Bay Area Window Pros

Window Design for Kitchens and Baths

www.bayareawindowpros.com — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:53:00 -0700

Gay Fly is the owner of Gay Fly Designer Kitchens & Baths in Houston, Texas. She is an independent kitchen and bath designer with 14 years experience as a residential space planner. Fly has been a member of the American Society of Interior Designers since 1980, the Society of Certified Kitchen Designers since 1982, and the Society of Certified Bathroom Designers since 1989. She has served on the Texas Chapter’s Board of Directors for ASID and the National Board of Directors for NKBA.Society is more high-paced than ever. Whole families are either at work or in school during the day. This trend has designers wondering if windows will be as important as in the past, since homeowners are rarely home during daylight hours.

Despite this trend, natural light will be more important than ever in kitchens and baths. When at home, consumers want to feel comfortable, safe and secure, and natural light helps convey that feeling. Wood windows are true purveyors of natural light.

More and more, people are making the most of daylight hours, and even trying to extend them through artificial light, especially outdoors in the evening. Light means so much, and wood windows and doors can make light work well in the designs we choose.

Kitchen Designing

In the kitchen, homeowners are reordering their priorities. Storage space, though still important, is no longer number one on the list. Instead of lining every available inch of wall with cabinets, they are rethinking storage solutions–in essence making room for more windows and natural light.Designing with windows and natural light involves a number of different considerations, including climate, the position of the room on a site plan, and design and aesthetics.

Climate considerations and views have to be “designed” in the positioning of windows in wet rooms. Advanced glass and glazing systems lessen heat loss and gain, so this is less of a consideration than in the past. In very cold climates, for example, windows framed in wood with double and triple-glazed glass act as an insulator against the cold, yet let the homeowner still enjoy a picturesque view.

In contrast, in warmer areas, we usually see woods used with lighter, cooler tones. Soaring windows are used to open and heighten spaces. In both types of climates, cold and hot, the types of glazing systems make a big difference in the transfer of heat or cold.

Making a Look

In each different climate, wood windows can be designed to create a different look, showing the versatility of the product. One creates a warm cozy feeling inside in contrast to the snow outdoors; reds and other rich colors add to the warm ambiance. Windows also add architectural interest and become the focal point of the space.Shaped windows, such as circles and ovals, also present interesting light patterns, especially in wet rooms. Odd-shaped windows were popular in the early 1900s, and have made a strong comeback in the last decade. Manufacturers today offer such a wide array of standard windows in custom-look sizes that can be mixed and matched for a design all their own. Light reflections through these types of windows provide a kaleidoscope of patterns throughout the day.

As odd-shaped windows emerged as a growing trend in new construction and remodeling projects, so too have oversized products. Larger sized windows are used more than ever, especially to extend a view. Bay, bow and garden windows are used increasingly in remodeling projects where additional sunlight and creating the look of more space is a must.

The craftsman-like style has also made its way into kitchen design. A simple style that adapts well with other designs, creating a design with wood windows is simple: rectangular shaped windows are stacked and run lengthwise to accentuate the long design and symmetry. Stacked, or creative shaping of windows in rectangles, squares and round tops or transoms can turn a plain, simple kitchen into one that shows imagination — thanks to wood windows.

Cabinetry is also a consideration in designing kitchens with windows and doors. Creative use of cabinetry can allow for larger windows, and/or special sizes that add interest and light. Wood cabinets are also often used in conjunction with wood windows and painted or stained to match to convey a warm feeling and continuous lines throughout the space. Special treatments, like muntins, complement cabinet doors. Wood windows can accent cabinets, tables and doors and trim, providing a handsome, warm, coordinated look.

When designing windows in baths, other considerations take priority, and with good reason. In the bath, privacy is key. Some designers opt for etched glass. New shadings and coverings for glass are constantly being introduced, so now a variety of looks, as well as degrees of privacy, can be achieved. Doors add privacy and design continuity; flush or paneled doors can be selected, depending on the look desired.

In the bathroom, the windows should not necessarily be the focal point, yet they should add light, view and warmth. A fireplace with a tall mirror can create an interesting contrast, or a focal point. Skylights, too, are important elements where adding light without sacrificing privacy is key. Motorized shades, shading fabrics and special coatings add privacy. Remote, automatic devices can open and close operable roof windows and skylights, and should be considered in the bath areas.

If privacy isn’t at issue, designing with wood windows becomes even easier. Dramatic and spectacular views can be highlighted. When choosing larger windows for baths, make sure they are in proportion with other parts of the house and other window areas. Remember: a big, spectacular window usually means there’s something spectacular to see outdoors.

By Gay Fly, ASID, CKD, CBD

Home Improvement

www.bayareawindowpros.com — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 11:55:00 -0700

(ARA) - Windows are more than just a way to get light and air into your home. They are also your frame on the world, an expression of your home's identity - and yours as well.

A window not only gives your house individuality, it can ultimately enhance your experience of interior and exterior space. With so many styles, designs and structural advantages to choose from, replacing windows can be a creative way for you to identify with your home.

When deciding on the design of your new replacement windows, you should select a style that not only enhances the interior and exterior appearance of your home, but also a structure that can be easily maintained. After all, what good is a beautifully designed window that hasn't been cleaned? With today's amazing new hardware, it is easy to find a style to enhance your home's appearance and also make maintenance simple.

The most common window styles to choose from include bay, bow, single-hung, double-hung, sliding, garden and casement windows. You can also customize your window style with specialty-shaped windows.

One of the most brilliant ways to change the appearance of your home is to replace a flat picture window with a beautiful bow or bay window. Bow or bay windows are the easiest way to create an illusion of space. The extra light emitted through these windows adds dimension and texture to the house. As an additional perk, certain bow or bay windows are equipped with a deep seat board. Deep seat boards are a wonderful place to relax and view the world through the eyes of your home.

Bow and bay windows are available in a multitude of styles and sizes. The most common style is the angled bay window. The window actually slants back towards the wall at a 30 to 45 degree angle, creating a soft visual appearance. However, if the side sash is angled at 90 degrees, forming a square shape, it is then called a box bay. When the roof of a box bay is made of glass, a garden window is formed. Garden windows are not only pleasing to the eye, but they are also practical in that they receive excellent direct sunlight which allows plants and flowers to grow all year round.

Other styles include casement or double-hung windows. Casement windows are very popular because they adapt to an array of architecture while adding more natural light to a room. Double-hung windows are also well-liked mainly because they tilt in for easy cleaning, which makes them easy to maintain. Similarly, sliding windows are also very easy to clean because they have sashes that lift out.

BATHROOM WINDOW DESIGN

www.bayareawindowpros.com — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 06:53:00 -0700

One of the most enjoyable experiences resulting from remodeling your bathroom comes from soaking in the tub when the work is finally completed! And one of the most enjoyable aspects of soaking in the tub is experiencing the natural light and warmth of the sun streaming in from a well placed and creatively designed window system.

Gone are the days when bathroom windows were small, opaque vents placed high on a wall. Today\'s design-conscious homeowners are calling for open, spacious areas that bring \"nature\" inside. Jacuzzi style tubs surrounded by custom designed bay windows are the ultimate in luxurious bathroom window design. Master bathrooms may feature \"French Doors\" to enter the master bedroom and/or enter to an outside spa or sauna.

Accomodate Your Lifestyle

If you\'ve planned an exercise area into the floor plan of your bathroom remodel, it\'s a good idea to also plan a number of venting windows to allow for plenty of fresh air while exercising. If your bath remodel is actually a spa enclosure, ventilation can come in the form of a high bank of awning windows that can be electronically operated.

Windows

If you\'re remodeling a smaller bathroom or guest bath, you can achieve excellent results by including an accent window in an angular shape such as an oval or octagon or perhaps an arch over a double-hung window. Garden windows help add more dimension to a smaller bathroom while giving your indoor plants a place to thrive.

Try to avoid placing windows where direct sunlight will strike your favorite grooming mirror, however. Southern and western light tend to be more direct and may cause bright interior colors to appear too intense, whereas eastern and northern sunlight may make cooler colors appear dull.

Privacy

Design ideas are as endless and as unique as individual homeowners. Equally as numerous are creative ways of achieving privacy within those designs. All sorts of blinds, shutters and interior and exterior screen systems in various materials, colors and styles are available to achieve privacy and that special one-of-a-kind look. There are different obscure glass patterns to choose from as well as tinted glass in an array of colors.

Light

Skylights and roof-windows offer another approach for using glass for light and ventilation in a bath remodel. For safety reasons, skylights are tempered, as other windows in the bath may need to be (check with local building codes). Skylights offer the opportunity to achieve maximum light in a small area. The main concern most homeowners have is leakage; however, this is usually due to shortcuts taken in the installation as opposed to any defect in the product.

Efficiency

With larger glass areas, energy efficiency and comfort become major concerns. Higher efficiency glass that incorporates low-E2 glass and argon gas has become the norm. \"Warm-Edge technology\" is also being introduced by different manufacturers of dual pane windows. Traditionally, an aluminum spacer is used to separate the two panes of glass. Tests have shown that aluminum spacers actually conduct heat through the glass thereby decreasing its energy efficiency and creating an area around the perimeter of the window where condensation may form.

As is true with any window remodeling project, your best prospect for a quality job is to start with a quality product and have it professionally installed by a knowledgeable licensed contractor who offers an extended product and labor warranty.

LET IT SHINE!

www.bayareawindowpros.com — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 14:40:00 -0700

Windows, more than almost any other feature, give a modern home its personality. When homebuyers are asked to describe a home they've toured, they usually include references to light in their description. Women in particular seem highly attuned to the levels of natural light in a home.

Advances in window technology have made it possible for homeowners to greatly increase the number and size of windows without getting clobbered with higher energy bills. Modern windows are either double- or triple-glazed (meaning they have two or three layers of glass rather than one).

New Window Styles

While it usually makes economic sense to replace old, inefficient windows, many folks opt to go a step further and add or enlarge windows. A truly dramatic effect can be achieved by installing semi-circular palladium windows on top of traditional rectangular windows. There are even windows that go around corners to allow for a bright corner view unbroken by framing.

Many people are also installing skylights or roof windows. Early skylights were prone to leaking. Modern, top-of-the-line skylights that are carefully installed by a professional can be expected to remain water-tight for a long, long time. If you are considering skylights for your home, don't skimp. In the long run, you'll be glad you went with the best.

Energy Efficiency

Modern windows rely on a wide array of technologies to achieve a level of energy efficiency as high as five times that of traditional windows. All that technology can also be confusing. Terms like "low-E glass" and "argon gas" don't mean much to the average consumer. Any firm making a presentation to you about windows is likely to use dozens of such terms. Fortunately, there is a simpler way to evaluate different windows.

An organization called the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) has developed a rating system based on the U-factor. Most windows now carry this rating, so it's becoming easy to make comparisons. You want the lowest U-factor possible. When you talk to different vendors, ask them about their window's U-factor rating. You can also look for the NFRC label. Use the U-factor to compare not only the window's energy efficiency, but its construction quality as well. It simply isn't possible for a manufacturer to achieve a low U-factor rating without using high quality materials and precision manufacturing techniques.

Choosing Installers

Choosing the right firm to install your windows is at least as important as choosing the right window. The window must be installed absolutely level and square in order to perform at the level indicated on its rating label. It's also important that the gaps left around the frame be carefully insulated before the trim is reinstalled.

Another issue to consider is the type of sash. Some windows don't open at all. Because they are useless as an avenue of escape during a fire, these windows should be used sparingly. However, they are by far the most energy efficient, and are ideal for high, out-of-reach locations. The next most efficient closing style is the kind that swing or crank out. When you close these windows, the window sash presses against a pliable piece of weather-stripping. When completely closed, the compressed weather-strip forms a very effective seal.

Window Materials

Least efficient are the traditional sliding sashes. A tight seal makes the window hard to slide, so the seals are left intentionally loose. Over time the seal becomes even looser. While most people focus on energy savings, the savings on maintenance can be even higher. Most replacement windows are made from wood or vinyl. Vinyl windows never have to be painted inside or out. In any painting project, whether interior or exterior, the most expensive part is the windows. Painting all those frames and mullions takes time. With vinyl windows you'll save 30-50 percent off your painting costs. The combination of vinyl windows and vinyl siding can eliminate the need for exterior painting entirely.

Some people prefer the natural look of wood. From an energy standpoint it works as well as vinyl. From a maintenance cost perspective it is inferior to vinyl. If you want the wood look, check out the fake woods first. If they aren't the look you want, by all means go for real wood. For you, the higher maintenance costs may be justified by more pleasing aesthetics.

Financing

Because modern replacement windows can have such a dramatic impact on the appearance of a home both inside and outside, and because they can generate substantial long run savings, they are excellent candidates for financing. You can get the improvement you seek now and offset monthly payments with both energy and maintenance savings. If you use a loan secured by your home, it is likely that you'll realize tax savings as well.

Window Coverings-Choosing a Design

www.bayareawindowpros.com — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 14:18:00 -0700

Window treatments can give you that little something, which will tie the rest of your décor together with texture, design, and color.

Window coverings enhance the appearance of any room, whether they are simple, elaborate, contemporary, or traditional. Window treatments can give you that little something, which will tie the rest of your décor together with texture, design, and color.

Before beginning on a window treatment project, decide if you want your windows to serve as a backdrop, or be the center of attention. Decide if the first thing people notice when they enter your room to be your windows, or if you want them to silently blend in with the rest of the room. Once you've made this decision, then you'll have a better idea as to the type of window coverings to use for decorating.

Carefully designed window treatments can give your windows the illusion of being wider and fuller in appearance. You also want to carefully select a design, which you can live with, so that you will enjoy your window treatments for many years.

Designing is the fun part of creating window coverings. Here is where you select the fabrics, colors, and styles, which will add to the splendor and enjoyment of your room. Remember, the distinctive touches you add to your window will reflect your personal style.

Choosing Practical Window Coverings

www.bayareawindowpros.com — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 13:41:00 -0700

Window coverings serve practical purposes. While this fact is obvious, often function is readily exchanged in favour of decorative value. Happily, the many attractive options now available make this compromise unnecessary.

Consider how much light the room you are decorating needs. A room with a lot of plants needs extra light. This can produce an annoying glare in a TV room however. Window scarves frame a window nicely and allow light to come in. Accompanied by a roller shade the room can be made suitable for activities like reading or TV viewing. If you live in a well-populated area street lights may prevent you from sleeping. Be sure to find out about drapes and blinds that keep light leakage to an absolute minimum.

Think too, of privacy. How can sunlight, which is so essential to a cheery atmosphere, be permitted to enter while maintaining privacy? Cellular blinds are available that allow light to enter from above and inhibit a view of the interior.

Within one room several window treatment demands can present themselves. You may have a terrific view on one side of a room you want to be visible and on the other a piece of artwork or prized piece of furniture you want to prevent from fading. Other factors to consider are flammability, ultra violet protection, insulating value and how the window treatment in your bathroom maybe affected by moisture. For more information please feel free to ask experts in the area of window coverings.

Choosing Your Window Coverings

www.bayareawindowpros.com — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 12:54:00 -0700

What Window Coverings Work for Which Types of Windows

French Doors:
Sheers on doors are popular, but many people think they're too frilly, old-fashioned, do not want to always block their view, or are afraid they'll get the fabric soiled from dirty hands.

The key is to think of the door as a window, which happens to be in a door. It is usually best to use the same products as those already on windows in that room, for consistency. A blind or shade will work just fine, and can be easily fastened at the bottom of the door. It is common to use hold down brackets at the bottom so your product won't flop around as the door opens and closes. The product can be easily removed from the bracket whenever you want to raise it.

Windows with a nice view:
When you have a window with the view of a golf course, pool, mountains, etc., you should consider a product such as a shade, that pulls up as tightly as possible. Honeycomb shades are perfect. The Top-Down/Bottom-Up option is common.

Wood blinds have the bulkiest stack, with 1" having the worst because they have twice as much wood.

Arches:
The most popular type of window treatment is a honeycomb shade, which fans into a semi-circle. While horizontal blinds can be made to fit arches, they are generally cost prohibitive.

Bay Window:
Any product will work in a bay, but if there's no sheetrock between the windows be aware of possible gaps where the products "meet".

Skylights:
Consider using a highly efficient insulating honeycomb shade, which lets light in, but blocks heat and cold. The shades can move, with the help of an optional collapsible wand. Special shades can be ordered with side rails for support. Be sure to specify that your shade is for a skylight, since there's a surcharge.

Second story windows:
If you want a shade, consider the Top-Down/Bottom-Up feature, which allows you to cover the bottom half of your window and not block your view. For instance, if your child is studying, he or she might not want to close off the outside view, but may feel more comfortable blocking people from seeing into the room.

Sliding Doors:
Verticals are very popular for sliding doors, despite their diminishing popularity in general. They can be installed within the frame or over the glass, but don't necessarily choose a vertical if the other room products are something other than verticals. Consistency is important, too. Another possibility is a Vertiglide - a honeycomb shade that is essentially sideways and runs along a track by hand. You can also use horizontal blinds, but should consider putting two-on-one headrail, to make it easier to get out (you can raise one side and leave the other down).

Harsh sun:
Honeycomb shades provide superior insulation. The more honeycomb cells (the most is 3) and the larger the cell size (the largest is 1 1/2"), the better the insulation. When closing blinds, you'll maximize their insulation if you close the blinds with the leading edge up.

Very large windows:
Whenever a window covering is extremely large, its weight makes it difficult to raise and puts unnecessary tension on the strings (which may cause the strings to break). You may need to consider a special control option. If the shade is very large, everyone will benefit from this option. The manufacturers have size guidelines that tell you whether the controls are suggested. One type is called EasyRise; another EasyUp. Small children and elderly people sometimes need this option even on smaller shades.

For blinds, consider dividing them up into multiple blinds on a single headrail, or order multiple blinds and install them side-by-side. Usually there are multiple windows within a single opening, so you should usually divide up the blinds to line up with the windows. When you do this, order ONE valance to span all the headrails to make it appear to be one single product.

Hard to reach windows:
Consider specifying extra long cords so you can open or close a product. Some honeycomb shades and blinds can be made with a remote control.

Front of house windows:
It is common to want the front of your home to be as uniform as possible-just how uniform is up to you. Most people just make sure that the front products are generally white. Most honeycomb shades have white backings despite their colored inside-facing fabric. Some aluminum miniblinds can be made as "duo-tones" which are white on the back.

If a stained room faces front and you're using stained shutters or wood blinds, then you'll have to decide if it's acceptable visually. Most customers think this is fine.

The more symmetrical your home the more likely the products should be similar. People often use one product across the front; however, many also use one for the first floor and another for the second. It's your house, so whatever you feel is appropriate should be fine.

Windows with humidity:
All quality products are water resistant. Even good wood blinds are varnished and perform well under humid conditions. If your window gets direct water pressure (it's located in a shower) only a 100% vinyl product will perform well.

Bright outside light:
To eliminate glare on a TV or computer monitor, or to prevent a bright security light from beaming in to your bedroom, use blinds with no route holes. One vendor calls this the De-Light feature and is excellent. The De-Light feature is optional on wood blinds, and comes standard on some aluminum blinds. Blackout shades are excellent, too.

High abuse areas:
If you have rambunctious kids in your home, you should get the highest quality, sturdiest products. Aluminum blinds come mainly in two gauges (8 and 6) -get the 8 gauge. We highly suggest blinds with spring-tempered aluminum that resist kinking better than all others. Some miniblinds have clutch systems on their tilting mechanisms preventing over-tightening. There are some blinds which have DustShield, to repel dust from collecting on your blinds.

Faux wood blinds are an excellent choice because they are durable, resist abuse, and are easy to clean.