Case Study
Cockfosters
Work Completed
Window Installation
Range
Windows
Location
Cockfosters
Some extra character and interest to the look of the house
Annie had recently downsized, from a large detached period property in Southgate, to a more compact, but still large property in Cockfosters.
The new property was a relative new-build compared to the older, character property that she had moved from, and like many newer properties, it didn’t quite have the ‘wow’ factor that she was used to. It was also alongside two almost identical properties in a short parade.
Slide to compare
“Tommy was so helpful from the start and seemed to know exactly the best way to design the windows, and choose the right product, to get the look I wanted.”
The Project
Annie’s challenge to us was this – “Help me to change my windows to add some extra character and interest to the look of the house, without making it stand out in a negative way from my neighbours.”
It was also important to Annie that the windows and doors looked good inside and out, she had previously appreciated the traditional look and detailing of the original timber casement windows at her previous house, and the pleasure they had given her while she was inside, as well as out.
So, there’s the challenge.
We decided to look to use a product from our traditional timber alternative range.
These elegant, character windows would give Annie the authentic feel of a timber window, while still using a layout that was sympathetic to the original windows, and therefore in keeping with the near neighbours.
And of course, they’re almost maintenance free.
The next thought was colour. Although the existing windows were a dark brown ‘rosewood’ colour, Annie was keen to make a bold move away from that.
“I didn’t know exactly what colour to go for”, she said, “but Tommy was able to bring me samples of the different textured finishes available, so we could compare them against the brickwork colour, to make sure they didn’t clash”.
The colour we decided to explore further through the design process was black. The black woodgrain finish worked well with the colour of the brickwork, and the hint of brown through it just seemed to work straight away.
The colour wasn’t too much of a departure from the dark brown, either, so it was also going to blend in well with the surrounding houses.
Gallery
Full Support at Every Stage
Annie, however, was still looking for an extra visual dimension to the window design – “I’ve always liked leaded windows but having discussed the various glass decoration options with Tommy, and having shown him some other houses where I really liked their windows, he went away to work on a Georgian margin design, which he thought would work better than lead.”
“Tommy knew by this point that I was a very visual person, and thankfully he was able to produce some drawings of the new windows, with the Georgian design, so that I could appreciate exactly how they would look once they were installed. By then I knew that we were getting very close to the final design.”
We still had some final details to confirm, and this included choosing the window furniture.
We offer a large range of styles and finishes, and in the end, Annie decided to go for a black wrought iron finish bulb-end handle which worked really well with the black finish of the windows.
“Tommy has lots of samples in the showroom, so we were able to compare all of the different options until we found the one that I thought worked best with the windows, as well as with some of the other internal fittings in the house.”
Annie was nervous and excited as we got closer to the scheduled installation date. But as soon as the first few windows were installed she knew straight away that she’d made the right decision.
Job Complete – Final Thoughts
“I was looking for a ‘wow’ factor, and that’s what I got!”, she says, “I’ve had so many lovely comments from my new neighbours, and even from passing strangers. I love my new windows and am so pleased that I chose Barnet Window Company”.
The final touch, apart from the lovely summer planting in the front garden, was to paint the front door.
Would you like to find out more about us?
Please contact us for further information and to discuss your home improvements on 020 8449 4747. Alternatively, please send us an email and we will get back to you.
