I totally agree with you...I love natural light and views! Your view looks wonderful! I like your simple valances, too. BUT, I do not like uncovered windows at night....creeps me out...:). We have simple cordless, pleated shades that are kept up and totally out of view during the day. At night they can be pulled down. You could do the same ..under the valances.

What are you trying to accomplish? Window treatments?...privacy?...sun shade?...maybe additional window framing for detail?..

The valances you have are minimal and do obstruct the view....perhaps valance boxes above the windows with concealed shades to be pulled down when needed?

I thought maybe I could add some height by raising a treatment higher, and possibly add some color and texture. Cant decide if I should use a woven roman shade, cornice, or a long panel on each side? I would also like to incorporate a treatment over both doors somehow. I'm afraid I'm in over my head on this!

@ritasj, I like that idea!

A few ideas that I like but not sure if they would work in my home

Tracey..try looking at Houzz photos "box valances"... There are lots of examples..I was sort of thinking of wood as a material..painted is my preference...also wondering if you really need curtains or shades for privacy...lots of up and down with shades ...and curtains would bunch up and cover so much window when open...that leaves the option I like best for adding softness and a little color...sheers..narrow panels that can center on the tiny wall spaces ..choosing natural fiber (maybe linen) sheers will make them hang straighter so they do not flow and overlap the Windows too much..natural fiber sheers hang slimmer if you give them a light spraying of water after installation to create a little more pleat like hang....a soft pale color of your choice can be coordinated with the paint color on the valances...we chose a pale golden yellow in our home to create a sunny warmth...but pale Aqua or celery would be pretty too...it may be nescessary to have the sheers made as you want them to hang from ceiling height...but a economical option may be to check out IKEA..they always have a nice contemporary selection

Ritasj, thank you so very much for taking the time and effort to help me! I will look at examples as soon as I can....I'm excited!

Casa Nova, that is simply gorgeous! Soft, understated elegance. Thank you very much for your feedback!

Ritasj, this one caught my eye. Is this similar or along the same lines as to what you are suggesting?

Wooden box valance

Outside mount roman shade, if you mount them high enough you can pull them right up off the window for more light in the daytime.

Bette P, nice!! I really like the look of a soft, relaxed Roman shade. I have a picture somewhere that I'll try to locate and post. Thanks so much!!

Relaxed Roman shades

Tracey, the wooden valance you have shown looks like it would fit in well with your home...my choice would be a little less traditional crown mould and a little more sleek and modern...still with some horizontal detail...also painted it would be fresher with the matching curtains..you want it to be there but not shout ...look at me!...your home has some fanciful elements (the curly dining set) and a traditional feel in the living area...I feel the window treatments should address both styles while introducing a more modern..simple element that expresses itself in the special fabric and color

I admit that I am not into fussy window treatments..especially when you have a very pleasing view that needs no competition

Put a few examples of wood valances ...in my ideabooks...under"hanging lamps"...

Ritasj, thank you so much! I'm at a loss as to how I can coordinate this treatment over the 2 doors! Ugh. I'm afraid I may have to bite the bullet and hire a professional. I personally am not opposed to that idea, but the hubby is an engineer, and a hard core DIY

Treasure that hubby and treat the door separately