I think the shutter idea would suit very well. Sliding timber shutters that open to let the light in. Timber is warm and will follow through into the kitchen tieing everything in for flow. Am assuming the timber will also be a great insulator. I'd still work on the outdoor area also as suggested. This would help to open the house to the outside and incorporate an earthy natural warm feel. Effectively, with herbs on the patio and a plant in the lounge, opening the area up whilst creating connection. It feels rather multifunctional and purposeful. Winter nights you have a cosy home, spring summer a functional, aromatic entertainment or relaxation area with the option of still overlaying with curtains should you desire. Roman blinds are simply not as functional or clean for doorways as a sliding directional shutter door. Place a great rug piece on the floor and you've defined the floor area. A tall standing plant in a corner will bring timber shutters and room size to life. Perhaps a feature painted wall behind the lounge to draw in colour from the patio and kitchen. :) Enjoy!

I would suggest a neutral based solar film that can offer the best in both reasonable privacy without effecting the natural view that you would normally get with clear glass (as opposed to the coloured films and glass tinted versions )whilst offing excellent fade protection and some glare reduction from off the water and improved glass insulation & glass safety . As a business dealing with these films , I've used this particular range of American made PROTEK films over 30 years for situations such as your selves with very good feed back from customers . Using the film can get around; in most applications ; from not using closed or partly close blinds and curtains that would otherwise effect those beautiful views . Gary from PROTEK window tinting Tasmania .

Hi MJ, what a sweet cottage. I'd go for a thermal roller blind in the kitchen as it'll allow you to get your views and light, privacy of an evening and help maintain heat inside in winter - they're also easier to keep dusted roman blinds. In the bedroom, I'd go for a double railing with sheers that let light in during the day and then thermal and block out curtains to pull across of an evening. You would be able to pick up continuous thermal or block out curtains at Spotlight/Lincraft fairly cheaply - I like the continuous as you can have your curtains as full as you like). I wouldn't worry about lined curtains again as they're just far heavier and a pain in the butt with the amount of dust that both layers of fabric collect. I've got the thermal continous curtains in our bedrooms and have machine washed them and they were far less trouble when I was hemming them. In terms of thermal efficiency of your windows look at secondary glazing options - Magnetite, Ecoglaze and Justrite off options that you might find worth looking at (beats pulling out windows and replacing them).

Hi diviabhi Here are a few links to companies which supply the roman blinds you are after (blockout & sheer). I would suggest looking at a few, getting an idea of the type of blinds you are after, doing a cost comparison between them all. You might want to request an obligation free quote. Of course, depending on your location, some may be more suitable than others. Fabric/Material, Exposed/Hidden Tracks, Motorised/Manual, Cordless/Corded and COST are all things to take into consideration. http://www.kresta.com.au http://www.victory.com.au http://www.luxaflex.com.au http://www.sunway.com.au http://invisageinverloch.com.au Take your time and good luck with your decision.