360 Degrees Around the Window(c)

by Catherine Wilson

Published on this site: July 11th, 2006 - See more articles from this month

Catherine Wilson, an Interior Designer in Atlanta, Georgia coined a new phase that the architectural, design, construction and building supply industry needs to capitalize on! It's the concept of "360 Degrees around the Window"(c). This phrase encompasses not only a chance to capitalize on additional revenue by specifying or selling additional products but also a chance to provide those exterior home enhancements that the baby boomer generation is looking for!

The window alone is necessary! Every house has them. Some are more strategically placed than others. Some are architecturally appropriate, some are not. Some have leaded glass that has miraculously survived for years others have brand new tempered glass. Some have mullions, some contemporary homes do not. Some are stained and others are frosted. The bottom line is that windows are necessary to make a house feel comfortable. In fact, have you ever been in a basement with out daylight access? How dreary! Windows are a must in any home but it's up to the builder or home owner as to exactly the style.

Now let's travel around the window starting at the top. A window pediment is optional but certainly makes for an architecturally complete look. Depending on the style of your house you can choose a peaked pediment, an acorn design, or a conservative square pediment. Providing your choice is in keeping with your architecture you have just made an upgrade on your home. Many homes do not have window pediments but those that do can claim one more "dress maker" detail that helps enhance curb appeal.

Now let's travel south, to the right and left of the window, and visit the topic of shutters.

Whether you live in a coastal area where shutters are a functional necessity or not shutters add so much to the façade of a house. In coastal areas, where storms are prolific, to have a functional shutter is a necessity but as you move inland shutters often become purely decorative. They can be installed to look functional but, in fact, are not. In either setting, shutters add personality to a home. Whether the style is a traditional louver, raised panel, federal or plantation, the home with shutters gets more attention than those without.

Finally, let's look below the window and what we typically see? Typically, we see nothing. Unfortunately, below the window has been underutilized in the quest to create a home with the "dress maker details" that so many homeowners are looking for but have difficulty articulating. Underneath the window provides a perfect vehicle for window boxes. Whether the window box is copper, wrought iron with a coconut liner, wooden or a wood like composite they can be used to enhance the curb appeal for any home, any type of architecture, in any neighborhood.

To enhance the curb appeal of any residence, which has been proven to increase property values up to as much as 25%, simply stick your head out of a window, look up, down and all around to see what possibilities abound. Awareness of the 360 Degrees around the Window(c) will help homeowners, contractors and retailers alike.

Article is written by Catherine Wilson, Interior Designer and owner of Mind Your Manors, Inc. makers of No Rot window boxes and planters. Visit http://www.windowboxesetc.com to learn more about Mind Your Manors, Inc. window boxes and planters.