We have plantation shutters on our windows, and I simply love them. I have not heard the term cottage shutters. We have exterior shutters as well, I never thought about them not going together. Most people I know who have plantation shutters also have exterior shutters.

Just to clarify, you do need heavy sun control on one side of the house, but not the other, but you want the same type on all the windows? Plantation shutters look nice, but really do block out a lot of the view. I don’t think you have to have the same type of window coverings in the front and back, especially if you can’t see them both in the same sight lines. Cellular shades really do disappear and are lightweight. Even if you don’t motorize them, they’re easy to open and close. You can get top down/bottom up options if you want privacy on the bottom but want unobstructed view up high. Solar shades can help with sun, but IMO look better in more modern homes. Lined curtains can block sun well with the right lining or interlining and give you the option to bring in softness, pattern, texture, as well as improve the acoustics in the room.

How much do you use these rooms? I also have dining room with a window on the north wall, but the room is rarely used. When it is used, it is usually at night, or if during the day, I open the blinds. However, DH and I spend a lot of time in the living room - I would not like to be cutting back the light in a north facing room frequently occupied unless it's used for watching TV. I think plantation shutters look strange open as shown in your second picture unless you're able to fold them all the way back against the wall. If you think you'll want to have them open all day, every day then I would consider other window treatments.

Can we PLEASE stop with the "I don't like shutters" commentary? There are many instances where they may be the BEST selection, for versatility, finished look with no other treatment, or someone LIKES them. or they simply well suit a home and decor style you also do not like. Now that I have that out of the way? As to the OP'S bedroom: It appears you need a completely blacked out tomb to sleep or avoid waking. In ANY situation? A natural woven shade on an inside mount with a blackout lining would suit the cottage feel in the room, and mount drapery panels over that, and RETURN them to the wall. Doing so, prevents light seep at the sides. The high and small window would get a shade only. Inside mount and same black out lining. The same concept will work in the living room, ( including the shade only door )and I doubt you need any lining, but simple privacy on them if you must. It certainly isn't a strong light situation. Blackout or any lining here...... UN lined below......which shows more light, and more texture of the shade For an inexpensive solution? The same method of light/decoration works with a simple trip to a Home Depot for cut on site BLACKOUT cell shades, cordless, and when you don't need them ? You push up to the window casing and out of your view. Leaving only the pretty decorative drapery to shine. You get the same in living room, in the transparent variety. .....which will obscure somewhat, but not block light and view