Window Style Guide: Contemporary Vs. Traditional Interiors

If you’re planning a window replacement project, picking the right unit can be a bit of a challenge, especially if aesthetics aren’t your strong suit. Many companies will push a single-color window. While that may work for some homes, not every home in the Greater Cincinnati Area will look good with white window exteriors and white window interiors.

Don’t panic! Here’s a design tip from your experts in window installation in Cincinnati: When choosing the right windows for your home, take cues from your interiors. The trim, sills, grilles, check rail, and hardware should all compliment your home. Here are a few notes on how that works.

Back to Basics

Developed during the latter half of the 20^th century, contemporary style put emphasis on the basic elements of design (lines, shapes, form) as opposed to ornamentation. It favors an unfussy look and is characterized by the following:

• Simple, clean architecture
• Minimalistic furniture
• Focus on function and space maximization
• Color combinations from the same palette (in design, we call it tone-on-tone technique)
• Lighting (both artificial and natural) used as a design statement

For this type of home, the understated beauty of a casement unit is the best choice. It’s functional and space-saving. The outward swing allows you to install it even in smaller, more crowded rooms. Additionally, the slimmer framing and wider glass area captures expansive views and lighting – just what a modern home needs.

Additional Tips: Casements look best without any grilles. Align them with doors to achieve a cohesive look.

Suggested Color Palette: White, Sandtone, Terratone®, black, or gray framing against whitish or creamy walls.

Traditional Talk

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the elaborate motifs of a traditional home. Decoration can be used liberally in the interiors of this home style. A tailored, rather formal, European-inspired look is preferred. Other features include:

• Fancy, multistory architecture
• Crown molding on interior walls
• Period pieces like gilt-frame oil paintings, crystal chandeliers, or candlesticks
• Damask or floral patterns
• Warm wood tones and bronze accents, complemented by green or aubergine tones
• Tasseled or fringed window treatments

The double hung windows West Chester Ohio that homeowners love are considered very traditional-looking and would look perfect with these interiors. These can be combined with artistic glass patterns for optimal design and privacy.

Additional Tips: Tall, narrow units with rectangular grilles are the best combination for this home type. Use them with French doors for a completely classic look.

Suggested Color Palette: Sandtone, Terratone, Cocoa Bean, or Dark Bronze against peachy or warm-toned backgrounds.

Renewal by Andersen® of Cincinnati offers a range of styles, shapes, sizes, and colors of replacement windows for both traditional and contemporary interiors. Check out our Visualizer to see how our units would look on your home, or give us a call at (866) 609-5033 for a free in-home design consultation.