These windows need some love

I've done the floors, the paint, the furniture, half the windows. But the rest of the windows still struggle. I've got 2 in the kitchen and 2 on the way upstairs. They are still as-is since the day I moved in. They successfully provide privacy. But they do nothing else.

The kitchen has these cafe curtains, which are nice because they let some light in (bonus on the south and east sides of the house) while still allowing privacy. But I hate them. They fall down unexpectedly, get dirty, never look right.

I don't love the scalloped wood above the sink window, but that will likely stay. New countertops are in the distant future. Also, don't judge the clutter.

Then there are the windows going upstairs. Plantation shutters with ugly green valances (which I removed once and have never gotten back on correctly). Oh yeah, and don't mind the wallpaper... it will go eventually as well. Just as soon as I tackle a bathroom-full of wallpaper.

These windows are also on the east side of the house so the light is nice.

Help? Suggestions??

By the way...this is the first post all year. Wow, 2011 has been busy.