Kitchen design with a window: 9 ways to use the window to your advantage

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The window and the space around it are often a hidden reserve, through which you can transform the kitchen and even slightly increase its “usable area”.

In this material, we collected 70 photo examples and presented 5 cool ways to cope with this task 100%.

Is it possible to do without a window in the kitchen?

Recently, the ideas of remodeling studios and one-room apartments, when the kitchen area is separated by a blank partition, have become widespread. You can often see completely non-standard solutions with moving the headset to the corridor or even the closet. In these cases, the kitchen is left without natural light and ventilation. This violates the current SNiPs.

In most cases, you can still make do with small sacrifices and not resort to illegal redevelopment and piling up partitions. After all, a window in the kitchen can not only be beautifully designed, but intelligently used for a variety of needs.

The window can also serve as the main accent in the interior if you choose colored or black window frames. Such a bold decision will definitely have an effect.

Functionalism

This direction comes from Germany. Apparently, the Germans also wanted to touch the beautiful and created their own original style, you might think. Yes, that's true, but with only one thing. This style includes a purely functional design, that is, in simpler terms - nothing superfluous, no frills.

Strict fulfillment of the kitchen’s assigned functions.

Of course, this is not a particularly lifestyle style, but it was necessary to pay tribute to the Germans. And if you are a lazy person, then you can, with a bit of dignity and pride, safely declare to visiting guests that the kitchen is completely made in the unique and original “functionalism” style.

Functional kitchens delight the eye with magnificent design and impeccable execution.

Kitchen design with a window in the work area

How practical, convenient and expedient is this solution? On the one hand, cooking dinner and washing dishes by the window is much more interesting, on the other hand, errors in the design of the working surface and its incorrect integration with the window opening are fraught with problems: fogging, grease and splashes on the glass, the inability to properly ventilate and wash, etc. All of these moments can be avoided if you do not install the sink too close to the glass, make wide slopes, provide ventilation holes in the countertop, and install a deep sink with a medium spout.

The mixer can interfere with ventilation, so it is better to move the sink a little to the right or left so that the sash can be opened.

For a small kitchen, such a solution makes sense from the point of view of storage, increasing the working surface and the ability to find space for a dining area.

Before implementing such an idea, it is worth considering which side the kitchen windows face and whether sunlight will interfere with work. If the sun shines in your eyes most of the time you spend in the kitchen, is it worth bothering with this idea? After all, what is the point in washing by the window if it is constantly closed with blinds or roller blinds.

Japanese aesthetics

The subtle structure of Japanese style philosophical culture includes idolatry, minimalism, and at the same time calmness.

The Japanese have never overloaded space with unnecessary details.

Japanese shoji sliding doors, Buddha figurines (netsuke), a window frame in the shape of a ritual arch of a destroyed temple in Nagasaki, incense smoking sticks - all this will create in your kitchen a unique atmosphere of a small corner of Japan in your apartment and even in your area.

Japanese interior style is ideal for small spaces.

How to wisely use the space under the window?

Under the window sill you can install not only kitchen cabinets and a sink, but also appliances, storage systems, and a bar counter. Whether this is a good idea in each specific case will be discussed below.

Sink under the window

A fashionable solution is to move the sink under the window, which is technically difficult to do in an apartment and cannot be done without the help of a professional plumber.

Before moving the sink, you need to resolve several important issues:

• how to prevent blockages;
• how to install and hide water and sewer pipes;

Hiding them in load-bearing walls is strictly prohibited by law!

• how to install a sink so that the faucet does not interfere with the opening of the doors for ventilation, and splashes do not fly onto the glass.

For the pros and cons of this sink arrangement, watch the following video:

Stove by the window

A hob under a window is the most impractical solution. Moreover, it violates SNiPs. If the problem with splashes from the sink can still be solved by choosing a specific sink and mixer, then with grease flying during cooking the problem turns out to be more complicated. The prospect of cleaning windows more often is unlikely to appeal to anyone.

It is better to move the hob to the right or left, as shown in the photo below.

There will also be additional hassle with choosing and installing the hood. In kitchens in typical houses, only recirculation models are possible, operating autonomously, without connecting to a ventilation duct. Only those options that are attached to the ceiling are suitable. If the hood blocks the window opening, again, a bad idea. Is all this hassle and trouble worth it?

Installation of large household appliances

The niche under the window and wide slopes can be used to install a washing machine or dishwasher. In this case, the problem lies in the lengthening of communications. Technically, all this is difficult to do, but it is possible and makes sense if you are also moving the sink. If this is the only possible option for placing a washing machine in an apartment, and no other option is given, then it is necessary to take care of the prevention of blockages and high-quality pipe connections. The drain must be inclined.

In place of the former niche for a winter refrigerator, you can build kitchen cabinets, and, as the depth allows, an oven or microwave.

Tabletop-window sill

The best and most aesthetic option is to connect the window sill with the countertop set. This way we get a large work surface, which is especially important for small spaces.

Bar counter

The bar counter can be installed by removing the window sill and installing a wide table top. It can be connected to the working surface of the headset.

This option looks neat and stylish, but may require more hassle and expense. It’s easier and faster to install a bar counter tabletop that is independent of the window sill. It is important to think over its design, which should be in harmony with the kitchen set and the interior of the kitchen as a whole.

Read about the selection rules and fashion trends in bar counter design in our separate material.

Storage system installation

If the depth of the window sill and slopes allow, you can install spacious and deep kitchen cabinets with drawers, convenient storage systems with built-in organizers.

If the window sill is small, choose narrow cabinets with hinged doors. You can store cans of cereals, small kitchen utensils and appliances in them. You can install display cabinets with lighting and place beautiful glasses and wine glasses inside.

Dinner Zone

The best place to place a dining area is by the window. Although this option is not always possible due to various reasons - layout, shape of the room, a certain method of zoning, etc.

For a small kitchen, you can choose the idea with a tabletop-window sill, used under the counter, or the option of a compact kitchen corner with a sofa under the window or integrated into the window sill.

Don't forget to read: Sofa for the kitchen: fashionable ideas, selection rules and placement secrets.

In a spacious kitchen-dining room or kitchen-living room, you can install a large round table near the window.

Rest zone

In private houses and apartments with wide window openings, the window sill can be used as a recreation area. Such a corner, in which you can read a book, write a diary or meditate, will be an excellent solution for a kitchen-living room or studio with two windows, one of which can be reserved for these purposes.

You can sew a mattress according to its size on the windowsill, and decorate the space with pillows. You can install a shelf with books along the wall to the right or left of the window.

Pros and cons of two windows in one room

The location of the windows and openings themselves are important for design work. You don’t often see two windows in a kitchen, so you need to think carefully about their design.

To design a kitchen with a work area, you must take into account the size and shape of the room.

If the sink is located near the window, using any decor other than indoor flowers and short curtains or blinds is hardly possible.

See also Indoor flowers for the kitchen. Which ones to choose and how to care for them.

Kitchen design with two windows

Such a room can be both a joy and a disappointment. A lot of light, more design possibilities are its main advantages, but provided that it is a spacious kitchen-dining room, kitchen-living room or studio.

But for owners of small kitchens it will be much more difficult.

But windows are not always positioned well. Difficulties may arise with the arrangement of furniture and appliances, and the choice of furniture layout. If they are located on different sides, you will most likely have to minimize the number of wall cabinets, compensating for storage with tall column cabinets or an island. The area under the windows should be used as usefully as possible for storage and a work surface.

You can install a kitchen corner

If the windows are located on one side, then it is important to use the partitions correctly. They can be used to install appliances, a kitchen island, a dining area or a sofa.

Requirements for window sill conversion

A kitchen with a countertop on the windowsill is an option for optimal distribution of free space. Like any other repair work, the process of converting a window sill into a tabletop requires compliance with certain conditions:

1. It is important to leave a distance of at least 10 cm between the table surface and the heating radiators. If the recommended parameters are not observed, air circulation in a confined space is disrupted. For greater heating efficiency, it is better to make 1-2 holes along the edges of the table.
2. When expanding the countertop, you should not leave large gaps into which moisture, greasy deposits, or dirt can get in.
3. All wooden surfaces should be treated in advance with moisture-resistant oil to prevent the attachment of pathogenic fungi.

As a countertop, it is better to use durable materials that can withstand significant loads.

Photo gallery

Color selection

Scientists have proven that the surrounding space affects the human psyche. The right color scheme in the kitchen is the key to good health and a healthy appetite. Thanks to curtains on the kitchen window, you can correct layout flaws. A window can become a bright accent in a room or be a harmonious continuation of it. An accent technique is mainly used in a monochromatic interior, when bright colors for curtains are used against the background of one color of the room. The color of the fabric can be chosen based on the shade of the furniture, tiles or wallpaper. Let's take a closer look at the colors of curtains for the kitchen:

• White is a universal color that will suit any room design. White will add space and make the kitchen free and airy. Curtains will create a feeling of cleanliness and order, but they will have to be washed more often. Color has a beneficial effect on the development of a person’s strength and will, adding honesty and sincerity.

White is a noble color; curtains will best complement a classic interior Source mydizajn.ru

• Black is a strict, classic color. Only a large kitchen can afford black curtains. Color will add mystery and mystery, increase attention, and allow you to concentrate faster. Black curtains, like black clothes, will suit any color scheme.

Black curtains will suit a kitchen in a minimalist and modern style Source remontbp.com

• Gray – gives restraint, helps to look at things soberly. The color will highlight the other shades of the room and fit perfectly into a modern interior.

Dark gray curtains harmoniously combine with the red and black set Source buildup.ru

• Red is the color of passion and sexuality. Red will increase your appetite and give you energy. Too much red in the kitchen will lead to an overabundance of emotions, so it should be used carefully. Terracotta, wine, burgundy shades have less stimulation on the psyche. The nearby white color will also reduce the effect.

Red and white create advantageous contrasts in the kitchen space Source mydizajn.ru

• Pink - symbolizes femininity and naivety. The color is less aggressive than red and can relieve fatigue and stress. Being in a room with pink notes, a person becomes softer and more balanced.

The delicate pink color of the curtains and the fabric trim of the chairs adds romanticism to the kitchen. Source mydizajn.ru

• Yellow, orange - sunny shades can improve your mood and make you smile. Curtains will add warmth to the room. Yellow goes well with red, white, black, brown and gray. In the kitchen with such curtains, friendly meetings will be sincere and sincere.

Yellow color fills the kitchen with sunshine and normalizes digestive processes Source loveshtory.com

• Blue, light blue - colors calm and relax, evoke peace and harmony. Sky-colored curtains will look good with yellow, green, white, gray kitchen sets or furniture.

A blue apron and curtains with an interesting pattern serve as a bright accent in the kitchen; the room is immediately filled with life Source mydizajn.ru

• Brown and green will create a feeling of security, comfort, and add expressiveness to the room. Brown and green combine harmoniously with each other and also look good next to white, blue, and yellow.

If there are several windows in the kitchen, you can decorate them with different interpretations of curtains; floor-length curtains and Roman models can easily be combined Source mydizajn.ru

• Purple - increases creativity, develops intuition. The color looks good on brown, white, black backgrounds. Purple curtains will make the kitchen unique.

Purple curtains are a harmonious continuation of the color of the kitchen unit, promoting relaxation and tranquility Source mydizajn.ru

• You can use several shades at once to make a product. Combined curtains enliven a monotonous interior and look very stylish. A repeating pattern and shade of curtains on a kitchen apron, tablecloth, chair covers, small cushions on the sofa will add harmony to the room.

The black and white pattern on Roman blinds transforms the room, the curtains become the highlight of the interior, and bright pillows on the sofa complement the room Source buildup.ru

Flaws

One of the windows may be superfluous if the kitchen is small. If one of the window openings were missing, the owners would be able to order several cabinets for this place, which would house the necessary items and kitchen utensils.

However, a pair of windows in the kitchen is convenient and, from the point of view of designers, provides great opportunities for showing imagination in the design of the room.