Kitchen layout with an awkward corner window

8 years ago

Houzz community, I need your help! I'm trying to figure out how to configure our kitchen around a window in the corner without having to just leave an empty space, like there currently is.

We recently bought an old brick farmhouse and we are going to replace the cabinets/floor/appliances. An Amish friend of ours will be making the cabinets, so we don't really have any professional design help. The window trim sits 23 inches from the floor. There's no way to push the wall back and I cannot change the size of the window. I have seen designs where people do benches to sit on under low windows, but I'm not sure if that's the way I want to go. Any help/ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! (The problem window is the one next to the sink).

Featured Answer

Melissa Guinness

8 years ago

You could do a corner kitchen sink where you drop the counter behind the sink to the window sill level and use it for plants. This one isn't in a corner, but you get the idea. I have a low window sills in my kitchen too. I dropped the counter height in front of them. The lower counter height is perfect for rolling dough and kids!

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Comments (16)

sheloveslayouts
8 years ago
You can use freestanding furniture. You need counterspace! I wouldn't compromise a proper 36" high worktop around your range and sink.

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apple_pie_order
8 years ago
Can you raise the windows, not make them smaller? Or put the two together on the left side of the stove? Otherwise, the usual solution is to finish the back of the new cabinets (to prevent stuff falling from the counter to the windowsill to inside the cabinets and install them in front of the windows with a shelf at windowsill height. The cabinet backs can be painted black, brick color, or window trim color to minimize their appearance through the windows from outside.
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Melissa Guinness
8 years ago
Not my kitchen, but this would work for you! Put the sink in front of the left window with drop down counter behind it (it's nice to wash dishes looking out the window) and lower counter under the corner window.
Michele Butler
Original Author
8 years ago
I'm doing the sink in the other window! I just loved that idea
Michele Butler
Original Author
8 years ago
and I can't raise the windows at all. It would look terrible from the outsife, just because I couldnt rebrick. I'm trying to keep from covering the window in any way
Melissa Guinness
8 years ago
Which one? Right or left?
Melissa Guinness
8 years ago
Melissa Guinness
8 years ago
Frost the glass so it can't be seen from outside. Will you window lower from the top down? That's what I do with mine.
Michele Butler
Original Author
8 years ago
You guys are the best! The photo with the slightly lowered counter by the corner is exactly what I was thinking, but I have never seen it done. I'm still considering other options though!
Melissa Guinness
8 years ago
I think you'll be happy with that. I love my lower counter section! Be sure to let us know your final plan and post "after" pics!
Melissa Guinness
8 years ago
sheloveslayouts
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
How tall are you, Michele? I'm almost 5'8" and a lower than standard counter would totally torture me.
Michele Butler
Original Author
8 years ago
I'm only 5'3, so it wouldn't be terrible for me, and I know my husband won't be doing anything in the kitchen However, we aren't planning on living here forever, so perhaps it would be an issue for someone who bought it?
yvonnecmartin
8 years ago
Even a taller person might like a lower counter section for rolling out dough or even frosting a cake.
sheloveslayouts
8 years ago
You should do what's best for you. I've updated two homes, always considering what has "mass appeal" for resale and both buyers ended up ripping out a lot of stuff anyway.

In college I worked in a bakery and the giant work bench and the decorating station was a standard 36", but I've read here that people like "baking stations" (in marble?) at a lower level.