Kitchen Layout

[legal girl]

We are extending and re-designing our kitchen. The plan is to have a floor to ceiling window looking out onto the garden. This in turn means that our sink won't be by the window. I'm now having second thoughts about this. Call me old-fashioned but I always thought that a sink should be below the window so you can look out when washing up! We'll be having a dishwasher so won't be doing much washing up but I just wanted other viewpoints on this as to whether I might regret this layout. Anyone else got their sink away from the window? Any pros or cons?

[jackthehat]

Traditionally, the window was there so that Mum could keep an eye on the children playing in the garden whilst she worked at the sink.

If spending hours at the sink does not feature heavily in your future plans, just put it against a blank wall............and enjoy the view of your garden at your leisure. :o)

[TonyV]

Ask someone to design it for you - think B&Q have design service

[Old_Geezer]

Well I moved my sink from the window to the wall 90º from it. I can still look out by looking to the right. But I don't spend that much time by the sink to worry about it anyway. I think the old reasons for it are no longer so important, and it has become a matter of personal taste.

[jackthehat]

If you live near Blackpool...........I'll design it for you !! :D

[Barmaid]

I bought a house a few years ago with an open plan layout. The sink was in the middle of the kitchen along the wall (with no windows). Made no difference to me because I simply loved having full sized windows onto the garden so I could throw the doors open onto the garden.

Only con is that the kitchen windowsill is a great and convenient place for plants and herbs.

When we get some money, that is exactly what we are going to do here - put full sized doors in where the sink is now and move the sink to the side wall.

[scotman]

It was usually the tradition that sinks were in a window. Not sure why but it could just be that the walls were usually thinner there so getting pipes through was easier. I have always thought it a waste of a window. Also when windows were timber framed all the water steam and condensation made keeping the windows in good order much harder. Harder to reach the inside surfaces for cleaning as well.
I would try to place it away from the window if you can.

[TonyV]

Jack - what a kind offer

[Old_Geezer]

You've not seen his price-list.

[scotman]

OG - you certainly have not seen 'his' price list

[jackthehat]

(Almost) exactly right, OG ! :o)

[TonyV]

Old - think you mean her - but not to worry

[arwyn]

1st home sink was opposite the window so I had it moved.
2nd home sink was at the window.
3rd home sink was not at the window and it never bothered Me.
4th home it's at the window and I love it.
I think You get used to it where ever it is can You have a table and chairs at the full length window so You can sit and look out. 2nd home had patio doors and I spent most of My day at the table.

[legal girl]

Thanks everyone for your input - that's really helpful. Jackthehat - we're in Buckinghamshire so Blackpool's a bit of a trek for us. Good of you to offer though!

[jackthehat]

I can visit............

Do you do B&B ? ;o)

[Old_Geezer]

Ah a female type called jack eh. Well, without the pink circle and cross symbol on permanent display ;-)

[TonyV]

legal - basically kitchen are about triangles and urgonmics - depends on size of room you have or going to have?

[jackthehat]

Tony - When designing a 'general' kitchen there is a Triangle of Travel that it is good form to use.
However, a bespoke Kitchen needs to reflect the needs and wishes of the person commissioning it so ergonomic considerations do not necessarily apply.

[craft1948]

My kitchen has the sink on the wall opposite the window which I found quite weird at first.............it doesn't bother me now although I may do the washing up a bit quicker.

[ChuckFickens]

What's urgonmics ?

The study of urgos? or do you mean ergonomics.

[craft1948]

careful chuck.............you're sounding like Mark.