If it were me, I'd tile the returns. But this is one where it's a matter of taste. Either way, I'd want to accent the window perimeters somehow, and then do something in the area over the cooktop. The closest I have to what you're looking at would be this:

luckily the tile I fell in love with had a moulding piece to match! We used it to surround the opening. the inside ledge area is just the window casing (and painted white like the rest of our casings and trim in the house). here's a couple of pics of it being installed (the best close up shot I have right now on my computer) and a view from the family room. HTH!

Hi, I was watching Giada last nite after reading your post and there it was!,, Windows just like yours. As you can see she wrapped the tile around the inside. I really like this look as it looks "finished" to me.
{{!gwi}}

Thanks for the replies all! I'm at work now, so can't see the pictures, but will study them when I get home.

On a side note, is it possible to get an email when someone replies to a thread you've started? I had almost forgotten about this post :)

to get replies sent to your email, there is a little button to check when writing your post. It's right under the big 'message' box.

that's weird, I don't see anything like that?

I only see it appear when I try to do an initial posting (you can't add it later).

mairin -- beautiful tiles! mind if I ask what they are? good luck, trpltongue!

starfish: the backsplash is white onyx - I just love it!

Omg those little windows are cute. Never seen anything like it.