I prefer option 1 with your dish storage in the island as shown on your plan. I think my only question would be where you plan to store your glasses? We have a similar situation. We have one wall that is 22'. We have gone about the changes in probably the worst way possible...we replaced the windows without having a firm plan in place. In fact, the plan is morphing still. We ended up though with 1 6" window and 1 5" window. BUT - when the discussion of windows was on the table, quite a few people suggested taking them down in size -- or even eliminating one. The main proponants of that were a cab guy, another guy I know who has done kitchens and DH. I do think their approach is the more cabs the better -- but the look felt like a cave! I ended up doing exactly as eks6426 suggested -- I did what I love and kept 2 big windows. I'm still working on a plan but I know I can make it work with the windows we installed. I think her advice was good - "Do what you love. You are the one who is going to live with the kitchen..not your KD or contractor."

I think I will go with the outside mount blinds idea. Do outside mount blinds look sloppy to you? For some reason, I keep having that worry, that they will look sloppy. The more I think about matching the curtains on the FD to the window curtain, I just don't like it...too match matchy for me. Yet putting something different there (curtain) doesn't seem right, either. We only close that blind on the window at night, for privacy. any affordable place for woven woods? Thanks for the input, everyone!

that brown color is all sun faded. I'd paint everything that is that purple/brown, to an actual black. Yes, even the garage door. and redo the black paint on the railing. the light fixture by the french door should be pointed down if you get a new one. Or, if using that same up-style light, it should be lowered. for those doors I'd do something like this (you want a Mediterranean - spanish- hacienda style) for the front door, bigger light, maybe even try a hanging light like they've done here: black. black windows, black door. That faded brown is horrible looking. If you want to keep the brown, then redo it in a shade like this one you need heavier planers by your front door. and also by your garage door, you need larger style lights. the current ones are too small. you can paint your front door a diff color besides black, if you prefer. can't see the entire house so I don't know what to suggest. Cobalt blue, Mustard yellow, Red, al would keep in the style of the home. I'd actually tile that cement area outside those patio french doors. some nice spanish style tiles, or the black and white cement tiles would look perfect out there.

If it is simply a matter of paint color on the sash or frames, don't worry; you can always change it if you don't like it. However, if you are talking about altering the shape of the whole window openings... well, then it would not look so great. Good luck finding the solution that appeals to you and preserves the character of your historic property.