2 story draperied will cost a small fortune . Maybe solar shades, with remote

IMO the bookcases need to go and I agree solar shades motorized would be the best choice for heat and UV control then drpes only on the bottom windows for night time privacy. IMO the bookshelves look like atacked on item with really no plan for what you ned to display and forces art to be hung where you can't enjoy it . The TV above the FP should have been planned for a better spot. Not sure how much of what you show is what you are planning.

This is exactly what we will have so removing the bookcases is a non negotiable. Probably will not put art above them.

Unfortunately I do not have a better photo directly facing the windows.

I think the built-ins are nice, but agree that art above them would be too high. Keeping a nice display at "human" height is best.

As for the windows, it depends on your style. Traditional and transitional style homes look great with draperies (better than solar shades IMO). Yes, they will be expensive, but if you buy smartly you won't have to purchase them again for a very long time, especially if you get a timeless look, such as white or ivory linen blend. Adding them to a two-story space will also help with sound dampening. When you have a large volume of empty space, you will want soft furnishings to help soften things. Of course rugs and upholstery will help.

Only putting curtains on the lower portion will be more budget-friendly - you may even find something ready-made that you like. I personally do not like that look as much as the full length, but you may be fine with that. East facing windows will allow a lot of sunlight into your home in the mornings. If you do go with draperies, I would have a 3M film applied to keep your furnishings, floors and draperies from being damaged by the sun.

These windows appear to have cellular or honeycomb shades on the windows with dummy curtain panels. Dummy panels use less fabric, but aren't operational.

Here's an example of curtains on lowers only (dummy panels again).

These are "faux iron grilles" - don't know what they're made of but they appear opaque.

Here are roman shades on double-height windows. Of course you would want them them be motorized.

Does your builder work with a local window coverings shop? I would ask for references and visit with them about options. They should be able to give you advice and estimates.

Here is a somewhat better model photo from the website.

I had two-story windows like these in my last house, but ours was also bowed. We used solar shades by Lafayette for light contol and I mention because I really liked this manufacturer. (We'd splurged on Hunter Douglas for the rest of the house, but if I'd known about Lafayette, we might have gone in a different direction.) We had a fabric treatment custom made in a sheer silk fabirc that was not functional but only framed the window. It really was spectacular.

This is very similar to my living room (I have the bookcases too :-)). We moved into this house three years ago. First, if the windows aren't already UV coated you will want to get a film applied. Sunlight will fade your upholstery and change the color of wood floors. I put white linen look sheer pleated shades on my windows. The uppers are motorized. Our windows face south so I really needed to cut the amount of light coming in even more than the tinting. I didn't consider them to be inordinately expensive as I expect them to last a long time. We used Blinds To Go which is on the east coast and in Canada. We used them to outfit our last house so I know their products are good quality. I have fixed side panel drapes on the lower windows just to add a little color and interest. Putting aside the expense, I just don't like the look of two story drapes. I don't have a need for complete privacy in my living room. We don't use it in the evening usually. The UV film cuts down on the light coming in, and the light visible from the outside, so with the sheers probably only shapes are vaguely visible. With an eastern exposure you are probably only going to need the blinds down in the morning and after dark. Whatever you choose, I think you should have it on the upper and lower windows. If you only do the lowers it will look unfinished.

Do not add UV window film to new construction windows ... it will void the warranty.

Proceed at your own risk!

I had UV window film installed on my windows. Hardwood floors still faded, and when I went back to the company for a waranty call, I did not have the original receipt. So much for lifetime warranty.

There are certain brands of UV film that will not void the warranty .

Do you know what brands they are?

I would definitely remove the art above the bookcases! And previous comments on the bookcases may be because they’re white and stand out. You could have them the same color as the wall or the mantle. Solar shades will keep out the rays and when up they will disappear into the trim.

3m has some but it varies by window manufacturer I believe .

You can also get windows with UV protection. I would talk to your contractor and find out what they use and ask about Low-E glass. If it’s not available with your windows, ask about 3M window films. They are professionally applied. We had them on some skylights and windows in a previous home. They did not void the warranty.