Transforming the picture window in my 1916 bungalow

[Nikki]

Hi, everyone! I know that I haven't been posting much during the last several months...we were having computer issues at home but now everything's back to normal so I hope to post much more often.

Work is still ongoing on our 1916 bungalow. Its still not quite ready to move into (we're still living in our little white cottage) but hopefully by this spring it will be ready for us. One of our latest projects involved getting rid of the ugly, boring picture window in the living room.

Here is a before shot:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/raylind/10192008015.jpg

We knew from looking at an old photo of the house that this window used to be a series of 3 double-hung windows that exactly matched the set in the dining room. Using the measurements of the dining room windows, we ordered 3 new windows to try and replicate the old look. Luckily, we have an amazing window contractor, and he built new framing in the window frame, using the old cutouts that were still visible beneath the trim.

Here is a pic of the framing being built:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/raylind/window2.jpg

And here is the final result.

The trim needs to be painted of course, but its too cold and humid to attempt that right now.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/raylind/window3.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/raylind/IMGP0461.jpg

Anyways, just thought I'd give you guys a peek at what I've been up to. We're working on the bathroom right now, and hopefully will complete that project in the next month or so. Hope everyone is doing well, and I look forward to catching up with all of you!

[Nikki]

And here's a couple more outdoor pics. We also got new sidelights to replace the ugly pebbled "bathroom glass" that was there before:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/raylind/IMGP0459.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y151/raylind/IMGP0460.jpg

As you can see, we still need to do something about the glass in the front door. I'm hesitant to replace the entire door, since it is original to the home. There used to be a cool divided-lite window there, unfortunately it was ripped out and replaced with a piece of opaque plastic. Grrrrr.

[vintage girl]

Wow you guys did a great job. It looks fantastic:) Have you thought about maybe having a stained glass panel commissioned for your door? Maybe something mission style that would tie in with your panelled windows. Otherwise, you might just want to contact a glass contractor and see if they can make you a panel that looks like your windows. Your house is absolutely darling. I was wondering how things were going and here you are with an update.:D Looking good:)

[shabbychick]

Nikki, your new windows are fantastic! What a difference they make to the overall look of your home. I agree with Vintage Girl about trying to have a new window panel made for your lovely door. Your house is beautiful! I bet you can't wait to move in!

[yarborough house]

I agree on keeping the door. As a person that lives in a historic home - the windows and the doors are the most important parts as they speak to the history of the home. Yes new windows seem to be more energy efficient but in reality they aren't - old windows just need appropriate storm windows and they are better. You cant replicate an old window or glass. The new windows though from a distance look the same they do not have the same depth to them. There is not visual layers..the mullions are pasted on both sides of the glass not a wooden piece that has many pieces of glass.

I would - if me get the glass replaced and either have the house number etched or painted onto the glass. Just me though.
Can't wait to see more..

[LindaLK]

Great job Nikki. The window looks so much nicer divided into three. Your house is really coming along nicely. Thanks for sharing.



Hugs,
Linda :)

[Breezy]

MISS NIKKI!!! I was just thinking about you the other day wondering what you've been up to! I'm so glad to hear you're ok.
The new window(s) looks wonderful!!! Great job.
I'd not want to replace the front door either. Maybe you can restore it to the way it was.
Best wishes on all of your projects!:)

[ChapterTwo]

What a difference the replacement windows make...wonderful! I chime in with the rest - I'm in favor of your keeping the door.

[rubyslippers]

I think the idea of stained glass for your front door is lovely. I don't know how expensive that is to have made to specifications. I think the door looks beautiful in and of itself. Also, if you need to move in before you tackle the window in the door, then you could place a wreath over the window. It would detract attention from the current plastic. Anyway, the picture window looks awesome. Nice to "read you" ... check in with more updates soon.:)

[vintage girl]

What you could do with the door is replace the glass. Have a piece cut at your local home improvement store, install it and than use the stained glass window film. I have that on the windows in one of my bedrooms that faces south. It gets very hot in that room and the film cut down on the heat by over 50%. The film is beautiful and comes in many styles (including a lovely mission print), floral etc. It looks exactly like stained glass, but much much cheaper. Good alternative for a quick fix or even for the long run to save money:)

Here is a link to what it looks like

http://www.decorativefilm.com/index.asp?OVRAW=stained%20glass%20window%20film&OVKEY=privacy%20window%20film&OVMTC=advanced&OVADID=999429022&OVKWID=6199681022&OVCAMPGID=42287522&OVADGRPID=353632910&OVNDID=ND1&c=25855

[Nikki]

Thank you for all of your nice comments.

Vintage Girl- I really like the stained glass idea that you suggested. We do have a stained glass shop here in town, maybe I will check there. If that proves too costly, the film that you suggested definitely sounds like a great alternative!

[Lynzee]

Wow! It looks great, Nikki! What a difference the new windows make.

Bet you can't wait to move in!

[ChapterTwo]

The film is beautiful and comes in many styles (including a lovely mission print), floral etc.


Now you did it, vintagegirl...made me fall in love with one of the floral designs but it's...gulp...$139!

I know that's not much, compared to REAL stained glass...but I just want a little piece for the glass over my door. It is soooooooo beautiful! :D

[memmey]

GREAT JOB!~
I love the door.
You all have done such a great job and I can see a little of your neighborhood in your photos.. It looks like a wonderful street.

I think I would like etched glass, it would so subtle and fresh. I LOVE light and it would still afford you privacy and you wouldn't lose the sunlight.:)

I think there is an etching liquid you can buy, you may can DIY.

[vintage girl]

Chapter Two,

They actually sell the film much much cheaper at both Lowes and Home Depot. I mainly posted that link to show what I was talking about. I bought both the floral and the mission style from Lowes and it was less than $20.00 for an entire roll, which did all the windows in one room (2 large and 1 small). It has been up for two years and has not bubbled or anything. I absolutely love it. Here is the link for the "less expensive" window film :)

http://www.lowes.com/SearchCatalogDisplay?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&N=0&newSearch=true&Ntt=window+film

About halfway down the page they show some of the decorative films. They do not show all of them on their website, but have a very good selection in the stores.

[Nikki]

GREAT JOB!~
I love the door.
You all have done such a great job and I can see a little of your neighborhood in your photos.. It looks like a wonderful street.

I think I would like etched glass, it would so subtle and fresh. I LOVE light and it would still afford you privacy and you wouldn't lose the sunlight.:)

I think there is an etching liquid you can buy, you may can DIY.

Yeah, I think the etched glass is a great idea, too. I remember seeing a picture in Country Living where they etched their house number on there. Decisions, decisions :)

Actually, the neighborhood is a tad bit shabby now, but I like to think its "up and coming". All of the homes are ~100 years old or so, most are on the smaller side like mine. It is, however, quite safe and quiet, and its near the schools so its very family-oriented. Hopefully our renovations will inspire more improvements in the neighborhood :D

[ChapterTwo]

They actually sell the film much much cheaper at both Lowes and Home Depot. I mainly posted that link to show what I was talking about.

That's terrific news...thanks so much for the information. I'll have to head to those stores and see what styles they have. (I'm kind of liking the geometric, although I had been looking for florals...Hmmmm.) Can you believe we have a Lowe's and Home Depot right next to each other? Makes comparison shopping easy! ;)

[Carrie]

It all looks very nice Nikki. I like the windows and the view they give you of the pretty neighborhood you live in.
The door is beautiful. If it's in nice shape the window is an easy fix. A glass cutter can easily make a replacement panel. I like the idea of stained glass. When the light comes through the stain glass it casts a colorful pattern.
Your house is beautiful.

[chyna]

Are you thinking about restoring it to the 3 panel that was there before? Maybe you can find a place that makes doors and see if they can replicate what was there before. I like the idea of leaded glass over the stained glass for a door. And the rainbows that would result is just my fave idea. :)

I put that film stuff on my bathroom window 6yrs ago and it is still going strong. I will push for the stuff that Home Depot carries compared to the stuff Lowes has. Unless they've went with a different company in the past few years but the lowes stuff is a stiffer stuff that is applied with an adhesive compared to the stuff over at Home Depot which is more of a pliant stuff that stays on with static. It is a whiz to put up and much easier to get air bubbles out of. I also used that liquid window color stuff and made up a leaded glass and stained glass look. My bathroom window didn't really match the age of the house but now at least it gives you privacy, light and could have been put in when the house was built. :o

[ChapterTwo]

I will push for the stuff that Home Depot carries compared to the stuff Lowes has. Unless they've went with a different company in the past few years but the lowes stuff is a stiffer stuff that is applied with an adhesive compared to the stuff over at Home Depot which is more of a pliant stuff that stays on with static. I also used that liquid window color stuff and made up a leaded glass and stained glass look.

Good to know, chyna, about HD vs. Lowe's concerning that film.

As for the liquid window color, do you know what it's called? I remember, back in the Eighties, there was "Gallery Glass". I would love to color the little glass shades on my kitchen ceiling fan (RED). I can't afford to buy new ones, which seem to be pretty costly, so if there are any suggestions, I'd be interested to hear them (ummmmm, "read" them!)

[Carrie]

[/URL]Good to know, chyna, about HD vs. Lowe's concerning that film.

As for the liquid window color, do you know what it's called? I remember, back in the Eighties, there was "Gallery Glass". I would love to color the little glass shades on my kitchen ceiling fan (RED). I can't afford to buy new ones, which seem to be pretty costly, so if there are any suggestions, I'd be interested to hear them (ummmmm, "read" them!)
http://www.plaidonline.com/apGG.asp
I've used it a few times. It's called Gallery Glass. It's by Plaid, the same people who make tole paint or Apple Barrel paint. They even sell patterns if you need them.

[ChapterTwo]

Thanks, Carrie, for the info! I'm amazed that Gallery Glass is still around, as I haven't seen it advertised anywhere in ages.

[yarborough house]

Chapter Two - you can also spray paint the glass shades. You just get a can of spray paint and do it in light layers. Or there is actual glass paint at Michaels that you can brush on the shades.

[ChapterTwo]

Thanks, yarborough house! We have a Michael's a few miles away so I'll have to go there later in the week. I really want the shades to be red, and that product sounds great! :D

[chyna]

My Michael's quit carrying Gallery glass for some reason and I think they quit carrying that glass paint too. Somedays I really wonder about that store. I did buy the real glass paint from them (it air dries) and used it on my bathroom chandelier prisms. Came out pretty well except I confused my terms on what opaque means. :o

[ChapterTwo]

Came out pretty well except I confused my terms on what opaque means. :o


Soooooo, it came out like regular paint would? Solid color??

[chyna]

Yep, I really screwed up. LOL

[ChapterTwo]

Yep, I really screwed up. LOL

It's not like each of us hasn't had a moment or two (or three, or four) like that! :rolleyes: We don't always get it right...

[chyna]

Just a good thing that I didn't get really upset about it. not what I wanted but all and all it really didn't matter, they still came out rather pretty and I can still go back and buy more to try again on. If I can find the stuff again. :o