How Good Bones' Mina Starsiak Hawk Adds Natural Light Without Sacrificing Privacy

Some mornings, you just want to soak in the sunshine — until you pull back the curtains and find your neighbor out for a morning walk, getting a view of you in your pajamas. While windows give us that gorgeous natural light we all crave, it's often in exchange for our sense of privacy in the home. The good news is that "Good Bones" star Mina Starsiak Hawk showed us a solution that gives you the best of both worlds. So, how does she let the sunlight in while still maintaining your privacy? The answer is simpler than you think — she uses narrow, high-up windows.

Hawk is part of the mother-daughter duo on HGTV's "Good Bones," giving her audience all kinds of great ideas, from hidden storage solutions that combat kitchen clutter to eye-catching landscaping techniques and more. If you've been curious about what the HGTV star would suggest for adding natural light while honoring your home's privacy, look no further. She understands that a well-lit room can make all the difference, but she's also aware that no one wants to feel exposed in their own space.

When it comes to designing a home that feels both open and secure, the choice of windows can make all the difference. One of the best choices that fulfill both needs is a small, skinny window, also known as a clerestory window, which is a window positioned towards the top of a wall and typically horizontally long and vertically narrow (like a rectangle). Among some of the best renovations featured on "Good Bones" is Season 5, Episode 13, when Mina Starsiak Hawk surprised a couple with a beautiful renovation of their old cottage that included clerestory windows in the living room, telling the couple, "We wanted to add these, so you get some more light from the North and South, but you still have some privacy" (via HGTV on Youtube).

These thoughtfully placed windows are a game-changer in rooms where privacy is a priority, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and cozy living areas. They allow sunlight to stream in while shielding your home from outside views. The placement helps to enhance the natural light but also adds an element of design interest, creating a focal point that draws the eye upward and makes the room feel more spacious. Mina's approach is a perfect blend of form and function, proving that you don't always have to choose between natural light and privacy.

If you've been wanting some more light in your space, adding a small, skinny window is a smart way to brighten up a dark room. When installing one of these windows, it's important to consider the placement carefully. Positioning it closer to the ceiling allows for maximum light exposure while maintaining a good sense of privacy in your home. This type of window is especially effective in areas that face less attractive views, like a neighbor's wall or an alley, as it draws in sunlight without exposing your space to passersby.

Fortunately, the installation process is fairly straightforward, making it an easy and effective way to bring more sunlight into your home without compromising your privacy. The cost of installing a new window typically ranges from $280 to $730, depending on the materials and labor involved. Whether you're renovating an existing space or planning a new build, a small, skinny window can add both aesthetic appeal and functional light to your home, making it a simple yet impactful design choice.