Another photo

Judging by the breeze blocks, the style of the windows and the cypress pine floor it looks like you have a mid-century or post-war home. Internal plantation shutters, while practical for privacy and control of light aren't of the period and don't do much for the control of heat loss or heat gain as they are so many gaps. The most traditional answer would be a combination of sheer curtains and lined curtains with pelmets to give you good control of light, privacy and heat loss and gain.

The other style that works well with mid-century homes is honeycomb blinds, such as Luxaflex duettes. They act like a blanket to your window when closed and as they can open from top and bottom it means you have great control of light and privacy, so are more versatile than internal plantation shutters. While they are a contemporary product, they have clean simple lines, so look less visually busy than plantation shutters.

https://www.luxaflex.com.au/products/blinds/duette-shades/

Best of luck with your mid-century/post-war home,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls

and Dr Retro Virtual Visits

Thanks Dr Retro! We’re actually removing those breeze blocks as they block the entrance to the house. Great spotting on the pine floors - they are indeed cypress. House is definitely post war. Will give some thought to the curtains with pelmets. I’m not a huge fan of pelmets but maybe there is a way to make them look more modern.

My choice would be white Plantation shutters on the window with curtains on the door that are tall and wide, both must be white from the exterior view. Love the breeze blocks as well, perhaps you could work with them?

My choice is enjoy the view, maybe some screening shrubs at the footpath if preferred and add some curtains or a daylight blind. I personally detest sheers but that’s me as I have always loved big windows with views and that’s how we most enjoy a pour front yards, from inside.

My home also faces north west. I chose screening blinds underneath blockout blinds. I use the screening blinds for privacy (living room faces street) and also in summer to reduce the heat. I had matching pelmets made to dress them up. I also have plantation shutters in the family/kitchen area at the back of the house. They look really good but do need a good wash every few months. The blinds repel dust so don’t need any attention, bonus.

Curtains are always the best when it comes to blocking out the sun during summer and keeping the place cool