Thanks team. Here's another idea - what about white wooden blinds? I actually like having no coverings on the windows for most of the time. eg. We have great views west and east, so the doors/windows are normally open 6 months of the year. They still need to be dressed, but with something that doesn't hinder the view. They could be up for most of the summer, and only let down if I need to keep some heat out or in winter to keep the cold out. I'm concerned they would be too heavy to operate being most of my window/door widths are 240cm. I've never worked with a consultant before... should I get someone to come in and give me a professional opinion?

It does look better if they are. But different but related eg all white, or all blinds can still look ok. But you have to live in it, so have what works for you.

I have had a love/hate relationship with curtains in both my houses (both houses gutted and extended). In our current house our family/kitchen/dining room is quite big and has two sets of cafe doors and two big double windows. I had NO curtains/blinds on them for TEN years because I didn't like anything I saw! We had a film crew use our house and they put up sheers on all the windows/doors that are a beige/mushroom tone similar to your grey sheers. (My walls are Dulux white opal.) We loved them so much we kept them. They are relatively dust free (unlike shutters) and they don't impose or darken the room which was what worried me (I like airy, not closed in). My couches are red and I have a bright colour palette generally. But the thing is you don't want the curtains to dominate, or the room/s to look too busy and because the couch is the same tone, you can now decorate to your hearts content with other colours with cushions and vases, etc without losing that restful Hampton's feel. I say stick with your curtains. Good luck! Kerry

The master bedroom in my previous home faced north. Floor to ceiling window getting full sun during the day, and a street light directly outside at night. So, an exterior shutter, internal blind and curtains allowed light and heat control for various times of day and season. The master bedroom in my current home also faces north with a floor to ceiling window, but no street light. On full moon nights though, it shines right in. Once again an external blind controls light and heat, and interior blind and curtain gives me options for different times of day and season, eg. we love the sun coming in during winter, but not summer.