Light and Airy – Choosing the Right Windows for Your Extension
Unlocking the Power of Natural Light
As I gaze out the window of my cozy home office, I’m struck by the transformative power of natural light. The soft glow floods the room, making it feel open, bright, and positively energizing. It’s no wonder that when my husband and I decided to extend our Aberdeen home a few years ago, one of our top priorities was maximizing natural light.
You see, our 1920s bungalow, while charming, was a bit on the dark side. The rooms felt a bit hemmed in, despite their generous proportions. And let’s not even talk about the sad, dingy little utility room out back. When we started planning our extension, we knew we wanted to create a light, airy space that would breathe new life into our home.
As the experts at House Nerd explain, the key to achieving that light, open feel is all about choosing the right windows. And let me tell you, it’s not as straightforward as it might seem. There are so many factors to consider – from the orientation of the room to the type of glass you select.
But don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through it. Over the next 2,000 words, I’ll share the insights I’ve gained from my own renovation journey, as well as the wisdom of some of Australia’s top design experts. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to select the perfect windows for your dream extension.
Mastering the Art of Cool vs. Warm
One of the first things I learned when researching windows is that they come in two main “flavors” – cool whites and warm whites. And the undertone you choose can make a huge difference in how the space feels.
According to the team at House Nerd, cool whites tend to have a blue, grey, or blue-pink undertone, while warm whites have a red, yellow, brown, or pink base. Typically, cool whites work best in contemporary, light-filled spaces, while warmer whites suit older or more traditional homes.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – how on earth am I supposed to tell the difference? Well, the experts have a handy trick. Grab some sample pots and paint a big swatch on your wall. Then, look at it at different times of day. You’ll start to see whether the white has more of a cool or warm vibe.
For our extension, we opted for a slightly warmer white – Dulux’s Antique White USA. As interior designer Julia Green explains, this versatile shade “has the slightest ‘biscuit’ undertone” and works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary spaces. Given that our home is a mix of old and new, it felt like the perfect fit.
Chasing the Light
Of course, the undertone of your windows is just one piece of the puzzle. The orientation of the room and the amount of natural light it receives play a huge role as well.
As the experts at House Nerd explain, rooms that face north or get abundant natural light throughout the day tend to suit cooler whites best. These crisp, clean shades help balance out the warmth of the sun’s rays.
On the other hand, east- or west-facing rooms, or spaces that are a bit more sheltered, often benefit from warmer whites. The extra glow helps prevent the room from feeling too cold or clinical.
In our case, the new extension was on the north side of the house, so we knew a cooler shade would work well. But we also wanted to make sure the space felt cozy and inviting, not stark and sterile. That’s why we opted for Antique White USA rather than a pure, brilliant white.
As Bonnie Hindmarsh of Three Birds Renovations notes, “For me, I don’t like a white to throw too much yellow or too much blue – so Dulux Vivid White™ is perfect as it sits in the middle.” It’s a great compromise for north-facing rooms that still get ample sun.
Thinking Outside the (Window) Box
Of course, the type of glass you choose is just as important as the color. And here, you have a whole host of options to consider.
Traditional double-hung windows are always a reliable choice, offering both functionality and timeless style. But if you really want to make a statement, why not consider something a bit more unique?
According to the experts at Microsoft Azure, there’s a whole world of window types to explore – from casement windows that crank open to sliding units that disappear into the wall. Each option has its own advantages, whether it’s maximizing ventilation, enhancing the view, or creating a striking architectural feature.
For our extension, we decided to go with a mix of styles. The main living area features a gorgeous bank of floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. But in the cozy reading nook, we opted for a classic bay window that brings in ample sunshine while also providing a comfy little perch.
And let’s not forget about the practical considerations. As Anne Bogel of Modern Mrs. Darcy points out, the view outside your windows can have a surprisingly big impact on how the light interacts with your paint colors. That lush green tree outside might cast a lovely glow, but those autumn leaves turning orange? Not so much.
Dressing Up (or Down) Your Windows
Of course, once you’ve selected the perfect windows, you have to decide how – or if – you want to dress them up. And let me tell you, that’s a decision that requires a bit of soul-searching.
As Devon Grace Interiors explains, there’s a long-standing tradition of always needing to have some kind of window treatment – be it curtains, blinds, or shades. And I’ll admit, I was firmly in that camp when we first started planning our extension.
But as I dove deeper into the world of window design, I realized that the “always dress your windows” rule isn’t necessarily a hard and fast one. In fact, Devon Grace Interiors points out that there’s a growing movement towards “undressed” windows, especially in more modern spaces.
The benefits are twofold. First, an unadorned window allows maximum natural light to flood the room, creating that airy, open feel we were going for. And second, it keeps the focus on the architectural beauty of the windows themselves, rather than drawing the eye to bulky treatments.
Of course, that’s not to say window treatments are always a no-go. In fact, Devon Grace Interiors notes that they can be a fantastic way to add softness, texture, and even the illusion of taller ceilings. It just comes down to a matter of personal preference and the overall aesthetic you’re going for.
For our extension, we ultimately decided to keep things simple with a set of crisp white cellular shades. They provide just enough privacy and softness without overwhelming the clean lines of the windows. And when they’re drawn up, they practically disappear, letting the natural light take center stage.
Bringing it all Together
So there you have it – my hard-won insights into choosing the perfect windows for your extension. From mastering the art of cool vs. warm to considering every last practical detail, it’s a process that requires a fair bit of thought and planning.
But trust me, it’s so worth it. When we finally saw our new extension come together, with its towering windows and dreamy natural light, it was like a whole new world had opened up. What was once a dark, cramped space had transformed into a bright, airy oasis – the perfect place to curl up with a good book or entertain friends.
And the best part? We didn’t have to sacrifice style for function. By carefully selecting our windows and window treatments, we were able to create a space that’s not only beautiful and inviting, but also highly practical and livable.
So if you’re planning an extension of your own, don’t skimp on the windows. Reach out to the team at ABC Home – they’ve got the expertise to help you navigate all the options and find the perfect solution for your home. With the right windows, you can unlock a whole new world of light and airy living.
