Good designers know that it’s important for a kitchen design to include “visual moments”, which are unique and striking visual elements. These serve as anchor points, anchoring the entire design. The orientation and features of the room will determine how and where you place these moments. Few kitchens are alike, from the size of the space to its structural elements. Many kitchens do have a window, but how you use it can make or break the design.

Most designers love the idea of designing around a window or two in their kitchen. A window is a welcome addition to the kitchen, especially with the abundance of cabinets lining the walls. It also lets in natural light, which is a great benefit. Natural light can bring a sense of life and reality to a space that artificial lighting cannot. Kitchen designers are always looking for ways to highlight a window.

It is a classic idea to place the sink under a window, since most people enjoy looking out while they are washing dishes or cooking. There are other ways of bringing a kitchen’s window to life. Most involve bringing the attention up to eye-level. A good designer can make a kitchen window look beautiful and functional.

 

 

  • Frame a focal point for your kitchen with windows

    Consider using multiple windows in the kitchen to frame an interesting feature such as a range hood. This technique works well with kitchens that feature designer range hoods and commercial-grade ranges. This feature, which is framed by windows, can create a focal wall in the kitchen, especially if it’s highlighted with a special treatment like black subway tiles.

    This example shows how industrial shelves installed above the windows can add a visual punch.

    The windows can highlight a range hood, kitchen sink, wine rack or eating nook.

     

  • Integrate Windows with the Range Hood

    Consider a range hood custom designed to blend in with the windows. This kitchen is a great example. A window is placed over the custom-designed hood. Two additional windows frame the sides.

    Don’t limit yourself to the traditional options in a kitchen. A complete remodel can offer you many unique window placements.

     

  • Steel Window Look

    The kitchen is a great place to use windows that are framed in steel or aluminum-look steel. They are a natural choice for modern decor but can be combined with traditional accents and cabinetry. The black metal windows in this example create a dramatic contrast to the lighter cabinets. The effect could be just as good with gray or a dark cabinet color. Consider painting your existing wood mullions to create a similar effect if you don’t want to install new steel-framed window frames.

     

  • Create a cabinetry bridge across a window

    Cabinetry is a major part of the kitchen. Integrating the cabinetry with the window can give the room a custom and fluid look. A cabinetry valance is installed in this example to connect the two wall cabinets flanking the large central window. This particular valance mimics curve of window, creating symmetry. It also maximizes natural light.

     

  • Include Decorative Sashes

    You can make your kitchen window decorative by using unique sashes and ornamental glasswork. This is a great option if your kitchen window has only one, usually over the sink. Design options are often limited. This single window can be made to stand out in your kitchen with decorative mullions, leaded or stained-glass and decorative mullions. Since years, this technique has been used to create windows 

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