These balloon shades are in my workroom. This is my own work, so is the wall finish in the background.

Thanks so much for all the comments, suggestions and photos. I agree with most that I could use some color/fabric in here. I decided abruptly the other day to just go order those 2" fabric blinds from Lowes. There's something about them I like, and the price was so low, (compared to a roman shade, esp. one from Smith & Noble) I figure they will be OK for a while and will solve the immediate problem of the glaring sun. If I don't love them (likely), Ill start saving up for a custom fabric shade which I do think Id like the most. I'm just in that too tired to think anymore spot & wanted to get something up. Also I didn't expect this but the woman at Lowes told me I can even return them if I hate them so theres no risk! I didn't think you could return a custom size blind...that's a perk of shopping the big box stores I guess. The pictures were very helpful as I realized maybe I could try a runner or 2 on the floors in the kitchen to add some color? I notice a lot of the kitchens posted above have nice runners. Mommyto4boys - Thanks so much for the compliments, seriously it makes me feel so good. Especially in regard to my dining room/fireplace. I had originally wanted to do built-ins flanking the fireplace (went back and forth on if I'd do white or dark stain). Our budget ran out though, and so I'm living with the 2 pieces of furniture we already had. The china cabinet on the left is black, the other cabinet is a liquor/bar cabinet from Ikea and its a dark brown. The fireplace was red brick with a oak mantle shelf, brass screen and dark gray slate hearth. I whitewashed the brick, changed the screen and painted the mantle White dove. I think your dark built ins will look great! What does your fireplace look like?

We love our 2 inch horizontal blinds at our house. They allow for privacy and light control. Love the cove ceilings at your house. Those are not modern at all, an example of the character that your home has. Show those things off. They're very sought after. You're lucky to have them. Lowe's has Levelor Dover 1 1/2 - 2 inch wide slat blinds on line (not in their stores). I have used them all over my house. They are an off white that will blend in very well with your decor, and they are very popular now. Perfect for your room and not expensive.

I appreciate the answers so much! This community is great. A few things: We have an entry table on the wall behind the 2 seater couch (the couch blocks the view). I want to create a nicer area, but living room is first. The couches are brand new and staying, we love them! Maybe we aren't traditional style, I've just been saying that because we don't want modern or farmhouse, rustic doesn't fit with our house style, and I don't really know what a lot of the other types mean. We want something relaxing, not too bold or eccentric. My husband has a high stress job and we really just want a comfortable relaxing home. Gray isn't a color trend for us, its something we really like. Also, the blinds were a quick fix for privacy when we moved in. They were about $3 each and allow us some time to figure out what treatment we really want. @Mon Thank you for your ideas! I love the curtains, I do want something with a pattern (except geometric which makes me feel like I am in college for some reason). I like what you said about the feminine touch, I didn't realize the sofas were masculine until you said that. I think I can balance it out though with accents. I'm having a hard time visioning the chandelier instead of the fan but I will highly consider it. The fan is new, I get the feeling the sellers just put anything up there because it isn't really large enough for the room. @Elena Ermolaeva Your designs are excellent! Is this to scale with my living room? This layout gives the flow I was wanting but I was afraid of putting teh couch in front of the window. I didn't want to try to force the tv as a focal point because I am in love with that large window. I'm definitely not afraid of going a little darker with the walls. Even though our area isn't large, I feel like with all the windows and natural light I can afford to go a little darker. Plus adding in light curtains balances it out. When you suggest shelves, do you mean on the 7'7" wall where the large sofa is now? I didn't think of that, I was just trying to work around the wall. Great ideas! Since privacy is a concern, should I go for nicer blinds, or a shade, along with curtains? Thanks everyone!