I would go with white plantation shutters - keeps your architectural look/lines. You can also select the shutters to have two parts in one panel also for the ones down the bottom - so half way have one part (of one so its not two different ones) you can shut completely and the top part you can adjust to still see but with complete privacy in the bottom (you could have in the morning when lying in bed), or you open and shut them around the same amount. I did that in my hall way so that I can completely close the bottom half but the top part of the same shutter I can open slightly for the light etc etc but still have privacy. Shutters give you so many possibilities for privacy, lighting etc depending on the person.

Hi Neeno, I've seen the use of Zebra ( vision ) ROLLUP blinds with one for each side that will cover down to the lower half window rather than having four blinds and have them fitted to the outside top edge and to the side edges of the pelmets ( window frames.) (If you get to see utube video clips your see what I mean . ) The avantage of doing it that way will allow you to buy only two blinds rather than four . The cost difference between two blinds and extra fabric required to cover the two windows will most likely be cheaper than the extra cost of two extra roll tube mechanism / chains etc etc. when fitted in the recesses of the windows . Also ,due to the bulkeness of blinds , two would no doubt look better than four doing it the way I suggested . Fitting to the timber edges will offer a couple of advantages . One of which will clear the windout handles fitted to the opening widows . Two ,will offer better light reduction from night time lights as the blinds will cover right to frame edges. Three , the design of the Zebra blinds only requires a few inches of the chain movement to close up or open up for vision out or add privacy where normal blockout ROLLUP blinds needs more adjustments and will not offer the same privacy options that the Zebra blinds can offer . Also, if in bed you can open the Zebra blinds slightly by a few inches or roll up just above the top of the lower window ,depending on how much vision and privacy you need and look out of the window whilst still in bed. Being such narrow windows, the small bit of wall between them proberly would not mater if one blind fitted at the top came down over that wall area down to the bottom window. Also you should concider the solar film tinting to offer improved privacy and insulation & fade protection etc for when blinds or even curtains etc are opened up altogether . Although I'm in Tasmania , I have a manufacturer I deal with on the mainland that could arrange sale / installation if required using the Zebra blinds or other types as well contacts for window

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?

The new windows look fantastic Laura! With a QLD summer well on the way no doubt you'll be patting yourself on the back extra for these new windows. On that topic, just wanted to ask if you had thought about how to keep that classic Brisbane sun out of the house to reduce the heat? If you wanted to keep the airflow going I wanted to suggest some wooden venetians perhaps? Alternatively, block out roller blinds, but considering the airflow venetians would be more convenient. Some inspiration for you below :) These are DIY install blinds you can purchase and have cut to size at Bunnings.