Uneeda and Ultra, I also loved the look of the white casing in the photo above. It's something to think about as it would also reduce the exposed width of the perimeter frame on the interior. To me, this would give the impression of having a thin steel frame, rather than aluminum. However, most contemporary homes I've seen in real life, and in photos, only have window sills, rather than the entire casing. Since you are both in the field as professionals, no doubt you have plenty experience with both. Would you please elaborate a little further of your impressions of the bronze aluminum window frames without the white window framing? I think it depends on the architecture of the home, that very contemporary architecture would have no window casing. My primary interest is in the fixed glass picture windows in the family room where the aluminum frame width is not too bad. The interior décor is a concern as my cabinets are all cream with glazing. The only white is baseboards and window sills. Down playing the white seems best for my situation. It's a good question for the interior designer. I'll definitely send her an email to get her feedback. I'm still struggling with what to use for window coverings to address fading from direct morning sun.

A mullion is what divides a combination of windows or doors. A divider, and usually vertical. A mullion divides the picture window from the side lights, whether casement or double hung. A muntin is used to create divisible lights in doors or windows. Even some manufacturers don't know the difference. Fenestration Terms Mullion: The vertical or horizontal divisions or joints between single windows in a multiple window unit. Mullion casing: An interior or exterior casing member to cover the mullion joint between single windows. Muntin: A short bar used to separate glass in a sash into multiple lights. Also called a windowpane divider or a grille. Fenestration Terms

Yeah, my point was that there are thousands of photos on Houzz that show ceiling transitions. I posted the first 3 I found, without any judgement on how they look. I've spent hours every evening on Houzz flipping through photos to get as many ideas as possible for my own projects. It seems like many posters, probably new to Houzz/GW, aren't aware of the search features ...

@millworkman sorry if I offended you or anybody as that was not my intent. I'm sure you have offered "advice" for years as you mention. I'm not sure that alone qualifies such advice as sound or helpful. One has been a member here for as long as one can remember as well, and seen it all go down, but not sure that alone qualifies me as a pro, able to offer advice. What does qualify me is my Interior Design degree - after four grueling years of learning (while pregnant with a child) at a distinguished and reputable Design School and graduating. What qualifies me also is the 12 years I spent in the field working with my hands, at projects exactly like this one - together with contractors, builders, electricians, plumbers, roofers, flooring, carpet and wallpaper installers. painters, carpenters and handymen - and LEARNING every day of those 12 years. That may be just a few of the major differences between a pro and a layperson. Just as watching videos of surgery being performed does not make me a surgeon, similarly, a bystander providing professional advice on technical aspects of building a house, with no training or experience whatsoever behind them, does not automatically make the bystander's advice superior to that of a pro. No sir. I think any reasonable person would see that self-evident truth without someone else having to point it out to them. Once again it is not about you personally or your right to give advice. You have every right to do what you want. Say what you wish. It's just that it seems unfair and misleading to the homeowner when someone who is not a pro (with the necessary experience and training) "knowledgeably" recommends something that they do not have the experience to make recommendations about - that too with zero accountability. That is my general observation. I say this based on a reasonable assumption that Non-Pros have less experience (one assumes they have day jobs that are not in construction or design), and zero accountability compared to Pros who have been working on providing solutions and recommendations to clients together with being accountable to the trade. So when a non-professional, proceeds to second guess the pros who have the experience training and accountability - and offer professional technical "advice" - while knocking down the Pros - just because they have been doing it for years - it is usually a recipe for disaster. That is, why DIYers call it DIY and Pros are called Pros. I think we can safely say, there is a qualitative difference between the two approaches. I don't think there's even a debate here. That is the bare-bones truth of the matter and that's not about to change. Now if you'll excuse me for speaking the truth, one must return to one's day job. I meant no offense to you or anyone else when suggesting a course of action for the homeowner - rather than mislead - while you sir, on the other hand, took it upon yourself to call me out and wrangle with me over it. That is unfortunate and plain disrespectful. It would not be accepted by anyone else in my position - man or woman - and it is not acceptable to me as a woman who has worked extremely hard to learn, educate and support myself as I strive to produce my best work for each one my clients as I have done every single day for the last 12-13 years. Let me end by saying this - I would not walk into your place of work, sir and "advice" your patrons on how I, with zero experience or training, can do your job better than you...a pro... just because I have been watching and speaking about it for a long time...! That would be foolish, wouldn't it? Please try to be respectful of others' livelihoods. That's all I want to say, my good sir - politely and calmly, as I have. Take care. Stay safe. Enjoy the rest of your day, sir. Tori