apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Wow. great space.
Nice ceilings too.
For the window I think the IKEA drapes with the large silver grommets that slide along a black rod would work well with the Saarinen's clean lines. Floor to ceiling.
This season's colors (Canada) are a poor selection, unfortunately.
I would hesitate to put any on the french doors unless you want to match the window drapes here with just accent side panels and the rod.
Otherwise leave it open if you can live with the view.
Do you access the area often? Could something be standing in the area to distract the view?
Love that room!

ps: hang 'em high!

That looks like a beautiful room.

As an architect, I would really hate to see one obscure such a nice window with conventional drapes hung across the whole thing on a rod.

I think you've got the idea with roller shades--work with the architecture of that window, don't hide it.

If you do rollers, rich but subtle texture might be nicer than a print. Something tweedy or a nice suede.

If the view is unattractive, then it might be worth considering something translucent that would allow plenty of light into the room while obscuring the view. Perhaps honeycomb or pleated sheer shades that operate from the top and bottom. That way you might block out the view at eye level and, if practical, leave the tops of the windows open to a better view of sky or whatever's across the way.

I've seen some nice sheer shades that were more like a textured rice paper with small japanese maple leaves embedded in it, and I think that sort of thing could work wonderfully for your space and intended furnishings.

I agree with the two rods idea, with the sheers being VERY sheer with drapes that come to the edge (but don't obscure) the woodwork. I'd hang the rods as close as possible to the ceiling (which is to die for by the way.)

If you're on a budget, check out the JCPenney website for drapes...you can get a lot for your money and they can look very modern if you choose wisely.

I agree about competing with the Saarinen and the Le Klint 172 (great by the way). I share the same issue with no view so I went with three separate blinds instead of shades because I like to have the option to adjust any of the blinds enough to expose the light & outdoors and still avoid the full view.

In addition to the blinds, I also covered the center of my window with a sheer linen panel (west elm's are pretty good) and then hung two panels on each end -- west elm's bicolor panels also look good but BBB & Pottery Barn also offer some nice selections lately. More diverse tie backs would be great (i.e. beaded, crystal, or anything that would be similar to the design of the Le Klint to pull it all together).

By the way, its a great space under the window. If you have the room, perhaps 3 or 4 items lined symetrically such as light boxes, round (leather) ottomans, or decorative boxes (since its always about storage, of course).

But the Le Klint 172 shan't be denied; no, no, Le Klint 172 shall not be denied.

throw some d's on that bitch