I love pergolas and they do solve a lot of issues. Search the box above for "curved pergola" under the dropdown "photos" and you'll find an idea that will work for you. Don't forget you can drape them for privacy and for sun protection with outdoor fabrics. Post your results for all to see.

Cannot see photos very well. Looks like a wood floor, wood table, beige walls, beige drapes,white cabinets, white counter top, black bar stools and black chairs (some fabric and some black wood).. Cannot see chairs well enough to make suggestions. Cannot see blinds nor "slats" well enough to make suggestions. A white ceiling might make it seem higher. Tulip art is colorful and fun, I'd hang it in the entry or living room.

I would avoid using dark colors in a room with wood paneling as it would make your space gloomy. You also don't need to match the dining room set. I would go with a very light and fresh cream with very light brown stripes. You could also choose something like this (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/57/8f/6a/578f6abfb4e7b991e594b64cf4f2c174.jpg) to add the blue to the mix and have more colors.

I would wait for the rug, until you have the shutters up and your furniture placed..it may take on a character of its own and you'll want to compliment. My first thought though was to coordinate with your kitchen and incorporate some black, with a black/beige stripped rug, which would be fun with the wallpaper and perhaps paint your chairs black, add the shutters and you could paint the window trim black and add a large black chandelier.