Let There Be Light! Kitchen Window Ideas

The kitchen window - one of the most important features in our kitchens! Windows are powerful players in the kitchen...they provide light, a connection to the outdoors, a green catalyst to control temperature in the kitchen, depending on the window's directional exposure, and of course, great architectural interest in terms of proportion and style.

We love windows, but we also must consider the view! What if you simply do not have a good view or you want windows but privacy too? Landscaping designed to your needs in the form of a garden (hollyhocks, Joe Pye Weed, Rudbeckia Maxima, 3 tall examples) or tall shrubbery is a great solution to soften a view or to add privacy. Windows located higher on the wall is another, along with the addition of skylights. Specialty window treatments offering privacy and light are a great option too.

Windows need to be seen in drawings in elevation to fully understand their proportion to the other elements in your kitchen. I often draw different sizes and types of windows in my kitchens, as the look changes dramatically from one type of window to another. The aesthetics from the outdoors also need top consideration. Hand in hand with window type is the proximity of window ventilation in the overall window design. A fixed picture window without the ability to have fresh air completely changes the window experience! Window casing and hardware options, window grills, true divided lights or not, not to mention finishes, send a strong message about the style of your kitchen. Look at images over and over to begin to find a consistent point of view that you feel comfortable with.