unsightly foyer window

2 years ago

last modified: last year

We have a stark rectangular window in our upper foyer.

The glass window measures 67" x 57". We would like to improve the aesthetic of the house. We are considering the following options: a stained glass insert, a ledge with an oversized sculpture or arrangement, replacing light fixture with a larger more showy chandelier. Does anyone have any ideas? other ideas are adding elliptical sunburst pediment above the exteior of the window and adding a portico.

Featured Answer

Lori bagnola
Original Author

last year

last modified: last year

Thank you to all who commented. A statement chandelier will help with the unsightliness of the window in the evening and at night, but agree there will be not be significant difference in the daylight. Hopefully, the addition of a portico will help. We aren't sure which way to go with the portico, any ideas as to which type you think is best for this house?

The additional suggestions of painting the garage, the hardyplank above the apex, and adding larger outdoor wall sconces and large planters of annuals all are doable suggestions and not too costly. The prickly fir sculpted tree/bush is being removed and replaced with grass. The iron butterfly on the brick face was left by the previous owners and was the first thing to go.

Someone asked about the interior. It has not been updated since it was built and needs renovation. We bought the house in the late fall and thus far have taken down the wall paper and painted. We are in our 60s and plan to retire and downsize in 5 years. We need to be cost conscious and not overdo in order to recoup when we sell. We hope to create an aesthetically pleasing home that will attract future buyers in the near future. I will include interior pics. Any ideas are most welcome.

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Comments (11)

ShadyWillowFarm
2 years ago
Need pictures.
Lori bagnola
Original Author
last year
I added pic above
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HI -- I strongly suggest getting an Architect to help you with this . Because of the style of your house you have to be careful of what is done . There is a mixture of window styles and having brick and if the outline is your thoughts on a window , I think that would be the wrong way to go .
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Wow, I’m not trying to be snarky, but I think invest in a really good outdoor rug to clean feet on and remove shoes, then just go put your shoes away. A little extra trouble but totally worth it. You have an incredible view, and there would not be anything I would do to obstruct that. That wall of windows, and really cool patio ... AMAZING.
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We already have to reframe the door because it was framed for a double door with a transom. That door came in and we hate it. We thought it was going to be taller but the height of the door slab was only 6’7”. I think either way, double door or single, the window looks too small for the space. It looks nicer from the outside than the inside.
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decoenthusiaste
last year
last modified: last year
You sound like you want to change the interior but aren't showing it to us. More photos please.
Lori bagnola thanked decoenthusiaste
PRO
AiFL
last year
Tacking things on to your house to just divert the eye should be very low on your list. It’s a big window in an awkward spot, and every house like yours has them, and rarely do people come up with good solutions for them. I’d channel my money/time/energy into other items…really put a polish on what you already have.
Lori bagnola thanked AiFL
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
Please no sunburst those are one of those things first removed when trying to modernize this type of house . I would start by doing a fabulous chandelier that shines in that window at night. Yes you need a portico so that is also the important addition. IMO the landscping is kind of blah and the whitte garage door is not good at all.
Lori bagnola thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
KW PNW Z8
last year
last modified: last year
@Lori bagnola an interior light that can be seen from the exterior through that window would certainly add some wow factor - when the light is on. I’m guessing it couldn’t be seen from outside during the day. Though you have’t asked about it, I agree with @Patricia Colwell Consulting that a different color garage door would be a good change to make, I think a darker color to blend with front door…. Also, I think that the addition of much larger front door entry lights would really make a good difference & would help balance the large square window above the door. It looks like there’s some kind of metal decor above the door - a butterfly? I’d remove that as I think your home is too formal for that kind of decor on its front scape. Your landscape matches the house - very tidy & formal. I would add color with blooming shrubs or with annuals in the ground or in large pots placed strategically in existing scape & I'd leave those pots in place year round after cleaning out the dead annuals. Easy & low maintenance! FYI - I'm a gardener so that affects my view.

ETA - I’d also paint the bit of siding up in the apex / gable above the square window - a darker color to blend with front door.
Lori bagnola thanked KW PNW Z8
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
I actually love big pots but I just change the plants according to the season instaed of leaving them empty .
Lori bagnola thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
Nidnay
last year
It’s an awkward looking window from the exterior of the house. I would get rid of it altogether and replace with a simple properly sized window for your elevation.
Lori bagnola thanked Nidnay
M Riz
last year
I agree with Patricia, a beautiful chandelier would give it a purpose.
Lori bagnola thanked M Riz
Lori bagnola
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Here are some pics of interior . we would like to renovate the kitchen but cost is a factor. We will only be here 4-5 years and want to be cautious for resale value. Obviously it needs a lot of work. Replacing the carpet is a given. We plan on new countertops, light fixtures, new appliances, running a gas line for gas stove, window treatments, and backspash are for sures as well. Ideas will be appreciated. esp. re. cabinets ( reface/ replace doors/ or new)

and

a troublesome large table-like island built around support post ( yet has great surface for baking and all around storage ). Thanks in advance for thoughts.