A bright and airy kitchen with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking lush forest views is the ultimate dream for many homeowners. This week’s featured kitchen offers just that – incredible views of the surrounding woods through oversized windows that make you feel like you’re part of the landscape. Let’s explore what makes this kitchen of the week such a superstar.
Taking Advantage of the Views
The homeowners for this gorgeous kitchen wanted to capitalize on the beautiful wooded views outside their home. By installing sets of tall, wide windows along two adjoining walls, they created the effect of being immersed in nature right from their kitchen.
The windows stretch from counter height all the way to the ceiling, flooding the space with natural light during the day. At night, the windows become like dark mirrors reflecting the interior lights back into the room. The views lend a magical, almost ethereal atmosphere to the space.
Maximize Natural Light
Floor-to-ceiling windows are an excellent way to maximize natural sunlight in a home. Sunlight has many benefits:
- Improves mood and energy levels
- Reduces eyestrain
- Lowers utility bills by reducing the need for artificial lighting
- Provides vitamin D essential for health
- Enhances curb appeal and creates an inviting atmosphere
When planning a kitchen remodel or new home build, consider adding tall windows to capture more daylight. Place windows on multiple walls to disperse light evenly throughout the space.
Frame Beautiful Scenic Views
Windows that stretch from floor to ceiling beautifully frame outdoor scenery. Homes nestled in woodlands, overlooking lakes or oceans, with mountain backdrops or other attractive landscapes are perfect candidates for superstar windows.
Frame the most aesthetically pleasing views through large window banks. Use curtains or blinds to block any less attractive sights. This provides stunning visuals from the kitchen sink, prep areas, and table.
Carefully consider sight lines when designing the kitchen layout. Position the sink, stove, and prep zones to have direct views out the main windows. This connects the indoor cooking areas to the outdoor environment.
Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Transition
The seamless transition from indoor kitchen to the outdoor setting is facilitated by the expansive windows. It creates a feeling of being one with nature.
Large sliding glass doors adjoining the windows enhance this effect. When open, they eliminate the boundaries between inside and outside. This fluid transition is perfect for entertaining. Guests can easily flow between the kitchen, outdoor dining spaces, patios and decks.
Complementary Design Elements
Several other design factors perfectly complement the superstar windows to create a stunning, light-filled kitchen.
Bright White Palette
A bright white color palette keeps the space feeling open and airy. Crisp white cabinetry, quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, and trim prevent the design from feeling too heavy or dark.
The reflective white surfaces also bounce daylight around the interior to amplify the sunlight streaming through the tall windows. This creates a welcoming glow throughout the kitchen.
Mirrored Backsplashes
Behind the cooktop area, the designers installed mirrored subway tile backsplashes. This reflective surface creates the illusion of more space and light. The mirrors also pick up the lush green views from the windows and reflect those colors back into the room.
Mirrored backsplashes like this work especially well in rooms with beautiful outdoor views. The mirrors reflect the scenery indoors from different angles, almost like art.
Light Floors
Hardwood floors in a very pale whitewashed oak finish help maintain the light and bright ambiance. Darker floors would have absorbed too much light and made the space feel smaller. The light planks reflect daylight and don’t compete with the dramatic views outside the windows.
Hidden LED Lighting
Though the windows provide abundant daylight, the kitchen is also outfitted with LED lighting hidden throughout the cabinetry. This provides ample task lighting for food prep and clean up during darker morning and evening hours.
The undercabinet lighting casts a pleasant glow on the quartz countertops without competing with the sunlight streaming through the windows. The overall effect is plenty of diffuse lighting.
Window Styles to Consider
When designing a kitchen with superstar windows like this, carefully select window styles to match your home’s architecture. Here are some top options:
Floor to Ceiling Sliders
Theseoffer unobstructed views and a seamless transition to outdoor patios or decks. Available in single, double, or triple panel configurations. Sliders stack when opened to leave large unobstructed openings. Available in numerous materials from aluminum to wood.
French Doors
Features double doors mounted on a frame. Made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass. Open them wide to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. Often used in pairs to create a stunning wall of glass.
Picture Windows
Single, large fixed panes of glass. Available in many shapes – rectangles, circles, triangles. Great for framing beautiful static views. Can be combined with opening windows.
Garden Windows
Small protruding windows with multiple glass panes set in a metal or wood frame. Typically installed above kitchen sinks or prep areas. Let in light from multiple angles. Some models have opening side windows for ventilation.
Truss Frame Windows
Crisp, modern option. Thin metal frames create an almost frameless look to showcase outdoor views. Available in many configurations and sizes. Streamlined style complements contemporary homes.
Perfecting the Interior Design
To create a cohesive, welcoming ambiance with superstar windows, pay close attention to the surrounding interior design details.
Furniture Placement
Arrange furnishings to take advantage of sightlines to the windows. Float the dining table near the windows for pleasant views while eating. Angle kitchen island and prep zones for visibility.
Window Treatments
Use drapes, shades, and blinds to modulate light and privacy. Cafe curtains, wood blinds, and natural linen drapes work well in casual kitchens. For modern spaces consider sleek wood blinds and unobtrusive metal shades.
Decor Touches
Add window boxes, plants, and greenery to further connect indoors and outdoors. Crystal chandeliers or pendant lights refract sunlight in dazzling ways. Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, wicker, and rattan.
Wall Finishes
Paint or stain walls in light neutrals so as not to compete with the views outdoors. Add architectural interest with tongue and groove millwork, beadboard wainscoting, or texture wallpaper.
Unique Kitchen Island Ideas
No kitchen is complete without a functional, well-designed island. Here are some great ideas to consider:
Butcher Block Island
Classic farmhouse style. A thick wood butcher block countertop makes a durable and handsome prep space. Add a bar sink, pendant lights, and barstools for casual dining.
Waterfall Island
For a contemporary look, clad the island sides in the same quartz as the countertop. The stone “waterfalling” down the sides makes a sleek statement. Illuminate with LED strips.
Rustic Wood Island
Bring warmth to the space with an island made from old barn wood or reclaimed oak beams. Contrasts beautifully with the clean lines of modern cabinetry.
Curved Island
Make a fluid connection to the outdoors with an organic curved island. Soften a kitchen dominated by hard edges and right angles.
Appliance Garage Island
Conceal small appliances in a designated garage cabinet with roll top door. Keep counters free of clutter while cooking.
Entertainment Island
Outfit one end of the island with a sink, stovetop, and other appliances. Use the other end for bar seating and entertaining. Add features like drink refrigerators, wine racks, and glassware storage.
Questions Homeowners Often Ask
Superstar windows may seem like a dream, but they are achievable with smart planning. Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have:
Are floor-to-ceiling windows expensive?
They often cost more than standard windows due to larger sizes, structural considerations, custom fabrications. But they add significant value by opening up views, daylight, and beauty. Consider them an investment that pays off in enjoyment and resale value.
Do tall windows cause heat or cooling loss?
They can lead to increased energy use if not properly insulating. Select energy efficient window materials like double/triple glazing. Close drapes/blinds to reduce heat gain/loss. Consider high efficiency HVAC systems. The benefits of abundant natural light often outweigh slight increases in energy use.
What about privacy from neighbors?
Carefully consider sightlines to neighboring homes when planning layout. Use drapes, blinds, and strategic landscaping for screening. Windows high above eye level prevent peering in from outside. If privacy is a major concern, limit windows on sides facing other properties.
How to clean tall windows safely?
Use telescoping extension rods with squeegee and soft scrub brush attachments. Rinse with pure water, wiping in circular strokes. Or hire professional window cleaning services equipped with ladders and reach tools.
Do I need planning permission for large windows?
Building codes vary regionally. Many dictate maximum window coverage as percentage of wall space. Check with your local building department early in the design process. They may require submissions showing window sizes and locations.
Achieve the Dream Kitchen
A kitchen with superstar windows can create a relaxing, inspiring space for cooking, entertaining, and connecting with nature. Careful planning is needed to integrate oversized windows into kitchen design both structurally and aesthetically. The end result is well worth the effort. A kitchen bathed in natural light and filled with verdant views is truly a room that both home cooks and guests will adore.
Conclusion
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