There is a noticeable difference between how we experience a home from the street and how we experience it when we’re actually living in it.
When the homeowners decided it was time to replace the windows throughout their home, they weren’t searching for a dramatic transformation. What interested them was creating a more thoughtful relationship between the exterior architecture and the spaces they enjoy every day on the inside.
The project included 12 draftLOCK™ Slim windows, but what makes it memorable isn’t the number of windows replaced. It’s the way colour was used to support different experiences of the same house.
Looking Toward the Street
The front elevation already had a strong architectural presence. Warm brickwork, decorative entry doors and the prominent arched window above the garage created a facade with plenty of character.
The homeowners selected brown windows for the front of the home. The colour sits naturally within the existing palette, reinforcing the rich tones of the roof, garage doors and masonry details. The windows feel connected to the architecture rather than applied to it.
Viewed from the sidewalk, the house feels more composed. Details that once blended into the background now work together as a cohesive design, drawing attention to the proportions of the façade and the craftsmanship of the original architecture.
Looking Toward the Backyard
The rear elevation tells a different story.
This is where morning coffee is enjoyed, where family gatherings move outdoors in the warmer months, and where large windows become part of everyday life rather than part of the streetscape.
Here, white windows were chosen to maximize brightness and maintain a lighter visual feel. The bay window becomes the centrepiece of the rear elevation, extending outward into the yard and creating a stronger connection between the interior living spaces and the outdoor environment.
From inside the home, the effect is immediately noticeable. Natural light takes centre stage, while the clean lines of the Slim Series frames keep the focus on the garden, the deck and the changing seasons beyond the glass.
Design That Responds to the Way a Home Is Used
The best renovation projects often begin with a simple question: What does this house need?
For this Markham family, the answer wasn’t the same at the front as it was at the back.
The street-facing elevation benefited from warmth, definition and architectural continuity. The backyard called for brightness, openness and a stronger connection to the living spaces inside. By approaching each side of the home independently, the homeowners achieved a result that feels remarkably natural.
Nothing appears forced. Nothing feels trendy.
Instead, the home feels carefully considered from every angle, which is often the difference between a renovation that looks new and one that simply looks right.
“We loved the house before, but the finished windows gave it a much more polished look than we expected.”
Whether you’re looking to refresh your home’s appearance, bring more light into your living spaces, or find window styles and colours that complement your architecture, the right design decisions can have a lasting impact.
Book a free in-home consultation or visit one of our showrooms across Canada to explore the possibilities for your own home.