How to Make Large Front Windows Really Pop?
Ellen
5 years ago
We're renovating our small commercial building with a Texas farmhouse inspiration*, and it's time to decide how to set off the front windows. We have 2 on the front, and they are 84" wide by 72" tall. Things I've considered:
- Shutters: a designer I worked with suggested black shutters on either side of the windows. I love the idea, but because the windows are so wide, I fear that any shutters that would fit would be too thin to look in proportion.
- Awnings: either standing seam (like new mansard) or fabric (with or without a valance): now that the new mansard covering is up, I can really see the 16" clearance from top of window frame to soffit. I'm concerned that awnings might look too heavy and bunched up, like the building is wearing very heavy false eyelashes.
I'm attaching a photo of where we are today - the metal on the mansard is still under construction, and the parking lot hasn't been re-striped yet etc, but you can see the overall effect. And I'm including a before picture, because I think those are always fun!
Thanks for your thoughts, advice and inspiration,
Ellen
*We operate a Texas food spot here. Sadly, getting rid of the mansard wasn't in the budget, so we've opted to cover it with standing seam metal in a weathered charcoal.
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Comments (11)Dress designers first make a trial copy before they cut up their expensive fabric. You might try something similar yourself. Before you start replacing columns and garage doors and shutters... Try painting. I always think front entry garages look better with the door disguised. If we could make it disappear, even better. Pick one of the colors in your brick ( which I don't think is yellow, I think it's really a nice beige with some good dark accent bricks), and paint the garage door that color. Those round pencil columns are attractive. If it were my house, before I did anything to those columns, I would paint the shutters just a little bit darker than the dark brick. If the brick is chocolate, I would mix chocolate with black paint for the shutters. Then ignore it for a few days, and sneak up on the house and look at it with a fresh eye. That will help you decide what color to use on the front door. My first impulse is often a deep lacquer red. It's a beautiful house. Have fun!...See MoreEllen
5 years agoEllen
5 years agoEllen
5 years agoEllen
5 years ago
decoenthusiaste
5 years ago
Porter Edun
5 years agoPorter Edun
5 years agoPerhaps some long more narrow planters on the ground with low flowering plants that work well in your area? The colors were just selected and mocked up. There was no intent for specific colors.
Ellen
5 years ago
PROPatricia Colwell Consulting
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoIMO there is no space for awnings with that roof line and certainly no shutters I love the idea of custom window boxes that fir the whole window . Plant them with seasonal plants and do something on the wall between the windows. Some really great lighting at night. A wall mural would be kind of fun in that space .
Ellen
5 years agoEllen
5 years agoHi everyone - thought you'd like to see the finished result. Thanks for your suggestions!
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