Does anyone know a window company/manufacturer in the Atlanta area they would recommend for black interior/black exterior windows? I do not want wood--do not want the upkeep. We did a house remodel that just finished and replaced some of the windows. I dislike the wood interior which we had to paint and it's only been a few months and it is already chipping and is extremely sensitive to any "use". I want a window that I can install and not worry about again...for a while. But it has to be black/black. I'm open for any suggestions and not married to any brand. Thank you.

The Craftsman style is very simple but very traditional. The position of the sash and the screen track is important and a sub-sill is recommended. The usual design of vinyl windows makes it difficult to emulate a traditional Craftsman window. The sash thickness is often too narrow for applied mullions (SDL) and in- between-the-glass is often only option which does not have a traditional appearance. The sash of a vinyl window is often set toward the outside with a projecting screen track that doesn't looks more like a storm window than a traditional window. Its important to see the section details to determine the position of the sash and if the upper glass is narrower than the lower one. In any event you will probably find the glass of a vinyl window is smaller for a given frame size. I would be looking at Marvin Integrity wood-ultrex fiberglass windows if appearance and longevity (or color) were important and add an Azek Historic Sill or equivalent. Okna Jamb Integrity Jamb

Beverly's top post with the before and after has my vote! It might not be as major as the others, and it looks fantastic. It also looks very current and not so much like anyone else's house (like the other ones with the gables seem to me). You can keep the roofline (save $$$)! A flat window may be cheaper than a bow window replacement? Even the entrance on the new design looks current. Very chic... Maybe then there'll be budget for landscaping?Makes a HUGE difference.

suezbell - some great ideas, thank you ! I really like the idea of extending the breezway back to make a foyer and covered porch on top. I love porches ! One thing though - the top of the floor of the breezeway is at grade whereas the top of the floor of the house lower level is about 2 feet below grade. It doesn't look like I would have room for a porch above, plus stairs would be required to access the porch from the living room. Also, I don't think we have the budget for anything additional to what's proposed. So, you think the garage with the shed roof looks ok with the breezeway & addition ? Definitely will consider a single door w/ sidelights at the breezeway entrance. Makes perfect sense. Still on the fence with windows at the front of the addition. See post above this one that shows possible window scheme. I'm not so keen on octagonal windows. The upper level full bath is existing. My design can keep it exactly the same except for the door. I could have the entry to the bathroom placed in the media room if I moved the bathroom sink across the room to where the proposed door will be. I know that it seems a little strange to go through a pantry. But it could be interesting. The pantry won't be a typical pantry - but more like a provisions store/ apothecary / elixir bar sort of thing. We are a bit unconventional. I agree that the living room is a bit long at 23'. based on this feedback, I moved the fireplace and sofa/sitting area towards the stairs by a few feet. The idea of a partition and closet is a good one- very practical. Something to consider, but I'm guessing my better half will want the expansiveness and view of the two story stairwell. I did manage to squeeze in an 18' long closet on the lower level at the front of the addition. You can see this in the renderings just above this post. What do you think of this closet ? Your idea of accessing the pantry/ storage from area near the stairwell is a good one. Something to look at further. As you mentioned, maybe split up the pantry into two seperate rooms. I would probably still want to access the pantry from the kitchen, but at the same time, I could get another 8' high wall cabinet in the kitchen. It would also give the kitchen a even more refined look. Below is a rendering of the kitchen as it is proposed now ( with the entry into the pantry). Again, thank you for all of the feedback. Very good information and much appreciated. I will take a closer look at your ideas and see what I can do. Mike