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Make a Space Special with Glass
A ceiling here, a wall there — some extra translucence can create a magical space
Glass rooms are inherently special, be they converted greenhouses or the result of sleek, modern curtain walls, high up in the sky or low on the ground. We've seen some enviable greenhouse-to-room conversions, but if you don't have the capacity (or a spare greenhouse) to completely enclose a room in glass, fear not! Strategically placed glazing is at your rescue: a wall here; a ceiling there — you don't have to go all out to make a big impact.
Friends of my family had a tiny brownstone apartment in New York with a little greenhouse-ish "bonus room" that became their baby's quarters for a couple of years. It was minuscule (maybe 4'x8') but magical.
My favorite element was the glazed ceiling. We once visited when it was snowing and, I swear, I almost moved in; my parents struggled to extract me from that room, and I've been dreaming about it ever since. The sight of snowflakes slowly dropping directly overhead was bewitching. This room, by Samantha Grose at JP&Co., brought back a rush of memories for me. Few things beat watching a storm overhead while you're safely tucked away.
Countless companies can help homeowners convert an open porch or deck into a little glassed-in haven, free of pollen, dust and rain. High-efficiency, insulated glass will keep heating and cooling bills low.
My favorite element was the glazed ceiling. We once visited when it was snowing and, I swear, I almost moved in; my parents struggled to extract me from that room, and I've been dreaming about it ever since. The sight of snowflakes slowly dropping directly overhead was bewitching. This room, by Samantha Grose at JP&Co., brought back a rush of memories for me. Few things beat watching a storm overhead while you're safely tucked away.
Countless companies can help homeowners convert an open porch or deck into a little glassed-in haven, free of pollen, dust and rain. High-efficiency, insulated glass will keep heating and cooling bills low.
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Give the exterior of your home added dimension, gain more light and dramatically increase your views by replacing a flat pane with a bay window, which reaches out to capture light and views from three angles.
This modern take on a bay window also adds to the exterior landscape by creating a layered vista through the windows. That little bump-out is no doubt one of the most special spaces in the entire house, providing a cozy perch from which to gaze, ponder or read.
This modern take on a bay window also adds to the exterior landscape by creating a layered vista through the windows. That little bump-out is no doubt one of the most special spaces in the entire house, providing a cozy perch from which to gaze, ponder or read.
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| Traditional covered porches are wonderful, but one with the added benefit of a glass pergola is truly special. Open, but still protected, a glass roof (especially one with a trellis effect) can mitigate the heat while allowing users to enjoy the full benefits of a sunny day. If glass is out of the price range, corrugated plastic is a good alternative. |
| On the other end of the spectrum, glass walls minus the ceiling will block wind without blocking all air flow, which is particularly helpful should you want to enjoy an open fire pit! Frosted glass, as seen here, will give you a little more privacy, and the slivers of air between the glass inserts and the mullions allow for even more airflow. |
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If you have two edifices to connect, say a garage or studio and your main house (lucky you!), take advantage of the opportunity to make that walkway an experience.
A wall of windows will create a clear distinction between the spaces. I like the subtle choice of lighting, which works well with the serene materials and landscape.
A wall of windows will create a clear distinction between the spaces. I like the subtle choice of lighting, which works well with the serene materials and landscape.
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| Take an ultra-traditional approach and carve out a central courtyard within your home. Interior courtyards, or atriums, have been used for centuries. Such a treatment brings in light and nature, not to mention architectural interest and dimension. While many in-home atriums feel bright and minimal, I appreciate that this design employs a warm, Arts and Crafts feel. |
| When we see all-white, glass-encased bedrooms, they're usually perched high up in an urban sky, but the wood trusses and thick mullions give this white design a softness — and lets nature provide the color with changing seasons. Imagine waking up every morning to that view. |
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| This is an example of a great use of space in a potentially wasted room. The low/pitched ceilings present a challenge, but making them giant skylights brings in tremendous light. (Adding low bookshelves and comfortable seating encourages NOT standing too tall here). More: Life in a Glass House Indoors, Looking Out |
Comments
Artistic Glass Innovations Taking an ordinary closet wall and making it an extraordinary focal point. Etched glass was used along with neon tubes of blue, turquoise and white to back light the glass. Lighting system was used to dim the light when needed. 
16 months ago · Like
Frisson That is a great idea - thanks for sharing!
16 months ago · Like
mmsalg This is one of my favorite designs, art glass. I absolutely LOVE how glass transforms a space. I have to share some of these amazing custom glass art pieces. They are truely amazing. Please take a look and get inspired http://blog.custommade.com/2012/01/people-who-live-in-glass-houses-have-really-cool-walls/ 
16 months ago · Like
jasmineaubert just love glass anything. Great designs
16 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Feb. 1, 2012.
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