Welcome to Exciting Windows!

Any window opening that is not square or rectangular is reffered to as a specialty shape. These windows are usually used as an architectural detail in home construction and add to the beauty of the home. The windows themselves are beautiful and are usually quite expensive. When the homeowner decides that some sort of covering is needed, preserving the beauty of the opening is normally a priority added to the need for privacy, light control, UV or glare protection.

In this series we will tackle each of the common shapes of windows and the appropriate choices for that particular shape. For more information see our gallery of specialty shaped windows.

I held a large sample panel in white in the window, and asked the clients to step outside and take a look; they were horrified! Installing any shade or shutter that showed white to the exterior would ruin the affect they worked so hard to create in building this home. So we began to look at the window treatments as not just a functional necessity, but an addition to the overall appearance of the home that needed to work in harmony with the rest of the construction materials.

Shutters were still desired for their inherent beauty and function. We reviewed the readily available materials, but decided that any other wood grain would contrast too much with the grain of the Fir. The answer was to match not just the color of the surrounding trim and moldings, but to match the wood as well.

The result was astounding. It appeared that the shutters were made in the same mill as the moldings, and had been installed by the same finish carpenter.

When selecting all window treatments, but especially plantation shutters, be sure to think out of the box. Consider the appearance from within and from outside. Make sure you are working with a designer or shutter specialist that truly knows the product and is able to offer more than just the usual fare. To our knowledge this was the first time Fir was used as a shutter material for a home in New England. After seeing the beauty of this home, I am sure it will not be the last.

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We just completed work on a beautiful custom home in Gilford, NH on beautiful Governor’s Island in the middle of Lake Winnipesaukee. This architect designed home is nestled within the trees along the waterfront giving the impression that it has always been right where it is. The main design theme of the home is Craftsman style, where the wood used in construction is the main design element.

The primary wood used for moldings and detail is straight grained Fir. A wood commonly used throughout vacation homes in Northern New England. This wood has a distinctive grain pattern and natural color that is right at home in the woodsy waterfront setting.

When we first met the clients, it was immediately decided that shutters would be used only in the bedrooms and bathrooms for privacy and light control. Other shadings would be used in the main rooms. The clients had assumed that a painted shutter would be most appropriate. But I was concerned about the appearance of a white shutter from the exterior. As described above, the home is constructed of all natural materials on the exterior. The Cedar shakes and beams that surround the windows are fully natural in appearance. I was concerned that a ‘wall of white’ showing through the window would ruin the affect.

To be continued