Glass was also taxed on size in some areas (mostly in Europe) so the way to cheat the tax man was to use smaller pieces of glass which were less costly tax wise. (This was particularly true of mirrors which were heavily taxed). So it was both initial cost and cost later :) Just like us today LOL Windows were also made from the bottom of glass bottles in many places in the country. You see it on occasion in England and in original window's in cabins in the US (my grandfathers place had a couple). They were a poor man's glass window. I'd take a couple things into consideration in choosing. Style of house, and what you're blocking with the extra wood. In my home, I'd never want the smaller glass expanses because I am on a lake with fabulous views. I don't want tiny squares of lake...I want huge expanses of lake (some of my windows are 6'x8' picture). I'd never want to change that to fill a style desire :) But in some homes...the view is not a main feature, so I'd think about what looked best on the house, before I'd consider the view out of the windows.

+1. No easy way to do what you are talking about. Keep in mind, most window grills are white (in new construction) even when they are talking about a wood window that is getting painted.

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!

I wouldn't go too light on the gray-something that matches the mid-tone gray stone. I like your wood door but if you change it out for fiberglass or steel, you can avoid a storm door altogether, which makes for a much cleaner look. At the very least, use a full lite storm door painted in the same color as the front door. It's going to be a fantastic project. I hope you'll keep us updated with progress pics!