Sunday, September 16, 2012

Making Modern Windows Look Cottagey

If you've been following my blog for a while, you know how I am not a fan of windows without mullions. Actually they are muntins, but most folks call them mullions. 

My father would insist on using the correct word, but what's the point if no one understands what I'm trying to say???????

Anywho.....
I live in a condo, so I am not allowed to change the window style.
Don't these people know that I am the arbiter of taste?????
DIDN'T THEY GET THE MEMO???
Wellllll............
Being the clever vixen that I am.....
I figured out a way to work around this dilemma!!!!
I mainly get away with this, because I am just doing this on the windows in the back, so no one can see them.....
Steve, the associations president, just shakes his head, and has decided to choose his battles......
BESIDES.....
NO ONE CAN SEE THEM!!!!!
My windows are Pella casement windows....
Here is a shot of my sewing/upholstery/project room...
BEFORE THE BIG TRANSFORMATION!!!
 OK, OK, OK....
I didn't clean it up for the photos.....
I am an important and busy babe, and have too much other stuff to do.....

I ordered the snap in wooden grills from Pella.
I just had them look up my order from 8 years ago....
and they were able to get me the correct sizes.....
 Here's the first one installed with my own little hands....
It just pushes into place....
Here's a side by side comparison with two grills installed....
I can't get over the difference it makes to the look of the window....
 All three snapped in place!!!!!
I think it looks tres cottagey!!!!!!!!
 Just had to show you guys the view from the other direction!!!!
 Now I have to make the valence for the window.....
I'm freaking out, 
'cuz I'm running out of projects for my house.
But my niece Miriam
HAS STARTED ME BACK ON HER HOME!!!!!
I've been in my basement for days painting her
 @#$ 8 dining room arm chairs.
actually.....
I've only worked on 4 so far......
I'm doing them in milk paint......
reupholstering the seats......
making pillows for the backs......
I KEEP REMINDING MIRIAM THAT ALL THIS IS FREE!!!!!
SHE REPLIES THAT IT AIN'T!!!!!
'CUZ OF ALL THE ABUSE I'M HEAPING ON HER LITTLE HEAD!!!!
She feels, that that is her payment.
Ha!!!
Wait till she receives the karma bill when I'm old and need help.....
Because that's the only reason I'm doing this.
I hope you're reading this, 
MIRIAM!!!!!
So campers.
That's it for today.
Go out side and get some fresh air.

Latah, Gatah
Photobucket

22 comments:

Starr said...

The windows look great. When we replaced our windows on the old house, I insisted on the cottage-y style rather than completely blank because our house seemed too old for such a modern look. We'll do the same at this place whenever we tackle our windows here...perhaps in 2020.

Anonymous said...

Now, I like that idea! Very clever!

Connie said...

What a difference! Now your windows are great.

20 North Ora said...

That made such a difference in the looks of your windows. Those big old solid glass windows did not look cottagey at all. (Is that a word?)

Love the transformation.

Judy

Priscilla said...

What a difference the snap in muntins make! I bought a 1942 cottage five years ago and am thrilled with the original windows and wood panes. I feel so lucky to have them as I have always wanted windows like these.

Teresa@magazineyourhome said...

Hahaha, great post, you made my day! I love the muttons, mullions, whatever.... they definitely cottage up your windows. I want some!

The White Pear Tree said...

I want some!

Leslee in Tennessee said...

I want my windows like that!!! I don't have Pella windows though.... :( Now I'm looking forward to seeing your valance!!!

Rosemary Q said...

I want your windows too! Can't wait to see the valance and thanks for the mullion vs. muntin lesson. Didn't know that. Miriam is a lucky niece to have you helping her. You are one talented gal!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, This is just a little appreciation comment. I don't have a blog, I don't have anything to sell, I am not asking for anything...just writing to tell you that I absolutely adore your blog. I am a design obsessed stay at home Mommy and your blog is one of my very favorites. Thank you for all of the inspiration! :) Cece

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Either way they are pretty windows.

Anne Boykin said...

Hi Betsy, Your sewing room looks interesting ... and I love your window muntins, they look fabulous. Thanks for your great blog!

Leslee in Tennessee said...

Oh... one more thing! I wish you were MY aunt! hee, hee. Absolutely love your place... uh, both of them! I don't have a decorator-bone in my body, but I want to so badly. In my dreams, I would have you decorate my entire 4K sq ft house, but alas, I couldn't afford you even if you were still actively in the 'business'! All your rooms are stunning.

One bolt short of a toolbox said...

This is amazing! I didn't even know this stuff existed!

Thanks for sharing!

Jan @Door251

Late Bloomers said...

I have these and love them, the completely and perfectly 'age' the windows and add the charm new windows tend to lack.
I was supposed to get these for my sliding glass doors as well... hmmmm.. wonder where those are?

The only thing I wish is that they were easily removed and re-installed so that when it came time to clean the windows I could take them out and do just the one pane of glass...

Ang
SoLongFarm.blogspost.com

Mir said...

Miriam IS reading this and now that she truly understands the FUTURE cost, may not put up with the CURRENT abuse ;-)

Anonymous said...

HI Betsy, I went thru all of Miriam's dining room reveal posts and you never actually DID show the final picture. Is that coming any time soon??? thx, Allegra

Kris said...

Hear, hear, Miriam!! :)

Kris

Heaven's Walk said...

I totally agree with you about mullions in windows, Betsy. Definitely adds a cozier, cottage look. I've purchased the pvc type for both homes I've lived in via New Panes (i think that's the name). You cut the size you need and piece them together. They're reasonably priced and easy to install. I'll never again have windows without them. :) Your studio looks absolutely charming!

xoxo laurie

Marla Hinds said...

Hah! I, too, had that dilemma with the windows in my condo! I wanted to change them, but of course, I couldn’t. It’s included in the building code of most apartments and condo units, I think, that you’re not allowed to change any major structures and fixtures like windows, posts and columns for obvious reasons. I hung some very beautiful drapes and sheers over my windows instead, which I’ve grown to love over time.

Unknown said...

This is really awesome. I want to do this to my windows in ottawa. How much did it cost all together? Which store would be best to go to?

Terry said...

I love the idea! It used to look so plain, but it actually looks a lot better now. It was only just a simple addition, but it made such a huge improvement. Nice work!

Terry Arnold

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