worldmom, we also are struggling with the same issues---daughter with light sensitivity due to a vision disability and, in our case, a west facing kitchen window. So far we think our choices may be a patterned sheer curtain (so it can be easily taken down and washed) or a solar shade that can be wiped clean as needed. In the past I've had 2" blinds over the kitchen window and also matchstick blinds. The 2" blinds, although great for light control were hard to clean and did show every splash. The matchstick blinds always looked great but weren't so great for light control as they still left blinding light in through the thin spaces. Good luck with your decision and I'd love to see what you decide. At the moment we're thinking of just getting a plain old cheap roller shade to pull down when the sun is a it's worst and hope that someone will invent a better solution.

Most transoms I see aren't covered, but some have beautiful stained or textured glass applications. Though I know many will disagree, I personally don't feel blinds are out of style at all. There is a variety of styles to choose from and while they may be a little harder to keep clean, I like them because they're very functional and filter light well. These are pricey, but my favorite blinds are the shear blinds. They're gorgeous. I was in a house yesterday that had some horizontal ones on all their windows, even the sliding glass door. On the shorter windows the horizontals were nice, but the door definitely needed a vertical application. Here is a link that might be useful: Images of shear blinds.

I was thinking of posting the same question yesterday. It seems that so few of my inspiration kitchens have window treatments. I hope you get some pictures!

Do you sew or have a friend who does? This is my favorite pattern site. If you look in the Picture Gallery you'll see many wonderful treatments done in different fabrics, colors and styles, some on bay windows. It's a lot of pretty eye candy. Enjoy! Here is a link that might be useful: Southern Living Curtain Patterns and Drapery Patterns