Housing by MHN Design Union has optical-illusion windows

The Cloud Forest House, situated on a six-acre wooded lakeshore property in eastern Minnesota, is named after the homeowners' favorite travel destination, the cloud forests of Ecuador. After residing in their existing home for a decade, the homeowners sought to enhance their living space to better suit their active family of five. Their primary goals for the renovation included incorporating expansive window views, creating a more open floor plan, and updating the home with a contemporary aesthetic. To achieve this vision, they engaged the husband-and-wife architectural team, Jeremy and Sara Imhoff of Imprint Architecture and Design. Imprint Architecture and Design presented the homeowners with three distinct design options for the Cloud Forest renovation, ranging from minor yet impactful modifications to a complete overhaul of the floor plan. The clients ultimately decided to maintain the original footprint of the house, preserving its four bedrooms, one office, and three bathrooms. A significant addition to the project was a new bedroom suite, designed to offer increased privacy for the parents from their growing children. A key focus of the renovation was to improve the functionality of the living spaces, beginning with the garage. The previous garage had been a prominent feature on the home's front elevation, obstructing the entry and impeding westward views and natural light. Imprint's objective was to open up the entire house, allowing natural light and views to penetrate throughout the interior. For the window and door solutions, Kolbe Windows & Doors' VistaLuxe AL LINE was selected. Kolbe, established in 1946, is renowned for its personalized approach, superior quality, custom craftsmanship, and innovative designs. The glass panels of the large windows and expansive lift-and-slide doors were strategically integrated to seamlessly connect the home's indoor and outdoor environments. Jeremy Imhoff emphasized that the narrow frames of Kolbe windows maximize the viewing area, effectively blurring the distinction between interior and exterior spaces. Sara Imhoff highlighted the dual sightlines provided by corner windows, offering views of the exterior landscape while also creating an inward perspective between rooms. The great room was designed with multiple large windows, topped with clerestory windows, to create the impression of glass walls. Operable windows were placed throughout the house to facilitate natural ventilation, ensuring that nearly every space offers compelling views of the surrounding natural environment. Material selection played a crucial role in achieving the desired modern style. Imprint collaborated with the homeowners to choose natural, high-performance materials that offered a contemporary aesthetic, blending modern indoor comfort with rugged outdoor textures. These materials included wood siding, floors, ceilings, and cabinetry; concrete and metal wall panels; stone counters and accents; and exposed steel supports and railings. Sara Imhoff noted that the aluminum interior and exterior of Kolbe's VistaLuxe AL LINE were a significant factor in their choice. The finished aluminum requires minimal maintenance, and the frames' insulated thermal barrier and dual-glazed Low-E glass contribute to enhanced condensation resistance and energy performance, crucial for both hot summers and cold winters. The all-aluminum frames of the Kolbe windows and doors were finished in onyx, designed to emulate aged steel. This dark exterior color complements the wood siding, creating a desired contrast with the predominantly white interior walls. The narrow window frames accentuate the interior's clean, crisp, modern design, contributing to an elegant simplicity. The project was characterized by strong, consistent communication and weekly meetings involving Imprint, Hagstrom Builder, and the clients, which were essential for maintaining the project's vision and schedule, despite challenges posed by the pandemic and supply-chain issues. Peter Hagstrom, President of Hagstrom Builder, acknowledged Kolbe Windows & Doors for expanding the possibilities of custom homes with their energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing products, enabling architects to design stunning walls of windows. Dave Johnson, Hagstrom's jobsite supervisor, praised Kolbe Gallery Twin Cities for their proactive management of delivery and installation, highlighting a positive and collaborative experience that distinguished them from other window suppliers. #HomeDesign #WindowTechnology #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ModernArchitecture #MinnesotaRealEstate #SustainableDesign #KolbeWindows #ImprintArchitecture #LuxuryRenovation

This blog post details three distinct transformations of a traditional bay window in a first solo New York City apartment, emphasizing how different window treatments can dramatically alter a space's aesthetic and functionality. The author, Domino Managing Editor Brittany S. Chevalier, shares her personal experiments with various Hunter Douglas shades, showcasing their impact on light management, privacy, and interior design. The first transformation introduces the Pirouette shade, featuring a remote-control-operated motorized lifting and lowering system called PowerRise with Platinum Technology. The article highlights the shade's soft fabric vanes, which create an airy and serene atmosphere, seemingly floating in the window. This setup is paired with a vintage wooden bench, acquired from an antique shop, serving as a cozy spot for a pet dog. The discussion also includes a practical tip for maximizing natural light in small spaces, suggesting that the Pirouette shades' design contributes to this goal by allowing flexible light control and an open feel. The second approach utilizes classic Roman shades made from Hunter Douglas's Bungalow fabric in an ebony hue. These shades introduce a compelling contrast to the room, adding a layer of sophistication. A key feature mentioned is the UltraGlide single retractable cord system, which facilitates easy operation, allowing for effortless adjustment of the shades. This functionality is particularly useful for protecting an antique dining table, a family heirloom built by the author's grandfather, from direct sunlight, thus preserving its condition. The article suggests that these formal yet versatile Design Studio Roman shades are well-suited for various areas such as entryways, entertaining spaces, or dining areas, underscoring their adaptability. The overall narrative reinforces the idea that window treatments are not merely functional elements but powerful tools for interior design, capable of transforming the mood and utility of a room. The article encourages readers to consider the aesthetic and practical benefits of different shade types, from modern motorized options to classic manual designs, demonstrating how each choice contributes to a unique interior environment. The transformations showcased illustrate how a single architectural feature, like a bay window, can be reimagined to reflect personal style and meet diverse practical needs, ultimately enhancing the living experience within the apartment. The post also subtly promotes the brand Hunter Douglas by featuring their products in these transformations. #InteriorDesign #WindowTreatments #HomeDecor #BayWindow #HunterDouglas #ApartmentLiving #DesignTransformation #RoomMakeover

Windows are essential architectural elements that create a dialogue between interior spaces and the outdoors. In densely populated urban areas, where traditional windows may be limited, skylights have emerged as a significant alternative, providing light, air, and a view of the sky. This article explores innovative approaches to windows and skylights in various architectural projects across the subcontinent, showcasing how architects are reinterpreting these features to enhance living spaces. One example is SYSTEM Architects' project, Jeebon-Anondo, where circular skylights and window-like openings were incorporated. Principal architect Enamul Karim Nirjhar explains that the circular concept symbolizes drops of tears, light, and rain, connecting to a moment and introducing light, water, and drama into the living areas. Similarly, for Animesh Nayak of Open To Sky, the skylight in his Bodoland project acts as a “clock,” marking time by interacting with the moving sun to create dynamic light patterns within the house. Noor Khan's Six Courtyards House in Lahore features an elongated, rectangular skylight that transforms the experience of climbing the staircase, serving as a focal point and demonstrating the architect's sensitivity to how the sky meets the roof. In Dhaka, Bangladesh, architect Rafiq Azam of Shatotto designed an “oculus” in the roof of the traditional Bengali goshshaghor, a space for contemplation. This oculus frames the urban skyline and sky, interweaving them with exposed concrete walls and green vines, thus framing one's mind and soul. The Tomoe Villa by NOTE at Alibag incorporates angular windows designed to act as picture frames, capturing specific views and trees from the surrounding landscape. Principal architect Hemant Purohit describes these windows as an abstraction of leaves, subconsciously integrating nature into the design. In a unique request, Matra Architects and Rurban Planners designed two identical buildings without traditional windows for artist homeowners. Instead, daylight permeates through various vertical and horizontal incisions in the blocks, with a skylight illuminating the staircase, creating an immersive experience. Lastly, the S House addresses privacy concerns with tinted, one-way glass windows, a client request due to an unappealing neighborhood view. To compensate for the reduced outward visibility, architect Sujit Nair of SDeG introduced an atrium in the interiors, ensuring ample light while maintaining privacy. These diverse projects highlight how architects are rethinking conventional window and skylight designs to address functional needs, artistic expressions, and specific site conditions, ultimately enriching the inhabitants' experience of their homes. #WindowDesign #SkylightArchitecture #ArchitecturalInnovation #HomeDesign #NaturalLight #UrbanArchitecture #PrivacySolutions #ModernHomes

Floor-to-ceiling windows are a design element that maximizes natural light and offers expansive views, making a space feel larger and more connected to its surroundings. This architectural feature is particularly impactful when a home boasts a spectacular vista, whether it's a sprawling forest, a serene beach, or a vibrant city skyline. The glass panels often extend both vertically and horizontally, creating an almost alfresco living experience. Beyond the visual appeal, these windows bring abundant light into interiors throughout the day. A kitchen, for instance, can be bathed in bright, cheerful morning light, while a living room can be imbued with a warm glow as the sun sets. To further enhance the aesthetic impact of floor-to-ceiling windows, design considerations can include painting the window sashes and mullions in a dark hue. This choice creates a striking contrast against the outdoor scenery, making the vista pop even more. However, the inherent beauty of the view itself often negates the need for elaborate additional adornments. The article showcases 25 diverse examples from the Architectural Digest archives, illustrating how floor-to-ceiling windows are integrated into various residential settings. These examples highlight a range of interior design styles and geographical locations, demonstrating the versatility of this architectural element. In a Connecticut house by Carrier and Co., cube chairs by Desiron are positioned to face the living area's floor-to-ceiling windows, inviting inhabitants to engage with the exterior. Kara Ross and Stephen Ross's New York apartment, designed by Ingrao Inc., features city views through curtained windows, complemented by vintage French mahogany floor lamps and a papier-mâché sculpture. A San Francisco residence, furnished by Ken Fulk, boasts a 27-foot-tall window in the great room, offering sweeping cityscapes. The master bedroom of a New York Hudson River Valley retreat, designed by architect Joel Sanders, includes a Poliform platform bed and a CB2 Peekaboo table by the windows, paired with a vintage Frank Gehry Wiggle chair. An art-collecting couple's home in Amagansett, New York, by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, features a sun-drenched open living area framed by Duratherm doors and windows, with custom-made sofas upholstered in Rubelli fabric and a Stark rug. In Laguna Beach, California, a home by Ehrlich Architects integrates a window wall in the master bedroom that slides open to blend indoor and outdoor spaces, with beds by Roche Bobois. Designer John Barman's Miami Beach apartment utilizes a retractable, floor-to-ceiling door to provide immediate ocean views from every room, showcasing Thonet chairs and vintage accessories. A Los Angeles house decorated by Dan Fink features a Poul Kjærholm leather-top stool and a Vladimir Kagan sofa within a great room that connects to the outside through large windows. A Manhattan apartment by Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper incorporates a Jeff Koons sculpture and vintage Fritz Henningsen chairs at a window wall. Architect Antoine Predock designed a New Mexico home with a master bedroom offering mountain views, where coyotes have been observed walking outside the windows. Jamie Drake’s New York City living room combines a custom cocktail table and sectional sofa with a Pedro Friedeberg Hand chair and gold-leafed floor lamps, all benefiting from ample natural light. A home by Lake|Flato Architects near Austin, Texas, provides broad views of downtown through expansive windows, accented by a large-scale artwork by Vik Muniz. The Florida living room of Judy Blume and George Cooper, renovated by Thomas E. Pope and Malcolm James Kutner, is bordered by a garden rich with palms and orchids, visible through its windows. Adam Levine’s Hollywood Hills living room, designed by Mark Haddaway, is a carefully curated space of vintage pieces, illuminated by natural light. Lee F. Mindel of Shelton, Mindel & Assoc. designed a New York City apartment living area with stools and wicker lounge chairs by Poul Kjærholm, arranged on a custom-made V’Soske carpet. In Nashville, Tennessee, a family room by McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors features a Sutherland lounge chair and a Flexform sectional sofa, with Donghia fabric curtains. A Commune-designed house in Los Angeles incorporates reclaimed-oak paneling in its double-height living room, benefiting from large windows. Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan’s Shelter Island, New York, home features custom-made ceramic tiles in a sunken living area that is brightened by natural light. A New York City pied-à-terre by Jennifer Post Design Inc. includes a vintage Stilnovo light fixture and a Minotti sofa in a living room filled with light. The kitchen of a New York City residence by ODA-Architecture features red-lacquer cabinetry and stainless-steel counters, with light streaming in through large windows. Gilles Mendel’s Manhattan apartment living room showcases an Earl Reiback artwork between nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, offering unobstructed northern city views. A Manhattan apartment’s master bath, designed by Cooper, Robertson & Partners and De la Torre Design Studio, is clad in Jerusalem Gold stone and features custom-made mirrored cabinets. A Sagaponack, New York, home by Christoff:Finio Architecture has a dining area with a Geoff Kuzara mobile and vintage Walter Gropius chairs, situated to take advantage of natural light. Lastly, a Shelter Island, New York, master bedroom by Michael Haverland Architect and Philip Galanes is lined with Carolyn Ray wallpaper and benefits from significant window space, and a New York City living room by Len Morgan features a George III sofa and antique Irish armchairs, illuminated by the natural light from the windows. #FloorToCeilingWindows #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #NaturalLight #ArchitecturalFeatures #LuxuryHomes #ModernLiving #ResidentialArchitecture #StunningViews

This lookbook explores eight diverse living spaces that incorporate industrial Crittall-style windows and doors, showcasing their enduring appeal and versatility in contemporary home design. Crittall windows, characterized by their gridded metal frames typically made of steel with a bold black finish, originated in the late 19th century and became prominent in Art Deco and modernist architecture. Today, they are experiencing a revival, valued for their clean graphic lines that inject an industrial aesthetic into modern residences worldwide. The featured projects highlight various applications of Crittall-style elements. The Ghost House in the UK, designed by BPN Architects, features a double-height Crittall-style window that serves as a wall to an open-plan living and dining area within a concrete house, contributing to its "ethereal presence." In Tel Aviv, interior designer Maayan Zusman and architect Amir Navon utilized gridded black window frames to create an "airy yet framed" interior in an apartment renovation, complemented by other delicate black furnishings. Xu Fu-Min's Returning Hut in rural China offers a peaceful retreat with a living room featuring a giant wall of glazing framed by gridded metal, which slides open to connect seamlessly with the garden. Surman Weston's Ditton Hill House in the UK integrates Crittall-style windows with exposed steel floor decks, overlooking the garden in an open-plan living area, reflecting the client's preference for industrial aesthetics and nodding to nearby mock-Tudor homes. Little Peak in the USA, a holiday home designed by Berman Horn Studio, features black gridded windows and doors that punctuate its facade. These elements were chosen for their industrial look and to draw focus to the natural textures and colors of the surrounding landscape. Will Gamble Architects' Burnt House in the UK, a residential extension inspired by a Japanese tea house, employs Crittall-style windows and doors to achieve a minimalist aesthetic, reminiscent of a shoji screen, paired with a blackened wood window seat. The Binh Thuan House in Vietnam by MIA Design Studio uses white gridded frames on sliding doors, harmonizing with its industrial all-white, modular structure designed for future modification. Finally, the Harrison Residence in Florida, designed by Jeffrey Dungan Architects, showcases black Crittall-style windows as a focal point in its living space. These windows frame the surrounding tall trees, introducing color into an otherwise monochrome interior with black shelving and a coffee table, and white walls and sofas. Collectively, these examples demonstrate how Crittall-style windows and doors can be adapted to various architectural styles and interior design visions, enhancing spaces with light, connection to the outdoors, and a distinct industrial character. #CrittallWindows #IndustrialDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalFeatures #LivingSpaces #WindowFrames #ModernHomes

The article explores the silent revolution occurring in the design and technology of contemporary windows and frames, highlighting their evolving role from mere architectural elements to essential components that redefine living comfort. Innovations in this sector are setting new benchmarks for brightness and significantly improving the overall well-being within a home. The prevailing minimalist design trend, characterized by clean lines, maximizes the influx of natural light, which is beneficial for both physical and mental health. This increasing demand for transparency, driven by a desire for a stronger connection with the natural environment, is facilitated by advanced technologies that enable customization and adaptation to diverse architectural requirements. Modern glass can be tailored in various thicknesses and sizes, integrated with advanced seals and insulation systems to deliver superior thermal, acoustic, water, and wind performance. The article presents several examples of cutting-edge window and frame systems. FIN-Vista by Finstral is introduced as a modular glass wall system comprising fixed and operable elements, including sliding versions. This system allows for widths and heights exceeding 5 meters and extends across multiple floors, offering extensive customization options and easy installation due to its pre-assembled components. Another innovative product is Prolux+ by Oknoplast, which features glass bonded directly to a sleek frame, enhancing structural stability, creating a continuous aesthetic, and improving insulation. This system incorporates triple Low-E glazing with argon gas and Warmatec spacers to reduce heat loss by 10% compared to standard solutions. It also boasts a triple gasket system for effective protection against air, water, and noise. Aesthetically, the absence of glazing beads and an ultra-slim sash with a narrow central mullion create an expansive, open-view effect, making spaces feel larger and more inviting. Prolux+ offers a variety of finishes, anti-burglary hardware, and a low threshold ideal for large installations. Ponzio’s WS75IL hinged system blends traditional charm with modern technology, providing excellent insulation and comfort. This system is perfect for renovating older buildings, preserving their classic aesthetic while upgrading to contemporary performance standards. It offers finishes like Micaceous Iron or Smoked Brass that mimic historical frames, alongside double or triple glazing, high air and water tightness, wind resistance, and acoustic insulation up to 47 dB, ensuring superior thermal efficiency. SOFTLINE 76 by Veka is highlighted for its durability and thermal efficiency, designed with Class S PVC for harsh climates and Class A thick-wall profiles. Its five-chamber internal structure prevents heat loss, and internal steel reinforcements provide stability for large windows and glazing up to 48 mm thick. It offers two sealing levels for wind, rain, and acoustic insulation, and can be customized in over 60 colors, including ultra-matt, soft-touch, and wood/metallic finishes. Finally, Velux offers a range of flat roof windows—fixed, opening, roof-access, and smoke-and-heat ventilation models—suitable for various roof slopes. These solutions enhance natural light penetration and air circulation, with an optional external sunshade blind to prevent overheating, further contributing to indoor comfort and energy efficiency. #WindowsAndFrames #HomeComfort #NaturalLight #ArchitecturalInnovation #EnergyEfficiency #ModernDesign #InsulationSystems #GlassTechnology #InteriorDesign #BuildingMaterials

J Geiger, a company known for its luxury home shading solutions for nearly a decade, has introduced a new line of window shades called Inception Shades. This new line aims to make J Geiger's signature aesthetic more accessible to a broader market by bridging the gap between high-end design and budget considerations. The company identified a need for aesthetically pleasing alternatives to traditional window valances and unsightly fascia, which prompted its initial founding. With Inception Shades, J Geiger continues to innovate by offering simplified, streamlined products designed for common window conditions like single and double windows, while maintaining its minimalist, fascia-free design philosophy. Inception Shades are available in two models: 2ten and 3eight. The 2ten model is entirely wire-free, featuring a rechargeable motor that can operate for up to a year on a single charge and boasts a slim band thickness of two-tenths of an inch. The 3eight model is designed for larger shade sizes and offers both wired and wireless power options. It also includes the capability to integrate a coupler bracket for double windows, allowing for simultaneous control of two shades from a single motor, with a three-eighths of an inch shade band to accommodate the power wire. These names reflect the thickness of their respective shade bands, a detail that speaks to J Geiger's focus on functional yet refined hardware. The development of Inception Shades was driven by improvements in motor technology, particularly the advent of reliable rechargeable motors, which made expanding into a wider market more viable. James Geiger, the founder, emphasized that the goal was to preserve the clean J Geiger aesthetic while simplifying and expediting the installation process. The new shades are designed for significantly faster installation compared to traditional J Geiger shades, reducing installation time dramatically. They are shipped directly from the factory as complete, functioning systems, ready for immediate mounting. This approach allows for scaled production and manufacturing efficiency on a production line, which, in turn, helps to lower the price point significantly without compromising design quality. Inception Shades are versatile in terms of mounting, designed for wall or window trim installation, with a ceiling-mount option planned for the future. For homes with intricate trim, the shades can be wall-mounted above the trim with the fabric rolled in a "waterfall" style. Both models offer a variety of fabric options to suit different privacy and light-filtering needs, and they come with silver or black aluminum hardware for a modern look. A key feature is their compatibility with various home automation systems, including Alexa and Google Home, making them easily integratable into smart home setups. The installation process is made simple with a patented quick-lock mounting plate and minimal screws, allowing for setup in minutes. This democratizes luxury window shading by making high-quality, design-driven solutions accessible and affordable for a broader range of homes. #LuxuryShading #WindowShades #HomeAutomation #MinimalistDesign #SmartHomeIntegration #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalHardware #HomeImprovement #ProductInnovation

Windows are essential components of any building, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes by allowing light and air into spaces while significantly influencing a structure's visual appeal. While standard rectangular windows are common and readily available, selecting non-traditional, often custom-made windows can dramatically transform a design. This article explores eight unique examples of unconventional windows, highlighting their strong personalities and unexpected placements that challenge typical fenestration. The first example features a brick addition to a suburban home in Melbourne, Australia, designed by Austin Maynard Architects. This extension incorporates a series of round porthole windows of varying sizes and locations across multiple facades. This playful integration of circular windows adds a distinctive twist to the otherwise traditional red brick construction. Next, a wooden A-frame retreat in Normandy, France, designed by Jean-Baptist Barache, showcases operable "peek-a-boo" windows. In addition to a large central window on one end gable, smaller square windows are strategically scattered. Two windows on the third floor illuminate the bedroom and offer views, while a cleverly placed window on the first floor integrates seamlessly into a camouflaged rear door, contributing to the home's casual yet surprising elegance. In Venice, California, architect Lorcan O'Herlihy's own home utilizes a panelized exterior system filled with windows of diverse sizes, operability, and opacity. This arrangement is designed to selectively screen and optimize views, resulting in a graphic facade that functions as a balanced composition of solid and void elements. An octagonal porthole window is featured in a renovated 1915 wood-clad house on a remote fishing island in Quebec, Canada, by YH2. This modern renovation skillfully blends local architectural traditions with contemporary design. The octagonal window, though historically common, is a delightful surprise in the master bedroom, where it evokes a nautical theme and frames ocean views. Another example from Seattle showcases a pair of perfectly round porthole windows in a home designed by Lead Pencil Studio. Constructed with sustainably oriented and salvaged materials, this industrial-inspired home features two round windows on the second floor. These windows not only add personality but also subtly reference the nearby Boeing airplane factory, complementing the home's steel cladding. An oversized oriel window is the focal point of a major renovation of a turn-of-the-century brick row house in Harlem, New York City, by architect Laura Briggs. After the original facade was damaged by lightning, a multi-floor projecting oriel window was added, using industrial materials like metal siding. This bold, modern addition creates a striking contrast with the historic block. Zaha Hadid's early project features a triangular motif for both windows and skylights. The highly contemporary space treats these uniquely shaped windows almost as artwork, thoughtfully arranging them across walls to create curated connections with the outdoors. This distinct triangular design is characteristic of Hadid's architectural style. Finally, a minimalist home by Taguá Arquitetura+Design exemplifies the "less is more" philosophy with long and lean windows. These carefully oriented and arranged windows maximize sunlight and views while minimizing the need for air conditioning. Two slim, parallel windows at the top of a landing leading to second-floor bedrooms allow light to filter in, reflecting off a glass railing and offering a brief glimpse of the exterior. #UnusualWindows #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomWindows #Fenestration #HomeDesign #ModernArchitecture #WindowPlacement #ArchitecturalInnovation

The article highlights the approach of Interior Design by Emily, a design studio in Decorah, Iowa, which emphasizes the significant role of window coverings in enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of a home. Emily, the owner of the studio, explains that window treatments are often undervalued but can profoundly influence the feel and utility of a space. Her firm offers custom window solutions and comprehensive interior design services, operating from its downtown Decorah location at 215 W Water Street. As an authorized Hunter Douglas dealer, Interior Design by Emily provides a diverse range of premium window treatments. These include options with cordless and motorized functionalities, cellular shades designed for energy efficiency, and sophisticated layered drapery. Emily notes that clients frequently seek general design assistance but ultimately find that window coverings address practical challenges they may not have initially identified. These challenges range from mitigating glare in home offices to maintaining cooler temperatures in bedrooms during summer and aesthetically framing outdoor views. In response to contemporary demands for safety and environmental consciousness, the studio prioritizes child-safe cordless designs, compatibility with home automation systems, and the use of eco-friendly fabrics. The showroom allows visitors to interact with full-size displays, explore various fabric samples, and collaborate directly with Emily to develop a personalized window covering plan. This tailored approach considers the client's individual style, budgetary constraints, and lifestyle requirements, acknowledging that each window and home is unique. The studio's objective is to provide a design process that is straightforward, enjoyable, and customized for every client. Emily underscores that the distinctiveness of each home necessitates bespoke design solutions. Interested individuals can gain further information or schedule a consultation by visiting the studio's website at www.interiordesignbyemily.com, stopping by the downtown Decorah showroom, or engaging with their social media channels for design inspiration and updates on ongoing projects. This branded content piece aims to showcase how Emily's design philosophy elevates window coverings beyond mere accessories, transforming them into integral components of modern home design. #InteriorDesign #WindowCoverings #HomeDecor #DecorahDesigner #HunterDouglas #CustomDesign #SmartHome #SustainableDesign #FunctionalDecor

This article offers seven expert-approved design strategies to address and transform awkwardly placed or unusually shaped windows into intentional and aesthetically pleasing features within a home. The guidance is suitable for both renters seeking budget-friendly solutions and homeowners considering more permanent changes. One primary technique involves creative curtain placement. Interior designers suggest using window treatments to "cheat" the window's perceived location by mounting curtains significantly wider than the window itself. This optical illusion can effectively adjust the window's appearance without requiring structural modifications. Another strategy focuses on strategic furniture positioning. By thoughtfully placing items like a cozy reading nook or a floating shelf, attention can be drawn away from unusual window placements and directed toward functional and inviting elements. An example provided illustrates how a window integrated into a dining nook can appear more intentionally placed with the addition of a built-in L-shaped bench. Consistency in window treatments across a room is also highlighted as crucial. Even if some windows are inherently better positioned than others, maintaining the same type of curtains or blinds throughout the space helps to blend the awkwardly placed window with its surroundings, reducing its perceived oddity and contributing to a cohesive room design. Leveraging lighting to one's advantage is another effective approach. Uneven lighting, a common consequence of peculiar window placement, can be remedied by installing layered lighting options, such as sconces and pendants. This ensures the room remains well-lit and balanced, irrespective of the window's position. Alternatively, designers recommend designating the window as a focal point rather than attempting to conceal it. This involves celebrating the unique design feature by installing attractive window treatments. An example includes embracing an oversized, arch-like window by designing a cozy cove around it, transforming it into a functional and inviting workspace. Incorporating built-ins offers a more permanent solution for homeowners. Surrounding an awkwardly placed window with custom built-in elements can create a cozy nook. One case study details the transformation of a kitchen window with a radiator below it into a reading area with a window seat and shelves, cleverly integrating book storage and a comfortable spot to unwind while providing an outdoor view. Another instance describes installing a shelf beneath windows of abnormal height, flanked by built-ins, to create balance, ground the wall, and enhance storage capacity in a primary bedroom. Finally, for situations where a window's presence is entirely undesirable from the interior, covering it fully with drywall can be an option. This method allows for maximum use of interior space for storage solutions while maintaining the window's visibility and aesthetic from the exterior. These diverse strategies demonstrate that awkward window placements can be successfully managed and even transformed into unique design assets. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #WindowTreatments #FurniturePlacement #BuiltIns #RoomDesign #LightingDesign #HomeRenovation

This blog post highlights a 4,000-square-foot, cedar-clad home in Rumson, New Jersey, designed by Narofsky Architecture, which seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings through extensive use of windows and doors. From the street, the home appears to be a single story, but closer inspection reveals a second ground level and a prominent glass-encased stair tower. The full geometric and angular composition, coupled with expansive glass, becomes evident from the rear. The homeowner, Kerry Ancheta, sought a modern yet organically harmonized dwelling. Narofsky Architecture achieved this by strategically placing the main living spaces on the lower level, fostering a strong connection to the outdoors. The design team incorporated solutions from Kolbe Windows & Doors' VistaLuxe® Collection to enhance this indoor-outdoor flow. The ground level, featuring an open floor plan encompassing the kitchen, living, and dining rooms, along with a guest bedroom, is enveloped by nature through floor-to-ceiling windows and doors. Stuart Narofsky, FAIA and principal architect, noted that the VistaLuxe Collection allowed for maximum heights and widths, accommodating doors along the entire length of the kitchen and family rooms. A unique aspect of the home is the absence of a traditional bedroom wing. Instead, sleeping quarters are arranged in separate areas, connected by the home’s open layout. A catwalk extends across the center of the home, linking the master bedroom to additional rooms on the opposite end. A cantilevered cube on the top level houses a second guest bedroom, projecting over the backyard. All these spaces are unified by a glass-enclosed floating pine staircase, which serves as a light-filled passageway. The stair tower, which travels vertically above a Zen garden, allows residents to look down into this tranquil space. The selection of windows and doors prioritized maximizing sight lines and complementing the home’s modern aesthetic. The VistaLuxe Collection's clean, minimalist design offers narrow sight lines and slim corner posts, creating a nearly frameless view from the interior. The collaboration between architects and Kolbe resulted in a wide selection of windows and doors with low-maintenance extruded aluminum exteriors and warm wood interiors, ideal for modern floor plans and large expanses of glass. For instance, a corner window unit in the living room provides an unobstructed view of the swimming pool, further blending the interior with the exterior. #ModernArchitecture #WindowDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableDesign #HomeIntegration #GlassWalls #NewJerseyHomes #NarofskyArchitecture

Picture windows offer a unique architectural element that seamlessly integrates a home's interior with its surrounding environment, providing stunning, expansive views and enhancing the sense of connection to nature. This article showcases 15 distinct examples of homes that effectively leverage picture windows to frame diverse and breathtaking landscapes, ranging from serene lakesides and dramatic coastlines to mountainous regions and urban vistas. Among the featured homes is a vacation rental on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, designed by Dualchas Architects, which boasts expansive windows perfect for whale watching from a luxurious living room. In the Italian Alps, architect Alfredo Vanotti's Casa VI features north-facing larch-framed windows that capture views of the Orobie Alps. McCall Design and Planning’s Cliff House in Idaho, situated on a steep slope overlooking Payette Lake, incorporates large, triple-glazed windows and even a boulder into the entrance foyer to emphasize indoor/outdoor living. The Qiyunshan Tree House in China, designed by Bengo Studio, offers a minimalist reading room with a floor-to-ceiling window framing a lush mountain view. In the Netherlands, Marc Koehler’s "House with 11 Views" uses 17th-century Dutch landscape paintings as inspiration for windows that frame various natural scenes. Ireland's Lost Cottage vacation rental features a massive picture window in the principal bedroom overlooking Caragh Lake and a glass roof above a sunken tub for stargazing. On British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, a renovated vacation home by Falken Reynolds Interiors now serves as a primary residence, with added skylights and a picture window providing panoramic coastal views. Butler Armsden Architects and Leverone Design reimagined a Sea Ranch retreat in California, using clear, vertical grain fir and ample windows to highlight the Pacific Ocean and surrounding meadows. Ampuero Yutronic’s Casa Hualle in Chile’s Lake District, a black timber home, uses strategically placed windows to offer dramatic views of a nearby volcano and lake. In Chicago’s Motor Row District, Vladimir Radutny Architects’ renovation of a century-old loft reveals unexpected vantage points and views as one moves between levels. Salmela Architects’ Hyytinen cabin in Minnesota, situated on a wooded plot sloping towards Lake Vermilion, has a fully glazed east end to capture scenic outdoor views. A semi-modular beach house in Tasmania, designed by Stuart Tanner, minimizes the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces with extensive use of glass to celebrate the rugged landscape. Stafford Architecture’s Sydney home is designed to respect its natural sandstone ridge, with a picture window on the lower level offering a view of the rock formation. The Nooq Cabin in Whitefish, Montana, by Alex Strohl and Andrea Dabene, features Scandinavian-style gabled sections with expansive windows overlooking mountain slopes. Finally, Hacker Architects remodeled a 1970s condo in Oregon, streamlining the interiors to maximize natural light and showcase the surrounding views. These examples collectively demonstrate how thoughtful window placement and design can profoundly impact a home's aesthetic and its occupants' experience of their environment. #PictureWindows #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeDesign #NaturalLight #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ScenicViews #ModernHomes #WindowDesign

The concept of "cozy" in home design extends beyond mere soft throw blankets, encompassing a broader sense of comfort and inviting warmth that can manifest in various forms. Interior designers from Decorating Den Interiors offer insights into cultivating this feeling within a home, focusing on elements like upholstery, texture, window treatments, and atmospheric controls. One fundamental approach to enhancing coziness is through the strategic use of upholstery. Designers emphasize that incorporating soft, plush upholstered pieces is crucial for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. For instance, in a basement great room, where existing elements like a wood-and-stone bar might appear stark, designers recommend counteracting this by introducing large, pillow-strewn sectionals, comfortable seating designed for lounging, and upholstered ottomans instead of hard-edged coffee tables. This strategy prioritizes softness and comfort, making the space more appealing for relaxation and entertainment. Modern advancements in performance fabric technology have significantly broadened the design possibilities, allowing for lighter colors and luxurious textures even in high-traffic areas without compromising durability or cleanability. This means homeowners can achieve a sophisticated and comfortable aesthetic that is also practical for daily living. Another key element in establishing a cozy environment is the thoughtful application of texture. Suzan Wemlinger, owner of Suzan J Designs, highlights that texture is often the missing ingredient when a room feels incomplete or uninteresting. She notes that many people inadvertently choose items with similar textures, leading to a visually monotonous space. To combat this, designers suggest layering various textures, even starting with fabrics as the anchor for a room's design. For example, incorporating velvet for armchairs and sofas provides a luxurious yet welcoming feel, and intentionally allowing fabrics to be slightly loose can contribute to a lived-in, inviting appearance. Furthermore, curated collections of throw pillows in diverse materials like wool, velvet, and suede, possibly accented with fringe, can add significant visual and tactile interest. These subtle textural variations collectively contribute to a sense of comfort and invitation. Window treatments, often overlooked, play a vital role in finishing a room and softening its overall aesthetic. Designers argue that even in modern spaces characterized by glass and light-colored wood, window coverings are essential for creating a sense of completeness. Draperies, for instance, can frame windows and introduce an additional layer of texture, transforming a potentially stark area into a more inviting one. The choice of material and style for window treatments can significantly impact the room's mood, making it feel more refined and comfortable. The perception that draperies are old-fashioned can be overcome by selecting contemporary designs and materials that complement a modern aesthetic. Finally, atmosphere is paramount, and technology can surprisingly contribute to a cozy setting. In a primary bedroom designed for a single man, elements like warm wood planks on the ceiling and textural grasscloth on the headboard wall create a naturally organic and masculine yet soft feel. Beyond these material choices, integrating smart home technology, such as remote-controlled shades and smartphone-operable lighting, allows occupants to easily adjust their environment for optimal serenity and comfort. The use of extra-thick rugs also plays a practical role in absorbing sound, which is particularly beneficial in busy households, ensuring that relaxing moments are not interrupted by noise. Lighting is crucial for setting any mood, and for coziness, warm, low-wattage, dimmable bulbs are preferred. While overhead lighting can often be harsh, its effect can be softened by warm ceiling materials and augmented by various other light sources like sconces, reading lights, and ambient, low-level fixtures, all contributing to a "warm hug" feeling in the room. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #CozyHome #Upholstery #TextureLayering #WindowTreatments #AtmosphereDesign #SmartHomeTechnology #LightingDesign

The article highlights the design and construction of the Modern Notch House, a residential project situated on an 11-acre plot within New Hampshire's White Mountains. The primary objective of the house's design was to maximize the integration of its natural surroundings through extensive use of large windows and doors. This modern home incorporates a variety of materials, including glass, steel, concrete, and high-density fiberglass, contributing to its contemporary aesthetic. The architect, Paul Lewandowski of Paul Designs Project, emphasized the importance of capturing the scenic views surrounding the property, which faces multiple natural landmarks. A pivotal aspect of the Notch House's design was the timely availability of Marvin Modern windows and doors, which perfectly aligned with Lewandowski's vision for large-scale glazing. The project utilized a range of Marvin products, specifically from their Modern Collection, including direct glaze, casement, and awning windows, as well as Ultimate sliding and swinging French doors. These selections were made to facilitate expansive views and natural light penetration throughout the home. Notably, the living room features three large direct glaze windows, each almost eight feet by twelve feet, which are described as a stunning focal point. Further demonstrating the commitment to natural integration, the main bedroom is equipped with wall-to-wall Ultimate Sliding doors, offering unobstructed access and views. The dining area benefits from airy Modern Casement Push Out windows, designed to enhance ventilation and connect inhabitants with the outdoors. Additionally, five wide, rectangular Modern Awning windows are strategically placed high above the living room, facing the front of the home, to aid in airflow and introduce more natural light into the main living space. Matt LeGeyt, an architectural project manager at Marvin, and Windows & Doors by Brownell were key players in bringing this vision to fruition. The Notch House project exemplifies a design philosophy that prioritizes the natural environment, utilizing advanced window and door technology to create a living space deeply connected to its wilderness setting. The project showcases how modern architectural elements and strategic material choices can coalesce to produce a residence that not only stands out aesthetically but also functionally embraces its geographical context. The integration of large glass elements transforms the home into an observation platform, allowing residents to experience the surrounding mountains and landscape from within. #ModernHomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #MarvinWindows #GlassArchitecture #WildernessLiving #Sustainability #NaturalLight #IndoorOutdoorFlow #NewHampshire

The redesign of a London home by interior designer Tiffany Duggan, owner of Trove, demonstrates a bold yet practical approach to interior design, emphasizing unexpected elements and clever space utilization. The homeowner's desire for a unique yet functional space led to a collaboration that embraced risk-taking in design choices. In the primary suite, a client's request for leopard print was integrated through a custom upholstered bench and bolsters, despite initial concerns about clashing with existing elements like Beata Heuman’s Florentine flowers on curtains and Farrow & Ball’s Pond Green walls. This unconventional choice ultimately added a distinctive touch to the room. The overall design philosophy for the Sloane Square home prioritized individuality without sacrificing functionality. This was evident in the foyer, where classic checkered marble floors, inspired by a trip to Majorca, were paired with an unexpected green-gray paint from Farrow & Ball on the baseboards and stair railing. The breakfast nook also incorporated old-world glamour with a mirrored wall featuring new glass treated with a faux patinated finish. The narrow home, characterized by its five choppy upper floors with small rooms and landings, necessitated designs that were both aesthetically pleasing and practical. A key design challenge was integrating modern conveniences like a television without disrupting the aesthetic. In the green living room, a television was ingeniously concealed behind reflective glass from Overmantels, appearing as a mirror when not in use. This solution addressed the homeowner’s desire for a TV while maintaining the room’s sophisticated decor. The kitchen, being the darkest room in the house, was brightened by painting all surfaces, including tongue-and-groove paneling and low ceilings, in a soft white. Bianco Rhino marble without prominent veining and natural oak plank floors further contributed to a lighter, less cluttered feel, with hardware-less cabinets enhancing the minimalist approach. The attic level features another optical illusion in a guest suite. A twin bed appears custom-built into a window nook but is actually a freestanding divan framed by a valance and curtains, with only the headboard custom-fitted to the sloped corner. This creates a cozy, integrated feel. The adjacent larger guest space shares a blue-red color palette but inverts its dominance, with crimson becoming the focal point. This deliberate coordination, along with details like gingham pillows and a floral quilt, evokes the charm of a hotel guest room or a Cotswolds retreat, offering a comfortable and stylish experience. #InteriorDesign #HomeTour #LondonHome #StudioDuggan #OpticalIllusions #CreativeSolutions #LeopardPrint #HiddenTV #GuestBedroom

This lookbook highlights ten residential living rooms that incorporate floor-to-ceiling glazing and window walls to establish a strong connection with their natural surroundings. The primary benefits of this architectural approach include making living spaces appear larger and brighter, while also maximizing outward views. This visual strategy is known to enhance the well-being of occupants by fostering a closer relationship with the outdoors. The featured homes showcase diverse applications of this design principle. The Watchman Cabin in the USA, designed by Imbue Design, utilizes a window wall to provide expansive views of the Utah desert. Its interior maintains a restrained grey palette to emphasize the natural colors of the landscape. Olson Kundig's Bilgola Beach House in Australia features floor-to-ceiling glazing and sliding doors that open to Sydney's Bilgola Beach, complemented by retractable louvres for weather protection. Nedd, a house in the Scottish Highlands by Mary Arnold-Forster Architects, frames the undulating landscape with two strategically placed floor-to-ceiling windows, avoiding a continuous glass wall to preserve a sense of enclosure. MW Works' Whidbey Island Farm in the USA animates its minimalist living spaces with woodland views through large windows, with the home's three volumes positioned to offer unique perspectives of the surrounding environment. Calders House in Spain, designed by Narch, features sliding glazed panels that blur the line between the lounge and an adjacent park, creating an interior experience akin to an outdoor garden. Aidlin Darling Design's High Desert Retreat in California uses floor-to-ceiling windows to celebrate its elevated desert location, with some sections opening to a swimming pool that runs almost the entire length of the house. Sommarhus H in Sweden, by Johan Sundberg, integrates giant glass panes into its larch-clad exterior, providing views of the Baltic Sea and an open connection to a decked area. CF Møller Architects' Villa Aa in Norway features a window wall as its main facade, connecting the living room to a concrete terrace that mirrors the interior flooring, further dissolving indoor-outdoor boundaries. UGO's Terrace With a House by the Lake in Poland incorporates large lounge windows that contrast with the corrugated metal exterior, with interior materials selected to harmonize with the adjoining terrace and woodland. Lastly, Norm Architects' Pavilion House in the UK, a holiday home in rural Suffolk, boasts almost entirely glazed walls in its living room, emphasizing the surrounding countryside as its most significant feature. Each example demonstrates how large-scale glazing serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also a functional one, enhancing natural light, spatial perception, and occupant connection to nature. The article concludes by referencing previous lookbooks on statement skylights, welcoming terraces, and living rooms with sculptural furniture, indicating that this content is part of a series offering visual inspiration from the Dezeen archive for home design and interior decoration enthusiasts. #LivingRoomDesign #FloorToCeilingWindows #Glazing #WindowWalls #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ResidentialArchitecture #HomeInteriors #ArchitecturalDesign #NaturalLight

Brett Heyman, founder and designer of Edie Parker, showcases her former Manhattan apartment as a vibrant example of eclectic and confident interior design. Described as a "hodgepodge," the Upper East Side home, shared with her husband, Gregory, and their three children, injects a Technicolor aesthetic into a classic prewar building. The design philosophy embraces a playful mix of styles, colors, and textures, creating an environment where each glance offers a new visual revelation. The apartment tour begins with an open foyer leading into an aubergine lacquered library, where a series of 10 Andy Warhol *Flowers* prints are displayed like wallpaper. The living room features a striking hot pink pigment-filled Yves Klein coffee table, while the dining room is adorned with a ROYGBIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) arrangement of multi-era art. Bathrooms are designed in robin's-egg blue, and the children's rooms boast inspiration walls covered in stickers. Even Heyman's bedroom mirrors have a purplish wash effect, cleverly concealing a collection of shoes. A seemingly straightforward black and ivory powder room is balanced by a surprise magenta-painted coat closet, illustrating the home's irreverent charm. Heyman emphasizes that the secret to this seemingly disparate yet harmonious mix lies in confidence, a touch of naivete, and a strong sense of humor. The home successfully integrates a variety of elements, from vintage knickknacks atop a 1970s green malachite Ado Chale table to contemporary sculptures paired with antique dishes. Pieces sourced from high-end retailers like 1stDibs coexist with flea market finds, and neon hues blend seamlessly with pastels, all while maintaining a balance between polished and campy aesthetics. This approach is further exemplified by an Ettore Sottsass shelf filled with a collection of her children's drawings, old Edie Parker designs, and a nonworking metal-and-bead peacock lamp. Heyman's personal touch is evident in her appreciation for unique finds, such as a framed cat collage discovered at a Connecticut flea market, which she proudly made a focal point above a chrome Paul Evans bar. Each vignette within the apartment is designed to be both welcoming and intriguing, reflecting Heyman's sophisticated, confident, and humorous personality. The article also draws a parallel between Heyman's home decor and her professional work with Edie Parker. Inspired by mid-century design, her accessory collection transforms acrylic into luxurious, handcrafted items. The brand's products, from clutches and mini totes to board games and coasters, are infused with levity through fun names, vibrant colors like honeydew and poppy, and graphic floral and heart motifs. Heyman’s signature cheeky sayings and custom names, which predate mainstream meme culture, continue to be a staple of the brand, now expanding into materials like wicker and wood, and new categories such as tableware and bar accessories. Ultimately, the home serves as a tangible expression of Heyman's belief in surrounding oneself with beloved objects, regardless of external opinions, echoing the sentiment that "everybody has a different opinion, but I live here." #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #EclecticStyle #ColorPalette #LuxuryInteriors #VintageFinds #AccessoriesDesigner #ManhattanApartment #DesignInspiration