Inside Out: Windows and Doors Take Center Stage
Red Couch Interiors recently attended the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) Susquehanna Valley Chapter meeting at Studio 4 Showroom, an exclusive Marvin window and door dealer in Harrisburg, to learn about the ins and outs of windows and doors, the two primary ways we link the indoors and the outdoors of our homes. They serve a dual purpose of inviting the natural outdoor light to permeate the interior while also allowing those folks indoors to enjoy the outside view.
Standard options still exist within the industry and may, indeed, serve your purposes just fine. But as the market has increased the available options, it’s no longer solely upper end homeowners who have access to new and innovative design and function. No matter your geographic location, there are window and door options that can improve your home’s appearance and practicality. Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing one, here are some ways you can maximize their overall impact on your house.
Explore your options.
Don’t settle for what you already know! Take some time to investigate current window and door possibilities, with an eye toward new technology and new design trends. Visit showrooms, page through magazines, study neighborhood homes, and speak with a contractor so you are fully informed about your choices. Research locking systems to determine whether a lever/knob system or a keypad with Bluetooth best fits your needs. Consider upgrading from single-hung to double-hung windows for ease of cleaning and better ventilation. Study the materials used in window and door fabrication to find what works best for your home and your budget: vinyl, fiberglass, wood, or aluminum. Orient a new home build to allow for the highest winter solar gains in terms of natural illumination. Lower your energy bill by installing double or triple pane windows for greater efficiency and decreased heat loss. Information is your biggest asset in the early phase of design and renovation, so do your due diligence before making any commitments.
Elevate your design.
Natural light brings a wow factor all its own, and there are various ways to facilitate its entrance into your home. When it comes to windows, get playful with your use of grilles. Add a row at the top and bottom of a large window panel, or use diagonal grilles to create diamond shapes. Rounded window arches can appear dated, but a rectangular accent piece, also known as a transom, over your primary window will modernize your look while letting in extra light. Choose dark blue or basic black for a front door that draws the eye as a first hello. Clean lines and brushed brass hardware are rising to the forefront as simplicity replaces ornate design and décor. Flexibility and flow remain key features to home layout, and modern interior door options help meet this need for smaller spaces that can expand to facilitate large groups. Interior bi-fold, double pocket, and barn doors allow homeowners to adjust their space as needed.
Expand your view.
More glass, less frame is the mantra for 2019 as slim black frames and larger windows take center stage. Well-designed outdoor living spaces continue to trend with homeowners choosing window walls, often without grilles, to create a seamless segue between indoors and out. For those residing in more populated areas, skylights or elevated windows above eye level help bridge the gap, allowing homeowners a glimpse outside while still maintaining privacy. Consider installing a new front door with sidelights or a transom for added exterior beauty and interior lighting. Replace a small window with a set of sliding doors or use French doors inside to section off an office while still maintaining an open feel.
Hiring a designer to help navigate the decision-making process will confirm that your choices are architecturally prudent and visually appealing; likewise, hiring a professional contractor for new window and door installation guarantees proper installation for water management and an air tight seal. Investing in new windows and doors will reap dividends in the days to come as both you and your guests enjoy the changes to your home.
