So, a grouping of photos, plants, a dog, or nothing? The dog won't work so that is out. The photos or plants might work. I was just hoping for something a little more "special". Recently I purchased several pretty glass items to hang in the window...and I quickly decided that was not what I wanted there. Maybe I'll leave it bare for now and focus on that huge empty wall with the TV on it first. Once that has been decorated I might think an empty window looks just fine. Thanks for sharing your thoughts folks!

I just posted a message in basement forum and then realized I never posted about my new windows. I ended up having a place called Cadillac Windows (I forget if forum rules allow that. If not I will fix) install my windows and they suggested Andersen 100 series. I have had them since April or so and I am happy with them so far. Ended up being $4500. Much better than some of the other estimates I had from Window Pro and I forget who else. Although, iirc, those numbers were for a different type of window. I did have one issue with my front .25/.5/.25 window. On one part of the frame Andersen tightened a screw just a little too much and had about a 1/2-3/4 tear on the inside of the frame. They had a guy come out and squirt in some silicone ( I think) and seal it up. Hopefully that doesn't come back to bite me in the butt later but that's a done deal now. I can say the energy saving is a little better but what I like even more is how much quieter it is! Anyway, thanks for the advice early this year and enjoy this winter. I will stay inside and keep warm!

Nate, we replaced our old sashes with sash kits rather than going the pocket window route. (Had several contractors look at the situ and they all pushed pocket windows; when sash kits were mentioned, it appeared that none of them knew what sash kits are or that they even exist!). Ended up being a DIY project. Quite easy to install in our case. Just removed the old jamb liners; replaced with new jamb liners from the sash kit and popped in the sashes. (Maybe also the parting stops were removed but can't remember for sure.). Existing interior and exterior trim is left intact and all the work is done on the interior side. No ladder work on second floor windows. The other advantage over pocket windows is that you don't lose any glazing area to pocket window frame. This was important to us because we have a lot of shade and froggy gray days. We used WeatherShield sash kits. Purchased directly from the factory during a Customer Appreciation sale. (Factory is within 100 miles of where we live; placed the order and windows were ready for pick up within about 3 weeks, IIRC.) We got unfinished pine so there was extra work in finishing. Didn't get clad because the windows are all under a two story porch so not exposed to the elements. Huge improvement over the old single pane sashes. https://www.weathershield.com/Category/Sash-Kits

just paint the trim as long as your painting! now is the time. so what if you're replacing it in a few years. it will look better now if you paint it all white. And you won't have to worry about being careful while you paint around the trim. just use the white base straight from the can. no need to have it tinted. I do that with my white for ceiling and trim work. Base white. use SW Pro Classic or BM Advance if that is real wood. give all the trim a good sanding with 150 or 220, wipe and clean well. if you use a white primer, it will be a lot easier to paint. for ease, use the Zinsser oil base primer in the spray can. when dry (it dries fast) feel w/your hands for smoothness. u may need a quick sand w/a 220 paper. wipe clean. paint.