Thanks, lefty47. This is an older home, and just as One Plan guessed it is a soil stack from the upstairs bathroom. You are probably right that the cost of a custom solution may outweigh the benefits. Another idea I had, along the lines of the worktop bin suggested by One Plan, is a recessed spatula and long-handled utensil holder. I found out that Lee Valley sells motorized tv lift kits like the one used in the video above. It would be a matter of getting the contractor to build the box to go on the lift. I'm still a bit hung up on the idea, though it probably falls into your cost-outweighs-benefit category! I may bring this photo around with me when interviewing prospective contractors, just to see how they answer!

Do you have any photos? that might be easier to help... But for light, white window coverings i like these, they could work for you -

Roman blinds if I had another choice! Just because of the versatility of them, full vs partial vs angled lighting..

Dear Natalie I think option b is the best. But you would need to keep the wall covered with the fabric, which can look nice and adds a lovely layer to the room. Curtains should start a few inches below the ceiling and go to the floor, this will make the room look bigger. Best Jenny