These 4 photos showing some window tinting done to add to my priviouse article . A house in Penguin Tasmania overlooking the sea with privacy an sun problems using a dark neutral based film showing one sheet of glass done an one with out with the second picture showing the glare reduction on the floor as a comparison . This demonstrates little reduction in quality of views overlooking the sea but offers many benifits to the customers with out having to close blinds / curtains etc. The other two showing the full reflective film on a commercial shop front with views from both inside and outside as a comparison . ( please note; taking photos facing windows will often result in misleading picture quality due to any glare present , thus resulting in misleading darker looking window views than what normally results from using most tinted films .) The actual light reduction difference between these two films is approx 9% with the reflective being the darker of the two and comparable to a popular dark grey low reflective shade that's also widely popular . Any one requiring some unbiased comments regarding this subject are quite welcome to call me . Although I live in Tasmania , I do offer my services not only Australia wide but also overseas if the need arises . As to the life expectancy of these products . As these are manufactured world wide , the quality ( or lack of) plus the degree of experince and willingness of the installer to make sure they want to try an do a good job ; can make a Hugh difference to the last -ability . Therefore, take care on choosing the film and installer ; and don't buy on price alone. Gary. Protek window tinting (Tasmania )

3. Romans. Moving onto the Roman Blind options, I think it important to note that the Romans you have in the other room look to be more ‘Casual Romans.' These are not lined, rather they are self-backed. There is nothing wrong with Casual Roman Blinds but you would be somewhat limited over the choice of fabrics in Australia, Here casual Roman Blinds are limited to plain fabrics such as the ones in your daughter’s bedroom. They are, however, a much more affordable option, though be it at the expense, perhaps, of your ability to be creative and make a design statement in the play room/tv room. Casual Romans require and utilise a pre-stiffened fabric or you will end up with you blinds coming to resemble ‘London blinds’ due to shape distortion and sagging. .. Not a good thing. (and an insult to beautifully made London Blinds) The other type of Roman Blind common in Australia are called ‘Traditional Soft-Roman’ blinds.’ These are lined with pre-stiffened Roman Lining which provides shape stability over time, and offers far superior insulating qualities over Casual Roman blinds because of the lining. They are more expensive not only because of the lining and the labour involved in their manufacture, but because they offer a far greater choice when it comes to fabrics; fabrics which could vary greatly in price, depending on the choices you make. If you want to make a design statement with Roman Blinds, then Traditional Soft-Roman Blinds are the way to go. Reading your post, I think it also worth advising that that you should not be afraid of departing from Romans. We have implemented many solutions with Romans and traditional drapery (eg; curtains and/or sheers) within the same room and even mixing them for the same window. Here are some examples I have found from other professionals on Houzz: Examples of mixing and matching of window treatments within the same room As jenpotts pointed out, you are lucky in that you have the space above the architraves. Mounting the Romans high, they will stack back above the height of the French doors. - So no ducking or blinds catching on the doors if fully retracted (stacked back/up) - It’s hard to tell from the image whether the doors open inward or outward. The bolt would indicate to me that they most likely open outward which is also an advantage. With an all-Roman solution you have several options that could be considered. Option 1 - Roman on the right-hand window and two additional Romans split at the centre of the doors. Option 2 - Roman on the right hand window and 3x Romans, one on each side window of the French doors, and a single Roman that would cover actual doors. An example of where individual (Casual) Roman blinds are utilised for each window panel of the multiple French Doors. I would not advise 4x Romans (one for each door panel and the two adjacent panels), primarily because you have stated the doors aren’t used often and in order to keep costs down, but what I would suggest with all options, is the addition of a single pelmet across all the windows. This would tie them all together off nicely and really add to the presentation of the window treatments collectively. It would also ‘level out' the appearance of the windows. The one on the right looks a little out of place extending up above the height of the French doors drawing the eye and detracting from the overall look of the windows 'collectively.' - A pelmet would level this out, but the downside is that the stack-back on the ‘high’ right-hand window will cause you to lose the upper most portion of that window, with the viewing area reduced to the height of the windows in the French doors and their two adjacent window panels. Here is an example of an extended pelmet that ties the individual blind treatments together. Also notice the addition of the sheer/organza on the right hand side, once again demonstrating that mixing and matching window treatments between window and within the same window treatment is fine. With regards to pelmets. I would suggest a pelmet with a deep fascia… around 25cm. You want the pelmet fascia deep but not too deep so as to overpower the overall look of the window treatments (as a whole). Your pelmet can be padded and lined and I would suggest a coordinated fabric rather than the same fabric you use for the blinds. It’s a real opportunity to make a make a design statement, subtle or otherwise, and will do a lot for the overall projection of the look you want for this room. Ensure you go for a good quality Traditional Soft Roman Blinds. Good quality Roman blinds use pre-stiffened lining rather than normal curtain lining (which is not pre-stiffened and 1/3 of the price). Pre-Stiffened lining is important if you want to maintain the shape of the Romans over time, without them sagging on you. They will also provide far better insulating qualities than cheap Romans made with regular curtain lining. Going 'chain operated' for all the blinds is not an insignificant additional cost given the number of blinds you may elect to purchase, but definitely a decision you would not regret, going forward. This room has potential. Take your time with it, do it justice, even if it means deferring your decision till you can fund it (if that becomes an issue). ... You will have live whatever you purchase for quite some time so it is advisable to take your time making your decision(s) so that your window treatments will be a source of pleasure rather than a source of regret..

Ta heaps, Jodes. 2 years post reno and we’re still lovin‘ it - it’s so practical and easy to clean. I’d have yours any day too btw. You’re lucky to have a sparkie on tap. We don’t. Our cabinet maker threw in the strip lighting. I thought it was a nice but unnecessary extra; something I wouldn’t have asked for. But like you, I’m so glad it’s there - no working in your shadow. It’s brilliant. An absolute must in any future kitchen reno now. The MW is good but a bit impatient - it beeps too much! We had a 20yr old Sharp carousel, so the new one was a bit of a tech leap. It‘s pretty easy to get used to. We use the combo function a lot, and the rice program does a great job. Wish it cleaned itself tho! Since seeing your fridge, I’ve been on alert every time ours makes a weird noise, hoping this is it - bang - ceased motor. New fridge! Keep us updated about your window coverings. It’s a lovely looking home. You and your hubby have done really well. :-)

Yes an external blind will interrupt that wonderful second story view, if it has to be down all day. There is not a deck outside that window, so a vergola would not be easy to install, unless it is double storey height. A fixed awning may work. But may have to be large to cover the part of window that is letting sun onto stairs. REtractable awnings, may have times, that they can not be extended because of strong winds. I have had good results with window tinting.