We’re excited to share that our very own Rick Staub was interviewed for an article on how to bring the outdoors into our kitchens and baths. Appearing in the September issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News, Rick talks about how he grew up in the West where expansive, long views were everywhere. Now, that he’s living and working here on the Connecticut shoreline with Old Lyme-based Point One Architects, water views are the norm. But, he enjoys taking advantage of the outdoors in general. For example, many homes offer short views — beautiful backyard and wooded areas.
Maximize Window Size
When you have a gorgeous view, maximize it. In the image above, Staub worked in collaboration with Madison, CT-based Kitchens by Gedney. Working with beautiful materials, the two kept the cabinet style simple and stain color neutral to not compete with the focal point – the view. Notice the dark bronze trim around the window, framing the view like a piece of art. In the article, Rick says:
“Getting a window edge down on a countertop line is extremely important. It’s also important to make the window height taller than you might typically see. It creates a ‘big sky’ feeling where you are able to see the sky and a long horizon line. Even for ‘short’ views, when we can increase the height of the windows to see the sky above the trees, it opens up the horizon line in your mind and makes it feel even more expansive than it might actually be.”
Privacy Concerns
Rick notes in the article that he discusses privacy concerns with his clients when designing with expansive windows. A lot of times, he says, people live remote or simply don’t care.
“For those who do, there are curtains, blinds and roller shades, many of which are available in fabrics that are beautiful even when closed. Sometimes we also tilt the windows or splay the frames around the windows to create a portal that protects the view while providing privacy.”
Minimize Distractions
When designing, try to minimize distractions so that the focus will be on the view.
“Use the landscape to decorate your home,” he says. “If you have a lot of color or pattern, especially on the walls adjacent to the windows, you can detract from the pureness of the view. That’s why a lot of modern homes have white or very minimal frames and trims around the windows. There is also a trend of using dark window frames and mullions because they are easier to see through.”
Design by Point One Architects / Photos by Warren Jagger
