What about roman shades, set inside the window so that the beautiful window casing isn't covered up? That's what I did with our casement window behind the sink. The roman shades could be a solid white that blends with the Dove White and then you could have a border on the sides and bottom of a fabric that blends with the Powell Buff. The border that I used is a taupe & cream check, on the diagonal and the border is about 6" wide. I have Giallo Ornamental, too, and think it's great.

Thanks nancyaustin. Can you post a picture?

I wish I could, ellendi, but I haven't mastered the skill of posting photos! By the way, the check I used was 1.25 in. so it was a fairly large pattern.

Wide wooden slat blinds are also a good choice with this kitchen for sun and privacy control, esp if it's not in a cold climate that needs a tighter fit for thermal protection. Painted or unpainted--your choice.

Link below to give you some ideas

Here is a link that might be useful: roman shades

ellendi, if you can get the January-February 2010 issue of Veranda magazine, on page 76-77, there are photos of the roman shades that were the inspiration for my roman shades. I will try to post a photo of ours tomorrow.

I was thinking the same about the Roman Shades and your molding. A friend of mine who sews a lot says it's really easy to make these if you're at all handy with a sewing machine. Can't say I've dont it myself, but it makes sense. I'm sure there are patterns online but if you are interested and can't find anything, let me know and I'll ask my friend...

Thanks everyone. Seems like everyone likes the roman shade idea. My only concern is our alarm system that is attached to the window. Will this affect the mounting of the shade. Also, we do not need privacy. Thanks again.

Your window and view is so pretty, that unless you need privacy or light control, I would leave it as is.

My thought would be to go as high as you can and have something (Valance or Roman shade) that comes just over the top casing -- leaving the window open and visually lifting it rather than creating another horizontal to cut it down in size.

Or possibly use a sign or other treatment to put a quote up in the space between the two lines of trim if you like the idea of leaving it open but just want a finishing touch. Whatever you do, I would keep it pretty simple.

My kitchen has a similar window situation. I used a heavy duty tension rod from Country Curtains to hang a valance. I placed the top of the rod right at the bottom of the moulding. If a roman shade or blinds won't work because of your alarm system, or if you would prefer a valance, it's something to think about. Mine has been up for a year and a half without any problems.

Totally Confused

elendi - first, what a gorgeous kitchen you have! I really struggled with this as well - the main trade off being do I want to see my chunky casing (inside mount) or maximize light from the window (outside mount)? I ended up going outside mount with the shade mounted just below the crown molding so as not to reduce any natural light. I went with bamboo roman shades bc they are neutral and I liked the idea of some more texture in the kitchen. They are being installed next week - I'll post a pic when it's done. Since privacy is not an issue, you may want to leave it as is - that way you get to see your gorgeous woodwork and enjoy the full height of the window. Good luck - I think this is toughie!

Thanks again. Looking forward to those who said they would post photos.

I tend to agree with Trailgirl -- why change it? It's very pretty as is.

I would go with a Roman shade to the top of the window and see how it looks, if it needs to go higher or not. Sometimes it's easier to tell after you see it up.

i'm so glad i stumbled across this post! i've been thinking about the same thing for my kitchen reno...crazy that i havent even started demolition and i'm already thinking about window treatments! jejvtr thanks for posting those images...i'm totally inspired now!
For my windows which are very tall (6/7 feet townhouse windows) i have blinds on them currently...jeez they get so dusty and dirty...and we're a very clean house! i was thinking about some kind of curtain (maybe those halfway down cafe curtain) that i could wash. but maybe i'll just make my own roman shades with fun printed fabric!
this is why i love this site!

Here is a link that might be useful: designsmitten.com