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Gone are the days when the only role that windows played was to let air, light and the view into a home. Nowadays, windows are an integral part of a home’s overall aesthetic, improving its exterior appeal as well as enhancing its interior design. To make sure that a window is able to provide maximum aesthetic benefits, you should not only choose the best window style and design, but also consider customization options. In this ebook, you’ll learn more about these options so that you can make the most of window customization.
PART 1: CHANGING WINDOW STYLE AND SIZE
Updating a home’s exterior typically involves projects such as roof replacement, siding installation and window replacement. For each of these projects, there are also a multitude of ways to improvise and customize to ensure optimal results. For window replacement, one of the ways to customize a unit is by changing style and size. A FRESH LOOK: CHANGING WINDOW STYLES Aside from energy efficiency and safety purposes, a major reason why homeowners replace their old windows is to change the look not only of their windows but their entire home as well. A surefire way to do this is by choosing a totally different window style altogether. Changing window styles can bring a noticeable yet less drastic improvement. If you replace your old windows yet install the exact same window style, it may look like you didn’t get window replacement at all. For more stand-out results , it is important to choose a new window style that will still match your home’s architectural design. Better yet, you can have replacement windows customized based on new specifications.
PART 1: CHANGING WINDOW STYLE AND SIZE
CHANGING WINDOW SIZE: CONSIDERATIONS AND ADVANTAGES If switching from one window style to another is not enough to achieve the new look you are envisioning for your home, you may also consider altering a window’s size. This is especially beneficial if you want to open up your home to make it look larger and bigger, and to frame a striking outdoor view.
However, when changing window size, the structural condition of the home should be carefully examined and considered. Generally, when changing window height, it is best to work from the bottom down. You can also choose to expand horizontally, if the structure allows it. Be sure to consult a window replacement or home design professional who can help you find the new window styles sizes that will suit your home without compromising function and structural stability. ooooo
In the next post, we’ll take a look at how changing window trim colors can give your replacements an aesthetic boost. Stay tuned!
PART 2: CHOOSING WINDOW TRIM COLORS AND STYLES
Windows would not be complete without trims or casings. Coincidentally, choosing trim color and style is also a way to customize windows to make them better reflect your personal style and preference while enhancing your home’s aesthetic. WHAT ARE WINDOW TRIMS? Trims or casings are moldings that go around the window frames. While most window trims are beautiful enough to improve the look of any window, they are not installed simply for style and design purposes. Rather, they actually perform a more important role: covering gaps around windows to prevent the penetration of noise, heat, water and humidity.
Trims are installed inside to prevent regulated air inside the home from escaping through the gaps between the window frame and wall opening. On the exterior side of the window, they are meant to seal the frame, blocking outdoor heat and drafts from entering the home. The windowsill works to keep the interior side dry while the exterior head trim or casing typically has a drip cap that keeps water from entering through gaps in the window opening. A cornice or crown can be added for decorative detail.
PART 2: CHOOSING WINDOW TRIM COLORS AND STYLES
CHOOSING WINDOW TRIM COLORS AND STYLES You can customize both interior and exterior window trims by selecting your own preferred colors and styles. To get you started, keep these tips in mind: • For interior trims, it is common to choose styles and colors that generally match other casings and molding in the home, such as baseboards and door moldings, forming a cohesive look in the room. • On the other hand, choices for exterior window trims are endless. You can choose between the simplest picture-frame style trim and the most elaborate designs and millwork.
• To make the choice easier, consider your home's architectural design. For ranch homes, simple, picture-frame trims may look best while wide trims are great for Prairie and Craftsman style homes. • The more elaborate trim styles are best suited for equally elaborate home styles, such as Victorian, Colonial and English Cottage homes. You can also opt to extend the head casing, jambs, and sills or add cornices.
PART 2: CHOOSING WINDOW TRIM COLORS AND STYLES
• As for the color, you can pick shades that will complement the general motif of the home, especially if you have a traditional home style. For modern or contemporary homes, you can be more adventurous and select hues that will make your windows pop, turning them into focal points.
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Stay tuned for the next post to see how you can make the most out of window hardware and grille pattern options.
PART 3: SELECTING HARDWARE AND GRILLE PATTERNS
If you want to fully personalize and customize your windows, it is best to explore hardware and grille options available from your window contractor, as your choice will determine how classic or modern your replacement units will look. Additionally, grille patterns can help with controlling the effect light and shadows have on a room. HARDWARE OPTIONS Window hardware serves as the physical point of contact between the window and the person operating it. It also works to break the monotony of a window, like jewelry or other accessories. For a classic, old-world charm, you can choose hinges, handles and locking mechanisms in brass, bronze or nickel finishes. On the other hand, silver, platinum or chrome-finished hardware typically work well for more contemporary styles.
GRILLE PATTERNS Before, windows with smaller panes combined to form one big unit was the norm, as manufacturing huge glass panels was not yet possible. This is why window glass divided into smaller panes have become the trademark of older homes. While window production has come a long way, you can still channel that traditional and classic charm today by utilizing various grille patterns.
PART 3: SELECTING HARDWARE AND GRILLE PATTERNS
The small panes in a window are called lites. Originally, windows were manufactured by dividing the window frame with wood strips to create the smaller frames before lites were installed.
Nowadays, customizing grille patterns has become easier thanks to stick-on grilles. These grilles come in a wide range of colors and finishes and you can choose from a variety of patterns, including prairie, colonial, ladder, double ladder, pencil or contour, among others. ooooo
By customizing windows through changing their style and size, upgrading the window trims, and choosing your preferred hardware and grille pattern, you can effectively make your new windows truly your own, reflecting your personal style and making your windows unique . To make the most out of customization options available to you, don’t hesitate to consult with a reputable window contractor in your area.
Jones & Associates 701 East 40th Street, Lubbock, TX 79404 (806) 686-1380 www.thejonesboys.com