What about cafe curtains?

We have a solar shade on our kitchen window. It lets in a lot of light and provides privacy very well. We are just using a roller shade with a matching valance, nothing fancy. I got it from Smith & Noble.

Personally, I like the matchstick roman shade idea.

oh - OP here I almost forgot... was also thinking about trimming out the window with some white trim - from the top of the backsplash up and around. Or would that look odd with the backsplash being so high? Thanks!!

Look for something top-down bottom-up. That way you can adjust to see out over the top, but maintain privacy lower down, and still have the window totally covered when needed.

I would have the shade cover the edges of the window rather than applying wooden trim to meet the backsplash.

Be careful of the matchstick type...many of them don't really provide privacy, just a feeling of privacy on the inside, but are very see-thru at night from the outside.

Bottoms up might work for you, or you can go with one of the decorative shades that give you something interesting to look at.

Here is a link that might be useful: Delia Shades