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Thursday 15 May 2014

WINDOWS TO VIEW AND BE VIEWED


Windows combine in them aesthetic and functional aspects, eventually adding elegance to the decor and ambiance.

They form strong visual elements in the interiors of homes. The size, location and form of the windows add the background character to the walls that they punctuate.Essentially they function as providers of light and ventilation, to the internal environment, along with enhancing the beauty of the home. Creating a hole in a wall combines the consideration of various factors. Each of these elements must be designed in relation to the overall decor in the building.

Dimension
Naturally, every window is designed in proportion to the wall where it is placed. Its size regulates the amount of light and air entering the room.The direction the window faces also governs the dimensions to help avoiding harsh sunlight and heat from entering the western and southern rooms.Another alternative is to extend the window into a niche or bay window.

Profile
Varieties in shapes, add charm and interest to the windows. The sill is usually horizontal and can be widened with polished stone slabs or wood cladding and a shelf for artifacts.The lintel soffit can be curved or stepped and can be highlighted with exposed brickwork or stone. A regular square window opening with a fixed circular or triangular ventilator above lintel level makes an appealing combination.

Window Frames
A standard wood frame is fixed to the wall, which has got appropriate grooves for fixing shutters and grills. When larger sections of frames that are moulded in profile are used, they look impressive giving a decorative elevation. Stylish brass hinges definitely add a touch of aristocracy.

Window Shutters
The windows are given their character by the shutter frame design, since it holds the glass panes that define the aesthetics. One shutter of 2 x 5 feet can have three 12 x 12 inch panes or the whole shutter can hold just one sheet of glass depending on the look required for the internal atmosphere. Each of the variations has its own individual aesthetic, functional and security implications.

Materials
Always wood frame and shutters have a rich look since their polished finish enhances the natural grains of the material. Though metallic frames and shutters had now become a cheaper option, Teak wood and rose wood are the usual choices. For open windows, painted mild steel is a low cost alternative and for sliding shutters, anodized and powder coated aluminum is used. Matching the color schemes within a space, wood and metal frames can be painted in any color.

Glass
An opening gets its visual impact by its window panes. When maximum light is required in such areas, plain glass is preferred. Wherever the windows need to be trendy, the glass can also be given an aesthetic touch. Varieties of glasses like translucent, pin loaded, striated, milky, one way and colored are available in the market. To get the shine and brilliance of cut glass, beveled glass is used. It looks elegant in window panes. For bringing in attractiveness, some parts of the glass are etched or stained glasses are used. Whenever security is felt paramount, in such places reinforced glass is used. For maintaining temperatures and for shunning out noise, double glazing glasses are used. Louvers in glass offer an unusual alternative to the traditional window shutters and glass unit.

Grills
For most of the window designs, grills from a key aspect. If a window is a sliding unit or if the shutters open inwards, the grills could be fixed on the outside. When they are fixed on a frame, the window can incorporate outward opening glazing and inside opening mesh shutters.Grill designs when subtle, look better. Too complicated intricate patterns might turn the attention of the onlookers away from the elegance of the windows.And for maintaining purposes also, simple designs are easier.Patterns should always match internal decor and external elevations.

Accessories
Sunshades on the outside affect the look of the window. The form they take – whether horizontal or sloped, changes the window profile. Cladding of sills and lintels helps in adding character to the window. For the internal finish drapes are very important.They highlight the opening that they frame and therefore the color, pattern, material and style of the drapes are vital in dictating the ambiance.Wood blinds are an innovative statement as window dressing.The hardware fittings like handles, hinges and locks also contribute to the look and for that reason they must be chosen with care and discretion.

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