I leave mine alone. I can't imagine having to dust or clean anything up there and I like the looks of it left alone. Some people will put a drapery like you are, leaving the transom alone, but if sun is an issue, you could try to use a cellular shade or mini-blind made to fit. We had sun issues (in AZ) so I have sun screens on all my windows for a uniform look and heat reduction. Otherwise, sometimes a really nice and large, stained glass hanging up there for a neat alternative and more pricey is to put stained glass up there instead of the window (the rectangular one).

I don’t think it looks boring. Simple and clean is not boring. It looks like a PNW house maybe? I am not sure metal awnings would suit the style at all...unless you went very contemporary/modern - definitely NOT a farmhouse style or anything. But I still think it would interrupt the lovely clean lines. It just to me lacks contrast. I suggest painting the door a bright colour - I like the idea of bright green but I just like green :). Right now it is dark and gets a bit lost. Paint the railings - maybe something a few shades darker than what it is, or black.

As you make your final lighting choice, remember that getting extra light and air flow can work both ways. Are you considering something other than clear glass? Perhaps stained glass for the window pane: something else you might consider is paying more attention to the stairwell side of the window -- perhaps having the window from that side appear to be framed art with a light over it with the switch for the light inside the new office w/loft.

Thanks so much, this is hugely helpful. That glass awning shared is amazing. I will see about talking to a local awning company about it to start. The current awning is actually burgundy, not that it makes it much better :). Definitely agree on the landscaping too and have considered starting with yanking that bush out the blocks the front door, even if we wait on the rest until spring. I never thought about the downspout color being different, and now it stands out like crazy. We’ll definitely have that painted to match the brick. Would you leave the other paint as is? On the door, I also like the idea of having the sides be the same color. What color would you paint it? I wouldn’t mind replacing the door but the side lights are matching to the glass - does that matter? There is also a storm door if that makes a difference. The windows are definitely dated but haven’t been the highest on my priority list to change out - as you can imagine, several things inside look like 1995 too. Thanks so much!