Nice Rack
Dear Joe,
My kitchen is quite minute. It's wide enough for two people who know each other intimately. The sink rests on a cabinet facing the livingroom, with a small breakfast bar on the opposite side. I have cabinets on the wall behind and one to one side of the sink and they are both unfortunately filled. This is problematic because I still have pots and pans that I use most often and they usually have to stay on the stove or else in the washing machine. Four of the eight cabinet doors are obstructed by the refrigerator, so those house items that I tend to use less often. I would like to install a cabinet or shelf above the breakfast bar. I don't want to install the standard wood cabinets that line the rest of the kitchen, as that would obstruct the view to the livingroom.
—Curtis
Dear Curtis,
No one ever seems to have enough storage space in the kitchen. That is, unless they eat out all of the time! It sounds like there is a definite problem with the practicality of storage and work space in your kitchen. Obviously you are not looking to gut the space and start over with a better plan.
My suggestion would be to use an open metal rack (or metal and glass) shelf unit over the counter/breakfast bar. This would provide storage without blocking the view or boxing in the kitchen. The unit could be used to store glasses, dishes, or even pots and pans. Stay away from using a wood shelf since it will not match the cabinets and could appear too heavy.
Dear Joe,
I am in the process of moving into a house. The downstairs living, dining, and kitchen areas are all open with one wall in the living area that goes up two stories. This wall has windows on the first and second floors. There is also a picture window, sliding glass doors and a kitchen window over the sink on the first floor. Since privacy is important to me, I don't want to leave the windows bare. My furniture is traditional. What can I do with these windows? Should I treat all of them the same way? — In a Fishbowl
Dear Fishbowl,
The new building trend of many large windows (some extending two stories) has caused a lot of panic. Many of my clients fall in love with the sunlight and panoramic views of a new home, only to find that living in the space is not that comfortable.
There are many different ways to deal with various types of windows in an open area such as yours. Each case depends on the architectural design and how the space is divided. When I encounter the problem of many different windows, my first inclination is to try to unite all of them as much as possible. This creates an even flow of the space.
The first point is to keep the window treatments as simple as possible. This way they will not conflict with each other. Shades or simple pinch pleat draperies (no elaborate valances!) in light colors work best. Matching the treatment to the wall color will keep the space looking even more open.
The second point is to try to use the same treatment on all or as many windows as possible. For example, mini blinds or wood blinds could be used throughout the entire space. Another way to unify the windows would be to use drapery treatments in the same fabric on as many windows as possible. In your situation, pleated draperies could be used on the picture window, and sliding glass doors with a mini or wood blind on the kitchen window.
The biggest problem is what to do with the the windows that extend two stories. If the windows are wide, draperies that run from the second to first floor could be used. However, they would probably have to be stationary panels since moving them would very difficult. For privacy, you could add blinds to this treatment on the first floor. I have also used electrically operated treatments (blinds or draperies) in this type of situation. This solution is more costly and requires electrical connections at each of the upper windows. Readers who are in the process of building a new home with particularly large windows can open up many options (and save money) by having the wiring brought to this space during construction. If your windows are narrow, a simple treatment used only on the lower level could provide privacy. Another solution might be to used blinds on both levels. In this case, the blinds on the upper level would be permanently left open to one position. The solution depends on what you feel will work best with your daily living habits.
The best way to unite many different windows in an open space is to keep the treatments simple and functional.
Please email your questions to jos.riceinteriors@att.net . In the subject box, fill in 'WCT Design.'
Joseph Rice is an interior designer who offers full decorating services. With 21 years of experience, he specializes in designing drapery treatments for 'hard to treat' windows. You can reach him at Joseph Rice Interiors, Inc. (773) 271-2361; or jos.riceinteriors@att.net
