The Complete Guide to Styling the Space Above Your Kitchen Window
Kitchen windows play an integral yet often overlooked role when it comes to interior design. Positioned above the sink or preparation area, these windows cast natural light, connect us to the outdoors, and serve as prime focal points that can make or break the overall aesthetic of our cooking space. From window treatments to wall decor and creative styling, this complete guide will explore innovative ways to elevate the typically neglected zone above your kitchen window. By implementing even a few of these decorating concepts, you can transform this blank canvas into an eye-catching feature that brings cohesion and character to your culinary hub.
When embarking on any new design project, careful planning and measurements ensure your additions properly fit the existing layout. Arm yourself with a tape measure and record the exact window dimensions including height, width, and distance from your countertops or cabinets. Note decorative architectural details like the height of surrounding trims or moldings. Also measure the usable space on the adjoining walls where you may mount decor items or fixtures. With these key details in hand, you can tailor your window decor strategy to perfectly complement your kitchen's footprint.
Dress up Your Window with the Right Treatments
No kitchen window is complete without proper window treatments. Not only do they provide adjustable privacy and light control, but curtains, shades, and blinds infuse personality and polish to your cooking zone. Consider what styles would best suit your needs and decor goals.
Popular Window Treatment Options
For a soft and traditional vibe, opt for flowing curtains in breezy fabrics like cotton, linen, or sheer voile. Rod pockets, tab tops, cafe styles, and tiered looks provide charming dimension. Roller shades offer a more streamlined modern aesthetic, available in solids as well as bold patterns and materials like bamboo. Hard-working wood or faux wood blinds come in horizontal and vertical slats to filter incoming light. For cottages or farmhouse digs, painted interior shutters lend a breezy yet put-together feel.
Hanging With Precision
Proper installation ensures your window treatments operate smoothly and enhance the architecture. Mount sleek metal or wood rods 6-12 inches above the window frame to draw the eye upwards for the illusion of height. Extend rods 2-3 inches wider than the actual window width on both sides to crisply frame the view. Take accurate measurements and follow included instructions when hanging curtains, shades, and blinds. With the right window treatments executed flawlessly, your kitchen will emanate an inviting ambiance.
Style Your Window Sill with Creative Touches
While often no more than a few inches deep, a kitchen window sill presents prime decorative real estate to showcase your style. Opt for asymmetric groupings of candles, greenery, framed photos, ceramic pieces, or coordinating boxes. Collections of glassware or neat rows of cookbooks also add interest. Remember to edit clutter and scale accent pieces appropriately so as not to obstruct opening the window. With an artful array of accessories, your kitchen window sill becomes a vignette that grabs attention.
Design Principles for Window Sill Styling
Applying basic design tenets helps you style your window sill with intention. Create balance by mixing taller and shorter items of varying heights and shapes. Repeat colors, textures, or materials for continuity. Use an odd number of items for greater visual impact. Also ensure accents are proportionate to the sill size and positioned to allow accessible window functionality. A thoughtfully curated window sill delights the eye and brings harmony to your kitchen aesthetic.
Add Strategic Lighting Around the Window
Properly illuminating the often dim space surrounding your kitchen window transforms it into a warm, welcoming focal point after dark. For overall ambient glow, consider pendant lights suspended above the sink or sconces flanking the window. Under cabinet fixtures provide targeted task lighting for food prep and clean up. For flexibility, opt for adjustable swing arm sconces, plug-in task lamps, or track lighting. Coordinate finish of fixtures with your kitchen hardware and design vision. With a multifaceted lighting plan, your kitchen positively shines.
Choosing Lighting By Use
Take into account how you use your kitchen most when selecting fixture types and placements. For general radiance when the overhead light is too harsh, pendents and sconces lend ambient illumination. Position adjustable swing arms for targeted lighting directly over the sink or stove. Under cabinet LED strip lighting enables safe, clear meal prep and cleaning. For a touch of mood lighting along the window, consider small lanterns or pendant clusters. Tailoring your lighting to how you cook and dine transforms the experience after dusk.
Incorporate Meaningful Wall Decor
Beyond the window itself lies ample wall space ideal for anchors of art, shelving, or texture. Consider hanging a gallery wall with a cluster of framed photos, prints, or mirrors. Wall shelves provide a place to display cookbooks or cherished serving pieces. Paint an accent wall in a daring hue or apply removable decals or wallpaper as the perfect backdrop for your window view. Select special decor pieces with personal significance to imbue your cooking hub with meaningful memories.
Tips for Arranging Wall Decor
No matter what wall decor you choose, thoughtful arrangement and placement help highlight your window as the focal point. Hang coordinating pieces in symmetrical groupings for balance and visual interest. Try framing the window with two equally-sized wall decor items or anchoring shelving on either side. Draw the eye upwards by staggering wall art above the window in diagonal or staircase formations. Also consider painting the wall around the window an accent color to provide contrast and make it pop. Well-orchestrated wall decor invites inevitable compliments.
Finish with Stylish Accessories for Flair
The finishing design touches can make all the difference in kitchen window styling. Subtle yet dramatic corbels flanking the window add supporting detail. For organic texture, assemble an assortment of eucalyptus or greenery in a hanging basket, garland, or wreath formation. Salvaged antique windowpanes used as art infuse vintage character. Even a tiny succulent or mini potted herb atop the sill provides a breath of life. These unexpected accessories put the perfect punctuation mark on your window decor.
Beware of going overboard and cluttering the space with too many knickknacks and accessories. Select one or two eyecatching statement pieces. Scale larger accents like wreaths and wall art appropriately so they don't overwhelm the area. Allow negative space around and between decor items and accessories so each is highlighted. Most importantly, make sure additions reinforce the color scheme, style, and spirit of your overall kitchen design.
While often overlooked, the blank canvas above your kitchen window brims with possibility. Follow this comprehensive guide to inject personality and purpose into this neglected area through thoughtful window treatments, alluring lighting, meaningful wall decor, and artful accessories. Soon your kitchen window will radiate a welcoming ambiance that inspires mealtime gatherings and compliments alike.