Hi, I have to decide how to frame kitchen window (see the black picture window pic) with tile. I decided I did want tile up to the ceiling, but there is about a 3.5 width of wall between the window and the flanking cabinets. I have picked out white 2x12 subway tile (I'm not completely married to this idea, but I like the longer look of the tile with the shaker cabinets and less busy than the smaller 3x6's). I was also no planning a sill because of the modern-style of the window and it already will have a 4 inch sill with the inside trim. I also do NOT want tile inside the window trim area, only on the outside of the window. I came to the conclusion after looking at ideas that I had these three options:

1. put a thick frame around the window (shaker style trim) and then simply complete the wall above the window and below the window with tile and continue into the backsplash for the rest of the kitchen. Downside on this idea is that I looked at pictures (see attached) with this approach and the windows framing looks thick to me, takes away from the window and is not fluid with the tile flowing from counter to ceiling.

2. make a small window trim around the window (about 1&1/2"), then do vertical and horisontal "frame" of tile (with mitar corner cut) around the window, following by resuming the brick pattern subway tile up to the ceiling and the rest of the backsplash (see attachment).

3. do a modest inside trim that protrudes about 1/2 inch, then tile right up to that edge, essentially having no window wood trim. Keeping the tiles horizontal which would create a "stacked" effect in those 3.5 inch spaces flanking the window, but will resume the flow of the brick pattern subway tile above and beneath the window (see attachment).

Keeping in mind I have about 3.5 inches to work with on the sides, I'm leaning toward option 3 - would love to know your advice!!! (also any suggestions on grout color per the tile recommendation dark vs. light). I want the window to stand out but not be overpowered.

Pic one - MY CURRENT KITCHEN Window

Pic two - a window with THICK trim

pic three - small wood frame, then vertical tile around the window to "frame" it

pic four - small wood jam around inner window and tile up to the jam creating the need to "stack" tile up the two vertical sides of the window

pic four - shows tile "stacked" tile along vertical sides of window since it's such a small space.