These kitchen makeover tips will help you plan your project and make sure those drafty corners are never an issue in the future.
Traditional Versus Trendy Kitchen Designs
When you think of a traditional kitchen, what comes to mind? Oak cabinets, granite countertops, and the typical one lonely window over the stainless steel sink? If you stay up on kitchen design trends at all, you’ve noticed that many modern kitchens are trading in the rows of cabinets for open, airy shelves and pot racks that show off those well-loved pots, skillets and saucepans.
Another key to modern kitchen design? Lots of big windows to bring natural light and visual airiness to even the smallest kitchens. Renewal by Andersen of Long Island makes it easy to incorporate that style into your home, whether you’re going for a clean, contemporary feel or something a little more traditional.
The following ideas highlight just a few of the ways you can update your windows for a classier, upscale look. Make your kitchen a more functional workspace and save money on your heating and air conditioning bills in the process.
Side-by-Side Windows Over The Sink
The single awning or double-hung window over the sink tends to look a little lonely. Try replacing it with two or three double hung windows installed side by side. They’ll take up a bit more width (and a bit of cabinet space), but they’ll instantly brighten and lighten your kitchen.
Renewal by Andersen’s double-hung windows open and close easily, they tilt in for easy cleaning, and they’re available in a wide variety of interior and exterior colors to beautifully complement your design personality.
For a more contemporary feel, leave out the grilles, keeping the view as open and unobstructed as possible. If you prefer a more traditional look, choose from any of our standard grille patterns, or create a custom pattern to complement your home.
Picture Windows
If your kitchen sits along a garden or opens into a green space, you might want to frame your view to its best advantage. This is where picture windows come in. Picture windows are the most efficient windows available. Because they don’t open or close, they provide the most airtight seal of all window options. They’re also the best way to capitalize on some of the beautiful views Long Island homes offer.
Bay Windows
Blessed with a breakfast nook or eating area? You’ve got the perfect space to upgrade with a bay window—or just to install a wall of energy-efficient windows that give your eat-in kitchen the feel of an easygoing garden cafe. What better spot could there be to sip your coffee in the morning?
A bay window (or smaller bow window) is a fantastic way to frame your view and visually enlarge your space. Renewal by Andersen’s bay and bow replacement windows can be installed in most existing large window openings, so it doesn’t take a large or costly remodel to get dramatic results.
Casement Windows
These windows are often overlooked, but they’re a perfect option for difficult-to-reach wall space, just like the space above your countertops. Replacing your over-sink or countertop windows with casement windows makes an elegant statement while functioning seamlessly.
They’re easy to unlatch and crank open with one hand, and an easy-lock lever also easily seals the window closed at multiple points, creating a firm weather-sealed barrier that keeps the outdoors out.
Window Treatment Options
Wondering which window treatments work best with different styles? It depends. Your home’s orientation has a lot to do with your window treatment needs. If you want privacy so the neighbors aren’t enjoying the view while you sip your morning coffee in your pajamas, consider unobtrusive roman blinds or shades. A glare from the morning sun can also be good reason to look at window treatment options that allow you to adjust just how much sunshine comes in at certain times of day.
Renewal by Andersen also offers specialty glass options that make it easier to filter out the sunlight without blinds or shades. Our Low E4 SmartSun glass lets in almost as much sunlight as perfectly clear glass, but it prevents a significant amount of heat transfer and glare. SmartSun glass is rated 70 percent more efficient than clear glass during the summertime (it helps keep it warm inside during those Long Island winters, as well), and it blocks 95 percent of UV rays to help protect your interior surfaces from UV damage.
Renewal by Andersen of Long Island experts are waiting to help you perfect your kitchen window plan. Call (866) 609-5033 toll-free or fill in the short form on this page for more details.
