A series of luxury urban homes, recently on display at HOMEARAMA®, allowed potential homebuyers and guests to glean inspiration from the latest innovations in home design and modern architecture. Also, on display? The extraordinary sights of the Cincinnati skyline, thanks to the builders’ inclination to boost views of downtown and the resourceful use of windows throughout.
Ashford Builders, for instance, used Pella windows in their HOMEARAMA® designs, including within the five-story Newport model, which showcased the Pella Lifestyle Series products in the master suite, main living areas, modern office, and more.
Nick Blessing, trade salesman with Pella, explains how windows optimize both space and views, and comments on the latest trends.
Bigger is better
The large window trend is here to stay, according to Blessing, and it’s expanded beyond just the great room to every area of the house, including kitchens. In addition to big windows, including those that run floor-to-ceiling, big doors are in fashion as well.
“Big multi-panel, multi-slide doors, especially onto the back patio or rooftop terrace, create combined indoor-outdoor spaces,” explains Blessing. These versatile doors increase the flow of both spaces without closing either off.
The functionality of doors and windows is also game-changing. Multi-slide, stacking doors provide panoramic views and can easily be tucked away out of sight—and can serve as both window and door.
“On one of the Ashford homes, we used Pella’s bi-folding window to optimize the outdoor space,” says Blessing. “All the panels fold intuitively to one side of the opening. People can literally be inside and outside enjoying the same space.”
Fortunately, Pella’s aluminum wood-clad windows require no maintenance (neither outside nor in). The pre-finished wood interior materials offer glimpses of the grain of the wood for a unique, aesthetically pleasing look. As an added bonus, the energy efficiency of the windows serves to reduce utility bills and is an important factor in today’s market.
Picture this
All three Ashford home models showcased black-framed windows, for interior contrast and exterior curb appeal. “Black interior windows make the view of the city of Cincinnati look like a picture,” comments Blessing. One might think that white frames would lighten the room, but it’s the glass windows themselves that summon fresh, natural light. Not only that, unlike black, white interior frames don’t always allow your eyes to move past them to the “artwork” of the outdoors.
“It’s all about bringing the outside in and brightening up interiors,” concludes Blessing.
Article by Lee Rhodes | Photos by Connie Kimsey
Article originally appeared in July 2023