Need suggestion for external window treatments

13 years ago

This pics are ocean facing view of our house. You can see there are several sliding doors. I need suggestions for trimming or finishing around them. I'm not talking about storm shutters. I'm looking at aesthetics.

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PRO

HERE Design and Architecture

13 years ago

FWIW, I never specify mitered trim joints because windows aren't picture frames. It is a detail for unskilled workers. (Forgive me.) Traditional window trim follows the architecture: header over sides, sides over sill, sill on top of stool.

Re: this house - you have a lot of contrast going on there with the dark glass, white sashes and frames and medium grey stucco. I would paint the walls a lighter color (maybe cream?) that relates to the stonework and makes an easier transition to the white. Personally, I think this house has some nice lines and I don't think that adding complexity will help in this case.

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Comments (16)

PRO
HERE Design and Architecture
13 years ago
Personally, I would start by painting them a darker color.
Forrest King
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank You. I would love to start there. However the doors are all prefinished in whited and will not accept and hold paint on the ocean front.
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qam999
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
A very simple yet effective trim is just to use plain flat boards, 4-5" wide and perhaps 1/2" thick. Cut to frame window - you can do butt joints so you don't even need to miter them. Prime thoroughly on ALL surfaces, then paint, install with proper anchors (e.g. for stucco or whatever your siding is), then fill and touch up nail holes. White paint to match window frames. I did this on my house and it looks great.

(Dark trim would work IFF you could paint the window frames, too. But the reality is only the factory finish is viable and the factory finish on the windows is white. So there you go.)
Forrest King
Original Author
13 years ago
TY soberg, I do love the idea of a narrow trim of 4-5"
Nancy Manning
13 years ago
Could you add architectural trim detail such as in the picture?
Forrest King
Original Author
13 years ago
TY HERE, The gray color is "integral" to the stucco. We wanted to avoid beachfront wear and tear on a painted surface. If I install white window treatments on the interior to cut the contrast of the dark glass and use the barest minimum 4" trim, your thoughts?
Forrest King
Original Author
13 years ago
TY Nancy, it avoids the use of shutter, and has a slim profile. Thanks for the pic.
PRO
HERE Design and Architecture
13 years ago
I think white window treatments and keeping the trim on the quiet side are both good strategies. You might consider using a heavier header trim like a 6x and letting it overhang the jamb trims slightly. I would mock one up in white and another in grey (low contrast with the wall - maybe slightly lighter?) to see which looks best. I think I am leaning toward grey.
PRO
HERE Design and Architecture
13 years ago
Are you against using shutters? They would make sense visually.
Forrest King
Original Author
13 years ago
I'm not opposed to shutters but I'm a bit skiddish about adding too much. I will get the mock up with the 6" header and " 4" trim to see it before I commit. I am particularly partial to a lighter gray.
User
13 years ago
Is that stucco or an eifs / dryvit type product?
PRO
HERE Design and Architecture
13 years ago
FWIW, I think shutters on the ground floor sliders at the left and right sides of center 'tower' would look nice and help to soften the relationship between the windows and wall.
Forrest King
Original Author
13 years ago
TY Fred S. I'm not sure exactly what the product is. I'll ask the contractor and post it. Do you need brand name too?
Forrest King
Original Author
13 years ago
TY HERE, I think I understand. Just to be clear, on the tower you would only do shutters on the side, given there is not enough room on the front of the tower. Sound correct? Thanks for the suggestions!
PRO
HERE Design and Architecture
13 years ago
I think I mean don't put any shutters on the tower - only on the parts that are under the lower roof areas.