http://houzz.com/photos/5355449 I agree with hummerd. If you don't need curtains, why have them. I see a lovely window seat there and then you can create softness in lovely loose covers as in attached photo. Add a special rug...and that natural light is beautiful playing on those walls. You have an enviable space there! All the best!

Just to throw another option into the mix – look up Marmoleum for your kitchen floor – it's a modern version of linoleum (not vinyl!). It comes in the most amazing range of colours and looks (about 300 to choose from – from very bright primary colours through all the secondary and tertiary colours, marbled or stripey or plain), has all the green credentials (97% natural components like linseed oil, wood flour, jute etc; nearly 50% recyclable content and 100% biodegradable – it even smells great when it is first laid), extremely hard-wearing, easy to clean and maintain, comes in either sheets, tiles or planks and it is quiet to walk on. It is used in hospitals and schools because of it hygienic characteristics and doesn't give off volatile gases like vinyls. We have put it down in our new kitchen about six months ago and I love it. One of the things I love most is how quiet it is – no clicking, clanking noises as people walk on it. It sweeps clean easily, wipes clean (for spots), mops beautifully every now and then and looks wonderful. Highly recommend it!

Perhaps, not strictly canopy style would work better. Qasair can do custom design, if there is not thing that would fit your need already on the market.

The traditional solution is to introduce lots of soft furnishings like rugs, curtains and plush sofas. There are also padded acoustic panels that are commonly used in noisy cafes (often fitted to the ceiling) which help with cafe noise. There are also perforated plasterboard acoustic sheets, and acoustic plywood panels if are happy to do some building work. Engaging an acoustic engineer will help if you want to approach the problem scientifically. Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls