Sustainable Kitchen Window Design and Treatments

By Sally Pian July 29, 2023 22 mins read 152 Views

Sustainable kitchen window design and treatments help lower energy bills, keep cooking areas safe, and create comfortable living spaces. Simple and affordable options include natural elements such as trailing ivy or a boxwood wreath, or a DIY fabric valance or curtain rod.

For large picture windows, look for translucent fabrics that provide privacy and light control. For windows above sinks, moisture-resistant blinds are a good option.

Get Ideas

Window treatments are often an afterthought when it comes to kitchen design, but they play a big role in making a room feel finished and inviting. They can provide a pop of color or texture that plays up a bold accent, help balance the scale of a large wall art piece or other focal point and offer an easy way to tie a space together if it uses a common design theme. Adding or replacing kitchen curtains, shades, blinds, shutters or window film in your home is an easy way to go green and improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Whether you have a bay window, casement or slider window in your kitchen, the window treatments you choose should be flame-retardant for windows that are close to an open flame and oven and designed to withstand spills, splashes, regular cleaning and abrasions. For the best results, look for curtains made with cotton, linen and jute fabrics that are eco-friendly and come in a wide range of colors and patterns. You can also find Roman or roller blinds made from recycled materials that are easily wiped clean, as well as affordable cellular shades in a variety of colors and patterns to suit any decor style.

If you're not concerned with privacy, a light and airy half curtain on a tension rod can add just the right amount of flair to your kitchen windows. This style of window treatment is easy to install yourself and looks beautiful in a traditional or contemporary kitchen. For a more modern approach, you can use inexpensive removable window film in a solid or decorative pattern directly on the glass to filter light and provide privacy.

If you do want to conceal your kitchen windows, consider a slatted shutter that has a sleek, minimal look. These shutters work well in any kitchen and can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance. Another option is a wood-grain clad awning, which can blend in seamlessly with any home's decor and offer maximum flexibility for airflow. For even more versatility, find a window awning that opens from both sides and can be adjusted as needed for proper ventilation in the kitchen.

Window Treatments

While leaving your windows bare lets in plenty of light, curtains, blinds and shutters dress up the space and make it feel more finished. They can also provide privacy and temperature control to keep the room warmer in winter and cooler in summer without wasting energy. The right window treatments can even support sustainable lifestyle goals, whether you’re trying to eat healthier or reduce your environmental impact.

A natural woven shade adds warmth and texture to this kitchen sink window from Calimia Home and complements the warm-toned cabinets and herringbone patterned wood floors. To save money and the environment, try reusing your old curtains or purchasing secondhand ones in good condition. Many charities, such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill, accept used window treatments as long as they’re free of mildew or mold and cut away from metal hardware that can be recycled.

If you’re going green, choose fabrics that don’t contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other synthetic materials with a high level of petroleum content. Instead, look for polyester-based options that can be repurposed or recycled when the window dressings are no longer needed. You can also find drapes and sheers made from all-natural fabrics like bamboo or hemp to avoid the use of chemicals.

When choosing a window treatment for a window above the sink or in close proximity to food prep areas, consider moisture-resistant fabric or blinds that can be cleaned easily to avoid water or grease splashes. For windows that are further away from the cooking zone, cellular shades offer superior energy efficiency.

Unlike blinds, valances can be hung above the window for a pretty and traditional style that filters sunlight into the room. They can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like, and they’re great for adding a little softness to rooms that are often filled with hard surfaces.

For a sleek and modern take on traditional window treatments, consider a cellular shade with a grid of air pockets that help keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This versatile style of shade can be customized with a wide range of accents, including scalloped trims and colorful fabric woven into the material from Duette.

Valances

The cherry on top of your window treatment, valances add style to your kitchen while keeping the view unobstructed. This fabric window topper is available in a vast array of shapes and styles that can enhance your home's décor without blocking the sun's light or casting shadows on the room below.

Many people think of valances as part of a layered window treatment, but they also stand alone as decorative accents for windows. When paired with drapery, they look elegant and classic; when adorned with blinds or shades, they offer a soft, contemporary touch. A valance can be as simple or detailed as you wish, but be sure it fits well and is sized appropriately. Valances that are too full or wide will look frumpy, and ones that are too short may appear lost at the top of the window frame.

If you love a pattern but aren't ready to commit to it on all of your window treatments, a valance is the perfect way to incorporate it into your design plan. Just be careful to keep the valance's pattern from getting too busy, as this can cause it to overtake the rest of your kitchen's decor.

For a more formal touch, consider adding trim to your valance. Ribbons, tassels, fringe and more can be added to the bottom of the fabric for a dramatic effect. If you prefer a cleaner, simpler look, you can add a decorative border to the sides of your valance or choose a fabric with a stripe for an understated aesthetic.

Valances are commonly mounted on rods, but they can be hung inside the window frame or outside. Youngblood prefers to mount valances outside the frame, with a small amount of fabric extending beyond each side of the frame for an elegant silhouette.

A scalloped valance combines the best of traditional and contemporary design, featuring a subdued style that complements both classic and modern rooms. A swag-style valance is another option that pairs well with traditional or modern décor, and it's especially beautiful when draped with lush, voluminous drapery.

Blinds

For a kitchen window treatment that serves a design function to go with your decor scheme as well as being practical, choose blinds. Made from a single piece of fabric that can be rolled up with the pull of a cord, they're durable and easily wiped clean - ideal for the window above a sink when splashes of water are a frequent occurrence.

Opt for a blind with a color that's in your kitchen's overall color palette to create a cohesive look. Or opt for a bright patterned fabric that adds interest to a neutral kitchen. Fabric blinds are also easy to customize, with a wide range of color options and patterns available. You could even opt for a striped fabric blind to create an eye-catching accent shade and draw attention to your windows.

Alternatively, opt for wood kitchen window blind ideas to add an earthy, natural touch to your space. Wood blinds are a great option for sustainable window treatments because they're typically made from recycled materials and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council to ensure the wood is harvested in a responsible way that doesn't damage old-growth forests or other habitats.

If you're worried about privacy, consider a woven or translucent blind that allows daylight to pass through but blocks views from the outside. Woven straw or bamboo blinds, for example, are a gorgeous choice for dreamy kitchens with exposed brick walls, terra-cotta tile floors, and rough granite kitchen countertops. These blinds can help soften the light in your kitchen, and they also make a fantastic alternative to curtains that might absorb smoke and steam from cooking.

A simple way to get a high-end look for your kitchen is by hanging a window valance over your blinds. This can instantly update your space with a fresh color scheme or decorative fabric without taking up too much floor or wall space.

For a more modern and contemporary feel, opt for a window valance with a geometric pattern or stripes to complement the existing colors in your kitchen. If you're struggling to decide on the perfect valance, order fabric blind swatches and hang them in your kitchen to see how they look with your current décor before you commit to an expensive purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the kitchen, where should pots or pans go?

Pots and pans are best kept in the cupboard above the stove. This keeps them in reach when you need them. It also makes your kitchen counters look neat and clean. You may also want to invest in a pot rack to help keep your pots and pans organized and within easy reach.

Which is the best way to remodel a kitchen in?

Plumbing and electrical rough-ins
Drywalling
Painting
Kitchen cabinet installation
Flooring installation
Countertop installation
Backsplash installation
Appliances

What countertops pair best with white cabinets in the kitchen?

A white kitchen allows you to express your creativity with your countertop. Quartz countertops are now the norm in kitchen design. Here are some top suggestions for colors that will work well in white kitchens with quartz countertops:

Concrete grey in different shades
Bold Granite patterns
Veiny marble-like designs
Bright, striking colours such as ocean blue or sunflower yellow are great options.

What are some common mistakes made when renovating your kitchen?

Installing a new kitchen in the wrong location may not work out.
The dishwasher should not be placed too close to the sink. This could cause wet floors.
The fridge can get difficult to open if placed near the oven.
Not enough counter space can be a problem.
Another common error is not having enough storage. Ensure you have enough cabinets and shelves for all kitchen gadgets and appliances.
The hardest part about installing a new kitchen? Choosing the right appliances.
They should be able to fit in the space and efficient on energy.
This is a mistake. A professional can make sure everything fits into the space and is accurate to scale.
Doing too much is a common mistake when renovating a kitchen. A successful kitchen renovation requires that you know your limits and when it is time to call in a professional.
Not planning for enough budget is a mistake. Kitchens can be costly, so ensure you have the funds to cover the entire project.
It is a mistake to not have a clear vision of the style and layout you desire. Before you start a renovation, it is important to know what style, layout, or finishes you desire.

These are some of the most common mistakes made when renovating a kitchen. These mistakes can be avoided by consulting a professional prior to starting your project. If you are careful about planning and execution, your kitchen renovation will be a success.

Statistics

In large firms, the commission charged by the GC ranges from 15 to 25 percent of the total job cost. (thespruce.com)
Followed by cabinet cost, labour, and appliance costs consume 20 percent each of your budget. (hgtv.com)
This is rather grim, but according to Business Insider, 12 percent of couples consider getting a divorce while renovating their home! (familyhandyman.com)
Your most significant cost investment for a kitchen remodel will usually be cabinets, typically comprising 25 percent of your budget. (hgtv.com)
Experts also recommend setting aside 20 percent of your budget for surprises, including unpleasant demolition discoveries. One is water damage, the electricity that is not up to code, or other budget-spiking gotchas. (hgtv.com)

External Links

How To

These are the 8 Steps to Kitchen Remodeling For Beginners

These steps are essential for a DFY project that is suitable for Beginners.

Remodeling your kitchen requires three simple steps. First, you need to decide whether you want an entire kitchen renovation or just replacing fixtures and appliances. Second, choose the type of kitchen that best suits you and your lifestyle. Third, choose between a DIY project or hiring professionals to complete the job.
Next is to decide which type of kitchen you want. Are you looking for a traditional kitchen that includes cabinets, countertops, and all the appliances? Or maybe you prefer modern designs, with clean lines and minimal storage. Do you want to add a breakfast bar or large island? After you have chosen a layout and finished material, you will need to hire a professional contractor for the job.
Although the kitchen is the heart and soul of every home it is often overwhelming for homeowners because of the many decisions that they have to make before they begin their project. There are several easy ways you can get started.
Decide if your goal is to remodel or replace. This is the first step. If you're looking to remove the existing space and begin from scratch, it's important to account for demolition costs, new cabinets countertops, flooring, appliances, lighting, and other expenses.
You Need to Calculate Your Budget. This includes everything including labor costs, supplies, and the budget.
Choose your Layout – Once you've decided how much you can afford, the next step will be to choose where you want to install your new kitchen. There are many layout options, including open-concept, peninsula, galley and corner. Each has its pros and cons, so choosing the one that best fits your needs is essential.
Select your Materials - After you have chosen the layout for your kitchen, it is time to pick materials. This includes everything from countertops and cabinets to flooring, lighting, and lighting. There are many choices available so it is important to research and choose the right materials for you.
Hire professionals - Once your materials have been selected, you will want to hire a professional who is experienced in kitchen construction. A professional contractor will ensure that everything goes smoothly from design through to installation. You don't need to worry about problems throughout the process. They also provide follow up services.
Enjoy! You've reached the final phase of the kitchen remodel. Enjoy! If you're happy with your new kitchen, it won't be hard to spend hours creating delicious meals. If you aren't sure about the layout of your new kitchen, don't be afraid to take some time to experience it. It will give you a better idea of whether or not your remodel was worth the effort.

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