they are perfect as is. i like that trim to show, so inside mount is good. and you dont want them hanging down into your dishwater, sill length is great.

Curtains wouldn't be my first choice with the crank mechanism for the windows. The hem line will not sit right and will get dirty. What is the view? If curtains aren't necessary, I'd do without.

I agree with adivra, no curtains. If you need them, maybe cafe curtains with clip rings? The length is good, hitting at the windowsill.

curtains aren't my first choice either, actually! the view is water as far as you can see. the problem is in the late afternoon, when dinner is being made and the sun is setting it RIGHT smack in your face if you are at the sink, at the stove, using the microwave, etc. So it's more of a practical issue.

what would be the benefit to the clip rings?

The clip rings would be something different, rather than the tab tops. You could do white to match the appliances or maybe silver to match the faucet.

ohhh nouter you need a solar shade! i have one in my full facing west kitchen... you can see the trees and pool through the shade but the sun is fine when i'm at the sink. check them out, mine is on a chain roller mechanism.

Clip rings operate more easily than tabs.

Personally...I don't like clip rings...they look like a quick fix, a temporary thing or laundry hanging...you can get rings with an "eye" that you put drapery hooks through. But I think here, with an inside mount install, a roman shade would be best

I love exactly what you have! How wonderful to have a water view. You probably would have better sun protection in the afternoon if you just added a lining to the existing curtains. Very simple, no big cost. Your woodwork is beautiful, let it show as you have.

Since you have a lovely beach vibe going on , maybe double hung shutters? You can fold them back. I don't know if they would work with casement windows however.

I would just do a pretty, colorful valance. Full Curtains in the kitchen don't make sense.