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News Flash!
News Flash!
If you've been following my kitchen articles lately than you may now realize how much goes into good kitchen design. There are many choices for all elements of a new kitchen and many varying degrees of budgets. There is so much information to have and consume that if you are spending a lot money on the kitchen of your dreams you may want to consider hiring a professional consultant to help you sort it all out and really make sure you have considered all options.
I know from experience when I work with some of my clients what they usually end up with is not what they originally thought they wanted. Lifestyle, budget and new products that the consumer may have not been carefully taken into consideration and fully understood beforehand, may ultimately dictate design for a kitchen that really works better for the consumer in the end. Hiring a professional may actually save you money by helping you design the right kitchen for your personal set of circumstances.
If you decide to go it alone, start by going to a bookstore and buying not one, but several books on the subject along with some kitchen magazines and new product guides. I had one client who did just that and when she saw how much information was out there she called me to make sense of it all and figure out what she really needed and could afford.
With all of that said...we are going to keep in line kitchen design as focus to the windows...particularly...a Garden Window. If you'd like to learn more about the other aspects of the kitchen such as floors and doors etc...start with some research at your local library, the book store, or on-line.
LIGHT; important life, growth, mood and daily functions. I never hear anyone ever complaining about too much natural light. In fact, living in the woods of Pike County I often hear people complain about not having enough of it. In the winter many people often suffer from SADD, (seasonal affected depression disorder), brought on in the winter months due to lack of sunshine, and believe me it's real. Think about how much better you feel now that spring is here and the days are getting longer and brighter.
Sunlight makes people feel good, cheery, and all round better. Sunlight steaming into a room even makes everything in the room look brighter and better. With all the choices in windows these days you can bring as much light in as your property will allow and at the same time save energy costs by choosing low-E glass and UV glazing.
A Garden Window makes a great focal point as well as allowing for a lot of natural light and a display for your house plants or year round herb garden. If you have a large country kitchen, or are a serious cooks who likes fresh herbs, than a Garden Window is must!
If you are looking to grow plants year round, choose a wall for your window with southern exposure for optimal sunlight all day long. If you can't place your Garden Window facing south, consider southeast. Even the early morning sun of pure eastern exposure should be enough to help you have a fruitful year round indoor herb garden.
Ideally your Garden Window should be over your kitchen sink so watering it is easy. Plus your plants will get the added benefit of extra humidity created when you use your sink. It will also make a nice view for you when you are working at your sink.
A true Garden Window looks somewhat like a mini greenhouse with a large sill extending outward with glass on three sides. Make sure it has some windows that open for venting and fresh air that both you and your plants will need. If you use pure unobstructed southern exposure, (no trees or neighbors buildings in your view), and it gets a bit too hot in the summer, consider installing some sort of shades or blinds that can be drawn to control the light and temperature.
You can go on-line or call some window manufactures and ask them to send you their catalog to start your search for the perfect bright, sunny Garden Window to add light and life to your kitchen and make both your Life and Home Better!
By: Lisa Alexander
Certified Eco Broker®
