Use casement windows. Usually you would do the middle fixed and the left and right units as operable casements, opening in different directions. You could also change the scale and do a wider fixed window in the middle with narrower operable casements on each side.

Do you ever open the window behind sink? Understand the nice unobstructed view but for me, it would be a plus to have a window I could open in kitchen in spring & summer or when I wanted to air things out due to a cooking mishap or particularly fragrant something being cooked.

I like Chispa's idea of a larger window in the middle flanked by casements that open on either side.

I like unobstructed views too and in one house I lived in, I would remove the screens and store them until summer.

My daughter put two operable casement windows in her bathroom even though she hardly ever opens the windows in her house. She still wanted to have that choice.

I really like Chispa's idea too! I would not have thought of that. Thx!!

It can be so great to open a window, especially in the kitchen. Two things: 1. I despise casements. They are difficult to open especially if, like me, you are not tall. The force you exert to twirl those ridiculous handles just doesn’t work for me from a lower angle. I’d get a slider for the operable windows. 2. It will cost more, but have you considered getting taller windows? Now is your chance. You will probably take your cabinets up to the ceiling, why not take the windows up a bit higher as well? You will need new headers.

I prefer casements mostly b/c they're easier to open than trying to reach over the sink and counter to lift/drop double-hung windows when opening. I've had both and prefer the casement. Supposedly casement are also more energy efficient and have better seals than double-hung.

If you're replacing the windows, consider dropping the window to counter-height (that would also make it easier to reach the crank -- by a few inches). Something like this:

ErikaNH's Kitchen:

Another example:

GGKLS's Kitchen

A bay window might be nice if you have the window installed down to the counter. It is nice to have that extra room behind the faucet.

Definitely windows that open. I prefer sliders, but casement with the handle to open would be ok with me too. Definitely not double hung. I have one of those, and even though, it opens very easily, its more difficult for me, since I am short.

I notice you have 4 inch back on your existing countertops. Please make sure the new countertops do not have that 4 inch strip at the back, if you are planning on a backsplash.

Based on the picture window you already enjoy and your priority of views, I'd save potentially thousand or more to allocate towards other areas of your reno. Single picture window. I'd also picture frame it like you have for the other window. It makes the view more like an artwork. If you want to spend more you can determine how much exterior finish work would cost if you reduced the overall size of the window. In other words, what would you have spec'd if you were choosing from scratch.

Yes, the 4" backsplash will go when we put the new cabinets and countertop in. I was also considering a picture window with 2 small awning windows below. We don't really open the windows very often, but it's nice to have the option.

I don't want to reinvent the wheel and change the wood molding since it matches the rest of the house.

I found this picture and think this might be a good option. What do you think?

it depends. I might like to return some of those window inches to wall for the purpose of wall storage....more would be known if you show the kitchen plan. there is a lot to consider w windows....the light you gain...the air circulation and the air cupping you get or not w the open pane . offhand I would take it down to a double casement , eliminating the glass area on the right. I cant tell if the hinges are better on the outside or both hinged on the right..... I might place faucet and sink under the right side of a double casement .

This is what it looks like now.

This is the direction we are headed. Lowers will have some drawers and the current island has drawers so I don't need more wall storage.

keep what you have then...the issue of operative or not..and hinged on what side really depends on how the air flows in and what you are trying to achieve. I dont personally like a lot of gusts of air in the kitchen so you have to figure out if hinging on one side or the other makes more sense ..maybe just the one operable at the sink as a little air circulation there makes sense and the other two fixed. You can always get all operable and plan that you favour opening 1 or 2 primarily. You have tree canopy so leaving window treatments off makes sense to enhance light. ...they do have coatings to cut glare which I appreciate as I dont care for glare. and we've removed 2 large trees recently [conditions do change over time] .there are solar shades too.

Just coming back to say that I went with Chispa's idea and put a deposit on new kitchen casement windows in a 1/4-1/2-1/4 configuration. I am glad I asked here, otherwise I would have not thought to change the 1/3-1/3-1/3 configuration. The new windows will be much more energy efficient than the current 1971, single panes that are there now.

They are 4 months out from install, due to the color on the outside of the house, which is not a standard color. Next year when it's zero degrees I will notice the difference. Tomorrow when it's zero degrees, I will wish I had done it sooner.

Gardengrl, what are your countertops and sink, soapstone? I love them but I am afraid of all black. My mom had a black granite that showed every crumb. Yours are beautiful and I love the butcher block with the knife slots, where did you have these made?

The soapstone looks blacker than it is IRL. There's a lot of variation and you don't see the crumbs, marks from drink glasses etc. unless you are really close (which is only me in our home!) Besides there are all sorts of soapstones and you can pick a color and texture that works for you. I chose it for all the reasons you will see here on Houzz discussions: It is absolutely bulletproof; I put hot baking sheets and pots/pans right on it. No worries about spilling stain-y things. And the soft feel can't be beat.

My contractor made the butcher block. I showed him pics of the knife slots I found here on Houzz, we walked through how to make it and voila! Cherry and walnut is what we chose. It is great cause I don't like having things on the counter (like a knife block) but also am not a fan of having them all in a drawer. This works perfect. It is heavy, but not glued in so I can pull it out and clean if I ever need to (which so far, I haven't)

The butcher block looks like it is flush with the soapstone countertop, is it not? I thought from the picture that the butcher block was inserted between the soapstone. Does the soapstone run underneath the the butcher block? It's very nice!!

Yes it is as flush as we could make it. I had the cabinets dropped a couple of inches so the nice thick wood could fit in there. Here's a pic of the setup before the butcher block went in:

Are they Andersen windows? You can buy new insulated sash to fit from Andersen.

They are not Andersen. There are no manufacturing markings anywhere, not on the frame, glass, or hardware. One window company said they are Pella.