Absolutely you can mix traditional windows with contemporary window treatments, although I don't think plantations are considered contemporary by any means. Ordinarily sash windows can have shutters installed over them, however I can see your sill is very narrow given your bottom pane sits forward of the frame. I can see privacy is no issue, in fact you have a great view and half height windows allow light in and keep peepers out, so I suggest plantation shutters fitted to your French doors, to allow tilt and directional light and a roman blind as the folds of fabric mimic the frames themselves to your corner arrangement. If they are too fussy for you a standard holland blind, however be creative, you can have a bonded holland which allows for a fabric front bonded to a block out backing, you can ask for a roman fold on the bottom making them look like a roman when rolled almost all up, and dress the window a little better, but Hollands can roll up into the frame and allow for maximum window when wanted.

I've had painted basswood shutters on my whole house for about nine years. Most are still fine but the two bedrooms towards the hotter Western side of the house have warped with age. My Mum has recently installed polymer shutters and they had a weird chemical smell for a couple of weeks but that soon went away and they essentially look the same as mine.

Hi Gwen, I would keep the shutters facing the front of the house looking the same. It would look weird if there was one window at the front that had a different coloured window.

Plantation shutters are visually busy and reduce your water view by 50% even when fully open. It looks like you have the old style aluminium frame windows and single glazing. I don't know if losing heat in the winter, or getting too hot in the summer is a problem in your part of the world, but aluminium framed windows are excellent at transferring the external temperature inside as they conduct heat. If this is a problem then you can't beat traditional lined, full length curtains and a pelmet. Ensure the track is much wider than the window so that you can pull the curtains fully back, clear of the window, to enjoy the views. Traditional curtains give you the most flexibility for light control, heat control and privacy when required. I would look for a plain block of colour (not patterned fabric), with very simple understated pelmets for an elegant and flexible solution that will work for all of your seasons. Best of luck with your research Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls/Dr Retro Virtual Visits