Unless you're making an effort to contain the view within the patio area itself--as you would in an interior room--I'd disregard the advice about having a "focal point" and consider the view to the outside world, the "objet d' vu." Using greenery to frame the view could be a nice feature. The plants could be more or less out of the way and rather than BE a feature, just be the edge to the "windows" that are already there. A climbing vine such as heavenly blue morning glory, moonvine, or Mandevilla or something capable of climbing a cord trellis would work, The "trellis" could be hung on a couple of stout hooks in the wood ceiling members. The hooks could remain permanently but the cord trellis could be lifted off and removed as necessary. As a practical concern, a planter needs to be large enough to support plant life in a healthy manner, but other than that, not having it any larger than necessary would help preserve balcony space. A half-round planter such as the one pictured below could work for the center post. Quarter-round planters are hard to find, so you could use anything that's compatible, and probably narrower, for the outer walls. Some shade tolerant, blooming annuals planted around the outer edge of the planter (begonias, lobelia or something along those lines) would spill over its edge and be a nice touch, too. I like that the rail and pickets have a light/view filtering effect rather than act as a complete screen to the lower portion of the view. If they were mine, I'd prefer not to cover them to any appreciable degree with foliage.

Arbs be my choice. Junipers a possibility, depending on exact locations and conditions, you may able to grow some of the irish junipers. Numerous cypress to choose from. If chamaecyparis, a hedge of some of the moderate growers may be a show stopper. Tendency to pyramidal growth, but some pruning and close planting would give you the wall effect. How ambitious are you. You can espalier anything...know a place on PA that had a blue atlas cedar espalliered against a barn wall...pruned about once a year. Takes a bit to establish, but memorable.

Thanks for the responses folks...I do need to learn to think outside the box. Delta Breeze - I'm planning to put a tall hutch to the right of the front door, and my writing desk/hutch to the left of it. I do like the idea of the bookcase to the right of the window. I'm going to move it though, center the table and see how that idea works. I think the right side chair will be too cramped. I'm beginning to think the table being off-center from the window might be okay. Les917 - I had thought by doing the lopsided curtain/swag I could make an illusion that the table was centered over the imaginary window! The table would stay where it is now, it would just look like there was more window to the left. I love all the ideas you offered, and I do hope to swag the light once the furniture placement is set. Rob333 Thanks for the link. I can't wait to try it. This isn't really a dining room; it's just a breakfast/tea area so I can take advantage of the one bright, sunny window during our long, S.A.D., North Dakota winters. There will be a small eat-at island in the kitchen and the "real" dining room will be set up out on the four-seasons sunporch...eventually! GardenWebber (Love the name!) I think you're right about the table being too close to the wall. Here's a poor drawing I have of the room. It shows the dimensions. It's rather narrow and cramped. The room is just under 12' wide, about 24' long. The opening between the L/R and kitchen is just over 8' wide. The wall with the short bookcase is about 40" wide. The area between the front door and the corner of the south wall is 30" wide.

I am going to take better pictures to add to this once I get home, but here is an old picture of the bathroom before it was repainted that may help! And also adding one to show the layout. Really just looking for ALL ideas as far as how to make it functional but look nice as well. We are going to replace the vanity at some point which I know will make a big difference, but the rest of the bathroom I am stuck on.