When I think of all the interior windows I’ve designed over the years, there are so many, I’m sure I’ll miss a few, but I’m so happy that our new townhouse is now added to the list! I hope by the end of this post you will be on board with how great the design features of having interior windows are, and maybe even think you might have a spot that could use one or two as well!
I love to use both new and vintage windows, (but especially vintage) to add unique detail to a room.
Of the last 4 homes we’ve lived in, I incorporated interior windows in the design at every single property. Some even got more than one room featuring an interior window! I’ve also designed interior windows into client’s home as an interior decorator, that’s how much I love them!
I’m glad to say, this new built townhouse didn’t get missed by my design love of interior windows!
First, let’s go back…
Here are a few interior windows from our past 3 homes:
1. Bath Interior Window. I added an antique window in between the clawfoot tub and the vanity sink.
2. Pantry Transom. With just a piece of old decorative glass, I designed a transom for over the pantry door.
3. Stained Glass Interior Window. In a different bathroom I used an antique stained glass window to create privacy for the toilet from rest of the room, but still letting the natural light through.
4. Living Room French Windows. In our last house I used 2 pair of antique French windows to open up the wall between the office and living room.
And the list goes on! (I told you I really liked interior windows, right?!) They are just such smart design features.
Problem Solving
Using either antique windows or modern glass panels to create a window, interior windows can add really great detail and interest to a room, but also they can help solve some problems.
Adding an interior window between two rooms will allow the transfer of light, but perhaps block the view, depending on the glass. It also can define the spaces visually in an interesting way. Which brings me to our new home now, the townhouse.
As I explained in THIS post, we had our townhouse built and had the opportunity to design some custom details for the interior. In the original plan, the doorway between the living room and sunroom was a wider opening with an asymmetrical half wall on one side.
We had that design changed to be more of a feature for the space. By adding 2 interior windows, flanking each side of the doorway opening, it defined the space between and added some character to the room.
The Hunt
Then I got to work because I knew this newly built space definitely was calling for and totally needed vintage windows with some character!
The builder agreed to change the design and add windows into the plan, but they wanted the windows in hand well before the actual building of the townhouse began to avoid any possible delays.
Which meant the treasure hunt was on!
I got to work searching all my favorite places to snag some vintage windows. Since the wall the windows would be placed in wasn’t built yet, the size was a bit flexible, but really only by a couple inches for the width.
These are what I landed on, and only had to drive an hour to pick them up.
They appeared to be from an old cabinet.
The size was pretty much perfect, and I liked the interesting arch shaped detail.
Mistakes Will be Made
I drew up a super simple sketch and sent it to the builder.
In the email I explained the windows and doorway were to be trimmed as a single unit.
I also detailed the window sashes were to be painted black, but the trim throughout rest was to be white.
When my husband came to town for work, (during the building of the townhouse we were living at 40 minutes away) he’d stop by the building site and check on the townhouse progress. Even though he didn’t really know the design details, he’d take pics to text to me.
Whoopsies…
The builder missed the detail regarding how the interior windows and doorway were to be trimmed.
Some mistakes I can get onboard with, depending on what they are.
I did feel bad for the contractor, but I felt this mistake really had to be fixed.
It was easy to find my email with the instructions, (whew!) and the builder was super gracious and quick to fix it after I brought it to their attention.
It may difficult for you to see the difference in these photos, but in person that trimming detail was very noticeable and an important detail in the design I had envisioned. I’m so glad we caught it early enough that changing it wasn’t an issue.
The Reveal
So, here is the finished doorway between the living room and sunroom at our new townhouse:
The doorway with the interior windows defines the 2 rooms, but still allows the light in to the living room from the sunroom.
Maybe even more importantly is the much needed character with vintage charm they add to the room.
That trim they changed to match the design turned out great.
The entire doorway is cased with wood trim.
Double Duty
The windows look pretty from both rooms.
The view of the window from the sunroom. That’s the beauty of interior windows, you can get character into two rooms.
Fun little tidbit: See those little yellow chickens sitting on the narrow window sill in the sunroom? I thrifted those years ago. The person I bought them from said they were c. 1930’s wood and metal game board pieces.
Not sure about that, but they do look to be from the 1930’s to me. So that part is probably correct. (If they were gameboard pieces, how would you tell one from the other?)
Whatever they are, they sure are sweet, aren’t they?!
At most they are 1″ tall.
My friend, (and realtor) Julie noticed them sitting on the ledge in the kitchen when she showed our house, (which she also sold for us!). She told me how much she loved them. It was fun surprising her with 3 from this collection.
Here’s that same window from the other side.
The windows define the 2 spaces, but don’t close it off with just a wall.
I’m so happy the builder was game to allow this custom design feature!
Being someone that really values vintage houses with all their beautiful character and history of life lived in it, it’s so nice to get even just a little vintage detail into this newly built townhouse.
To see more of our new townhouse living, check out THIS Townhouse Living PAGE.
Thank you for stopping by, I appreciate you reading along.
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Lynnie says
….I told you I liked the chickens too…😑
😆
Liz says
lol