Home has privacy issues

Q: My husband and I are considering a house to buy, in a great location we want, but it seems very open to the street. From the inside, I love the windows and all the light, except there is no privacy — anybody going by can see right in, especially the kitchen! The biggest adjustment would be my husband and I love to cook together and sometimes we get “playful” and I’d hate to live with all the curtains closed. What could we do with the windows instead? Please help, we want this house, but I love our moments together and I don’t want to lose that.

M&M 4ever!

A: That is so sweet! It’s wonderful to find “playful moments” whenever you can, not just around your anniversary or Valentine’s Day. Celebrating cooking and food together is very romantic, and I would also hate for you to lose that because you feel on display in a new house.

At my house, I keep all the doors and windows physically open, not just the window treatments, for the fresh air as well as sunlight. I’ve even had birds fly through! But my house is in a private setting, which I value highly.

Beyond just privacy — and you are already sensitive to that, of course — the way a house is laid out affects relationships more than most people think. A lot of separate rooms can make people feel isolated. While small kitchens and bathrooms can encourage playful brushes against each other, tight quarters can also cause stress. Ironically, spacious, open rooms can create a sense of togetherness.

For you and your relationship, a private feeling should be a priority. Window treatments such as wood blinds that adjust to control light and privacy during both daytime and at night. Sheers work great during the day but not at night. There also might be some answers with landscaping. Is there space for some strategically placed evergreen trees, shrubs or fencing? You don’t need to build a fortress of a wall, just well-considered screens that balance privacy and openness.

Let me know what you find out!

Adams is a designer, writer and TV personality. Send your questions to AskJennifer@JenniferAdams.com or on Twitter: @JenniferAdams.