When we first invest in a home, we often have an idea of the aesthetic style we want to present to the world. We visualize the paint colours, furniture, and all the intricate decor pieces that reflect our personal style. As time goes on, however, personal style can change — and that can often translate to our homes.
The designs you once loved and coveted now seem outdated or perhaps lack the trendiness you originally desired when you moved in. The good news is that your home can quickly become a blank canvas on which you can create your own masterpiece.
That blank canvas can extend to nearly every piece of your home — including your windows. That’s right, your windows are more than just vessels to bring in natural light and cool air on a warm summer day. They’re one of the most effective ways to add modern touches to your home without undergoing a time and cost-consuming renovation project.
The right windows can have a significant impact on the look and feel of your home. Certain styles can add cozy, traditional elements, while others can be customized to feel more of the moment. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the styles of windows available to you, why it’s important to buy high-quality windows, modern features to be on the lookout for, and how the right window suppliers can help kickstart the process.
Finding Your Perfect Window Style
When it comes to finding a style of window that feels authentically you, the process is unique to every homeowner. Personal style and home aesthetics can vary greatly, and what you consider modern may differ from your neighbours. This versatility is actually beneficial to you as a homeowner because it leaves you free to find your window style that works for your home — and can be customized to fit your design vision.
The first step to finding your perfect window style is to understand the options at your disposal and the characteristics that make them as unique as they are.
Casement Windows
Let’s start with one of the most popular styles on the market — casement windows. Casement windows open completely, making them great for spots in the home that need fresh air. Their tight seal makes them energy efficient and provides robust protection against the elements. With other window styles, you’re often limited to opening the window only halfway.
Casement windows also feature a multipoint locking system, which allows one locking point to control multiple locks on the window for added security.
When it comes to their design, casement windows can be customized using a variety of materials and colours, from the rustic-chic look of oak wood to a modern black interior and exterior frame.
Double Hung Windows
Double Hung windows are a contemporary option that are available in a variety of sizes. As opposed to their single hung counterparts, double hung windows are equipped with two operational sashes, allowing homeowners to open from the top and bottom of the frame.
This dual capability provides instant ventilation and is often one of the easiest styles to use. They’re one of the simplest styles to clean since you tilt the sashes inward and effectively wipe down both sides of the window.
At Golden Windows, our double hung windows are available in over 30 custom colours — giving you the flexibility and creativity you need to transform your home into a modern escape.
Picture Windows
When you have a spectacular view outside, the last thing you want is to obstruct that view with a multi-sashed window. If your home has a beautiful backyard or overlooks nature, a picture window is the best way to showcase that view all year long.
Picture windows, as the name suggests, frame outside views like a picture. In many modern homes, you’ll find sleek black picture window frames that boldly display the homeowner’s exterior property.
At Golden Windows, our picture windows are available in a wide range of sizes to match the style of your home.
Architectural Windows
An architecture window is the most versatile style since it refers to any customized window shape and size. Buyers can personalize their architectural window in their preferred shape — ranging from arches to ovals, quarter rounds, gothic and more — to their preferred colours for a completely unique style that sets their home apart.
Architecture windows can be fitted with various grille options. No matter how you use them, they are sure to add a dramatic flair to your home. Plus, you’ll find enhanced acoustic insulation, which is ideal for keeping excess noise outside of the home.
Skylight Windows
If you’re looking to add more luxurious elements to your home, consider installing a new skylight. Skylights are installed into the roofline of a home, often to maximize natural light in homes that may receive minimal sunlight. Today, they’re also used in homes across North America as a modern feature that offers a wide range of benefits.
Skylights can turn small, dark spaces into spacious oases and can be beneficial for homes situated close to one another — where natural light coming in from the sides of the home is more challenging. They offer a sustainable alternative for homeowners looking to lower their energy costs and can be customized with our selection of window materials and finishes — for an instantly modernized style you can appreciate for years to come.
Choosing Modern Window Features
Interior design trends will always change with the seasons, but there are certain additions that not only deliver innovation and creativity but also offer a timeless addition to the home. When it comes to modernizing a home, often the most effective solutions are found in the details rather than the grand renovations.
This is evident in today’s modern window features. The simple process of upgrading these features can elevate your current aesthetic — creating a timeless look that doesn’t require additional modifications down the road.
Grille Designs
Window grilles can be an elegant addition to your windows, offering a wide variety of styles to choose from. This pattern variety means that homeowners can choose an aesthetic that feels fresh and modern in their home — whether they prefer a short fractional or a specified equal light.
Previously, window grilles were used solely to keep multi-paned windows, including double or single slider windows, together. Today, they’re primarily an aesthetic choice that many homeowners use to add dimension and interest to specific rooms in their homes. Their versatility is ideal — a simple four-by-four pattern can transform a farmhouse style into a modern oasis, while a craftsman style can add an industrial-looking finish.
Grille designs are a simple way to add that visual interest to your home without drastic renovations or changes to the space.
Window Trim
Often, the way a window is aesthetically framed can make a significant difference in how modern a home looks and feels.
Window trims can often be customized to match your preferred design — whether you’re looking at a simple, minimalist approach or to show off the details in your home. Externally, homeowners can choose from a wide selection of window trim styles, ranging from bold painted colours to vinyl’s clean finish.
Interior window trim can just as easily elevate your home — think natural wood paired with sleek, modern finishes like marble tiles, or industrial-style black trim. With so many options at your fingertips, it’s easy to customize your windows to reflect your desired aesthetic.
Which Window Material is Right for Your Modern Home?
There is often a common misconception that all window frames are made with the same material. In reality, there are several materials used to create custom, trending window styles. Each material is unique in its construction and in the benefits that it offers homeowners. Understanding which window material is right for your modern home ensures you’re putting your time and money in the right place.
Vinyl
Homeowners looking for cost-effective alternatives often gravitate towards vinyl windows. Vinyl is a high-quality material that offers enhanced energy efficiency and is easy to care for — requiring very little maintenance.
Vinyl is designed to withstand the elements and offers advanced colour retention, which is ideal for homeowners looking to get the most out of their investment. Vinyl is very energy efficient due to its natural insulating quality and ability to form a tight seal.
This material can be adapted to any window style and customized to fit within any home aesthetic. With a variety of available colours, homeowners can incorporate this budget-friendly option into their designs for a more modern aesthetic.
Aluminum Clad
For fans of sleekness, strength and bold design, aluminum clad windows and doors are a great option. Aluminum is a rare metal that is both strong and lightweight, perfect for use in windows and doors. Aluminum can withstand the elements and does well resisting moisture and insect damage.
Like vinyl, aluminum clad windows and doors are easy to maintain. All you need to clean is a mixture of mild soap and water.
Aluminum clad windows and doors feature a wood interior, which is an excellent compromise for homeowners who want the cozy look of wood without the full cost of an all wood window.
Wood
Wood is one of the most commonly used window materials and is typically installed in traditional homes and rustic cottages. This classic style is designed with durability and longevity in mind and can be customized to fit an array of home styles. There are many benefits of wood windows worth exploring during your search.
Today's wood frames offer modern twists on the classic dark-stained designs. In many homes, you’ll find black-painted frames which add an industrial, trendy aesthetic. Or lighter frames, often made of oak, that offer a more neutral, coastal aesthetic.
Finding Modern Window Suppliers, You Can Trust
When it comes to transforming your home, whether you’re upgrading one room or the entire residence, the right window suppliers and installation specialists make all the difference.
An experienced window supplier knows the right questions to ask to determine their customer’s window needs and the insight to offer suggestions that work with their lifestyle and budget. They understand the important details and nuances of each window style and can recommend styles that will effectively modernize your home.
Replacing your windows is an important investment in the safety, functionality, and overall value of your home. Working with qualified installation specialists ensures that each newly selected window is secured in place, guaranteeing the safety and comfort you need.
At Golden Windows, we’re proud to be a window supplier that understands the value of quality windows and doors. We have the resources and knowledge to ensure your new windows are installed properly, giving you and your family the peace of mind, you deserve.
Get Started with Golden Windows
Golden Windows has been helping homeowners modernize their homes with custom windows and doors for over 60 years. Across Ontario and North America, we work with our customers to determine the style of windows best suited to their home at prices they can trust.
We design, manufacture, and offer window installation services to help make your renovation easier. Our products are crafts using only the highest-quality materials, ensuring your home is fitted with safe and functional new windows.
Our showrooms are designed to help you realize your design vision and explore our selection of quality-made windows in person. Visit us in London, Kanata, or Kitchener.
Experience the difference new windows can have on your home with Golden Windows. Contact us today to get started.