How how does the window open. Getting behind the 4-5 ft blind to crack the kitchen window seems cumbersome .maybe a cafe rod hung halfway down with rings and fabric you can swoosh. Add a Valance at top. Is it casements or slider or what....cafe curtains and valance can be transitional with metal rod ,modern fabric ,and tailored valance. Doesn't need to be cottage cutesie. Your theme seems transitional. Is your goal to obscure the view /light with such a huge shade....if so, I'd do white ,cream or a blond wood tone in real or faux wood.

I'm in the INFERNO also known as Phoenix. That window faces west. The blinds are sometimes open in the Winter. The window is never opened.

I guess my goal is to block the super intensive Phoenix sun.

Thank you herbflavor!

runs_with_scissors6 - I apologize but don't know the difference between shutters and blinds.

One more -darker blinds.

Thanks oldbat2be for the visuals!

*plantation shutters* is what I was thinking. May be to heavy/bulky for the kitchen.

benjesbride I love the fabric shades, I just worry about splashes from the kitchen sink staining them

Plantation shutters would be awkward if you ever want the window fully uncovered.

I would hate to have my window closed off so much of he time, but I understand your problem. Is it possible to apply some kind of film to the window to decrease the power of the sun without cutting off your view and natural light?

solar shades? I think they're a wipe-able material.

I don't know the style of your home, but.....we had windows that faced west and were a problem during the winter. Rather than fix it from inside, we fixed the problem for the outside. We installed retractable awnings. Shaded the window without blocking the view.

Solar shades. You can bring in light and see outside without the intense glare and heat.

Solar shades

Also, I have roller blinds behind my sink. I can clean them easily with a damp cloth. I don't know what the material is - it doesn't feel like plastic or fabric. They are from Budget Blinds.

My first choice would be the retractable shade on the outside. My next choice would be blinds. For light control, blinds are really good and are easily adjusted throughout the day and you can see outside when the sun is not bad. Or you can let some light through when the sun is a problem or totally close them when the sun is really strong. I'd go for a creamy white that matches your cabinets. The light brown looked okay, but seems like it might be harder to find.

I've never had solar shades, but they sound nice too.

I'd go for shades/blinds outside then if not white blinds inside. Your wall color is also conflicting because it is a warm tone and your stone seems cooler.

Thanks for the ideas everyone. this window looks out to a block wall. so never really a reason to have the blinds open. I do like to open them a bit in the Winter for natural light.

beachem. The granite is actually a very warm color. beige and carmel colors. That photo is crazy, looks very grey.

Since you can't open the window ... and the view is junk ... I'd go with a non-opening stained glass window. It'd be decorative and would allow light through, but it would block the view. If you don't want to interject color into this high-neutral color palate, you could go with clear beveled glass.

Nevermind the hideous contractor installed light fixture I have to replace......these are Hunter Douglas honeycomb shades. I plan to put a cafe rod with curtain panels on each side, but the shade does a good job of keeping the weather out.

The half moon window on top is another story!

mrspete, I love that idea. Unfortunately in Phoenix @ 119 degrees in the summer I fear my appliances would melt.

designsaavy Love your shades! What a gorgeous window :)

If U like deals....? Habitat Restore in Colorado/Denver area is over loaded with name brand 2" white blinds. Brand new, any size $5. Other people in other states are reporting they have them as well....you might want to check....

Lol, beyond that shade is the side of our neighbors house 12 feet away. So, no view and the need for privacy.

Regarding the stained glass window idea, I had considered at one time finding a delicate patterned window film, but my window slides open sideways and it wouldn't look good.

I did see somewhere where someone made a frame of stained glass (or perhaps it was window film or plastic) that they could just cover the window and was removable.

I like these two ideas:

@Nicole I just bought one of those Habitat blinds and installed them in my parents room today. They're done too high but we're too exhausted to redo them right now.

beachem, I stalled 5! Totally cool! Saved me about $600!

What a gorgeous window! We have a talented team of design consultants available to help you (free of charge!) select the perfect product for your space. Shutters would be a beautiful look and depending on the measurements over the sink, it would be possible to open the panels to get a good view of the outside. You also might consider cafe style shutters. Just private message me here with your contact information or send it on to socialcare@blinds.com and I'll have one of our designers reach out to you directly. Looking forward to hearing from you! -- Rebecca P.