We just moved into a house that was a rental for several years. I will be painting the house with a neutral color scheme - browns, warm whites - and replacing the brass ceiling fans and hardware with something more current. I am stymied, however, at how to dress the windows. The back of the house, which is where we spend most of our time, faces west, and the Texas sun is brutal. I am thinking of woven wood shades with curtains to soften the look, but don't know where to hang the shades. (There is quite a bit of room between the top of the windows and the ceiling - should I use an exterior mount for the shades well above the top of the window?) Where should I hang the curtains? How should I unite the breakfast room window treatments with the living room since the rooms flow together?

Ideas and advice much appreciated!