Contemporary Bay Window Ideas for Your Modern Home

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Contemporary Bay Window Ideas for Your Modern Home Posted: 23 Dec 2015 06:00 AM PST Bay windows are a versatile home upgrade for many reasons. Some people think of them as traditional and outdated, but we think their many benefits make them worth considering — which is why we present these contemporary bay window ideas. Sure, there are some drawbacks to having bay windows; these include the expense and difficulty of finding good window treatments for them. Also, the space can be awkward, interfering with outdoor areas or leaving little useful room inside the window for little else than potted plants. However, today's bay windows are worth adding to a space for many reasons: They add extra square footage (and value) to your home. They add light to a room, thanks to the panoramic glass that lets the sun shine in from different directions. They can open and close, adding ventilation to the space. They can be versatile if they are well planned. Some common bay window uses include a daybed, reading nook, bench, storage unit, built-in shelving, dining/kitchen banquette or a combination of these. We've rounded up some of the best contemporary bay window ideas from around the world. If you're considering adding them to your home, here are seven elements you should keep in mind. Contemporary Bay Window Ideas 1. They can offer a dramatic architectural feeling to a room. A bay window can successfully highlight a room's unusual bones and architectural elements. When working with a striking space, it's important to consider how the bay window design will affect or enhance the space. When in doubt, use a free online room planner to view various bay window layout options and make the best choice for your space. 2. They can be the focal point of a room. The right bay window can draw the eye to its warm, inviting nook. We humans are attracted to cocoon-like spaces. To really build on the focal-point aspect of a bay window, consider using rich colors, textural fabrics and plenty of pillows to encourage lounging. 3. They can be the perfect place to incorporate storage. Use the negative space in the bay window design to build in hidden storage. Open shelving is common, but it can collect clutter and dust. Drawers, or cabinetry with doors, add plenty of space while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look. 4. They can have a minimalist and contemporary vibe. When adding a bay window to a room, consider using a simple, straightforward design. Clean lines and angles are more contemporary and easier to work with than some of the rounded or octagonal bay window shapes. Keep storage and cabinetry understated by hiding hardware and using European hidden hinges. Choose the latest fabrics and accessories to dress the space beautifully but sparingly. 5. They can be accessorized to pull together a space. Use colors, patterns and textures that are inviting and tie in with the whole room. Some good accessories for the space include: lighting pillows a throw a small tray a side table luxurious window treatments 6. They can be a comfortable place to lounge. For the ultimate sense of luxury, invest in soft and durable fabrics; the highest-quality foam you can afford for the seat cushion; and large, fluffy goose-down pillows. Round bolsters are another contemporary element that make for comfortable (and supportive) pillows for your bay window lounge. 7. They can beautifully showcase a view. A spot featuring a beautiful view is the perfect candidate for a bay window. They open up the space in all directions, thanks to the expanse of glass. A strategically placed bay window can frame your view like a beautiful frame enhances a work of art — not to mention the bonus of having a comfortable spot from which to admire the landscape outside. Use these contemporary bay window ideas to create a bright, beautiful space. Today's designs no longer demand that you sacrifice beauty, form or function; you can have them all! The post Contemporary Bay Window Ideas for Your Modern Home appeared first on Freshome.com.

Chicago Brownstone Gets a Thoroughly Modern Update Posted: 22 Dec 2015 12:00 PM PST Located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, this beautifully renovated brownstone updated by Hufft Projects seamlessly merges old and new. The facade of the 5,100-square-foot Webster House preserves the original detailing of the historic building. The back of the home, however, displays a contemporary look, with two levels of fully glazed floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the backyard. The interiors are designed using clean lines and brightly colored finishes, adding a distinctly modern vibe. A steel staircase divides the living and dining rooms, filtering light and allowing views across the entire ground floor. “In the kitchen, cove lights, quartz countertops and high-gloss white cabinetry bounce light around the space,” the architects said. “Natural light hits every room in the house. We brought it in every way we could, through the skylight above the stair, a ‘skylight bench’ in the kitchen, existing storefront windows and the historic punched openings.” The first floor of this Chicago brownstone accommodates the living spaces, while the second floor houses the bedrooms, which offer territorial views of the trees and surrounding houses. [Photography by Mike Sinclair] The post Chicago Brownstone Gets a Thoroughly Modern Update appeared first on Freshome.com.

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