homestylelisa - since you have some nice existing wood blinds now, how do they look from the outside? Can you detect wood tones or do you just see blinds in general like colorblinds house? Window screens can mask colors and all you'll see is a similar window treatment. I think it will be o.k. to have wood downstairs and white upstairs. As someone else replied, the fact that they're all blinds will unify it all. I totally understand wanting to keep wood blinds that are still in good condition. I just replaced small metal blinds with the faux white 2" blinds and it was expensive for multiple rooms. I assume wood is more $$$. I didn't even price them as my painter advised that white wood blinds can yellow and warp. That may not be true, but I liked the Bali faux wood and the white shade was a perfect match to my trim.

Thank you for responding @Patricia Colwell. The reason for the traverse rod is that the shears will open uniformly. I google until I'm out of google steam and find no photos from the exterior. I'd like to see that vantage in order to make the best decision

Changing the verticals will be an instant upgrade to the room, as they are more often seen in rental properties these days. Your open slider is lovely, so I advise being able to pull drapes off of them to let in light and make a huge difference in the feeling of your space. You don't appear to have much room for a stack back of drapes on either side, so I would stack them all back to the side away from the operable door in both ends of the room. Hanging them from ceiling level will also add a more open feeling to your room. If you have the budget, upgrading your front door from the current Victorian style to something more in keeping with the style of muntins in the windows and sliders would add add value to your home as well. How about a pretty rug under the dining table for an additional bit of interest? Are you considering brightening with new paint? I see some decor that reminds me of the 80's; any chance you're ready for a bigger change?

Will you share a picture of the room and an inspiration photo? If you are on a budget, you'll have to work with stock lengths. Most panels come in 84, 96, or 108 with a few inches of variation here and there. If you use rings, that will add a couple of inches to the length. The general advice is to hang them full, high, and wide. If you have a lower ceiling try not to cram the rod right against it. The type of header you choose will be important too. Panels with grommets are a more casual look. Panels with pleats hung on rings have a more formal and polished look.