This month we're going to look into the process an interior designer, namely ME, goes through when doing work on her own house. Those of you who have been here know that I live and work in an older house, so the process of renovation is ongoing. The current project is replacement windows. It should be simple-just replace the windows, right? Au contraire! Just choosing what kind of windows is a process! Older home window sizes are no longer standard. The cladding (or the outer surface) colors are limited. The products used in new construction are not applicable. The research begins-------. · I determined that I would have to have the interior of the windows painted in order to maintain the "old house look". As you might imagine, with my love of color, the available neutrals would not work on my interior. After looking at the range of products available, I chose a Loewen window, which is fir, clad on the exterior only. Aside from being a great quality window, they offer many cladding color choices and I was able to find the "right" one for me and my home. · Next, should I simply replace the existing windows or should I make some changes to enhance the personality of my home? This is an opportunity to take a look at my surroundings with a critical eye and determine how they could be better. My house was built in 1950; so it does not include any extra details. How can I improve the look? How about replacing some of the windows with French doors? They would certainly let more light into the rooms. By staying in the same brick opening, only the brick underneath the windows has to be removed, allowing for phenomenal improvement with nominal work. Each door will only be 15" wide, with three rectangular panes of glass-----what a great old house look!
· Do you know that the cross bar on a shutter should not be in the middle? If we truly used the shutters, there would be a slide on the cross bar and it would be placed at a height that would be convenient to reach when we opened the window to close the shutters. Voila! Another old house detail. Today, there are composite shutters available with a twenty-year guarantee. These are solid, paintable, and can be configured to any specifications.
· It's said that hardware is the "jewelry" in your home-another opportunity to enhance the look. I've found some bronze Eastlake doorknobs and back plates that absolutely have the right look. Now, I'll have to change the front door set, but, as I said, "renovation is a on going process". The next time you have to do something practical to maintain your
home, take a long look at the opportunities that the maintenance
might create. We often fail to really see our everyday
surroundings. Consider the "what ifs"----you never know
what great things can happen! Yes, it may take longer to work through
the planning process, but it will certainly be worth the effort.
Search for more home improvement, furniture and
accessory ideas!
Sara
Gillum Interiors |
