Here is what the lovely designer had suggested.

Adding drapery panels will give you more flexable light control, and add light and softness, especially if done in a print similar to what was suggested. You could also add panels to the slider, which would continue the effect.

Add pattern drapes on both sides, cover the walls on each side and your room will feel nicer and will look wider too....keep the blinds, put the rod halfway from ceiling.

Interesting! Studio NOO Design: do you mean skip putting the 4 framed pictures next to the drapes?