clean. They attract dust and pet hair, I think, by static, and vacuuming does not get it all. Horizontal blinds, if cracked open for some light, leave a striped pattern on the window which I don't like, are a pain to dust, and are pretty much "all or nothing", and you can't leave blinds open at night if you value privacy. Vertical blinds remind me of corporate conference rooms. Sorry, I hope I'm not offending anyone. Curtains on the other hand, can be soft and flowy, let light in without compromising privacy. You can wash them or dry clean them. You don't have to open and close every single day to adjust for light/privacy conditions. Curtains are easy to change out, and you don't need a custom size if your windows are not standard sized. I haven't had the pleasure of roman shades yet, that's my next new thing to try. More than you probably wanted,mikneleh... LOL! Have fun with your decision.

Hi! To create the illusion that your space is even bigger than it actually is, there are many things that you can do. Two of my favorites are to hang your window treatments (blinds, curtains, etc) about 1-2 inches above the actual window molding, and incorporate mirrors. This will make your ceilings seem taller. Here are a few of my favorite bright, colorful window treatments: http://www.deciture.com/shop/decor/7/modern-twist-geometric-curtain-panel/ http://www.deciture.com/shop/decor/7/world-beat-yellow-curtain-panel/ As for the mirrors, what this does essentially is reflects light in the room as well as the room as a whole and makes the area appear better lit and larger. Here are a few choices: http://www.deciture.com/shop/decor/7/antiqued-copper-mirror/ http://www.deciture.com/shop/decor/7/hayes-arch-mirror/ http://www.deciture.com/shop/decor/7/distressed-windowpane-mirror/ Note that the larger and more divided the mirror is, the bigger the room will appear, which is why I attached mirrors that are divided in some way or another. Good Luck!

Hi. I think you should put four blinds up, hung inside the windows, with curtains in the middle and on each side -- when the blinds are up you'll get a full view of your pretty windows. It's a pity to hide them. I'd keep the blinds quite simple so that you can use any fabric you like for the curtains.

Leather sofas can really dominate the room and can give an overall cold feeling. I would add some earthy elements, like a wood coffee table with glass or metal. Go to Restoration Hardware's website and look at their sofa room scenes. And I'm sorry I think the art is too harsh for the room. That's all your eye goes to in the room. too overpowering. I would look for something softer or maybe a cool mirror and I would add color to the room with pillows and some colorful lamps. I also think woven blinds would look great. They add warmth and give a finished look. The color of your window treatments should contrast your wall color a bit, not match it or else it starts to look generic and blah.. You have warm walls, warm floors and the woven blinds, like Hunter Douglas brand would pull it all together for you.