We had a similar decision to make except that the casements were to open into a screened porch and we were concerned that while on the porch, people might run into them. We have double hung windows with grills on the top half all throughtout our home but I didn't want my sink centered on a middle piece of wood between two casements. Was just something I didn't personally like for our kitchen. We then saw a similar window to what is in my most recent post which has sliders where the side casements usually are and a large picture window in the middle. WE LOVE IT because it gives us unobstructed view, still has the venting options, screens are on the outside and we felt that having the option of the grills on the side windows, helped it to look more traditional like the rest of the windows in our home....our window is one of the best choices we made - we just love it! I copied my link to my pictures below....you'll see it in the 4th pic down over the sink. Here is a link that might be useful: imlebby's kitchen

Wow, that makes sense. Don't know anything about marine varnish but I can learn/talk to my GC about. The important thing is it sounds like using wood is okay as long as I take a few special precautions, which I can definitely do.

Please look at photos of kitchens with oak cabinets for ideas. I currently see a kitchen with 3 green, 2 red, 2 yellow, and 5 blue items. You should choose your favorite color and sprinkle it throughout the space.

this is the look of our new bunkie...with our cottage in the background. will be redoing the siding on the cottage as well...some back, and some more natural stained wood...with black exterior windows.