Using Natural Light in the Kitchen
Whether you own a big home or a small one, you can bet that the kitchen is one of the most used spaces in your entire house. After all, we do need to eat at least three meals a day. And at least one or more of those meals each day are made in a home kitchen. That's why so many of us choose the best new appliances, countertops and cabinets when building or renovating our kitchens. But even if your kitchen space has all of the latest kitchen gadgets, without the right lighting, you might as well be cooking in the closet. Using natural light in the kitchen is one of the best ways to light a kitchen space. From new replacement windows to simple skylights, you can be sure that natural light will play an important role in your kitchen space.
Larger Windows
One of the top ways to get the most natural lighting in any space is by installing larger windows. In most cases, kitchen windows are located above the kitchen sink. With a little clever cabinet consolidation, larger replacement windows can be installed above a kitchen sink, ensuring more light and better ventilation. While many homeowners often use a single hung window in the kitchen space, there are a wide variety of window styles that can make a window seem larger than it really is without compromising cabinet space.
Casement Windows
Image a single hung window that has been installed on its side and you'll be able to envision a casement window. These windows have optimal ventilation and a bright light source that is great for any kitchen space. Casement windows have a unique feature in that they have a minimal disruption through your field of vision, making sure you get more light in the kitchen than a conventional single hung window.
If you're looking for the best windows in the Austin area, look no further than Gulf Coast Windows. Whether you need new windows for your kitchen or new replacement windows for your whole home, Gulf Coast Windows has the materials, tools and experience for a job well done.
Bay Windows
If space is at a premium for your kitchen replacement windows, you may want to consider using a bay style window. This three dimensional window pops out from the side of the structure, providing you with additional lighting options as well as increasing the overall space in your kitchen. Some homeowners even use this space for a small herb garden, allowing your naturally lit kitchen space to pull double duty as a light source and a source of fresh herbs and spices.
Layering Lighting Source
While natural light works great for the majority of your kitchen lighting needs, it doesn't quite cover all of the lighting needs for your kitchen. That's why it's important to layer lighting options when combining them with natural lighting solutions. Be sure that you add an ambient light source to your task lighting options or your kitchen may cast shadows, have dark recesses or won't be bright enough throughout the space for all of your kitchen duties and activities. Under cabinet lighting mixed with natural light from windows will greatly benefit with the addition of an ambient light source like a florescent centered above the kitchen triangle or island area.
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