I would look at lots of pictures using beach/cottage decor (such as on Houzz, or google "cottage style decor images") to get ideas of what you like style-wise. For the type of treatments, think about privacy needs, how the room will function, how the sun will hit those windows during the day, and of course, budget. Good luck with your new home- how exciting for you and your family!

Agree with gfsd but want to add to think about the functionality of the window. Does the window open and would you want to be able to open this and still be able to control light and privacy. Without seeing the space, I would say wood blinds or faux wood blinds with panels on the side to soften the look. Many like the pleated shades/blinds but I usually prefer blinds where I can control light and air flow. That is a personal preference so thinking about what you want from a window treatment will help you. Some Lowe's or Home Depot stores have knowledgeable staff but that is hit or miss. But it could be a place to start. You might find a local paint or flooring store that also does window treatments - often that person has a decorator background and can help with choices and colors. Also there are some businesses that specialize in just window treatments. On line is an option too but if you need more guidance with options, I would go local. Unless you are buying a lot of window treatments, the price probably won't be that different. HD and Lowes often have sales. I saw Angie's List advertising that they are free now but not sure if there is some fine print with that. You could check that out and it might help you locate a local business that has good feedback. Someone mentioned Penneys was good and we actually used them for our Hunter Douglas soft vertical blinds but that was several years ago. These look similar to sheer drapes but have fabric "slats" that will give you more options for privacy. They can be made to open in the center. Fabric options can make these look more casual or formal. While we like these, we need to open them if we want to open the windows. We don't do that often on this window but can open them like drapes when we do. For this room, being able to open them or keep them closed and control the level of light and privacy was the main factor.

Thank you for your responses. I appreciate it greatly.

The picture window is a box square in the middle that does not open. On each side there is a "regular" window that opens. So, the sides do open up and down, but the middle big square does not.

I have been looking on houzz pictures. Our previous house we had roman shades in white. However, after 5 years, they do age and get dirty.

I'm just so unknowledgeable about window treatments.

maries1120 summed it up pretty well. You need to first think about your light control needs. The combination of wood slat blinds and side panels to soften the look works well in many situations.

We had a large picture window with the two sides that operated in the old house. I used 3 duettes and then used a valance and side panels to hide them. During the day they disappeared under the valance. At night they provided privacy. With the 2 sides separate, we were able to open the windows and get air at night while still maintaining privacy.

Are these double paned windows? Do you have neighbors? Are you near sidewalk that people could walk by and look straight in? Does the window face The sun most of the day? How do the windows on the sides open-are they double hung sashes or casements?

Thank you. All good questions. House faces east. There is no sidewalk. This is very surburban, with neighbors on both sides and in front, but they are all spaced out with good distance. I have an acre of land. The windows slide up and down- are those sashes??? Really, I do not even know the correct vocabulary for them.

Therefore, i'm not worried about someone looking in. Just to make them pretty with some privacy. However, privacy is not my main concern.

I have a window like that and right now, I have wood blinds in each window and stationary panels on the sides. Real wood blinds are very light, so not heavy to lift. I don't find Roman's heavy, but would depend on the fabric or material used. All window treatments get at least dusty, so you do need to clean them. Fabric should be vacuumed on occasion and blinds dusted.

I was at the paint store this morning and they also sell Hunter Douglas window treatments. Many options to choose from so looking and playing with them is going to help.