If eyes are the window to the soul, then windows are the eyes to the world. These spaces not only provide a connection to nature but frame their respective spaces. We asked five talented designers to share some of their dramatic designs honoring remarkable views.
Photograph by Ed Doucet
BATHING BEAUTY
“This home is in Commerce Township on Union Lake and although it’s technically on the second floor, the space is elevated three stories high. The lady of the house wanted a calm, spa-like atmosphere and to soak in the magnificent lake views. Because of the elevation, there wasn’t a privacy concern or need to cover the window. This allowed us to use the negative space in the coved arch of the ceiling to extend the windows floor to ceiling, creating more emphasis and height in the room.” — Barry Harrison, Art | Harrison Interiors
ARTURO & BARRY’S WINDOW TIPS:
- Don’t forget UV protection. In this instance, we didn’t use window treatments because of the high elevation, but we wanted to protect the fabric, paint, and cabinetry from the south-facing sun, so we treated the windows with a UV film.
- We chose casement side windows instead of mullion bars that would have impeded the lake view.
- Another good window trick is to use hopper windows in a first-floor bathroom where you may be concerned about privacy. This type of window looks much like an awning and hinges at the top, so when you crank it open, the bottom opens and allows for air flow without worrying about the elements.
Available through MDC: City Lights Detroit lighting, Beaver Tile floor tile, Resource Center Benjamin Moore paint.
Photograph by Jeff Garland
ARTISTIC ALIGNMENT
“Inspired by artist Akiko Hiromoto, from Hokkaido Japan, the interior design goal for this stately Grosse Pointe Farms home was to create an aesthetically pleasing environment combined with function, creativity, and sophistication. The existing window was a primary focal point in the renovation of the great room, and balancing the fireplace with the window was key. The eye-catching chairs were intentionally placed so that the back of each chair directs your view outward to the magnificent landscape. Elegant, oversized sofas paired with white leather chairs not only maximize the seating for this large family of six, but the interesting brass rear detail welcomes guests into the space. Final touches include textural elements such as rustic wood and gold metal, creating a perfect flow between the nook, kitchen, and great room.” — Christine Ramaekers, MainStreet Design Build
CHRISTINE’S WINDOW TIPS:
- When designing around a window feature, the MSDB design team feels it’s important to keep a clean line of sight and not interrupt the view.
- Choose drapery or window coverings in a soft, natural fabric that blends with the room and complements the view. For example, the drapery in this project is simple, soft, and linear.
- Consider directing the furniture layout to incorporate the outside view as part of the room’s natural “art,” while still accommodating other key features like a fireplace, entertainment area, or a bar.
- Windows should align with the home’s architectural style by following the lines and details of surrounding moldings and mullions. Transom and arch-top windows should align with the other key details of the space.
Available through MDC: CAI Designs chair, sofa, cocktail table, and entertainment console, The Ghiordes Knot rug.
Photograph by Beth Singer
BIOPHILIC BLUE
“These West Bloomfield homeowners really enjoy their lake view. With that in mind, I chose deep blues, calming white, and pale gray tones to draw the view indoors. The clients wanted their great room to be cozy and comfortable, so I made selections that not only look beautiful, but also function with the way they like to live and entertain. The wall-sized window had a lot of influence on the custom three-tiered light fixture hanging from the vaulted ceiling. I specified the fixture’s size so that when you are out on the lake and you look back at the house, it’s perfectly centered in the round window. The interior beautifully complements the view.” — Jennifer Asmar, Asmar Interiors
JENNIFER’S WINDOW TIPS:
- When you have such a grand view, I like to complement the space by bringing some of the natural elements into the design of the home. It's almost like you're expanding your view.
- For window treatments on large windows, I recommend something seamless that disappears and doesn't take away from the architectural elements of the windows or the view.
Available through MDC: Designer Furniture Services + Fabrics ottoman and pillow fabric, Pindler sofa fabric, Designer Group Collection cocktail table, CAI Designs swivel chairs and candle hurricanes.
Photograph by John Carlson
Photograph by Darlene Halaby
NATURALLY ZEN
“We made a commitment in the beginning stages of designing this Oakland Township home (pictured top) that the entire back of the house would create the impression of being in the presence of nature. Textured fabrics mixed with earthy wood materials add to the Zen feeling in this luxurious great room. The expansive glass window engenders a feeling of sitting outside while enjoying the comfort of being indoors. The swivel chairs that flank the glass window have a birchwood-textured textile that helps to elicit the sensation of being with nature as well. I love to bring in outdoor influences whenever there is the opportunity to do so.
This bedroom (pictured bottom) speaks for itself! It overlooks the ocean, and the window takes on a commanding view when you walk into the room. Of course, with the beautiful view of the water, I wanted to use soft hues of blue as an accent color in the space.” — Cheryl Nestro, Tutto Interiors
CHERYL’S WINDOW TIPS:
- Don’t treat windows with fussy treatments that will take away from the feeling of being with nature.
- It’s important that you select an indoor color palette that is compatible with what you see outdoors.
- Make sure everything feels intentional in a room, not as though it were an afterthought.
Available through MDC: (Living room) The Ghiordes Knot rug, Tennant & Associates chair fabric, CAI Designs cocktail table, Ann Sacks and Cercan Tile fireplace tile. (Bedroom) The Ghiordes Knot rug, Tennant & Associates chair fabric
Photograph by Martin Vecchio
LINEAR VIEW
“My clients were looking for a unique redesign of the great room in their Clarkston home. Previously, the room was unwelcoming and didn’t get a lot of use. The space is located right off the front entrance, so they really wanted to make a striking impression. The dramatic, black-framed window provides a view of their impressive backyard which is unobstructed by neighbors and is a centerpiece in the space. The great room’s design is a collection of geometric shapes and layers of texture that makes the room interesting. The artwork ties in with the contrast of the black and white color scheme, and the grand scale of the fireplace adds to the symmetry. The space now serves as a welcoming gathering space with an extraordinary view.” — Armina Kasprowicz, Armina Interiors
ARMINA’S WINDOW TIPS:
- Because privacy wasn’t an issue in this space, the windows remained undressed. But in general, I recommend window treatments. They frame the window, soften the room, and add a layer of texture—not to mention they also offer privacy.
- When I design a space I like to invite the outdoors in, and windows are the conduit between the view, so how you frame them is important. For example, if you have a pair of narrow windows with a wall between them, you can place the drapery panels in a way that offers an illusion of one large window. Sometimes you may not choose to replace the windows, but there are ways to create height or increase size with the right window treatments.
Available at MDC: Designer Furniture Services + Fabrics sofa fabric, Tennant & Associates lounge chair fabric and accent pillow fabric, CAI Designs accent bowl and glass vase.