The Power of the Curve HOME DESIGN THAT FLOWS
Most of us give our windows little thought until something goes wrong. Maybe one refuses to open, lets in drafts, or fogs up without warning. Sometimes, these issues can be fixed. But often, they are signs it’s time for a replacement. Our comfort and efficiency take a hit when windows aren’t working right. That’s why it pays to know the warning signs. If opening and closing your window is a struggle, that’s a red flag. You shouldn’t need to force it or use a prop to keep it open. In these cases, moisture has caused the frame to swell or warp. Older wooden frames are especially vulnerable to this damage, and once decay sets in, it tends to spread. Leaks and drafts are another giveaway. Hold a lit candle near the window’s edges. A flickering flame means air is sneaking in. That can be uncomfortable and expensive. It can also mean more outside noise. If road traffic sounds louder than it used to, your windows might be the problem. Swapping single-pane windows for modern double-pane ones helps reduce noise and improve efficiency. If your windows look foggy between the panes, the seal has failed. That means any insulating gas has leaked out, and your windows aren’t doing their job. This kind of wear and tear happens gradually, but the result is often higher utility costs over time. Older windows also let in more harmful UV rays, which can fade carpets, furniture, and curtains. And from the outside, warped or outdated windows can make your home look a little run-down. Look at your energy bills. If they’re climbing and nothing else has changed, your windows might be the reason. Upgrading to energy- efficient models could trim heating and cooling costs by up to 30%. It might even earn you a tax credit. Don’t Overlook What You Look Through Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Windows
Ever notice how some spaces feel better than others? You can walk into a room and instantly feel more relaxed, even if it’s unclear why. It turns out that a room’s shape might have more to do with that than the furniture inside. Lately, curved architecture is trending in residential home design, and one of the main reasons is the positive shift in mood these curves bring to a space. Studies show that people prefer curves and rounded edges to hard angles. It makes sense when you think about it. Nature is full of curves. You see them everywhere: tree canopies, rolling hills, river stones, and even our bodies. Familiar forms put our minds at ease. Some research links curved spaces to reduced stress, a feeling of safety, and a boost in mood. In home design, curves promote good flow and soften transitions between spaces. And builders today have more ways to bring rounded elements into a home. CNC machines, 3-D printers, and new drywall framing systems make creating soft-edged interior spaces and design elements easier and more affordable. But you don’t have to renovate your house to bring in the curve. You can ease into it. A round mirror in the hallway changes the way light bounces. A lamp with a soft arc can pull a corner together. Swap out a square coffee table for a circular one, and suddenly the flow of a room changes. If you are remodeling, consider an arched pass-through between the kitchen and dining room or a rounded edge on the kitchen island. Built-ins with curved shelving or banquette seating can soften a space without taking over the entire layout. What matters most is how your eye travels. Curves can guide you through a room, and simply adding a few to your home’s layout can change how it looks and feels. That’s a design choice we can all get behind.
Good windows make a quiet, comfortable, and efficient home. They don’t always shout when they stop working, but they do whisper.
2 •205-223-6192
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator