All the windows must line up at the top - otherwise it looks awful from the exterior. When we got new windows the Dining Room window was installed lower than the bathroom, den and bedroom windows - we had him rip it out and re-frame it - it was a glaring mistake that could not be ignored on the outside. However, they do not have to line up along the bottoms, so the bathroom window starts higher on the wall than the bedroom windows and it looks fine, as long as the tops line up.

OMG!!! I just clicked on your pics - that floor-to-ceiling tile and archway are TO DIE FOR!!! I would KILL for that kitchen!

BTW, replacing windows in tiled walls like yours is very difficult. Are you getting "Replacement" windows (uses existing framing) or new windows? With new windows you will probably have to (try) to carefully remove the tile around the frame. Also, I assume your walls are plaster - the frames are literally plastered in and ripping out the old window frames will destroy the walls. Personally, I'd measure the inside of the existing frames and order a new window a bit smaller, just enough to use the old framing and level it out. The first new window we installed destroyed the plaster around it - the entire wall above and below just started to crumble, so I scored the plaster around all the other frames. In the bathroom we lost a couple of the tiles just below the sill, so we just installed a wider undersill to fill the space.

Honestly, based on your kitchen layout there is no reason to try to match the two kitchen windows - especially if they look good from outside. The archway creates a dramatic separation and the different heights look deliberate. Was that a butler's pantry? Or was there a stove in there? My grandmother's butler's pantry had tall cabinets with a window that started higher than the main kitchen window.

We are gutting the kitchen.

While I love the tile, the kitchen is not functional at all. The cabinets are disintegrating (seriously, the wood has been splitting on drawers, doors, base cabinets and most aren't usable). So nothing in this kitchen is staying LOL.

Kudos to you for considering how window placement and scale will look from the exterior! It is one of my big pet peeves that half the architects in America (or maybe just the builders) seem to totally ignore how windows impact the exterior view other than from the almighty-must-have-mcmanasion-curb-appeal-front!

It is really tough to make window placement work inside AND out. Id almost need to see an exterior shot w proposed changes! I will say this though, more and bigger windows are always better.

Oh yeah, and the tile --- well its what all of us are trying to make our new tile look like! If you are in the NE there is a market for that tile, even used.

Saw, an option to throw into the mix: Design the interior to best suit yourselves and plant shrubs and/or trees as necessary to add grace to the exterior. Just another brush to paint a beautiful picture with.

Plus, many exteriors that need no visual trickery to correct defects still benefit tremendously by using plants to add depth, mystery, variety to their exposure and set off the more special portions. For instance--on paper--the existing layout might benefit nicely from a small tree by the bathroom/playroom corner, setting that wall back in leafy green shadow behind the charming view the tree and its underplantings create, while accenting the exterior to each side.

I'll try to take a picture of the back of the house tomorrow.

DH is worried about having countertop windows.

I am in the NE. I would love the sell the tile but doubt it would last during reno!