“People everywhere love Windows.”  –Bill Gates

Bill Gates was most likely referring to something other than glass, wood, vinyl and R-values. But in our world—home remodeling—we have found that people everywhere DO love windows. That is, the kind that let in light and shield us from the weather. The kind that create a thermal barrier from heat and cold. The kind that documents a toddler’s fingerprints and the puppy’s nose impressions.

I, myself, am a great fan of windows and have yet to meet a homeowner who doesn’t appreciate the value of a great fenestration. A well-positioned, correctly sized window can utterly transform a room from an uninviting space to a celebration of light and life. It’s that dramatic.

When the budget allows, we encourage homeowners to critically assess their current windows and consider possible options. For instance, a full kitchen remodel is the perfect time to re-size or re-position an adequate but unimpressive window. Even a few inches of change can positively affect the amount of natural light in a room.

1. WHY NOT ENJOY THE VIEW?

During this recent remodel, a small single slider was replaced with a larger, more glorious picture window. This not only infused the kitchen area with light, but also framed the impressive valley view with an uninterrupted glass expanse.

 2. LET NATURE INSIDE

Large, stair-stepped windows mirror the graduated floor levels of this bathroom remodel. They infuse the master bathroom with light and foster a connection to the outdoor forest preserve. It is particularly important to take advantage of a natural view. When there is a view of any kind, large picture windows are a great way to maximize your enjoyment.

 3. CAN YOU HAVE TOO MANY WINDOWS?

It is doubtful that a home could ever suffer from too many windows. This particular living area has a wall of tall windows, a set of French doors, and two window seats. The light, the view, and the outdoor connection serve this living area well. And who wouldn’t enjoy curling up with a good book on one of those window seats?

 4. A WINDOW TO ANCHOR THE ROOM

Even if the view is not spectacular, a correctly-sized window can anchor a room and serve as an attractive design element. This master bedroom window extends low enough to provide ambient light for a pleasant tête-à-tête.

 5. WINDOWS TO ENLARGE A SMALL SPACE

Small spaces particularly benefit from having multiple windows. In this tiny home office, counterbalanced windows provide cross ventilation, massive light infusion, and, literally, windows on the world. Pleasant surroundings always enhance productivity. And windows provide the wow factor for small spaces like these.

  6. DON’T FORGET THE DOOR!

Banish dark and uninviting entryways with a windowed door. In this lovely entry, a framed mirror catches the light and reflects it back into the room, doubling the effect of the front door. This area feels twice the size it would without the windows and mirror.

7.  FRAME AN OUTDOOR FEATURE

The idea behind this three-tiered window grouping was to frame a landmark neighborhood tree. This clever design beckons the tree to be part of the interior. With every trip up and down the stairs, a person feels connected to the tree. As the seasons come and go, the beautiful tree marks the changes in tandem with the homeowners.

COULD NEW WINDOWS CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK?

Take a look around your home. Imagine how new or resized windows might alter your view of the world. Are there outdoor features to frame with a lovely picture window? Where might a new window add natural light and brighten your mood? Could your entryway benefit from a multi-paned front door?

At C&R Design & Remodeling, we enjoy helping homeowners like you find ways to make their homes a more pleasant place to live.  Call us today at 503-363-1343 or contact us through our email. Our Remodeling Consultant would love to visit your home and discuss your options.