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by Rachel Lyon, The House Designers’ Assistant Editorial Director
When you’re figuring out what kind of windows you want, there is no place that you can personalize as much as your great room. With a lot of exterior wall space to consider, as well as the shape of the room and any views to see outside, your great room gives you the chance to really let your imagination take charge. Whether you want to create a striking wall of windows in your modern home or implement a more traditional window design, here are some ideas to get your inspiration started.
Let There Be Light
It’s no secret that natural sunlight is a major plus. Not only does it save you money on your electricity bill, but it also illuminates your home in a beautiful way that changes with the seasons and keeps you in tune with your surroundings.
Check out the wide selection from Integrity® from Marvin® Windows and Doors to get started. Their Ultrex® pultruded fiberglass is as strong as steel and made to last without showing signs of wear, so you can be sure that your beautiful windows are a sound investment that will light up your life for many years.
Connect to the Outdoors
If your great room is on the ground level or has the potential to open up to a deck, glass doors are a fantastic way to not only brighten the space, but to also connect to the natural world. With both sliding and swinging door options from Integrity Windows, you will find a style that suits your vision for your home.
If a classic design is your goal, the Wood-Ultrex Inswing French Door is a great option. Or, if you would rather have your doors swing outward onto a patio, the Wood-Ultrex Outswing French Door is also available. Prefer the ease of a sliding door? You can choose between All Ultrex and Wood-Ultrex Sliding Patio Doors, or even get the look of a French door with the practicality of a sliding one with the Wood-Ultrex 4-Panel Sliding French Door.
If all this glass sounds great but your environment makes you wary, be sure that you don’t have to sacrifice your design for safety. Living in an area prone to serious storms might make you think twice about glass doors, but the Integrity IMPACT Sliding French Door and Outswing French Door are made to withstand hurricane-level Impact Zone 3 performance standards. So, don’t let the fear of damage stop you from getting the most out of both your windows and your land.
Get Artistic
If typical windows just don’t do it for you, be assured that there are still plenty of options to help you create a truly personal design. Consider the specialty options from Integrity Windows, which allow you to piece together the configuration that you would like to see.
With non-standard shapes available, Polygon Windows will make you think of windows in a whole new way. Want to create a chic arrangement with triangles? No problem. Have you dreamt of a large, artistic octagon picture window to frame a special view? Integrity Windows can help make that happen.
Broaden Your Views
You can’t go wrong with a classic design. Bay and bow windows are a great addition to just about any home—whether it be an old colonial or a more modern example of architecture. A great room with Wood-Ultrex Bay and Bow windows instantly feels bigger, and the view you get is expanded and enhanced as well.
Catch the Breeze
Sometimes we forget the functionality of things in our homes when we get hung up on how they look. Windows are an extraordinarily versatile aspect of house design, though, considering the various styles available, the way you can influence light inside, and how opening them creates air flow through the house.
Look at different kinds of windows to decide what suits your needs as well as your style. Windows can open from above or below, or swing out, or slide side-to-side. Think about how the movement will tie into your design and how you can maximize airflow to help cool your house and cut down on air conditioning costs in the summer.
Make It Match
If you have a color scheme for your great room planned out, then you should expect your windows to help maintain it. Be aware of more than just your panes as you look at windows, because there definitely are design options available that will really make your windows amazing. Ask your local Integrity dealer about trim colors and how to make an impact with divided lites. When it comes to your style, make sure you get it done right.
