tables and chairs are an investment:do you have a family heirloom piece you may wish to use,perhaps re-cover some chairs. That will save you and look quite nice there. Your kitchen has a nice "lived in" kind of feel....so an antique or something handed over to you would fit. That is the first thing,in my opinion. I would consider an area rug before worrying about window treatments,as privacy is not an issue.Do you wish to get rid of the blinds:what are they exactly? The ceiling lamp/fan does not appeal to me,so I'm biased toward replacing it. It draws the eye too far up,and the ceiling height is ordinary-your nice features are at mid height with the windows and nice view,etc. I'd get a dropped fixture that would rest in the center of whatever table you end up with-something with a design focus. [and back to the pot rack-again I'd clear the display items on the top:except for perhaps maybe a plant and one piece of pottery].Does the little dark hutch against the side wall near the table need to stay-perhaps it's quite nice-can't really tell-if the door can be laid open all the way back,consider the pottery you wish to show be exposed on the shelves in there-put a plant or something decorative on the top-then on the wall above-some shelves or a picture will blend in and create a nice focus. But the windows and view are enuf of a feature:not too much more is needed in my opinion.I know, however:I have little cabinets I like to leave the doors open and change things around on display-add things I've made or gotten at art fairs,family pieces,etc.

Thanks Patricia...... The shutter idea.....gave me an idea that maybe I could use roman shades. I could install them higher then the window..maybe to the ceiling. When I raise them, it would just cover the wall and open up the window as though it was larger. I would like to find a soft material....not bamboo...but something for a bedroom. Does your friend have the faux drapes to the floor? Thanks, Pixie

Rebeccamom, there are so many people with the same dilemma, we should start a "show me your kitchen window" thread. I also have a finished kitchen with a naked window. While these are my backyard neighbors, I also live in New England and the window feels stark when the leaves come down. I just purchased Levolor cellular white blinds which they custom cut at the store and are really reasonable. It is still in the box and awaiting DH's next day off. I thought it would still give me the naked look, but could pull it down on those cold evenings that have already started. I saw some custom roman shades online at jcpenny, but I need to call to find out if I can get fabric samples.

You need local on site retail or design help. Call an HD dealer. There are many options far superior to metal blinds. They will also install.