Contemporary and modern homes look more attractive with the proper replacement window and patio door solutions. Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro offers a full line of sleek replacement window styles that complement contemporary architecture perfectly.
In this fourth blog installment of our Choosing Replacement Windows & Patio Doors to Complement Your Home’s Architecture series we’ll discuss best-fit window styles and accessories for modern and contemporary homes.
It is important to remember that, by definition, Modern Architecture continues to evolve over time, reflecting current innovation and thought. Since there is no single design that represents modern architecture features, there are three approaches to modernizing your home:
Industrial Modern: Popular in urban settings, this home style features multi-textural elements — exposed wood, concrete and flat and corrugated metals on counters, walls, ceilings and floors. Choose replacement window shapes that are either rectangular or use a variety of squares and rectangles arranged to create unique focal points. Some homes feature triangles and trapezoidal shapes mulled together without spacers. Patio doors follow the same clean, straight line patterns, and are typically multi-panel sliders or hinged patio doors with simple embellishments. Exterior elements tend to be dark, although white also looks very nice in some homes. Interior options include clear-coated maple or pine, dark stains and white paint.
Best replacement window style: fixed windows with sliders and casements for ventilation.
Miesian Modern: This style home typically has an exposed steel roof support system. Expect to see large floor-to-ceiling windows integrating indoor and outdoor living spaces. These great walls of glass are quintessential Miesian style. The Miesian style closely resembles a glass house, with minimal structural columns and mullions. Skip the optional grilles and remember to show patio door styles that have large glass panes and low-profile frames. Many people choose configurations that allow the entrance to disappear into a fixed window wall of glass. Choose colors that closely match the exterior paint or stain color, and custom match wood interiors to match existing décor for a truly Miesian style inside and out.
Best replacement window style: The largest window unit possible. Fixed windows, multi-panel doors constructed with mostly glass, and low-profile window styles for ventilation.
International Modern: This architectural delight is best known for its functional design and layout. The flat roof and asymmetrical arrangement create a unique, easily recognizable style. Look for over-size, typically square or rectangle shaped windows. The window units may wrap around corners, and include a mix of sweeping, floor-to-ceiling window walls and smaller windows. Recessed sliders and other styles with ultra-thin frame profiles melt into the background while providing ventilation and emergency egress. This style balances positive and negative space to create a stunning curb appeal.
Best replacement window style: The largest window unit possible. Fixed windows, multi-panel doors constructed with mostly glass, and low-profile window styles for ventilation.
All three styles feature similar characteristics: Clean, simple lines. Multiple construction materials and textures. Dark exterior colors and white interiors.
Although each home has its own unique character and personality, contemporary and modern homes are better-suited to a no-frills approach. Choose styles with low-profile frames and single-sash construction when possible. Skip the grilles. Select hardware that fades into the background and window screens for operable windows that are virtually invisible.
We have a full portfolio of replacement windows and patio doors perfect for your contemporary home. To learn more about our styles, colors and accessories, simply fill in the short form on this page, or call (866) 609-5033 to schedule a private, home consultation.
