In design, the word is that nothing should compete with a great view. There are great houses from the Mid-Century era that do not appeal to the masses because of their austere furnishings. Most people prefer a little comfortable clutter, reminders of their everyday lifestyles and items from their past. The ultra-modern home was designed for the view; therefore, the furnishings took a back seat in design and in some cases, comfort. Sofas and chairs had minimalist in their features including upholstery to avoid detracting from the spectacular views many of the modern homes afforded.
Whether you are in a city, country or suburban neighborhood, you should consider a pleasing view when furnishing a room. Setting up a conversation area around a fireplace is a cozy way to enjoy your room; and now that televisions can be mounted above them, there is less competition; but take care not neglect a beautiful view of the mountains, sea or a park like front or back yard.
My husband and I have just returned from our favorite vacation spot with our best friends; and each year, the four of us talk about the obstructing cabinets and a non-essential partial wall that block both a meadow and ocean views from our end-unit condo. Clearly there are builders who cannot see past the plans, who demonstrate no vision regarding placement and outside views.
I think one of the things that defines the 1960-1980 house or condo is the bank of cabinets over an island or peninsula blocking either the view into an adjoining room or outside view. This was one of the features our home offered when we built; and nearly from the beginning, I was disturbed by the obstruction. It took about two decades of living with it when I decided that I could find a place for whatever I stored above the island, in order not to have to duck down to see people sitting at the island or in the dining room.
As with everything, there is some give and take with regard to making a change. Since the cabinets were too high for me to reach and too low for me to see beyond easily, we decided to remove them. We did recycle the upper cabinets, as a nearby family could make good use of them for an addition they were building. Having full view of the adjoining room has made working in the kitchen much more open appealing overall.
If you find that you are living with an obstructed view, be it window coverings, a cabinet or a wall that could be removed to expand your living space and enhance your view, consult with a professional to see what it might take to make your room truly spectacular. After all, when you live in a space you should enjoy it to the fullest, including the view.