Ok that wasn't as hard as I thought. Is this want you meant? I added a strip of crown molding all the way around the top to just to see what that would look like. I think I like this the best with the thicker trim under the shelf. Good idea Lisa.

Thank you! That's exactly it! I think I like it without the crown molding, and I think the shelf over the window needs to be just a tad bit higher to line up with the microwave shelf. That really gives me a good sense, and I think this is my favorite suggestion yet. Yes, thank you Lisa and thank you rebunky! This may very well end up being it!

So, assuming I go with this - lining up the two shelves about 21" down from the ceiling - the microwave shelf is 12", would lining up a 6" shelf look good? Are we thinking that 6" makes the most sense?

OK. I think that's it. Thank you so, so much! Now, when are you coming for that drink?

And do you agree that making the trim thick enough to line the shelf up w/ micro shelf also makes sense? That will make the trim about 7-8".

You're welcome, Carrie! But really, all I did was snoop through houzz images to find inspiration for you.

Rebunky's mock-up seals the deal for me. I like the more substantial look of the shelf in her last mock-up.

Haha, that would be awesome! Since I'm in Hawaii that might be a little tough to swing. :-) But I am having a nice glass of wine right now out of my own thrift store wine glass, so cheers!

How tall is the fascia above your cabs? If it's about that much, I think that will look fine. Keep in mind, though, that given that the 2 shelves aren't right next to each other, you likely won't be able to tell if one is slightly higher than the other.

Ha, me, too, Rebunky. I'm drinking a nice red out of one of the wine glasses my dad bought for me at a garage sale. Cheers!

Lisa - nicely done! I've been looking at inspiration photos, too, and I knew there needed to be some solution out there that would work for me, you managed to make that connection for me, for which I am grateful.

Rebunky - I'm so sorry for you that you're so far away from Philadelphia. Perhaps you need a visit in Hawaii to help gap the distance from the Center of the Universe. ;)

Rebunky and Carrie, that looks really good. I think the wider trim between the bottom shelf and window gives more space to the window and I like how the shelf lines up with the microwave shelf. 6 inches sounds good to me unless you had a large plate to display ( in which case I would do a 3 inch shelf with a groove to hold the plate)

Rebunky, that was quite a feat with your iPad.

Oh, Lisa, our posts crossed. I'm in bed, now, but I think the faschia overall is about 7.5", but the upper part of the crown molding will cover the top... oh, four inches? Now sure. So, the trim on the window would be about the height of both the faschia & crown? Or something like that.

Do you have a sense of a good thickness for that trim? It's 4" in real life right now.

I like it more lined up w/the mw shelf too.

and Carrie, you're right, bad space for a clock. tucked in between the 2 cabs you'd always have to go almost in front of it to see it. Better on a more open wall space so you can see from the LR and maybe patio.

OK, me again. Can you tell that I can be a bit OCD when trying to make a decision?

There is leftover fascia, which is 8" and close enough to the correct width to line up with the microwave shelf. Do you think I should use the fascia as upper window trim, or go with the same white trim & paint color as the back door? I don't want it to look fussy or formal, and I'm not into things necessarily matching.

The shelf will match the cabinets. So, yes or no on using the fascia as window trim? Fascia/cabinets are creamy white, and remainder of house trim is a whiter white.

A couple of photos

And this one is ours in progress yet to be tiled and painting not finished - more simple

Perky - thank you!

The top one is pretty, though more ornate than my kitchen will be. You "in progress" is lovely! I like the distance between the window & the shelf - do you know what that distance is?

Thanks Carrie B. From the top of the window to the bottom of the shelf is 8 3/4".

Your cabinets are so pretty and simple. I worry a shelf with displays will distract. My vote would be no shelf and a simple face clock in that space or the faux shade. Good luck with your decisions.

Thanks, nightowl. I appreciate your images, which confirmed my decision of no clock and no shade. There is a clock on the microwave about 4' to the left, and there is a clock on the as-yet to-be-placed toaster oven in the kitchen. That space over the window, in terms of function, is not the best place for a clock. I'd rather display pretty objects there, and believe that a simple shelf is less visual clutter than fabric of any type.

whatever you decide, it is obvious you have a good eye based on your cabinet and trim choices. It will be wonderful.

I like the fascia detail but since all your other windows and doors are trimmed in flat stock, I think you should trim this window in flat stock, too. If you repeat anything from the cabs, I'd repeat the crown below the shelf.

Oh, I just had an idea! What if you were to use the leftover fascia as the shelf with the detail facing down? It would give the shelf a little extra flair without being overly fussy.

I love the idea of adding a plate groove to the shelf.

Thanks, Lisa. I will say that, that window is really just about only visible from straight on, so one would not see that window's trim at the same time that one was looking at another window or door. So, not that it doesn't matter if it's not the same, but it matters less than it would otherwise.

You know, Lisa, I don't know why I didn't think of using the leftover frieze! I ordered the shelf, and already have it here, and presumably will be paying for it... I'll see what works when the contractor is back.

I tend to doubt that I'll put a plate up there - more likely a collection of old bottles and/or some ceramic pieces.

Yet another thought... I've had these tiles laying around, made by my sister....

Though a little dark without the can lights (and even with them.)

You've spoken (written) many times about how excited you are about getting light into your space from that side of the kitchen. I would hate to see you lose a good portion of that light from a deep shelf. I like the idea of a special piece of art above the window, or pieces as the case may be.

Thanks, Clueless. The mockup of the 6" shelf really didn't affect the light coming in at all... So hard to decide!

I really like the tiles especially being they were made by your sister. Are you thinking of those only, no shelf?

I have a plate that my grandmother gave me. Her and I used to love searching out beautiful, individual plates, platters, serving dishes, etc. in antique stores and this one was a particular favorite of mine. The colors are perfect for my kitchen and you have inspired me to hang it above my window.

dcward - If I did the tiles, I would not do the shelf.

I like the tiles, especially since your sister made them!

Even if it isn't actually blocking light, the idea of a shelf there just seems heavy to me. The more I think of it, just hang some wall art. Your sister's tiles might be too dark. Something bright and cheery and reflective so it reflects light, not absorbing it.

i like the idea of the tiles and no shelf....the shelf in theory is a great idea but it is a dust collector & everything u put on there. i feel that the shelf will block the natural light and the light from the high hat light. if the window is not east or south facing, it will be dark in the fall, winter and spring and we all crave that light especially in late winter. keep it simple, no shelf. the tiles will hold a special place in your heart since your sister made them. i think they look great with the paint behind them. looking fab so far!! :)

Thanks so much, everyone. I can't express my gratitude enough.

From start to finish on this project, I've gotten such generous advice here: even when I dug in my heels, even when everyone's advice was contrary to what I said I wanted, even when I've argued each and every person's point, and even when I ultimately decided to stick with what I originally wanted... or when I eventually changed my mind at the end of lots of foot stomping, I've appreciated the advice.

For those who've stuck with me (I'm pretty sure I've lost some knowledgeable & generous contributors along the way - and I miss and appreciate them, too!) thank you.

It also occurred to me that maybe another of my sister's (other) wall works would look good up there. I'm pretty sure I don't want a painting, but maybe a ceramic piece that has texture & would make shallow shadows from the can lights would look good.

Something like this, perhaps:

Or ask her if she would make something she (and you) both think would look good up there -specifically with your kitchen and the colors in mind. Is she an artist?

Oh Carrie, I like that last piece from your sister. Does she have one that is the width of the window? Now that would be interesting and different.

Ok here's something I'm thinking of using in my kitchen: Laser Cut Wood

They can be painted any color or not.

Oh, wow, Carrie, your sister's work is beautiful! I vote for displaying something of hers above your window, too. I love the tiles you posted above but I think they are too dark to show up above the window. They look great against Sawdust, though, so what about hanging them, one above the other, to the right of your gorgeous new door? It looks like you have enough room to do that.

Those laser cut wood pieces are stunning, cpartist!

Carrie,

lid on' know if this has been mentioned, for the microwave hood, please have the ducting replaced with solid metal duct work rather than the flex duct. Flex duct is a fire hazard and is not recommended for cooking ventilation.

Your sister's artwork is gorgeous!

Good luck!

I vote shelf still BUT for the clock insisters, I understand why they're saying it.

It keeps everything nice, light, and open. But I still think your sister's art would be better. Does she have anything round or Something not square/rectangle? I think astheticly that's why the clock is everyone's go-to.

Maybe you should just add a transom?

(I kid, I kid!!! You commented about all the differing opinions so I had to throw another in!!)

lol, amber!

Good call, homepro. Flex duct isn't even recommended for dryer vents anymore due to fire hazard.

I love that last piece of your sisters. And it would reflect the light. I think it would be stunning about your sink window. I agree with Lisa about putting the tiles on the Sawdust back wall if they fit.

Oh, I want a FLW Coonley piece of laser art. Fantastic.

Cpartist,

Please stop suggesting stuff! You have already cost me at least $1k before the gorgeous laser cut wood you just posted!!!!:-) I am not going to ever consider it for the vents in my home!!

LOL homepro01.

"Cpartist,

Please stop suggesting stuff! You have already cost me at least $1k before the gorgeous laser cut wood you just posted!!!!:-) I am not going to ever consider it for the vents in my home!!"

What else did I suggest? Trust me I'm costing myself. Supposedly tomorrow we get our bid from our builder for the house we want to build. I'm expecting to be very disappointed in what I can't do.

Running out, but wanted to update on two points.

I did some digging Online about flex vs. rigid vent, and didn't see much. Talked to my brother (a builder in NYC) who said he didn't know what code is, but that rigid would definitely be better. Then, I looked through my microwave's installation instructions, and those are pretty clear that you should use a rigid vent, and that flex is NOT recommended. Now, if you have input on how to diplomatically bring it up with the GC.

Just got off the phone with my sister. (you know how every single person seems to have a different opinion?) She said that I shouldn't do anything at all above the window. Focal point is back door, day and night (once I get my exterior lighting installed.) When I'm at the sink I'll be looking out the window, not above it.

I said to her "but I can see up there when I'm coming down the steps." She said "no, when you're going down your steps you're trying to not break your neck." She's kinda right - I have very steep old spiral steps. She did say that if I want to do something I should do something round or oval, like platter, no squares or rectangles, since I already have so many square angles with the cabinets. At least the table will be round.

But, mostly, she said to do nothing. And she also said that I might not want to put any art at all in the kitchen, which would distract from the focal point, but that I should definitely live with the space for a while before doing anything. I think that makes a whole lot of sense.

Just very calmly say that you see that flex is NOT recommended and you'd like him to change it out, especially because you don't want anything to happen to the gorgeous kitchen he brought to life

;)

yes, I'd just off handedly tell him that while browsing thru your mw booklet you noticed that flex was definitely not recommended... and that you have no desire (time or energy) to redo your kitchen again, so please change to rigid vent. If you want to up it a notch, tell him that after reading that you checked with your builder brother who did agree that rigid would be best.

On the space over window - I brought up a clock but after relooking at the space and how enclosed it really is by the cabs, I don't think that is the space for a clock. I wouldn't want a shelf myself because of dusting it and things on it - and it would overshadow the window to me. The window well itself is very deep. I do agree with a lot of what your sister said - do keep your eyes on the steps while coming down them. If you wanna admire it all, go up a few and sit down and admire, admire, admire. Safety first! Plus looking for something oval or round.

I also think it is something you should live with for a time before deciding. Look to a piece of art - not a painting but something different but not fussy. Not big and not very wide either. I think eventually you'll come upon something to put there that will make you look up sometimes and smile.

If it was my space, I'd probably look for an oval plaque that said something like - 'God Bless My Mess'. Think of something meaningful to you and maybe you can even find a local artist (or sister) who would make it up for you.

Your sister is very wise.

And just show your contractor the microwave manual.

Cpartist,

You recommended smarttint. Sent the info to my window builder and two windows and the Windows above the door suddenly got this feature!!!!

i need to order some fence panels and a new gate so I am not allowed to look at anything else for a while!!!