It may not be Practical, but it is Necessary
Mist provides beauty in the morning
When we talk about designing a tiny or small home, we typically speak in terms of what necessities we can fit into the space.
More storage is always a premium.
Sometimes, though, you have to give up a little storage to be happy.
When we designed Our Little House, we thought about not putting a window above the kitchen sink and instead, put more shelf or cabinet space.
I already knew I wouldn’t have a dishwasher, as it would take up too much prime cabinet real estate.
We live in the Ozark Mountains and beautiful scenery is abundant, no matter the time of the year.
….And knowing how much I dislike doing dishes, I knew it would be less of a chore if I had something pretty to marvel at while doing that chore.
Setting sun casts a glow outside of the kitchen window in the afternoon
When we bought our house in the city, one of the first major renovation projects was installing replacement windows.
When we did, I got a greenhouse window for over the sink. It was nice, but I didn’t have anything to look at anyway besides the side of the house next door.
I knew I didn’t want my view of the mountains in Our Little House obstructed by anything, even pretty plants.
Putting in a window above the sink instead of more cabinets or shelving was a good move. I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at wildlife and nature while doing that most detested chore of dishes.
Have you ever given up something practical in the design of a home for something aesthetic?
Windows are so important. We, thankfully, are able to look outside in just about every corner of our log home. I can’t imagine missing the deer and eagles, as well as the little birds and squirrels that keep me entertained out my office window every day.
The beauty of windows is that, even a small one, expands one’s world.
I’m inclined to think you never know what works or doesn’t work until you live with it. Planning’s great in theory, but can be so tricky.
That’s true. There are, of course, some things I wish we had or hadn’t done.
I don’t have a window over my kitchen sink. But you made me realize that if I did, doing dishes would not be such a chore!
Oh, I can’t imagine Sheryl. When I lived in apartments before getting married, those kitchens were “galley kitchens” and didn’t have windows. I always thought them dark and depressing.
We live in a very old house. There were no closets, so we built them into the renovation. What is missing is a mud room. That is a great model invention.
Oh, I’m surprised if it is an older house that it did not have a mud room. My parent’s old Victorian had a mud room, loved it!
There’s a window over my kitchen sink too–I love it. It so peaceful and looks down to the creek below our house.
Oh, i bet the view is very pretty!
I have a window over my sink too. Really helps to have the light during the day too!
Yes, the light helps for sure.
We have lots of windows, Kerri. We wanted lots of light and to bring the outside in. The drawback is, like you say, you lose wall space. And even though the windows are insulated I’m sure it’s not as energy efficient as a wall would be. But I can sit at the kitchen island and see in every direction. And you know you never know what you might see in the country! It’s like sitting in a big wildlife viewing blind!
That it is, Sue! I think my most exciting spotting was when a flock (?) of turkeys came walking up out of the woods and over toward the studio. Perfect watching point from that kitchen window!
I love having a window over my sink too and when we redid our kitchen I wanted to put in a greenhouse window, but I was talked out of it (not heat efficient I was told). I wish I had done it because we don’t get a lot of light in our house and I can’t grow plants very well.
In the same remodel I gave up our laundry room. We opened it to the kitchen to make the room feel bigger. It didn’t give us more storage or anything, and now my washer and dryer are in a closet, so some days there are baskets of laundry stacked up around them. It was nicer to be able close the door on the laundry situation, but opening up that space made our kitchen look much better.
That’s one point I should have made about the greenhouse window, Brette, and another reason why we didn’t want another one: It was NOT energy efficient at all and we could feel the cold in the winter coming in when we stood at the kitchen sink. So, I think you did well in not putting one in. One thing I do miss is the separate laundry room, too. Mine is a closet in the kitchen area now. I miss being able to tuck that laundry away if I don’t feel like folding it right away. 🙂