Another source to look is jcp.com. I noticed they have 3 blackout drapes (one in regular home WT section and 2 in clearance) in the longer length at low prices--if the colors work for you (always the challenge). If you can't find the grommet style that might be easier to pull open/shut on a daily basis, you might consider ring clips since they slide easily. If the hem looks too challenging to alter on rod pocket styles, you can cut off the top and rehem that quite easily. IMHO they'll look best if you have them full length, rather than end at the window sill. It seems like that would really detract from the effect of the window. Even your inspiration pic, while really cute, seems to just miss the mark a bit on the curtains. They're ok I guess, but full-length would have been better--IMHO. You may have to get extra panels to give the fullness you want across the window when they're closed unless you go with custom widths. Good luck with your project! Here is a link that might be useful: Clearance jcp.com blackout curtains

Ok, if you want a Roman Shade I would just do one to cover the whole bank of windows. One for the 3 window and one for the 2 window. How tall are your ceilings? Many people will mount the Roman shades higher than the window casings and allow the bottom of the Roman shade to cover just a small portion of the window, allowing for more light. You could do a wooden blind underneath for privacy and light control. In this case the Roman shade does not have to be operational but stationary and the blinds underneath will be what you use for privacy and light control. Bamboo blinds under a Roman shade are also a nice option.

well, it just depends what you want. if those are real oak floors, you can always have them patched in, but that means the rest of the floor will need refinishing. For sure I'd put in some windows along that wall, and try and have the sink under it. Cabinets. you can do inexpensive or high end. I wouldn't nix the idea of a carpenter custom building some for your space. RTA cabinets are actually decent. hire someone to install. If you're on a budget, I prob wouldn't use HD or Lowes. you're paying them to be the middleman contractor, and they sub out their work. Sometimes their countertops are a decent price though. talk to a kitchen designer or an actual kitchen refinishing company. I found a great one on Yelp (all 5 stars) and they were amazing. I had mine painted, but they also did custom carpentry, refacing, vent hoods, and everything in between. If you could find a company like that, I'd go that route. walk around a stone yard to see what's avail for countertops/islands. Some people like ikea. It just depends the look you want. the rest of the house is very nice. looks like you have plenty of room. don't know why they did such a tiny kitchen with all of that room! however, for 30K, you're going to have to DIY, learn to DIY, or learn how to shop for bargains. I'd still list your current kitchen for sale. someone would want it. they can come in and take it apart and charge 1K for everything. (to demo all of that, you're looking at over 1K anyway! ) hiring a KD for a custom layout design wouldn't be a bad idea

Hard to understand why a northeastern exposure would get a lot of sun. Perhaps a small amount in the early morning in midsummer, but it has to be out of the sun after that. If it's more eastern, than northern, a little more morning sun. My solution would be to plant small shade trees not to far from those windows.