Cassansrabrill - This problem intrigues me quite a bit. Would you have the name and brand of that navy please? And thanks in advance! I am sufficiently intrigued with the idea of navy walls to obtain a sample pot and have a 'play'. Its been my life's work studying colour and perfecting a colour-mixing teaching text for artists that is irrefutable... so I am always interested in anything that challenges it. Living spaces are places where we need to feel 'at home' so not so much about what trends and styles dictate, personal preference always prevails. I hope you resolve your problem. I have a dark little house, all natural timber with arctic glass in all the original windows. Whilst it makes for privacy, when the light and sunlight 'bounces' of the disparity in the glass surface, its amazing how the light from a certain angle totally changes the otherwise dark walls of the room. Mydesign0401 would have experience with this too. Try the window film, there's a design for every style and preference, the cost would be minimal if not to your liking....and that's the operative word...LIKEing! I've just had an idea from something Mdesign0401 said...'vertical space'... Are you going to anything more with the ceiling? We are fortunate to have so many products today that you should not have any drama finding some sort of paint or application for the ceiling that will reflect the light downwards. A brand called RESENE manufactures "shimmer" colours.Some very interesting effects can be achieved with this product. If you likethe idea of navy walls you may wish to consider sampling the RESENE Digital Blue ()Astronaut)...that's the base colour... M40-046-279 The base colour is applied first then a transparent coat of what they call "Pearl Shimmer",.another is "Pixie Dust", both are waterbourne pearlescent glazes..=overcoats..(.not meaning shiny like varnishes). but nevertheless ideal for creating shimmering and softly sparkled finishes over colour. Alternatively, although I have not experimented with this myself (yet!)...from what I can acertain from the manufacturers...the "shimmer overcoats"...and there are several different types, I suspect may be applicable over...'ordinary-other brand' colours.....Just an idea...something I would try myself over either acrylic or enamel paint. Houzz is such an inspirational site!...from the above I've recalled that there's a clear metallic for application over timber... exciting! I'm like a kid in a candy shop whenever new paint products appear! RESENE's staff (not the retails stockists in hardware shops) are highly trained in properties of their product. Should you want any firther information I suggest you go directly to the manufacturer. 1800 758 383 QLD Gold Coast. Happy Houzzing!

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 think plantation shutters go with almost any decor. You can have them painted any colour as well, so perhaps you might look at a black or dark grey for some "drama", or another darker colour that will compliment the bathroom. Because your windows are going to be frosted the colour probably won't make much difference to the outside.

Hi cprestonthomas if you want to maintain privacy with daytime light control, replacing the clear glass with white translucent glass is a great idea! Then for night time privacy a simple chain operated blockout roller blind on the reverse roll is the way to go. Is that another window beside your sliding doors? If so I don't think you have enough stack back for curtains. This means the curtain fabric would cover part of the glass on the sliding doors which would be extremely annoying for loss of light as well as ease of access. If the extension is quite modern, blockout roller blinds on both the sliding doors and window would work well here too. There are some fabulous roller blind fabrics these days in some great neutrals, colours and patterns.