A kitchen with a view can be the crown jewel of a home. Floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights and open-concept designs allow light to pour in, seamlessly connecting the indoors with nature outside. The key is maximizing those views through strategic layouts and sparse decor. Sleek, modern kitchens keep the focus on what lies beyond the walls. Simplicity brings the outdoors in.
Embrace Minimalism
The sparse, uncluttered look of modern minimalism lends itself perfectly to kitchens with scenic views. All the clean lines, hidden storage and neutral tones let the eye travel straight through to the vista outside. This creates an airy, free-flowing space.
Some tips for designing a minimalist kitchen that highlights the views:
- Stick to a neutral color palette. White or light gray cabinets and walls make the perfect blank canvas. Avoid busy patterns or textures that distract the eye.
- Conceal appliances and cooking tools in closed cabinets, drawers and pull-out pantries. Hide small appliances in a pantry or slide-out cabinet so they disappear when not in use.
- Select furniture and decor in the same color family. A minimalist look relies on unity, not contrast.
- Use glass cabinets or open shelving sparingly. They can clutter sight lines.
- Install windows from counter to ceiling if possible. Maximize natural light.
- Skip heavy window treatments. Opt for unadorned windows, sheer curtains or bamboo shades.
- Choose sleek metal hardware and fixtures. Avoid ornate details.
- Stick to minimal artwork and decor. Let the views be the “art.”
- Use LED under-cabinet lighting to brightly illuminate surfaces as needed.
Complement with Cool Materials
Clean, contemporary surfaces enhance a minimalist kitchen with a view. Stainless steel, marble, quartz, glass tile and polished concrete offer sleek, smooth textures without detracting from the outlook beyond.
Some material options to consider:
Quartz Countertops
Quartz mimics the veining of natural stone but requires little maintenance. Neutral engineered quartz blends with most color schemes. Brands like Caesarstone offer minimalist styles.
Marble Tile Backsplash
Glassy polished marble tile makes an elegant backsplash. Opt for large-scale tiles and neutral colors. Marble adds interest without clutter.
Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances have a built-in modern aesthetic. Their mirrored finish reflects light. Brands like Bosch, Miele and Thermador offer minimalist appliance suites.
Concrete Flooring
Polished concrete floors have an urban loft vibe. The smooth gray surface acts as a neutral backdrop. Concrete is durable and low-maintenance.
Frosted or Tinted Glass Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets maintain visibility while hiding clutter. Frosted, smoked or tinted glass options prevent transparency. Retractable doors “disappear” when open.
Strategic Layouts
How you arrange the kitchen layout and functionality can enhance those coveted views. Smart design choices prevent busy areas from blocking sight lines.
Island Placement
Position the island strategically to maximize outward visibility. Islands parallel to windows or below skylights work well. Avoid placing islands perpendicular to windows.
Sink Placement
The sink area tends to be the busiest zone. Place it out of the line of sight from key vantage points. Position it around a corner from the main views.
Built-In Banquettes
Built-in banquettes lined with windows are great for casual dining with a view. Place the table directly in front of the banquette to take advantage.
Desk Space
Consider adding a small built-in desk area to enjoy the scenery while working from home. This can be around a corner or adjacent to the kitchen.
Peninsula Seating
A peninsula counter with bar stools faces the room, drawing eyes outward. Floating peninsulas work especially well with views.
Transparent Focal Points
Maximize visibility by using see-through focal points like interior windows, open shelving units and glass-fronted cabinets.
Tips for Various Views
Different types of views – whether rural, urban, water or sky – call for tailored kitchen designs to fully appreciate the outlook.
Lake, Ocean or River Views
- Orient cabinets, counters and sightlines perpendicular to the water view.
- Use cool tones like blues and grays to echo the colors of the water.
- Add porthole windows for discrete water glimpses while working at the sink or stove.
Forest, Mountain or Valley Views
- Frame views of rolling hills with large picture windows or glass doors.
- Warm wood cabinetry and natural textures complement rustic, rural views.
- Earthy granite or slate counters and stone or wood floors tie into the natural surroundings.
City Skyline Views
- Black, white and gray color schemes complement urban architecture.
- Stainless steel appliances and metal accents match the city aesthetic.
- Floor-to-ceiling glass walls seamlessly merge the interior with the exterior.
Sunrise/Sunset Views
- Include window seats, banquettes or counters facing east or west for enjoying the daily show.
- Install smart glass that auto-tints to control glare during peak light times.
- LED lighting on dimmers allows adjusting brightness as the natural light shifts.
Window Styles To Maximize Views
Floor-to-ceiling windows, corner windows, bay windows and skylights all optimize outward visibility. Consider these window types when designing a kitchen with a view:
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Doors and windows that span from floor to ceiling remove visual barriers. This makes the outdoors feel like an extension of the interior space. Sliding doors work well.
Wraparound Corner Windows
Windows on perpendicular walls surrounding corner sinks or counters allow panoramic vistas. This window arrangement makes the most of varied sightlines.
Bay Windows
Bay windows project outward, allowing light and views from multiple angles. Built-in seating creates the perfect perch for enjoying the expanded perspective.
Skylights and Clerestory Windows
Skylights and clerestory windows positioned above eye level let in sunlight from above. They maintain privacy while brightening the space.
Transom Windows
Horizontal transom windows installed above standard windows or doors provide supplemental light and views. Position them to highlight your best sightlines.
Other Design Elements
Integrating lighting, greenery and artwork thoughtfully helps spotlight views without overpowering them.
Hanging Pendant Lights
Direct sightlines outward with linear pendant lights over islands, counters and tables. Suspended bulbs illuminate surfaces without obstructing views.
Integrated Planters
Built-in planters along the tops or bottoms of windows bring nature in. Succulents, herbs and trailing greenery add life without blocking views.
Mirrored Accents
Strategically placed mirrors reflect and amplify the beautiful views, creating a feeling of expanded space.
Nature-Inspired Artwork
Artwork featuring soothing nature themes, like photography of water or trees, enhances outward-looking spaces without competing.
Window Treatments
Limit window treatments to only those needed for privacy or light control. Layer sheer curtains behind bamboo shades or wood blinds for soft filtration.
Best Open-Concept Kitchen Layouts
Removing walls to create wide open spaces allows views to permeate throughout the adjacent kitchen, dining and living areas. Here are some great open-concept layouts:
Great Room Layout
This combines the kitchen, dining area and living room into one expansive common area. Sightlines extend throughout the space.
L-Shaped Layout
The L-shaped kitchen hugs the perimeter, keeping cooking out of sight from the dining and living zones. Views aren’t obstructed.
Galley Kitchen Layout
A galley kitchen lined up along one wall leaves the rest of the space free. The outlook can be enjoyed from adjacent rooms.
Kitchen-Dining Blend
Blending the kitchen and dining spaces into one zone leaves the living area free. A large table offers dinner with a view.
Island Kitchen
The central kitchen island can orient outward, drawing eyes to the views while allowing traffic flow behind.
Designer Tricks for Maximizing Views
Professional interior designers use clever techniques for taking advantage of enviable vistas. Here are some of their top tips:
Treat Windows Like Artwork
Designer tip: Give windows the same care and detailing as a prized painting. Frame them with trim, sills and built-ins tailored to the specific view.
Expand Sightlines
Designer tip: Use glass doors on corner cabinets and open shelving to expand sightlines throughout the kitchen.
Incorporate Mirrored Surfaces
Designer tip: Add strategically placed mirrors to reflect views in unexpected places, like on the backsplash or on cabinet doors.
Create an Indoor-Outdoor Kitchen
Designer tip: For panoramic views, incorporate an outdoor kitchen and dining space. Use materials that blend the alfresco area with the indoor kitchen.
Adjustable Lighting
Designer tip: Install lighting on dimmers to control brightness and mood from day to night. Take advantage of both daylight and night views.
Neutral, Monochromatic Palette
Designer tip: Stick to an all-white or light gray palette. Vary tone and texture instead of color for interest.
Kitchen Views Dos and Don’ts
Do:
- Do orient the primary kitchen work zones perpendicular to the best views.
- Do select streamlined styles and materials that don’t obstruct sightlines.
- Do limit decor and accessories to keep the focus on the outlook.
Don’t:
- Don’t create a cluttered, closed-in feel with heavy drapes or window valances.
- Don’t position the kitchen island to block prime viewing angles.
- Don’t overlook the opportunity to bring views into non-kitchen spaces like dining nooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you design a kitchen to take advantage of the views?
Use an open-concept layout, position windows and sightlines strategically, select see-through surfaces like glass cabinets, and decorate minimally to keep the focus on the outdoors.
What type of cabinets are best for a kitchen with a view?
Glass-front upper cabinets, open shelving and slim-profile lower cabinets allow light and views to filter through the kitchen.
Should you put the sink in front of the window?
It depends. Placing the sink in front of a beautiful view is nice. But the sink area tends to get cluttered, potentially obstructing views. An off-set or island sink may work better.
What backsplash is best with a view?
A simple mirrored or marble backsplash blends into the background, rather than competing with the views. Mosaic tile can get busy, so use sparingly.
Should you hang curtains on windows over a kitchen sink?
If the window faces a private backyard, consider leaving them off for unobstructed views. For street-facing windows, use sheer curtains for privacy and soft lighting control.
How do you decorate a kitchen with great views?
Use minimal, view-enhancing decor like pendant lights, trailing plants and reflective surfaces. Avoid window treatments and artwork that distract from the outlook.
Conclusion
A kitchen with a stunning view is a rare treasure. The right layout and design can highlight that natural beauty seamlessly from every angle. Strategically placed windows, see-through surfaces and sparse, modern decor all lend themselves beautifully to spaces connecting the indoors with the great outdoors. Sleek, minimalist kitchens keep the emphasis on what lies beyond the walls. With smart planning and execution, it’s easy to maximize even the most incredible views.
