Okay so we are definitely true to our forums! LOL They are right about making sure you get a good window though. I think THAT should be your first concern as well because they sure aren't cheap to replace if/when they fail. KWIM? We enlarged our kitchen window over the sink and replaced it with a casing window so I could open it easier. I was pretty amendment about getting the wood ones until we found out that the wood framing is actually wider than the vinyl and therefore takes up more of the glass space (or in our case the view). That's when we grudgingly agreed to go with the vinyl and to my surprise its worked out really well. I don't see any variation between the white of the vinyl and the softer white we used on our trim. NONE at all! In fact when standing at the sink, I don't even notice it has a vinyl frame. Just food for thought.

I replaced my windows last year and went without the grids. I love that they gave a cleaner, more updated look. I have a brick home with almond colored trim, and had to pay more for the almond windows. A house down the street from me had similar colors and put in white windows....screams to me that they are replacement windows. Another feature that I got was a 60/40 split, meaning that the sash is not centered in the window, but slightly offset. My front windows are 6 feet tall, and I think this is much more pleasing to the eye. I do think the lines of your home are contemporary, and that windows without grids would look great!

Thanks for all of the advice! I've posted a few inspiration photos. Regarding, the current tudor style, while this style certainly does have charm, it just isn't our favorite. We'd prefer something a little more modern and clean looking. For now, the tile roof will need to stay but down the road we plan to replace it, mostly likely with shingles. I should also mention we live in the Pacific Northwest and tile roofs and stucco siding are not real common here. I don't think the materials perform as well as other in this climate. As for the windows, we've decided casement windows would be best, at least for the large front windows. I appreciate that suggestion! I think we are leaning toward no grids in the back of the house so that the view is clear. As for the front, we are still torn. We may have to get some renderings worked up to help us decide. Any thoughts on black vs white windows? We were thinking about staying with the black to contrast with the white but I've also seen some white houses with white windows that also look great. There's just so many great options! Again, thanks for all advice. I will definitely post after photos when the project is complete!

You should absolutely do the first option (4 lite in both the door and gable window). The front door is the most important statement piece on the exterior of your house, and while it the difference between a 4-lite and 9-lite doesn't seem huge on paper, in person the 4-lite will be draw praise from everyone that walks through it. It's a striking and interesting look that also coordinates with the other windows on the house, not because the lite sizes are similar, but because colonial (or equally divided lites).