I wouldn't remove cabinets if you're trying to maximize storage -- these are pretty useful spots, right by the dishwasher and fridge. Plus, wall cabinets don't block much light.

Not sure that you get more light from a bay window -- there are many complaints on here about water and other problems with them, so I'd do some research before committing to that.

Wow Beth, thank you so much for all of the great photos and ideas. I’m focused on light and an open, airy feeling. My plant gene limits me to succulents, and even they are iffy! I agree with you about raised window re oversplash,etc. My current house has the sink in the island with a raised seating area along the other side. Many times I’ve been glad for that barrier - it’s never made sense to me when I see a one level island with a sink. Thanks again!

When I redid my kitchen, I enlarged and made my window counter height, bumped out about 10”. It is my favorite part of the kitchen. I used an atrium window with a crank and have no issues reaching or cleaning.

I like the casement windows with a ledge. Do the windows bump out, ie stick out on the exterior of the house, in order to get the ledge?

Does this look like “standard” windows?

you'd have to have someone frame in that opening and build you the ledge behind the sink. but yes, it's doable. then you could do standard windows. either sliding, or top up/down, or casement,,,whatever you like.

I'm not done w/ours yet (still have to tile and finish off the window trim) but I went w/a Anderson casement window. I wanted casement, and I wanted black, so that's why I got this.

I had a garden window prior to this,

so I don't need anything for plants now. But, whoever is doing your window could build a frame that has a slight ledge above the faucet area. not a big deal to do

if you big and open, check into the diff styles of windows to maximize that look

The black looks really sharp. What kind of tile are you putting in?

at that is the problem! not sure yet. I like this marble w/the gold

and I like a Zellige type of tile. (on the other end I have this a black zellige inlay in the wood floor, and a black/white cement tile) I really dislike plain white subway.

Backsplash tile choices are amazing and overwhelming, for sure! Love your choices, you definitely have a dramatic flair!

When I redo my kitchen I plan to do a box bay window over the sink. I absolutely want this space for plants. I want to make the center window fixed and the side windows will be casements. I’m short so any window over a sink is hard for me to open, but reaching the crank on a casement is doable.

grace, if I had to look at a plain white, all white, kitchen, plain gray walls w/no color, and blah drab furniture, I'd go insane. A kitchen isn't an OR! bring on the color.

If you are wanting more light, I would go with your idea of a longer window across. You could do a wider window and have a single upper cabinet with glass to the left of the sink for dishware. Keep the one to the right of the sink, above DW, as is. I'd skip the open shelving since you mentioned you would only put decorative items on the open shelves.

I've had 2 homes with large kitchen windows (3 & 4 pane casements). It's great.

The builder uses a glider window over sink as standard . I know casements will cost more but this is such a crucial spot it seems like this is a worthwhile upgrade.

I love your backsplash tile - can I ask where it's from? My wife and I are about to redo the kitchen, and prefer the larger size subway tile over the traditional. We are looking for something subtle, clean, yet warm, rather than pure white. Yours looks amazing. Thanks.

That photo was a model home so I don’t know the tile. Here is a pic of mine - Soho Studio/Boston in Chameleon color.

I found another Soho tile in a warmer tone. Good luck!

https://www.sohostudiocorp.com/frammenti/frammenti-brick-rosa-3x16-tldcnfmbrkrs3x16

This may have already been mentioned. To increase the light from a window of a given width, its necessary to raise the window head. Pushing the given window outward into a bay will reduce the amount of light.

It looks like you can rasie the window head a foot. Of course, you then need to deal with the cabinet design.

Of course, adding blinds and shades defeats the purpose of a taller window.

I often find that clients who say they want more light often have curtains covering most of their existing windows. Designing for natural light in a house is not an easy task.