Our contractor wanted to surround a window with the backsplash tile (probably because it would be more $$ in his pocket,) but I started thinking... how do I put blinds or curtains there? What can I hang over the tile on the sides?

So, not doing it. 6" backsplash is all I want under those windows. It would drive me up the wall if he did the entire window wall!

Those kitchens are fabulous, Purplepansies (love your name). Thank you.
I remember a picture of a kitchen that must have been right off a sidewalk or some such thing. It had a similar band of windows with a thin planting of bamboo running along them outside that provided virtually complete privacy. It was beautiful and I think about as close to fine art as one can come in kitchen design.