I would select stationary panels to go between each window and at the ends of the windows and depend on something else for privacy and climate control. Or you could do as JMittman so nicely suggested and use roman shades on each window, mounting them just below the ceiling. Plantation shutters could also be used with stationary panels. You would probably get the best cold weather control with draperies that close over all the windows, but you do not have a lot of space between some of your windows, so you should discuss with your local drapery person how much glass would have to be covered with operable draperies. Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

After I had finished my Archi Masters I was working for an architecture firm who also did a small amount of work for a volume builder. They were actually a pretty good quality builder and at least got the orientation of their 'pre-designed' plans correct. We had the ability to make minor changes to every job and it pained me to see so many simple to implement passive options not being incorporated. Had most of their clients known that they would be saving MONEY over the longterm by making a few minor changes to suit their site, they all would have done it. The problem is unless someone can sell this idea to them as a financial/lifestyle choice, many just think it is about saving the world. It is a no-brainer if you have in interest in it, but for those who don't know, there is no-one there selling it to them, especially on the lower end of the market.

Depends what your design skills are like. I carefully trawled through dozens of curtain photos on Houzz, selecting the ones I liked. When I showed them to the curtain maker, she carefully explained how that not only did they not suit the rooms or my house (I have old-fashioned tastes in a modern house, was her way of putting it!) but in some cases they wouldn't even fit the windows. My advice is thus to get some advice from an expert first - you can always ignore it later, but it may save you some time. I'm now very happy with all the curtains suggested by the curtain lady - and I still have my dream curtains (pooled silk with swags, romans with fake swags . . .) in my Houzz album . . .

Suzineedsahouse, what is the era or character of the house you have moved into, because perhaps that will influence design style regardless of size? Also, if you have been knocking out walls is it likely to be more open plan?? I moved from a small 1960's era granny flat into an as-small Art Deco 1940's apartment and found I went with more classic furniture with the second place because it just suited the aesthetic of high ceilings, floorboards, wide skirting boards, fireplace, ceiling roses etc. Having said that, I live in a block of 6 apartments, and I have seen the other apartments decked out completely differently (all of similar layout), from really modern, to mid-century, also one with a real retro art vibe, and they all looked great and seemed to suit the space fine. So maybe go with your taste in the end??