A kitchen remodel provides the perfect opportunity to rethink how you use windows in your cooking space. Windows allow natural light to fill the room, provide beautiful views, and create an airy, open feel. When designing your new kitchen, consider creative ways to maximize and enhance your windows to create an inviting and functional space.
Select the Right Window Styles
The style of windows you choose can dramatically impact the look and feel of your kitchen. Consider the following window types to match your aesthetic and needs:
Bay Windows
Bay windows are comprised of three separate windows joined together in an alcove that juts out from the wall. This window style adds architectural interest, provides sweeping views, and allows ample natural light into the space. Bay windows are ideal for creating a breakfast nook or banquette dining area in the kitchen. Add built-in bench seating and storage underneath to maximize the space.
Picture Windows
Picture windows are large, single panes designed to frame an outdoor view. Often flanked by smaller windows, picture windows are striking focal points. Use one above the kitchen sink to provide pleasing views while washing dishes. Or position a picture window behind an eat-at island to connect the kitchen to the outdoors.
Double Hung
Double hung windows have an upper and lower sash that slide open vertically. This traditional style works well for ventilation. Group several double hung windows together to form a bright focal wall showcasing views of the backyard.
Casement
Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outward like a door. Grouped in pairs or threes, casement windows lend a charming cottage feel. Select casement windows to maximize airflow above counters and appliances.
Transom
Transom windows are positioned above interior doors or larger windows. They function as pretty architectural accents that usher in additional daylight. Transoms help make small kitchens feel more spacious and airy.
Strategic Window Placement
Thoughtful window placement is key to creating a functional, inviting kitchen:
Sink Area
Position windows above or near the kitchen sink to provide pleasing views while tackling dishes. Plenty of natural light in this high-traffic area creates an uplifting workspace.
Main Work Triangle
Situate generous windows throughout the main kitchen work triangle between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Abundant daylight makes meal prep safer and more enjoyable.
Dining Area
Frame windows around an eat-in dining area or breakfast nook. Views and sunlight will entice you to linger longer over morning coffee and family dinners.
Ventilation
Casement windows near the stovetop provide cross breezes to whisk away steam, smoke, and cooking odors. Strategic ventilation windows improve air quality.
Traffic Areas
Windows by the kitchen doorway and other high-traffic zones make the space feel open and airy upon entry. Well-placed windows create an inviting passageway.
Stylish Window Treatments
Dress up your windows with stylish treatments tailored to the kitchen space:
Cafe Curtains
Cafe curtains cover the lower half of the window while letting light filter through the upper portion. These short curtains lend a casual, intimate feel.
Roman Shades
Roman shades offer gentle diffused lighting when raised and full block-out coverage when lowered. Their clean, tailored look complements any kitchen.
Roller Shades
Discreet roller shades easily roll up and down to control lighting and privacy as needed. Add child safety features for households with young ones.
Bamboo Shades
Made from natural slats of bamboo, these shades lend a breezy, earthy look and filter light softly. Bamboo is moisture-resistant and easy to clean.
Sheers
Sheer curtains softly filter light while allowing for visibility and airflow. Layer sheers behind more opaque curtains or shades to still enjoy daylight.
Innovative Built-In Window Seating
Transform unused space below windows into handy seating nooks:
Storage Benches
Build out a custom bench seat with storage cubbies underneath the window. Lidded benches keep extras like placemats and kitchen linens organized but easily accessible.
Cushioned Seat
For a simple solution, build a box frame under the window, top it with plywood, then add a custom cushion for comfy seating. Include a hinged lid for access to storage.
Bookshelves
Flank a window with bookshelves, then top with a decorative cushion to create a cozy reading nook. Add drawers or baskets for concealed storage.
Desk Nook
Use the space below a window as a built-in desk area. This is perfect for a kitchen homework station or standing laptop nook.
Table Extension
Extend an area rug and dining table below a window to form a temporary banquette. Flank with large floor cushions for plush seating.
Creative Window Display Solutions
Take advantage of your kitchen windows to display your favorite items:
Herb Garden
Turn a bay window into a mini greenhouse for nurturing an indoor herb garden. The natural light is ideal for growing basil, parsley, oregano and more.
Windowsill Planters
Line windowsills with small planters of flowers, succulents or trailing greenery. Keep choices low-maintenance and frost-tolerant if windows are cold.
Fruit Centerpiece
Create a stunning and edible centerpiece by arranging fresh fruits like limes, oranges or lemons in a decorative bowl in the window.
Display Shelves
Flank a window with open shelves to display your vintage dishware or colored glassware. The sunlight streaming through items creates pretty shadows.
Art Display
Hang an eye-catching piece of art in front of a kitchen window as a unique alternative to window treatments. Rotate pieces seasonally.
Let the Light In: Skylights & Other Solutions
In addition to traditional windows, also consider these lighting options:
Skylights
Skylights are an excellent way to usher natural light into interior spaces lacking windows. They create bright, cheerful spaces ideal for working.
Glass Cabinet Doors
Swap solid cabinet fronts for glass doors to allow light to filter through and showcase pretty dishware. Glass front cabinets prevent a closed-in look.
Mirror Backsplash
Use large mirrors as a backsplash to reflect light around the space. Mirrored surfaces also lend the illusion of expanded room size.
Light Tunnels
Light tunnels funnel natural light through tubing from roof domes down into interior spaces. These tubes can direct needed daylight into any dark corners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creative Ways to Use Windows in a Kitchen Remodel
What are some window treatments well-suited for kitchens?
Some of the best window treatments for kitchens include machine-washable cafe curtains, easy-to-clean bamboo or faux wood blinds, moisture-resistant roller shades, and unfussy roman shades. Avoid ornate treatments that will trap grease and require special cleaning.
How can I create an eat-in breakfast nook using my kitchen windows?
Use a bay window area or space between two large windows to create a breakfast nook. Build a bench seat with storage below the windows. Top the seating area with comfortable cushions and an area rug. Add a small table and chairs or stools in the nook for casual dining beside the kitchen windows.
What are some ways to display plants or herbs in my kitchen windows?
You have several options for displaying plants and herbs in your kitchen windows. Use windowsill planters or hang small pots along the top of windows. Install shelving in bay windows for displaying larger potted plants. Also consider building a window box to mount outside below the window for growing herbs or flowers.
How can I create storage and seating under my kitchen windows?
Build out a base beneath your kitchen windows with bench seating and lidded storage. Or flank the windows with open shelving and top with plush cushions for a window seating and bookshelf nook. You can also install a desk or table area below the windows for homework or laptop use. Maximize the space!
What types of windows provide the most lighting in a kitchen?
Large picture windows, paired casement windows, and bay windows allow the most natural light into a kitchen space. For overhead lighting, consider adding skylights or solar tubes. Also try glass cabinet doors and mirrored backsplashes to reflect more light in the space.
Conclusion
The kitchen remodel provides the perfect opportunity to make the most of your windows. Whether selecting new stylish windows or incorporating window seating and storage, there are many creative ways to maximize these spaces. Strategically placed windows, along with the right window treatments, can make your kitchen feel more open, airy and connected to the outdoors. Use your windows to display beautiful greenery, or build window nooks ideal for casual dining. Incorporating nature and light are key ingredients in an inviting, enjoyable kitchen design. With a little creativity, your kitchen windows can be both functional and decorative focal points.
want-to-increase-house-value-try-these-kitchen-remodel-ideas
Kitchen remodels are one of the best investments for increasing your home’s value. An updated, attractive kitchen can yield a significant return when it’s time to sell. Whether planning a full gut renovation or a simple facelift, smart kitchen upgrades not only boost your quality of life at home, but also boost your home’s market value. Consider these kitchen remodel ideas to increase your house value.
Open Floor Plan
Knocking down walls to create an open concept kitchen greatly enhances livability and resale value. The open flow allows the cook to interact with family and guests, while letting light filter throughout the adjoining living spaces. Eliminate upper cabinets to open sightlines and make the space feel extra spacious.
Kitchen Island
Adding or enlarging a kitchen island is a worthwhile investment that pays dividends both now and later. Use an island to delineate the kitchen in a great room while providing additional counter and storage space. Opt for an oversized island for seating, entertaining and extra workspace. Roll-out trays and drawers maximize every inch.
Smart Cabinetry
Quality cabinetry with soft-close doors and drawers, along with organizational inserts and extras like pull-out spice racks show attention to detail. Timeless shaker style cabinet doors add substantial value and have widespread appeal to buyers. Include a built-in charging station in lower cabinets to meet modern needs.
Updated Countertops
Dated laminate counters can drastically drag down your kitchen value. Replace with durable quartz, granite, or solid surface materials. While higher priced countertops raise value, avoid ultra-high end options that narrow buyer appeal. New counters elevate kitchen style and buyers recognize their sturdiness.
Modern Appliances
Even if appliances are still functioning, outdated styles negatively affect buyers’ perceptions of the space. Sleek stainless steel appliances with matching finishes provide visual polish. Splurge on appealing statement pieces like a professional-grade range. Properly working appliances also signal maintenance and upkeep.
Contemporary Sink
An outdated single basin sink diminishes kitchen appeal. Replacing with an attractive apron-front, farmhouse or hammered metal sink makes the space look fresh and updated. New kitchen sinks are relatively affordable updates that modernize the whole room. Don’t overlook existing faucets; replacing visibly worn hardware makes an impact.
Improved Lighting
Ensure your kitchen lighting complements an updated aesthetic and provides ample task lighting. Pendants paired with recessed lighting create both overall and focused illumination. Use lighting to highlight beautiful new finishes and accentuate focal points like a stove backsplash. Lighting orchestrated in “layers” showcases the full kitchen beautifully.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Dingy outdated flooring screams remodel needed. Instead of outdated laminate or tile, upgrade with on-trend luxury vinyl plank flooring. Waterproof and scratch resistant, luxury vinyl resembles higher end finishes at a fraction of the price. New modern flooring pulls the whole new space together stylishly.
Neutral Backsplash
While bold backsplash designs are trendy, simple white or light gray backsplash tile has the widest buyer appeal. Clean lined subway tiles also help rooms feel light and spacious. Save bold backsplash choices like dramatic marble slabs for your forever home instead of a resale. Neutral backsplashes are unlikely to feel dated.
Storage Solutions
Lack of storage devalues kitchen spaces. Clever built-ins like pantry pull-outs, spice drawer organizers and kitchen cabinet lazy susans maximize utility. For smaller kitchens, consider extra-deep drawers for pots and pans in lieu of upper cabinets. No one ever complains of too much storage space!
With strategic planning, you can implement a beautiful, functional kitchen remodel well within your budget. Keep resale value in mind, but also create a kitchen that works perfectly for your needs today. Aim for classic finishes and versatile layouts to protect your investment and enjoy the space!
landscape-design-trends
Landscape design trends come and go, but a well-designed outdoor space will stand the test of time. When planning and installing new hardscaping, plantings, and features for your yard, keep these modern landscape design ideas in mind:
Natural, Sustainable Elements
Incorporating native plants, permeable hardscaping materials, and eco-conscious features like rain gardens or swales helps create a sustainable landscape. Using indigenous plants and trees that naturally thrive in your climate saves water while providing food sources and habitats for local wildlife.
Blur the Lines Between Indoors and Out
The 2021 trend is to seamlessly connect interior and exterior spaces for a fluid transition. Large retractable glass doors, combined with cohesive design elements on both sides of the threshold, makes indoor and outdoor areas feel like one unified space.
Multi-Functional Areas
Today’s landscapes integrate zones dedicated for entertaining, dining, play, gardening, storage, and more. Include a mix of active areas for recreation and relaxation as well as peaceful spots for solitude. Multi-functional components—such as dining tables with built-in planters or benches with storage—maximize every inch of yard.
Increased Edibles
Edible garden spaces continue gaining ground outside both front and backyards. In addition to traditional vegetable patches, creatively integrate fruits, herbs, and edible flowers throughout ornamental border plantings. Vertical gardens allow growing upwards where ground space is limited.
Fire Features
Once reserved for luxury landscapes, fire features have grown in popularity thanks to more affordable and customizable options. Modern linear fire pits, stand-alone fire columns, and fire bowls create cozy gathering areas and extend time outdoors. Fire and water are a captivating design pairing.
Unique Water Features
Water attracts people and wildlife and masks unwanted noise. While formal fountains and ponds remain popular, today’s water features also include simple recirculating waterwalls, modern terraced fountains, and naturalistic waterfalls and streams.
Bold Hardscaping
Hardscaping choices make a design statement. Mixing materials in complementary hues, or using extra-large pavers to minimize visible joints creates a seamless look. Geometric patterns, stacked stone walls, and gravel pathways replaced winding curves.
Strategic Lighting
Outdoor lighting illuminates paths and accentuates architectural or botanical features. Mix fixtures at varying heights—steps, posts, spotlights in trees—for depth and visual interest after dusk. Lighting creates an intimate, welcoming ambiance.
Purposeful Planting Design
Carefully orchestrated plantings enhance the design. Repeat key plants throughout the landscape to unify separate areas into a cohesive whole. Groupings of airy grasses and massing perennials and shrubs make a bolder statement.
By incorporating elements personalized to you and your site conditions, these trending landscape design concepts can be adapted to create a custom outdoor oasis with timeless appeal. Focus on flexible functionality and quality overquantity to maximize enjoyment of your landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscape Design Trends
What are some of the most popular plants used in modern landscapes?
Some plants commonly used in modern landscapes include grasses like maiden grass, sedges, ferns, hydrangeas, ornamental shrubs, flowering perennials like coneflowers and salvia, and smaller tree varieties well-suited for yards.
How can I add an edible component to my ornamental garden?
Tuck edibles amongst traditional plantings by adding borders of herbs or lettuces, underplanting fruits within shrub beds, and intermixing vegetables like kale or peppers with flowers and foliage plants. Also designate standalone raised beds for vegetables.
What types of hardscaping materials work well for contemporary designs?
Modern hardscaping materials include concrete pavers, decomposed granite, pea gravel, stacked stone, porcelain or ceramic tile, wood decking, and brick in geometric patterns. Permeable options like gravel and pavers help manage stormwater.
What are some budget-friendly ways to update my yard’s design?
Some affordable design updates include adding bold potted plants, painting hardscapes a modern color, installing trendy accent lighting, removing overgrown foundation shrubs and replacing with clean-lined ornamental grasses and perennials, and adding a fire column or water feature.
How can I get the most use out of my small yard?
Maximize small yards by condensing separate spaces, using multifunctional features like dining tables that also serve as potting benches, limiting turf grass, and going vertical with taller plants, trellises, wall plantings and tiered planters to layer interest in less square footage.
how-to-clean-a-smelly-garbage-disposal
If your garbage disposal starts to smell, it’s a sign of built-up food debris or contamination. Luckily, cleaning a smelly garbage disposal is easy with the right tools and techniques. Here are steps for how to freshen up your garbage disposal and eliminate odors:
Step 1: Unclog With a Disposal Wand
A clogged drain line is a common source of garbage disposal odors. Use a disposal wand cleaning tool to manually unclog the drain line attached to the disposal. Insert the wand into the drain opening and plunge up and down to loosen debris and clear clogs.