This is the "one panel per side" idea I was considering.

i think that looks nice. what do you think?

You can get shades or fabric blinds that have no strings and operate with a remote control device.

I like the one panel idea on rings

I personally like curtains in almost all rooms. I think they frame a room and add dimension. If you hang them properly, they won't interfere with your view.

To me the least intrusive window treatments are roman shades done in the same color as the trim. When they are up, they really fold into themselves and you can't see them. And you can get them without dangly strings-- I think it's smart of you to think about the kids!

And I don't think a window treatment on only one window is a good idea. You have a room centered on the space between the windows. I think you'd be unhappy with just one treatment (on only right window). The one on each outer edge would work though!

Your idea of one panel per side is good. There's room to stack on the outside of each window. Make sure they don't look skimpy when closed. Drapes should be 2 or 2 1/2 times the width of the window.

I like the look of 1 panel on either side

As I understand it, you want a window treatment that will close off the view of the neighbor's living room and bath. Unless you add wands to the curtains, you are going to have guests pulling on curtains to close off the view. Eventually, the curtains will get soiled and/or pulled off the rod. I agree with alicejean. You can get inside mount cordless fabric blinds or inside mount cordless roman shades to dress all of the windows. Since you want a minimalist look, I would leave it at that.

This room is lovely and I agree that something simple without any or much pattern on the fabric is a good choice. The side curtains would be nice but I do find unless they are pinch pleated, normal people cannot open and close them where they look good. They have to be styled every time they are touched. A cordless roman shade would be my first pick. Jcpenney.com has been having good sales making them really affordable.

Since you are afraid of any kind of cord because guests may have children, get a wand as suggested (like you see in hotels) and buy curtains with grommets or place drapes on curtain rings.

Have the draperies made out of a fabric like Sunbrella. You might even look into purchasing premade drapery panels for outdoor use. They will be durable, simple, and will resist stains. And, as suggested, install wands on the leading edge for their manipulation.