Kitchen Design
Play the Trading Game With Kitchen Storage and Views
Cabinets have their place, of course, but just imagine handling kitchen tasks with a glorious panorama for company
It seems that for well over a century, the vast majority of houses were built with a single window above the kitchen sink. Usually tiny and with a lot of space between the window sill and the sink, these windows allowed the person washing dishes a bit of light and view while toiling away. And these small windows used a minimum of wall space, allowing for the maximum amount of upper cabinets.
These cabinets, strategically placed near the sink, were in a convenient location. I can remember my brother and I efficiently washing, drying and putting away all the dishes from dinner. What was obvious about this arrangement, however, was that we were giving up light and a view for the sake of mere efficiency.
But over the years, the headstrong drive to design everything solely for efficiency's sake has given way to making sure are kitchens are filled with delight as well, whenever possible.
My guess is that the folks who get to use these kitchens with amazing views don't miss that little window and extra cabinetry at all.
These cabinets, strategically placed near the sink, were in a convenient location. I can remember my brother and I efficiently washing, drying and putting away all the dishes from dinner. What was obvious about this arrangement, however, was that we were giving up light and a view for the sake of mere efficiency.
But over the years, the headstrong drive to design everything solely for efficiency's sake has given way to making sure are kitchens are filled with delight as well, whenever possible.
My guess is that the folks who get to use these kitchens with amazing views don't miss that little window and extra cabinetry at all.
Sure, unloading a dishwasher is easier if there's a cabinet right there so you can easily put away those dishes. But why not use an adjacent storage cabinet or dish drawer? That way you can have glorious windows like these to capture the light.
Lots of windows are especially nice when there's a spectacular view. This one big sheet of glass makes standing at this sink to clean the dishes a joy.
Just in case you think a large window is for big kitchens only, here's proof that even a small kitchen is well served by having an extra-large window above the sink and stretching across the countertop.
This design approach can be anything from traditional to contemporary.
What about if you want all of those wonderful windows, but you don't want to loose any cabinetry space? Try some glass-front cabinets that let the sunshine in while showing off some of your favorite dishes. The trick is to make sure you get all of that window geometry to align with the cabinetry design.
Of course, all of this glass means you'll want to have plenty of glass cleaner around.
Of course, all of this glass means you'll want to have plenty of glass cleaner around.
If having all of that glass to clean seems a bit much, try a simple bank of windows flanked on each side with cabinetry. You can make this a real focal point of the kitchen with a valance between the cabinets that ties everything together.
Or go all out and make the window something amazing. Big, bold, arched and full of style, this window creates a focal point and enlivens the kitchen. Of course, the bigger and bolder the window, the less space flanking it. But don't worry; just take the cabinets to the ceiling or, better yet, take the cabinets from counter to ceiling. Have something big and bold and stylish, just like the window.