Casements are definitely not out of style. They rate higher energy efficiency numbers than a comparable double hung due to their lower rate of air infiltration. Living in an urban area with HOA's restricts many homeowners to replacing new windows with like style. If you don't have that restriction, I'd recommend installing casements or perhaps a Bay/Bow window.

I agree with the dawg - casements are not out of style. In fact most high-end contemporary homes I see have casements instead of double hungs.

You are correct that casements afford a less cluttered view since there is not a horizontal line ("checkrail") in the middle of the unit. One thing that you may wish to consider that offers even a better view is one of the casement screen alternatives that is out there. More and more manufacturers offer a retractable screen on their casements. Others offer an optional high-transparency screen (almost invisible with very thin but strong strands of screening). With a standard screen in place the typical daylight transmission is only about 60%. By using a retractable screen or high transparency screen you get a much better view. Of course, you could always take the screens out for the Winter like many do.

We also have banks of mulled-together Casements for better views. They can be specified to open in specific manner in order to redirect seasonal breezes into the house. This further reduces cooling cost. It is something worth considering.

We had a window wall in a great room overlooking water that was 9 double hung windows which we replaced with three large picture windows with 2 small casement windows for air. Normally windows are closed with air conditioning or heat. People who come into the room immediately comment on the windows. If you want a great view the large picture windows have NO dividers or frame to bloci the view.

I will be installing a bay window over my kitchen sink with casement windows on either side. I love the idea of retractable screens (though I don't know how I will ever which them, without climbing on the counter!), but regardless, I think retractable screens are a good idea. My windows do not come with them. Any links to sources online?
Thanks for your help.

I am window opening kind of guy, and the best type of window for opening is an *inswing* casement - it's just like opening a door. The drawback is that, like a door, it can cause an obstruction that must be accommodated.

OTOH, I don't care for the outswing casements at all. The dinky little knob to crank it out is a pain to operate, but a push-out outswing would not have this problem (but would also be a problem for anyone with short arms.) And there is the hokey way that screens are implemented, unlike the inswing, which is on the outside like for a sash. If egress is an issue, the outswing casements are not as good as an inswing, and a rather wide window would be needed for the 20" egress width.

The sash window, while plain is actually good in all respects, except that generally manufacturers make them difficult to open. And of course, the ventilation (and egress) profile is only one-half the size, unlike the casements.