Not long ago experts in home design announced the death of the open floor plan. Apparently after a few years of many of us being confined mostly to our homes for work, school, entertainment, and shopping, personal privacy and a place to get away from it all are returning to popularity. Except for the kitchen. The kitchen remains a very popular place for a household (and guests) to gather, and that is best accomplished with a kitchen that’s expansive and has multiple spots to work, gather, and just relax. A spot like this needs just the right windows to enhance it.
photo courtesy of Marvin Brands
If you’ve got an open kitchen – or you’re doing remodeling to transform yours – one of the first things to consider is proper lighting. That includes more than electric lights – don’t forget to factor in natural sunlight. Natural light is inviting, and there is plenty of scientific evidence to show it’s good for you mentally and physically. Plus the more natural light you can bring in, the less you’ll spend on electricity. So maximize your sunlight with windows (and perhaps doors).
Some of the window manufacturers we work with offer oversize windows, including floor to ceiling models. Others light Marvin have wraparound corner windows that don’t have the corner divider that is achieved by mulling two windows together to meet at a corner.
Another way to get as much light in as you can is by choosing window designs that aren’t broken up, such as picture windows and casements or sliders without any grids.
Or opt for fiberglass windows like those manufactured by Marvin. Fiberglass has exceptional strength, so fiberglass window frames can be made thinner and slimmer that those made of wood or vinyl. The result? More light coming in through the same size window opening.
Keep in mind the function of an area when you’re picking window styles for your kitchen. Nothing says you have to use the same style everywhere. In the photo above there’s a terrific combo: a Marvin picture window over the cooktop, with crank-out casements on either side. Casements are much easier to open and close than trying to lean over a counter to lift a double-hung window. And the picture window over the cooking surface gives you light without the potential safety hazard of leaning over a burner to open or close a window. (Plus you don’t want air blowing there, either.) And notice there is a minimal amount of framing breaking up the window glass – very little to obstruct light.
Regardless of the kitchen style you have – or are planning to have – we’re here to help you find the right window solution for that space, or any other. We are a licensed Minneapolis area replacement window and door company specializing in energy-efficient products.
*****
Note: This article is a follow-up to an article from last fall on windows for open-style kitchens. You may want to read that prior post for more ideas.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
