Although I'm not sure where to look for them, I've thought about functional cedar shutters for the three windows to the right

congrats on the house - it’s super charming!

not a pro but if it were me, I’d have some insulated top-down roman shades on the windows that let in light but protect privacy - I’d invest in really good exterior lighting and more fencing if that is an option.. I’d also approach security on the interior with a security alarm (simplisafe and others are easy to install) and very solid window locks

are you really sure about covering up windows in the kitchen?

eta that wall of windows is pretty exposed to the street - not sure that would be a good entry point for someone, especially if there are motion lights etc

Why are you so concerned with security? Is the neighborhood bad? Does it have a crime problem? Cedar shutters, even operable will not offer any security. Privacy is accomplished on the interior with blinds, etc.. Lock the windows, and enjoy the home. If the area is safe fret not and just be conscious of keeping things locked.

I often say this so here we go . You are probably not important enough for people to want to see what you are doing as they walk by . Privacy is very often only in your head . Safety is an issue only really if the neighborhood is a bit iffy . Is that ugly fence yours ? I rarely give up windows for any design choices and in a kitchen no way . Renovating with out being in the house for at least 3-6 months is also abad idea. Just for context what spaces are behind all those windows ? Some good window coverings can help with the "privacy" but most also do not allow you to see out which for me is not good.. Noise is handled with a good double or triple paned windows and even playing music in your home. I do not think a 4' fence does much but if it gives you a feeling of privacy do it but please clean up what you have there if that one is yours. You do know if you close that window the outside will need serious work to hide the fact you closed off a window. When you are in come back here to get real help with kitchen design before doing anything.

Maybe closing off just the bottom part of the windows in the kitchen will work? You probably won't be able to find stone to match the existing to cover up the window openings.

As far as the original question, I suggest sheer cellular shades (or sheer panels) for daytime so you don't block all the light, drapes for nighttime. Or blinds - you can turn the vanes to block light selectively. Or top-down, bottom-up shades - maybe just closing the bottom half during the day will be enough to provide you with the privacy you're looking for. You can also use a combination of these solutions - different treatments in different rooms. If you find the window coverings aren't sufficient to make you comfortable, then look at fencing.

For window privacy consider cellular shades with bottom-up/top-down feature, like Hunter Douglas Duette shades. You can have them all open, all closed or partially closed from the bottom for privacy. They can be ordered with opaque or room darkening fabrics. I prefer them in a white color that matches the trim for maximum flexibility if you ever want to paint the walls a different color.

For security, get an alarm system and use it. Better yet, get a dog or two.

Privacy...shutters, blinds, etc.

Security...dog, extend the fence, "Protected by Smith and Wesson" sign, window switches, glass breakage alarms, and motion detection.

I would likely extent the fence if I were buying the home. Just something about the sidewalk being that close.

I'd plant flowering bushes that will get tall enough to cover the bottom portion of my windows along with shades and sheer curtains. I had bushes covering my dining room windows that were only feet from the sidewalk just like yours, and it was actually beautiful inside seeing the greenery and the flowers in spring. I just kept the shape tidy to look purposeful, not overgrown and sloppy. A close, tall fence with vines/ sunflowers growing up along it would be a fun privacy wall with natural light and help with noise. Hang few yard art decorations on the fence too if you like that sort of thing.

Get a good security system and use it. A fence might make the house feel closed in, but if you find something lovely to plant, this area could be beautiful. The shades suggested by others are a good idea.

First, install security lighting around the house. Motion detectors on the more obvious areas to the public. Have you considered...

"I had bushes covering my dining room windows " I would suggest a class on home security. Bushes under windows where a person can hide while breaking in are not recommended. Lights are the #1 suggestion. How much do security cameras cost in your area?

Any sort of blinds, shutters, curtains, etc. will provide some privacy to the windows as noted by others.

Also, some greenery will provide some privacy as well as more curb appeal as well.

Also for security, wireless cameras are quite cheap and easy to set up. Look at Ring, Blink or any similar players in that market segment. You don't have to pay for a subscription and can just do local storage.

Top down bottom up cellular shades for privacy.

@BeverlyFLADeziner 's fence recommendation is charming and will keep people from walking on your side area. It is open enough so that nobody can hide behind it.

Add motion sensor lights around your property.

Look up home burglary maps for the home you have purchased as well as from the area where you are moving away from. Perception can be so different from reality.

I was once quite concerned about the safety of a neighborhood I was moving to. I looked up the crime map and it wasn't as bad as I thought. Then I looked up the crime map of where I had been living for the previous three years and it was much worse than I realized.

Please don’t remove any windows! There are ways to design a kitchen around windows. Why lose natural light!?

If privacy is a concern, you can have your windows tinted, or replace them with tinted glass. There are window screens you can buy that are burglar proof, so not even a knife can cut through them. A good option for privacy and safety. And when you open your windows, you’ll have no issues with bugs either!

As someone else said, get an alarm system for your house. I agree with the other comment, thst often times it’s all in your head that people are watching you. Besides, all windows on the outside are a little reflective during the day, so i doubt anyone can see in. You can also get sheer curtains that let in natural light.

There’s room at the front to plant a hedge to give a little privacy too, while still allowing natural light in through the windows. So many options.

I think state of mind might be the most important thing. I think there is something to be said for attracting what one fears. Sometimes the fact that people are so afraid, that they build fortresses around their places, is a tip off that they are terrified, and or that they have things of great monetary value in the place (or at least they think they do :)).

But in any case you should feel comfortable in your home - whatever it takes!

So as mentioned above - as far as privacy, window treatments. And of course you could also get an alarm system, and security cameras. Motion detector lights. As far as fencing - spikes. A white picket fence is nice, but spikes can be nice, too... and imo more effective.

https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/spiked-fence

Before you do anything drastic to your kitchen and those windows, please post your floor plan. We can help you not make really unfortunate mistakes.

Regarding your dilemma.

You are likely better protected on the corner than any of your neighbors. No one wants to break into a house through a window that is exposed to the street and anyone who might be walking by. FWIW I lived in an apartment that had a private gated sidewalk and a 6' privacy fence adjacent to the windows, and I was broken into TWICE in 8 years. Once while I was sleeping. And I lived in a good neighborhood - homes in that neighborhood today are probably $2m+ (CA), but it was urban and by the beach, so you get transients. Sheltered access is a lot more inviting than wide open visible space. So you probably should be more concerned with security on the other side of your house.

You can manage your own privacy with window treatments. I would suggest motorized shades that will open & close on a timer. We have motorized shades and it's nice to have them automatically close when we go to work, open when we get home, and close at sunset. No one will be able to see in all that well until after dusk.

TBH it just sounds like that initial freak out when you buy a home and realize you just spent a sh*t ton of money and it's not perfect. Relax. Everything is fine, no home is perfect, and you didn't make a colossal mistake. Pretty sure anyone who has bought a home has felt the same at least once. You have a charming exterior, so if you plan on changing the interior, please let pros help you with it.

Were the fences spiked fences ?

I am so grateful for the input. I will not do anything with windows at this time and will consult a professional before doing any non-maintenance changes. I have been in a tough place after this purchase, overworrying about having the home being hit by a car due to road proximity and about security. All of these comments have made a real difference, and I look forward to engaging a pro to further improve things.  

@PatriciaColwell Yes, the fence is mine. I'm not especially picky, but it is hilariously bad. Fixing that is on the agenda.

overworrying about having the home being hit by a car due to road proximity

This sounds like something my dad would have come up with. Zoloft is a good remedy for this level of worry. I'm not trying to be mean, just honest that your level of worry sounds extreme.

Have you always lived in suburbs with homes that are placed in the midst of gigantic yards that cars don't come near?

You might have made an enormous l mistake! No one will know but you, over time. And to deal with it you can make the choice to undue the damage you’ve done by selling the house or you can take steps to mitigate the effects. Sit down with your insurance agent and go over every horror scenario you can imagine…a drunken driver smashes into the side of the house, a plane explodes in midair and hits your roof, a cargo ship loses power and can’t steer and plows through your entire home, etc. and then meet with a home security company to set up a system that will defend you from the hordes of junkies and thieves lurking outside. And then meet with a fence company, and then find someone that installs window and door bars. And then buy a ouija board and try to contact all of the previous owners of your house that died in it in spectacularly gruesome ways and ask them what they would have done differentl.

@AiFL - Goodness, you could be an actuary!

Agree that this is normal stress after a house - give yourself a chance to settle in. I will say based on my 55 years of living - the stuff that actually happens isnt generally what we are worrying about ❤️

You are very gracious, Joe. Your acknowledgment and heartfelt thanks is really refreshing! Many people who post here on this forum do not express any thanks (even on the rare occasions that they actually do receive pertinent help. ;)) You were very patient with some of the less than understanding responses.

The home security business is in business for a reason. You obviously have a right to secure your home to your level of comfort.

For home security, the best thing is to not hide access points i.e., windows/doors. Address privacy from the inside.

What do neighbors have?