One of the main interior elements in the kitchen is the window. The design of the window should be harmoniously combined with the kitchen unit, emphasize the overall style and fulfill its direct function - to illuminate the space. However, there are several ways to functionally use a window sill to expand work surfaces and storage areas for kitchen equipment.
How to decorate a window in the kitchen
When choosing a window design in the kitchen, you should pay attention to the window sill. It can be used as a work surface, as part of a dining table or bar counter. This arrangement will be especially functional in apartments with a small kitchen, where every centimeter must be taken into account.
Using a window sill as a countertop allows you to get a large work area without cluttering up the kitchen area. You can cook on it using natural light and enjoying a pleasant view from the window.
A single tabletop set and window sill looks cozy and practical in everyday life
If by remaking the window sill we mean combining it with the surface of the set, then it is necessary to solve the main issue of unification. Sometimes the window sill turns out to be higher or lower than the working surface of the finished furniture. In this case, a small step is formed; it must be covered with the same material from which the tabletop is made.
There is a positive side to this solution. This brings an interesting accent to the interior, and the work surface never ceases to be functional. If the difference between the heights is small, and the set is slightly lower than the window sill, then you can build a common line and compensate for the difference by raising the legs or increasing the thickness of the tabletop.
If the window is lower than the headset, the issue can be resolved by reducing the window. Then the tabletop is lined up with the window sill, which unites the overall system of surfaces. However, this method of arrangement is only possible for the kitchen of a private house. This option is not available in a multi-storey residential building. Changing the size of the window and adding to the wall is not permitted according to building codes.
Another good solution would be to install a sink under the window. This solution is functional and convenient, but expensive and quite complex to implement.
In addition to organizing an additional surface, there is the question of wiring pipes for supplying and withdrawing water. In addition, the solution is not always appropriate if the window is narrow and swings inward. Water will splash onto the surface of the glass, and the mixer will become an obstacle to opening the sash.
To solve this problem, you can install the sink not in the center, but on the side, thereby not preventing the window from opening 90°. If there is a three-leaf design, the sink can be installed in the center, opposite the blind part.
Advice! To avoid large amounts of splashes on the window and slopes, it is better to choose a deep sink shape, and the mixer should have a deep spout.
To dry dishes, you need to provide additional space, since the window will not allow you to place them on top of the sink. To do this, choose a sink with a side wing, on which it is convenient to place dishes. Under the countertop you can organize additional storage spaces for kitchen utensils, dishes and detergents.
The surface of the window sill must be made of dense material that is not afraid of moisture and is resistant to kitchen work. For this, the best option would be artificial stone, which also allows for a seamless design. The outer wall of a building tends to freeze, and kitchen windows tend to fog up due to elevated temperatures, so stone is the best choice to protect countertops from mold.
Any solution for decorating a window sill needs lighting. For additional light, you can use hanging lamps or sconces installed on both sides of the window. The light should come from above or be closer to the window so as not to obscure it with your back. As a design, it is best to choose roller blinds or cassette blinds. Regular blinds, Roman blinds or short classic curtains made of fabric will do.
Psychological effects of color
The kitchen is a place where people eat and communicate with each other, so the color scheme of the room should be conducive to this. According to psychologists, red, green, crimson, orange and yellow colors awaken appetite. The shade depends on the effect the color will have on a person. If the goal is to awaken a person’s appetite, then the shades should resemble natural colors - the colors of vegetables, fruits, drinks.
Curtain color plays an important role in kitchen design
Choose curtains according to the style of your kitchen
See alsoKitchen renovation, interior design and decoration
What can be placed under the window
Making the most of the free space under the window will make the kitchen functional and comfortable. In addition to using the window sill as a worktop or sink, there are several other options:
- closed storage areas for kitchen electrical appliances;
- a cabinet or cabinet with shelves for an additional set of dishes;
- open or closed shelves for kitchen textiles: towels, tablecloths or napkins;
- a high window sill allows you to place a washing machine or dishwasher;
- a low-lying window sill can be used as a place to relax and read books;
- arrange a bar counter with high chairs in front of the wide window;
- use a low window sill as a seat, moving the dining table towards it.
When organizing any space under the window, you need to think through all the details. In a small kitchen, it is better not to leave shelves open, as this will create a cluttered appearance and ruin the overall impression of the room.
You should not store food on shelves under the window. The presence of a hot radiator will have a bad effect on their safety. For the same reason, you should not store books there; hot air has a bad effect on paper. It is better to opt for dishes, textiles and kitchen utensils. Don't forget about the material from which the shelves are made. It should be wear-resistant and easy to clean.
When installing a washing machine under a window, you need to remember several important rules:
- The machine should be kept as far as possible from the refrigerator, oven and dishwasher. Any vibrations, even minor ones, negatively affect the operation of fans and compressors.
- In order to load or unload linen and clothes, there must be a free open space of at least 1 sq.m. in front of the machine.
- To connect the washing machine, powerful wiring with individual grounding is used.
- It is necessary to provide access to hoses and pipes for repair and maintenance.
In some cases, if it is impossible to provide access to the rear surface of the machine, it is installed on rollers or special devices for free extension.
However, placing the washing machine in the kitchen has its advantages:
- loading laundry is possible at any time, even if someone is cooking in the kitchen;
- frees up space in the bathroom;
- the humidity in the kitchen is not so high, so the machine will last longer;
- in the interior of the kitchen it is much easier to hide the body of the washing machine, without taking up a lot of free space;
- possible hum and vibration will not interfere with complete relaxation while taking a bath.
At the same time, there are not many disadvantages of installing a washing machine:
- the loading hatch must remain open to avoid the formation of mold, which can cause some discomfort while in the kitchen;
- vibration from a running machine can be transmitted to furniture, which will be felt during lunch or dinner.
These two small problems can be ignored if the kitchen area is large. In addition, you can start washing after eating, and temporarily close the hatch.
A wide window sill and a beautiful view from the window will help organize a cozy place to relax. A comfortable soft seat will allow you to spend time with your favorite book and watching a TV series using a laptop or wall-mounted TV.
Seating areas framed by bookcases look impressive and cozy.
Fashion trends in curtain design
Fashion for interiors keeps pace with fashion for textiles. Interior exhibitions and works by famous designers set trends that are later reflected in the showrooms' offer. Let's see what current ideas have replaced outdated solutions.
- Matte
One should distinguish between the noble and unobtrusive shine of rich and dense curtain fabrics (satin, velor, etc.) and cheap, thin curtains. Tulle that glares in the sun will make the interior look cheaper.
- Conciseness
Better bright and monochromatic than colorful with a pattern. Prints are difficult to work with, and in such a small space as a kitchen, there is always a risk of overloading the interior with a complex pattern or design.
- Carelessness, eclecticism and bold combinations
Curtains can match the color of furniture or decor, but an exact match of shades is no longer necessary. You can and should play with different intensities.
- Current fabrics : for curtains - linen and cotton, for curtains - velvet, velor, satin.
- Roll and Roman - relevant for all times. From a fashion point of view, these are perhaps the most win-win and “eternal” styles. Only the fashion for colors and patterns can change.
The current colors and shades of 2022 are earthy, amber-orange, classic blue, the whole palette of sand shades, yellow-green, gray-green, peach, olive, red clay color.
General recommendations for arranging a window in the kitchen
When arranging windows, it is important not to forget about some points.
Radiator
Air should circulate freely around it. In this case, heat freely rises upward, and cold currents descend downwards.
Reference! If this issue is not resolved, the air in the kitchen will become damp and cold, the windows will constantly fog up, which will invariably lead to the appearance of mold.
Closed shelves
When organizing the tabletop, it is better to leave the bottom part open. If you decide to use the space for closed shelves and drawers, then you need to make holes on the wooden surfaces or make them in the form of a carved lattice. This solution will allow air to penetrate inside and out, and it will also decorate the kitchen interior.
Wall decoration
For preventive measures against the appearance of mold on slopes and walls, it is necessary to treat them with an antiseptic primer. Paint the top with waterproof paint so that they can be cleaned from stains and splashes. A wall with a window can be covered with vinyl wallpaper, which allows you to wash the surface with detergents.
Lambrequins
Despite the fact that they are mainly used to decorate the living room, this technique can be successfully implemented in the design of kitchens in country or rustic styles.
For production, a fabric that gives the impression of lightness and ease is suitable: checkered chintz or linen of various textures.
Horizontal drapery is fixed along the entire width of the cornice, its ends hang freely on the sides in beautiful folds.
Which curtains are not suitable for a small kitchen?
Classic floor-length curtains, elaborate voluminous details, multi-layered curtains and dark drapes with rich draperies can turn an already small kitchen space into a real closet. The same effect will be achieved by bright canvases with large patterns and catchy, intricate patterns.
A lambrequin in a small kitchen can look good, but only if we are talking about a small, laconic design. Folds and cascades “steal” the usable area, and curtains with a small dark print create a feeling of dust.
Any complex designs and intricate shapes, alas, are inappropriate in a small room.
The ideal choice for a compact kitchen is simple translucent materials.
Color scheme and pattern
Designers say that light green, lavender, purple or blue curtains will look most advantageous in a small kitchen.
It is these colors that simultaneously refresh the room and visually expand the space. Muted tones: lemon, pistachio, cream, pearl fit perfectly into absolutely any interior.
Dark colors in window decoration are appropriate only if we are talking about small lambrequins or compact Roman or roller blinds. Dark gray or dark blue floor-length curtains can look good in an ultra-modern interior, but for supporters of the classics and Provence style, light pastel curtains are more suitable, which can be successfully combined into a single ensemble of 2-3 colors.
Fabric with a print should be used especially carefully when decorating windows: a large pattern will definitely become an accent in the interior and visually reduce the size of an already small window.
However, even a small, inconspicuous pattern creates a “dusty” feeling. The optimal solution is to choose plain curtains or a model with a medium-sized print, stripes, or small flowers.
If you want to “revive” canvases of muted color, you can choose a bright lambrequin, tassels, clamps and fringe, and also choose a fabric with a rich texture.
Types of windows
Window construction has many properties and comes in different types.
The last feature is explained:
- Composition – wood, plastic, aluminum, combination (wood plus plastic, wood plus aluminum, etc.);
- Area – from 0.36 m to 3 sq.m or more, if the glazing covers the entire wall;
- Shape – round, arched, square, rectangular;
- Type of glazing – standard (separate glass sheets), energy-saving (multi-chamber double-glazed window);
- The number of sashes is from one to four (unique windows provide many more separate elements).
Most photos of a kitchen with a window show rectangular glazing with one to three sashes. The more sashes, the easier it is to open windows for ventilation or repairs.
On the other hand, modern windows often have supply valves to ensure uniform air exchange and prevent condensation between the panes. And if the glazing comes in the form of a double-glazed window, then a de-fogging drying frame is provided inside it.
The main thing is that the double-glazed window matches the climate: in the southern regions - one- or two-chamber blocks, in the northern regions - two- or three-chamber blocks.
Arched and square windows are more suitable for kitchens inside private houses. But if the residential structure is made in high-tech style, then frameless glazing can be used.
It looks doubly advantageous if there is a corner kitchen with a window that extends from the flooring to the ceiling. This place can lead to a winter garden or garden pergola.
