To Curtain or Not to Curtain

My little brain is rather preoccupied with household things these days. Not much room in there for deep thinking right now. So...about the curtains. I have never had a home without curtains in every window. They speak warmth and coziness to me. I had fully intended to get lovely new curtains at some point. I even sent away for catalogs with beautiful country curtains and sheer elegant panels for the bay window.

However, when I looked closely at the beautiful cornice work over every window I began to have second thoughts. Should I really cover them up?

Not being gifted in the home decorating arena, I decided I'd better ask the advice of some trusted friends.

So trusted friends. What do you think? Curtains or no curtains? I am open to any and all suggestions.

All of the windows look like this: the kitchen

one of the living room windows

The bay window in the bedroom

a close-up of the cornice (is that the correct term?)

Thank you so much. I feel just a bit silly, but really - I just need help.

Blessings,
Linda