We are natural light fiends. We hate blocking even a smidgen of light from coming through windows. Yet, we're enchanted by this photo of window shelves from Metropolitan home...
Granted, the reason this concept works so beautifully in this kitchen (designed by Resolution: 4 Architecture and designer Amy Lau) is because the windows are huge and there are so many of them. Still, the idea has us thinking about future applications. It's a bit cliche but it would be lovely to display a collection of colored glass in front of a large window that doesn't need to be open or closed (the window itself or a window covering).
To check out the amazing home that hosts this kitchen, check out Metropolitan Home: The Art of Compromise.
(Image: Joshua McHugh )

Comments (13)
This home is stunning! I want...everything.
My favorite part of the slideshow:
"The master bathroom opens directly onto the rear deck."
You know, for when you want to air dry after your shower and say hello to the woodland creatures. :-)
This was a technique that I was considering using in front of the two windows flanking my fireplace in my 1930's Cleveland Double. The cat's don't seem to be interested (for the moment), so I thought the window would make a lovely display.
Thanks for more inspiration!
I love this kitchen. The warm wood and dark stone with the large glass windows and touches of metal make it pretty much perfect feng shui. The only snag I might find is how to clean the windows (especially with all the stuff on the shelving collecting dust). Oh well, let the maid do it, right?
Katy
http://fengshuibyfishgirl.com
I am looking for a diy to do this for the window over my sink. It's flanked by cabinets, so i don't think it'll be too hard. My neighbor's house and yard are too ugly to look at. Need something that'll distract from the ugliness yet keep my natural light shining in.
I had a shelf in front of a window in a teeny tiny kitchen I had out of necessity...literally 5 cabinets in the room. There was plenty of light because of the large window and a door with a window...I limited the selection of dishes on the shelf to white or black dishes (the tile in the kitchen was black and white). Sometimes a shelf on a window is necessary in a small space.
Nice, but so obviously staged (or these homeowners don't cook)
I'd rather have items that actually get used on open kitchen shelves and countertops than a collection of pretty dustcatchers.
Beautiful! When you have plenty of light, I think it's a great idea. I also like the idea of using the shelves to display colored glass.
Where do those barstools come from?
We put a long narrow shelf across our large kitchen window, just where the top and bottom window pains meet. I have mostly put herbs there and anything else the cats may try to eat... its just out of their jumping distance
I'm with cal...need to know about those barstools.
Hard to go wrong with so many incredible windows.
Absolutely love all the windows in the space. Herbs, herbs, herbs! What a pleasant place to cook with friends hanging, eat, and even wash some dishes!
Big fan here of cobalt blue vases with daffodils or tulips. Also might consider a remarkable set of cactus plants on a shelf 6 to 8 inches above the backsplash, but the foliage outside is soothing all by itself.
Love it.
Thank you for presenting!
I love it--I'm already thinking about people on the street seeing my cats lying/sitting casually on the shelves and watching the world go by. But how to balance that vision with my need for privacy...hmmm...