No apologies necessary. MN = cold winters, and white/grey paints = cool palette Modern contemporary style dictates clean lines, simple not fussy WT. Right now I'm seeing a lot of panels over blinds (I'm trying to figure out my own windows right now, so I've been doing a lot of looking). The panels add visual warmth to the room, while the blinds provide privacy. [Contemporary Bedroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bedroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_715~s_2103) by Park City Architects & Designers Bridgwater Consulting Group I'd suggest inside mounted blinds of some type and solid panels on the sides to soften the look a bit. Blinds alone, inside mount will tend to look cold and austere, not the best for a MN winter. The type of blinds you choose are going to be a personal choice dictated by budget and personal preference. Spend some time on Houzz, using search parameters such as "blinds+contemporary" or "Drapery Panels+Blinds+contemporary" [Eclectic Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2104) by Los Angeles Interior Designers & Decorators Elizabeth Gordon After you look at enough photos you'll have a really good idea of what you like and what you don't. [Contemporary Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2103) by Chicago Interior Designers & Decorators Chelle Design Group

Another source to look is jcp.com. I noticed they have 3 blackout drapes (one in regular home WT section and 2 in clearance) in the longer length at low prices--if the colors work for you (always the challenge). If you can't find the grommet style that might be easier to pull open/shut on a daily basis, you might consider ring clips since they slide easily. If the hem looks too challenging to alter on rod pocket styles, you can cut off the top and rehem that quite easily. IMHO they'll look best if you have them full length, rather than end at the window sill. It seems like that would really detract from the effect of the window. Even your inspiration pic, while really cute, seems to just miss the mark a bit on the curtains. They're ok I guess, but full-length would have been better--IMHO. You may have to get extra panels to give the fullness you want across the window when they're closed unless you go with custom widths. Good luck with your project! Here is a link that might be useful: Clearance jcp.com blackout curtains

PPF, I'm looking at our roof plan (shown below) and I think we have the lower pitch roof hidden in the back like you are talking about already. I think the trickery will come in moving the point where the 4:12 roof hits the 12:12 roof. There might be limits there to not change ceiling height on the second floor. However, I see how we could raise the eave and not have to raise the ridge of the roof as much. Thanks!

@Melndo The walls are Benjamin Moore Rockport Gray: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/HC-105/rockport-gray?color=HC-105 Our window is north facing as well. There is a large Japanese maple near the window so we don't get a ton of light there. I have the floor lamps, two table lamps and a light on the ceiling that isn't in the picture to make sure the room gets enough light. We actually use this room as a music room. There is a piano on the wall that isn't in the picture. Hope this helps! Glad you like it. :)