I would hang woven (bamboo perhaps) blinds tight against the windows so you can still use the sills. Then I would place a drapery rod all across the window wall and have draperies that would blend with the wall paint or the bedding. You can have drapes that close all the way or just panels. Having drapes that close completely would help keep summer heat and winter cold out of room. Automated blinds will add a lot of expense to your project.

Nice space- love your pocket door, and that stainless steel fan!

As for the windows. When you say honeycomb, do you mean the cellular shades that run on tracks? They are supposed to insulate well and can have blackout lining in them to take care of that streetlight. They would fit well with that sleek clean look you have going on.

I personallly would put them inside and next to the window. That is because I would be able to still use the sill when they are closed- candles?, plants?, knicknacks?

I also think that roman shades might look nice and would give more choice in terms of fabrics, if that was important to you.

As for the automated part, I am clueless.

Love the Shoei pocket door! I am assuming you wish to keep the minimalistic look for the space.

I would go with fabric roller shades inside and against the window, for reasons of simplicity and function and cost. You could go with light filtering or opaque. You would still be able to use the window sill for a decorative object or two if you wish - something that you would not be able to do with shutters.

You mention wishing to block noise. If noise is an issue then cellular shades would help a bit more. Get ones with "fingertip lift" so that there are not tangle-y cords laying on the window sill or trailing down the wall when they are up. If you wish to maximize the view out, since the windows are so small, keep in mind that cellular shades will still block about more of the window than a roller shade will when up.

Thanks everybody. I should probably also mention that we have cats, who will probably claim the windowsills as their own (I'm surprised they haven't already, but we haven't actually moved into the bedroom yet). Sounds like putting the shade right against the window, to leave the windowsill clear, is our best bet.

I'm pretty certain about going with automated blinds. The windows face north and let in a lot of bright indirect light. We want the light during the day, but not at night, and having to open and close 4 sets of blinds every day would be a nuisance--I want to be able to control them all at once (preferably without getting out of bed!).

I know you said you hate drapes, but I like threedgrad's idea of inside mount blinds and then simple panels on one continuous rod. Drapes really do a great job of blocking outside noise, heat, and light, and also help absorb interior sounds so the room is quiet and serene. I could see very plain linen, hemp, burlap, or some other natural fiber panels mounted with large grommets on a sleek metal rod. Floor length drapes might help the windows look taller, too.