thanks all. I stopped by Penny's but our store only has dark walnut in stock and I am not ordering anything without seeing it first. I stopped by Lowes and picked up a couple of there real wood Allen and Roth blinds. They are also 1.5" slats. They are likely low end woods but I think they look way classier. Unfortuanately the color is a bit too orangey and after reading your comments I am now rethiinking the real wood option. With coupon the two real wood blinds from Lowes were $72 and the cheapie looking (but right color) Blindz Basic brand were $48. I am going to ask what a special order color of the Allen and Roth in th eright color would cost. To be honest I may just take everything back until I find something else. Geeez! HD faux line looks very much like wood but the suckers weigh a ton and are almost impossible to raise and lower. Plus the 2" slat looks a little off too me. So, I am thinking of just putting the old ones back up, or keeping the cheapies until I find something better...or maybe just getting the wood and see what happens. I never would have thought this could be so challenging. Maybe I'll start a post looking for longer term feedback on the basic blindz and Allen and Roth from Lowes. If anyone knows of another place where you can get the blinds reasonably priced and see them first..let me know.

They are only three months old so look new. Absolutely no problems and the quality is very good. They operate very smoothly. I did custom order through Penney's. I first did my internet research and had several quotes online. The sales rep was able to beat all my quotes. It was nice to able to see the various blinds in person, then I brought home the sample books to match color. That proved difficult with the tiny samples but I wanted neutral and am happy with the results. You have the choice of separate head rails like I did, or a single head rail. They are easy to clean though I have not needed to yet. I haven't decided if I will put my drapes back up as I'm enjoying the clean look right now. Mine are 3/8" double cell, 40"x72". Each blind was $268 +tax. The top-down/bottom-up function does increase the price but I feel it was worth it for my application. Here is a link that might be useful: Cleaning Instructions

Hi Roseanna. Just curious what route you went with your windows. We have similar decorating style and I'm in the same situation. I'm leaning towards shutters.

@Brendol Scholz thanks! That link has some great photos that will be a great starting point for our conversation. @Patricia Colwell Agreed on shiplap. I've have never been a fan and that is definitely not what we are looking to do. We have reasons for hidden doors and have done them in previous houses, just looking to try new ideas this time. Chevron paneling isn't our style. I do like the concrete panel look, but this wall is adjacent to a poured concrete wall. i'm sure photos would help, butI I don't like to post pictures of my house on the internet (I know, wrong place for that opinion). Thanks for the ideas though!