The top alignment of windows remains unchanged, even though their height might vary. That's pretty much an architectural standard. You want to mount windows as high in a home as you possibly can, because most of the light that comes in from a window comes in from above. The top half of any window brings in 2/3 of the light.

If you did windows that were the same overall sill height as the kitchen windows (which I would take down to the counter) then you could do a banquette with a built in back cushions in the dining space and that would give a nice symmetry to the look.

Too many windows in dinette: pick which wall you prefer for the larger amt of glass and place a triple casement, then on the other wall a smaller single casement.[transoms are your choice-a relative installed transoms over windows and later fitted them with fabric panels because it was too much glare in people's eyes-be careful with transoms-the light angles down in an unexpecting way] Above the counters I'd narrow the casements slightly and enlarge the 2 cabs-probably take them closer to ceiling-get them at least the same height as cab over fridge-but ceiling would be better. the top height of cabs would be better at a different line than window tops,as this looks modern and you want some juxtaposing. Love how it's "drawers" and the walls with minimal cabs.

I too thought it was an architectural standard. That said though, I currently have 2 heights of windows both in this area and in the master. Given that I've got a "line" for the windows with transoms, another with windows/doors, and then another with the cabinets, which line takes presadence? Why?

Your idea would work in other homes but wouldn't work as well in ours. We live on a lake, so not only do we look out, we tend to look down too. This is especially so, when we are in the kitchen and the lower window sills allow us a better view. That coupled with a door to the outside deck, bench seating would not work. I'd like to bring the kitchen windows down further but my DH thinks it's not worth the trouble. Time will tell.

I should have prefaced that we will not be changing out any of the other windows.

Though it doesn't look like it, all the cabinets are the same height, I guess that's what you get for free. I did design up cabinets and windows to the ceiling. Still considering it. It may though be too overpowering for the look we're going after.

Narrowing the windows would be emotionally difficult for me, but I would consider it. We had originally put the sink on the outside wall with a 6' window, but later switched things around. Though the narrower windows provide light, they don't give as much peripheral view especially standing 2' behind the countertops. Though your only talking a little narrower, Breezygirl was surprised that her 2' wide windows weren't as big as she thought they'd be (though her kitchen is beyond awesome).

Being that we're changing the architecture of the house, it's a bit scary. Mistakes can cost a lot of $$$ and headache to fix.

Herbflavor, thanks for the thumbs up on the layout.

Aloha- Did you actually hire an architect or KD to go over the space, with you? It might be a good idea. A lot of these questions are important and you're right...it is a LOT of money.

I think the larger windows are making the hood seem 'too small' relative to the windows and long countertop. The proportion just seems off. Now, I know this is software and I can't see the space in real life...but that's kind of the point. A KD or architect would be able to and give you some good advice as to how to finish the space.

As for the window heights...three seems kind of busy, but I can see where it's going to add expense to raise the windows and upper cabinets to be even with the transoms. Again...maybe time to bring in a professional.

You did mention Breezy's kitchen (which is beautiful) but notice the proportion of cooktop/hood to windows. Much better, IMHO. And, the windows over the sink bring in a wonderful amount of light too...much like your breakfast area :) {{!gwi}}From Kitchen plans

Hi Lavender!

I guess it's my mistrust from hearing stories about architects and KD that miss the obvious that makes me leary. I'll be visiting my SIL in a few weeks, who is an interior architect and I may ask her to check things out if she has a few minutes. I figure she wont' stear me wrong.

The hood in the pic is only 30" whereas IRL it will be 36" which will give it more significance. That said, I want a kitchen that doesn't look to kitcheny. I like the architecture of a vent but otherwise I prefer the kitchen more being an extension of the main living area and less like a kitchen if that makes sense.

I agree in the pic (perhaps I should get a better software package) that all those windows apprears too much. IRL though, it gives a feeling of a sun room with the wall at angles and not perpendicular as shown. It actually is probably my favorite spot to sit in the whole house, views surrounded by natural light.

I'm leaning toward taking the windows to the near top and countertop level. It will be more expensive but when it comes to more window, we're usually willing to go the extra $$$. With so many saying to narrow the windows down some, I'll give it more thought. With not being able to have a 36" vent with the software, it isn't fully reflective of the end result.

Here is a pic of the feel of what we'll end up with. This doesn't of course show the the extra windows in the kitchen, nor the higher ceiling in the area, especially the great room, nor the windows that are placed above the one in the dinette and great room windows. Seeing it all together (best pic I've ever seen though has many limitations), does anyone have any other thoughts?

[contemporary family room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-family-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_720~s_2103) by portland interior designer nicole helene designs

Aloha- I don't know what code is in your area, but have you seen this article?

Normally, people think you can only have windows over the sink... {{!gwi}}From Kitchen plans

Or maybe on either side of the range (cool green)... {{!gwi}}From Kitchen plans

But here's a kitchen with the windows, over the range! See link, below :) {{!gwi}}From Kitchen plans

Here is a link that might be useful: Link to windows over range article

You know, if that would work in my area, I'd think about switching the range and sink...and adding more windows! What a great look and can you imagine a pergola with roses or wisteria hanging down? Beautiful views, while you cook! :)

Thanks for posting the pics.

I think a huge bank of windows looks awesome in a kitchen. The biggest reason we decided to switch the sink and cooktop around (quite awhile ago), was to have the kitchen window less of a focal point for the overall area (something we changed our mind on in the design process).

The main views are in the great room and dinette nook to the north, with nice but not nearly as nice views to the west. We didn't want to have competing focal points, but we wanted the kitchen to blend with the surrounding area while still bringing in a lot of natural light. Having these new windows facing West was also a concern for afternoon sun. We'd need to have some kind of window treatment. A 6' window covering would have been hard enough to adjust as needed, little lone a much larger one.
The smaller 3' wide windows (and now maybe narrower) seemed like the perfect alternative.

We feel very comfortable with the layout, just the nitty gritty specifics like window size/height have to still be decided. I don't like to be under pressure to make decisions I will have to live with for years and years to come.

Aloha- I'm glad you like your plan, because it sounds like it's going to work perfectly, in your space. I thought you wanted the sink on the island (rather than the range) so that's why you had the smaller windows. I'm sure you've told me that before, but there are a LOT of kitchens, on the forum :)

I do want to thank you, though...since I found this idea, looking for pictures for your kitchen! (LOL) While I don't know if this is up to code in our are (trying to research it, now) it would be SO cool to have big windows, on both sides of the kithchen! Maybe those built-in blinds (between the two windows) would work best, over the range.

You're so fortunate to have a SIL that can help you with your plan. Oh, and I think the taller windows are a good idea!

Lavender, we initially wanted the cooktop on the island as we had that in our last remodel (when are we going to learn to stop remodeling things). When we really examined how we cooked it was then we realized, we prepped by the cooktop not because the cooktop was there but because it was open. Flipping the sink and cooktop, gave us the ability to more balance out the area. Posting the pic of an area that will resemble our open area, you can see that if we were to place a large window in the kitchen, it would likely compete for the North views. We also were lucky enough to come along 3 awesome pendants worth $1000 for $150 which will give the area some deliniation w/o closing it off.

For our purposes, even if we could pass code to get a window above the cooktop, I don't think we'd want that much of a focal point. Having windows on both sides of your kitchen would be beyond awesome. You've shared pictures of your acreage and what a great way to bring the outside in. From what I remember, I thought your kitchen was in the middle of your house though overlooking onto the dining room. Would you be able to include more windows.

Here's the kitchen with the taller windows before a placed a qua si dinette next to it.

If you can imagine the dinette and great room in there to do you think that looks better?

Aloha,
If I am not too late and...

I like the transom(celestory?) over the standard windows.
I think you should price out the transom over the existing windows without transom (celestory)....

Personally, I would NOT do any cabinets on that wall. Those cabinets look like orphans. I would center the windows on that wall and nix the cabs. You want the open wall to balance out the heavy wall of solid cabs.