Shedding Light: The Revolutionary Nature of Windows
Makeover Just About Any Room With the Magic of Natural Light
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
No, this ideabook is not about how your life is made if you have the most amazing view. In fact, if your home looks out on a garbage dump it may be unfortunate, but there is still marvelous hope for your home. Beyond providing a view of say, the Eiffel Tower or Puget Sound to the lucky, windows let in light and open up a space.
Windows are a conduit to the outside world, and the natural light they bring in elminates the need for more electricity. They also can revolutionize the interior of a home by opening up closed areas.
I recently experienced the renovation of a closed-off 1970s home. The renovation knocked down an interior wall to open the space up, and knocked down an exterior wall to recreate it with spanning windows. That one move — forget the other awesome changes — created a heaven out of a cave. Take a look at these amazing windows and how they help make the space successful. You may be inspired to knock out your own wall.
Windows are a conduit to the outside world, and the natural light they bring in elminates the need for more electricity. They also can revolutionize the interior of a home by opening up closed areas.
I recently experienced the renovation of a closed-off 1970s home. The renovation knocked down an interior wall to open the space up, and knocked down an exterior wall to recreate it with spanning windows. That one move — forget the other awesome changes — created a heaven out of a cave. Take a look at these amazing windows and how they help make the space successful. You may be inspired to knock out your own wall.
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| Where a simple row of windows would do the trick, this huge window goes almost from floor to ceiling, becoming a central feature of the room. |
A view beyond this narrow galley keeps the space from feeling cramped. The window at the end is like letting a cork out of a bottle.
Where the one window is amazing, an added smaller window above lets in more light throughout.
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| Not only does this glass wall let in beautiful natural light, but it adds a delicate balance to the stark geometrics and mixed materials throughout. |
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| Take notes on how letting the light fully in adds an indirect glow to an entire space. Down with mini blinds! Down with dark unopenable curtains! |
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| You could look out on Aspen through ugly windows and still be excited, but I love how windows make up the entire exterior wall — and how the segmentation reinforces the larger shape. |
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by Bobbi Gugger
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| This corner becomes illuminated with nostalgic light. The windows appear disproportionately tall in such a small room, and that is what makes it all fabulous. |
Where bathroom windows can often be forgotten, this bathroom shows how natural light and fresh air can add to the zen of the space.
| This dark dining room works because of the windows surrounding it and mirrors to disperse its natural light. |
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by Amoroso Design
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| Windows occupy this entire wall and create the illusion of more space in this narrow bedroom. Dark curtains wait at the flanks to shut out the light when needed. |
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| Spanning windows connect the inner world to the outer world and can make your space seem larger as it merges with nature. |
Windows make a large design statement here and are breathtaking from both inside and out.
If you could replace one window in your house, what would you do with it?
Next: Browse more ways with windows
If you could replace one window in your house, what would you do with it?
Next: Browse more ways with windows
Ideabook published on Jan. 24, 2011.
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Cje4, this site has some good modern takes on shades that secure privacy without totally shutting out the light:
http://www.blindsgalore.com/products.asp?id=roller-shades/window-shades/
It's actually a vintage ikat fabric.
http://www.westelm.com/products/sutton-sofette-g034/popup/preview-colors.html?sku=2623270
Builders will usually put in the cheapest windows they can get away with. Windows make your life beautiful. Buy the best you can. Lastly double hung windows are less energy efficient and always put a bar across the view. Their screens sit outside and can neither be removed easily or stay clean. Casement windows are more energy efficient and have interior screens easy to access and take down in winter when you want all the light you can get.