Window decision in kitchen

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

We are completely remodeling a 1970's house. We have completely gutted it, and some of the redesign includes window changes. I'm stumped on how to design the windows along the kitchen wall. I've included pix of this wall from the inside & outside. I'm planning on a wall of sliding windows (not casement).

I want the whole wall to be windows. I believe the full length of the planned (redesigned) opening is 125". Floorplan is attached as well.

We have a beautiful view of hills and lake, plus the ceilings feel low to me, so I want to let as much light as possible in!

My goals for this bank of windows is:

As much glass (and as few lines as possible)
The vertical lines that will be there to be as thin and consistent in size as possible. (i.e., is it possible to have the place where windows are mulled be NO thicker than where the separation/handle for the sliding windows are?
Windows that slide in at least 2 places to allow for air circulation on beautiful days AND to allow for passing dishes/drinks, etc. through to back patio (that we will cover and turn into outdoor entertainment area) with screens removed.

I have attached pix of the wall from inside & outside and have drawn line around where the opening for windows will be.

I have also attached pix of proposed windows BUT, there are problems with each:

Regarding the design with the 2 sliding windows mulled together (see drawing attached): where the windows are mulled will land right in front of the kitchen sink (which I know is not ideal placement - that was another design dilemma.... I finally had to give up my dream of having my kitchen sink in the middle). To have a vertical line above the kitchen sink seems so annoying to me - I want clear view when standing there washing dishes. Also, in this design, I don't love that the mulled piece is so much thicker than the other lines. Should I get over it? I had something super consistent and streamlined in mind. (Kinda like the pic of sliding doors enclosed where all vertical lines are same width.)

Regarding the design (as seen on the floorplan) of 5 windows of equal size: they would actually be two sliders and one stationary window. I was told all lines between windows (at mulled places) would look exactly the same width, but I don't see how that is possible based on what I'm seeing online.... Is it???

As a p.s., if you have any design ideas on how to rearrange kitchen so the sink can end up in the middle, let me know. ; )

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Comments (9)

PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
3 years ago
The last thing you want is the stove in front of the window, not to mention you will only have a few upper cabinets which amounts to nothing as cabinet space goes.
kristinpmom
Original Author
3 years ago
What would you suggest?
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Hi romy718, Here is a draft layout of my plan. Other than shifting the middle island slightly and giving it that extension on the bottom end, this is the footprint of the existing kitchen, which is dark and not optimally functional. To give you an idea of the current space, the island on the lower right (with a designation "prep sink?") is where my kitchen sink is now, which is approximately 15' away from my cook top. My oven and microwave are inserted into the top left corner taking up an inordinately large amount of counter space. By moving my sink I gain functionality, and even though I lose the upper cabinets that are on the existing wall to a new window, I gain light. By moving ovens I gain counter space. I lose my desk, but there is still a space for dropping stuff off, which will be smaller and thus I hope it will make for less of a visual eyesore. I am also most likely to use a 42" refrigerator and thus won't need the refrigerator drawers. As for size, the long refrigerator wall is ~17', the range wall is a little over 13', and the wall where the sink goes is ~12'. The bottom side opens to the family room and the lower right opens to a breakfast room, which will remain untouched. Any comments on design? I have the room for the 48" range, I'm just not sure if I want to give up that nice large oven on the 36" range. What about the oven stack right next to the fridge, versus having (left to right) fridge then pantry then oven stack then drop-off place? Thanks to all.
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buehl - thanks for your imput and the pic of Fothia's kitchen. The current box window is off center and was never properly insulated or properly wired for the flood light in its ceiling. I ended up getting a custom plexiglass window set in a support tract to help keep out the winter cold and the summer heat. There is an attached porch off the dining room that blocks any airflow through the windows, collects leaves and mold in the 'seasons.' Since my kitchen is small as it is, I think I would rather have more cabinet space that a huge window....the current cab over the stove ends 15 1/2" from the window and the other side the cab ends just 6 1/2" from the window, with the sink more on the short side. I am sooo looking forward to new and better cabinets! Sigh. I'm one of the people who likes tunnel views....when I sit at my kitchen table I can look up the hallway to my half glass front door (north), or look through my dining room to the 2 side by side windows (West side.) To get a breeze, I need to open the little window (East)in the half bath off the tiny back hallway and the dining room windows. There is a part of me that would like the ability to open a window over my sink. Ideally, I would like the window ledge to be raised up to 12" above the counter (is at 8" now.) Alice462 - thanks for reminding me of the joy of opening a window over the sink!
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PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
3 years ago
Put a nice window in front of the sink, a nice hood vent over the stove, the rest see what you left with and plan accordingly... talk to your GC and see what he will suggest or put you in touch with someone experienced with kitchen layouts.
JP L
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I am actually planning something similar for my kitchen (also have a view home!). We actually got a proposed design that had a single large stationary picture window in the middle flanked by two smaller sliders on the ends. It was slightly less expensive, and allowed for a larger uninterrupted view in the middle.

We ended up relocating our range, but I got the same feedback about putting it under a window. It can be done, but it's kind of a hassle.
kristinpmom
Original Author
3 years ago
I’m super curious what else you decide!! Fyi- we have thought of the same option with a picture window in the middle and small sliders flanking them, but we were told the max width you can get on a three slider window like that is 96 inches....

I want some thing super dramatic so want some thing longer than that. Mostly because of the size of that room and the low ceiling.

I have seen pictures of a stove in front of the window all over the place. I am wondering what is the hassle....? do you know? I know it is unconventional but…? that has never stopped me before. I am just wondering if there are things I need to consider that I have not already decided to deal with
JP L
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
No worries. Like most things, with enough $$$, it can be done. It will be up to local building codes (we're in a high fire zone in CA so YMMV), but in general, you have to allow enough clearance between the stove and anything flammable (so no wooden windowsill within so much distance) and use a glass that can handle exposure to temperatures (like tempered glass, I believe). A pro could likely chime in on the IRB basics of that.

Beyond the window itself, it then becomes an issue with ventilation. You can get vents that mount directly in the ceiling, but reviews are mixed and they are expensive. You can also mount a hood in front of a window, but this will obstruct your view.

Additionally, window treatments above a stove are extremely limited. Believe it or not, this was kind of the dealbreaker for me. We have an awesome view, but it's north-west facing - that afternoon sun can be killer, and I wasn't entirely ok with putting up external shades to block that late afternoon sun just to keep the range under a window. That said, I have also seen the photos you're likely referring to, and it can look really streamlined and stunning. If you really want to make it work and have the resources, go for it!

The one argument I'll make is about the upper cabinets. I am not doing any upper cabinets in our kitchen, but lots of folks argue for them. I've thought about this a lot and have taken a complete inventory of my kitchen and have allocated sufficient storage elsewhere, and we're not planning to sell this house anytime soon, so I'm doing it. Your current plan has an island with no sink or appliances, so you definitely have enough potential storage space for an average kitchen worth of cookware and dishes.
kristinpmom
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you thank you thank you!! That all totally helps! Thx for spending so much time and thought process on it
biondanonima (Zone 7a Hudson Valley)
3 years ago
According to your drawing, the window wall is 13'10" (166") from counter to counter (fridge to peninsula). That is plenty of room for a huge, dramatic window AND a vent hood. I would swap the position of range and sink. Move the range as close to the corner/peninsula as is comfortable for you (12-18" away from the corner, at least), with a solid wall behind it for the hood. The rest of the wall can be windows - even if you subtract 48" for the range and corner, that gives you 118" of window. Might make it easier to center the sink on a window, and will certainly improve workflow!
kristinpmom
Original Author
3 years ago
great idea! I’ll take a look at making that switch. Thanks so much!

Window decision in kitchen

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Window decision in kitchen

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