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

Make your window a background

You’ll add beauty and grace to your home by creating a soft background in your window treatment design. Choosing simple lines, soft swags and muted or neutral colors help make a gentle, yet finished-looking decorative statement, a lovely background for a comfortably beautiful room.

Decorator blinds and shades are now available in such a wide array of styles, you may want to consider them as a background option, too. There are too many to mention here, but ask me for some suggestions… you’ll be amazed at the flexibility, functionality and beauty these new options provide.

Whether you choose to make your windows a focal point, or a subtle yet dramatic background, remember that each window in your home serves its functional purpose.

Learn more about your options for your Hampton area home at www.excitingwindows.net

The Right Window Treatments
Truly ARE Key To Successful Room Design!

1. Make your window a focal point

Every room needs a focal point for design. If you have an exceptional painting or sculpture, that may do the trick. If not, remember, your custom window treatment is the one design feature created specifically for you.

A print or color treatment can set the tone for the entire room achieving just the effect you want for your home. If you want a focal point in your room, a creatively designed window treatment is the answer. Windows are truly a design opportunity for setting your room’s mood and style!

Has Your Amesbury, MA Window Been Well Dressed?

Let your Stratham, NH home glow this Fall!

What could be a better motivation than a change of seasons to help you get started making your home as beautiful as it can be for the coming holidays, indoor entertainment and your family’s warmth, comfort and enjoyment? October is really a perfect time to consider new window decor ideas so as to be certain your updated home will look fresh and new in time for holiday parties and family get-togethers.

Change Any Room Just by Changing the Windows!
Your windows are the one place in any room where it is possible to completely change the design without having to completely change the room. With an almost infinite selection of fabrics to choose from, and with today’s window covering innovations (think shadings, blinds, shutters, etc.), you can make a room look brand new without changing another single thing! By working within your room’s existing decor, and from its existing color pallette, you can bring that custom-tailored look to any part of your home without even changing a wall color!
Value, Savings and More…
Added benefits you can realize from new custom window fashions include enhanced home value, heating and cooling cost savings when you choose high thermal quality rated fabrics and materials, and the pride of knowing your home is as comfortable as you want it to be for everyone who enters.

For one window or many, I’m here to help!
It’s so easy to update your home decor, AND have it ready before the busiest time of the year, just by giving us a call. We are ready to drop by at your convenience to show you how, together, we can add more value, beauty and comfort to your home. We will help you do all that within your budget, too.

www.excitingwindows.net

Plantation Shutters

Architects and home designers seem to be continuing their best efforts to bring the outdoors inside through the use of larger windows, often designed in unusual shapes. These larger windows may require extra framing to accommodate the weight of the treatment chosen for that window. This framing could include blocking up to several feet away from the window in order to support decorative drapery rods. If a steel header is used above the window, wood blocking should be added to at least a 1 ½” thickness over the face of the header to support a range of treatment options.

As you can see, considerations about window treatments can be just as complicated and important during the design phase of a home as decisions about kitchen layout or plumbing fixtures. Take the time to seek out a qualified window treatment expert to help you early in the pre-construction phase of your new home. You may find this to be some of the most valuable time you spend.

Ed Hopkins is the Principal of Exciting Windows! by Verticals Etc. He and his staff have been trained and certified by over twelve different manufacturers of quality window treatments. See the possibilities for window treatments today by visiting the largest showroom in New Hampshire at 122 Lafayette Road in North Hampton, or online at www.excitingwindows.net. Ed can be reached at 603-964-7282.