If you have ever watched the TV programme Grand Designs, you will know that practically anything is possible when it comes to contemporary architecture. Your dream home might have multiple windows of different shapes and sizes on each side of the building, for example, or an entire wall made out of glass! Of course, for the majority of homeowners, building a property from scratch is nothing more than a fantasy, but there is nothing to say you cannot still inject your home with a hint of your beautiful contemporary vision.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect windows for your modern home.
The bigger the better
Generally, windows in contemporary homes are designed to bring in as much natural light as possible, creating a bright and airy living space that looks as large as possible. For this reason, contemporary windows are usually bigger than the windows you might choose for a cosy period cottage, for example, and use large areas of glass to maximise the flow of light.
A focal point for the room
As well as opening up the home, contemporary windows should form some sort of feature within the room – whether this is the design of the windows themselves (e.g. they might have stunning arches) or the gorgeous, unobstructed view they offer of the scenery outside.
A perfect match for your home
The beauty of contemporary design is that it offers homeowners freedom to play with different styles. While it is essential to consider whether windows fit with the overall character of a property, it is arguably more important to choose windows that create the contemporary effect you’re trying to achieve. This could mean going against (or, rather, adapting) the conventional choice for your building, and adding a contemporary twist.
When choosing windows for a barn conversion, for example, the obvious choice would be to install standard, painted timber windows that maintain the quaint, rural charm of the building. If you want to give the property a contemporary edge, though, you might install floor-to-ceiling windows instead – still using timber that complements the original period features, but beautifully enhancing the design of the home with space and natural light.
Popular window types for contemporary homes
The type of window you choose for your home is fully dependent on your needs. If you want an unobstructed view, then casement or floor-to-ceiling windows are ideal. For a property that blends traditional and modern styles, you might choose double-hung windows. A bay or bow window is a dramatic statement in a room, and creates the impression of more space. If you have installed a bay window, you could even fit a window seat to create a gorgeous, cosy nook, dressing it with minimal, light furnishing to maximise the flow of light.
Sometimes though, you may have a classic looking property that needs suitable glazing styles. In a recent double glazing window installation in Leatherhead, we had to match window styles from an adjoining building.
Here at Hamilton Windows, we can help you choose the perfect windows for your contemporary home in Surrey or the surrounding area. Contact us today to find out more.
