Maximize Natural Light During a Kitchen Remodel

“Most homeowners prioritize incorporating as much natural light into the home as possible, and the kitchen is no exception,” said Tom Lawler, a Sales Design Consultant with Callen in Muskego, a full service and award-winning remodeling company serving southeastern Wisconsin homeowners since 1986. Beyond creating well-lit spaces within a home and being aesthetically pleasing, natural light can improve a person’s productivity, mood, and even their health, plus decrease a home’s energy consumption. “When it comes to a kitchen remodel, installing windows, including skylights, in addition to the strategic use of glass and mirrors, all contribute to the creation of a beautiful and bright kitchen remodel,” Tom said.

If the kitchen shares an exterior wall, it is important that this wall is fit with the right number, size, and style of windows in order to maximize the amount of natural light that fills the space. “These factors should be dependent on the specific dimensions of your kitchen as well as the exact positioning of the windows themselves,” said Tom. For instance, installing a bay or bow window into the kitchen is a popular choice, especially when there is a designated eating area within the space. Bay and bow windows are angled outwards so they extend beyond the kitchen’s exterior wall. “Moreover, their large surface area means this type of window can filter an ample amount of warm, natural light into the space, while their elegant style further enhances the dining experience,” Tom said.

Casement windows are another common kitchen window option. Hinged on one side, casement windows open outwards via a crank. “Not only do they provide plenty of natural light, but they’re also efficient at ventilating the kitchen, which is particularly beneficial for cooking purposes,” said Tom. “Often times, you’ll see casement windows installed adjacent to one another on a wall of a sizeable length, usually over the kitchen sink.” Additionally, a fixed window can be placed in between two casement windows to further increase the amount of natural light that enters the space as well as add to the kitchen’s overall aesthetics.

For smaller spaces or spaces with irregular dimensions, specialty windows are an ideal solution. “Windows can be custom-made to accommodate the unique dimensions of your kitchen, while still allowing plenty of natural light to enter this space,” he said. “Typically, specialty windows are placed below or adjacent to the kitchen cabinets. So, not only does this window type offer a framed view of your property while you prepare meals, but you can also properly ventilate the space, given specialty windows can also be operable.”

Should the kitchen not have share an exterior wall for window installation, or there is a desire to further enhance the amount of natural light that enters this space, installing a skylight is a clear choice. “Advantages of having a skylight in your kitchen include not having to compromise on privacy nor lose any prime wall real estate,” said Tom. Not to mention, it’s a unique and sophisticated design element to incorporate.”

A skylight acts like a spotlight to whatever lies directly beneath it. As a result, it is necessary to consider the specific kitchen feature(s) to accentuate before installing one. “For example, a breakfast nook or a kitchen island are excellent elements to highlight as they both emphasize the main functions and features of your kitchen,” he said. Keep in mind that the amount of natural light from a kitchen skylight will vary based on the sun’s position in the sky. Moreover, the type of skylight selected and the home’s roof pitch will also determine how much natural light the kitchen receives and when. “A good rule of thumb is to make your final decision after you’ve confirmed the amount of natural light your kitchen receives during the late afternoon and early evening hours, as this is when you’ll benefit most from the sun’s rays in your kitchen since you’ll likely be preparing for or eating dinner,” said Tom.

The use of glass provides another way to increase natural light into the home. Many homes feature double doors off the kitchen that lead to a formal dining area. If the dining area has or will feature large windows, ensure that the doors that connect to the kitchen are also equipped with large glass panels, as this will help to bring natural light into the kitchen. “There are many options of glass to choose from, including textured, decorative, such as stained or patterned glass, and tinted or frosted glass, which obscures your view to offer privacy, but still allows plenty of light to pass through the panes,” Tom said.

It’s a well-established design concept that mirrors have the capability to make a space feel as though it’s larger than it is. Mirrors can also serve another design related purpose, and they can be used to reflect natural light in a kitchen in order to create a warm and inviting. “When it comes to mirrors and reflection, positioning is key,” said Tom. “For instance, everyone knows the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so if you have a window on the east wall of your kitchen, then you’d want to hang a mirror on the opposite wall in order to bounce the sunlight that is coming through the window back to the other side of the kitchen.”

The same general concept can be applied to mirrors and skylights. “Whether you prefer to compliment the morning, afternoon, or evening light, simply place the mirror in such a way that it best reflects your preferred type of lighting,” he said. Alternatively, if the goal is to incorporate the most amount of light as possible into the kitchen, hang the mirror as close to the skylight as possible.

“To help create a happy, healthy home, you’ll want to include as much natural light as you can, especially in the heart of the home – the kitchen,” said Tom. “In addition to its various health benefits, natural light is an optimal way to create a bright and airy atmosphere. Although the most effective approach when capitalizing on natural light in your kitchen is to install windows or a skylight, the strategic use of glass and mirrors also work well to amplify the natural light present in the space. So, when it’s time for your home’s kitchen remodel, be sure to take into account the incredible impact, practical uses, and various benefits of incorporating natural light into your home.”