Custom Arched Window Soars with Modern-Cottage Style

Products provided in partnership with Pella.

The original picture window was a bright ’90s-era feature for this Idaho home. The old, outdated wood windows were stained golden brown, and featured a fireplace beneath the half-circle window. But its new owners – creators of the popular Chris Loves Julia renovation blog – envisioned a major upgrade. Their dream was to create a wall of glass windows unified in a single bold arch. Like many of Chris and Julia’s projects, it would be a dramatic transformation.

After many meetings with their architects and contractors, the style-savvy couple discovered that this would be no simple window replacement project. An entire wall of the living room would have to be replaced. This included removal of all three existing windows and trim, dismantling and relocating a built-in stone fireplace and moving the family out of the house so the crew could get to work.

Our local consultant and installers were there every step of the way. Once the design options were thoroughly explored, Chris and Julia chose contemporary Pella wood windows. Designers drew up plans for a floor-to-ceiling wood frame that featured 16 individual windows. The wall-sized arch window would fill the living room with natural light and offer panoramic vistas of the backyard.

The 13' x 13' arch had to be durable, stable and capable of withstanding the high winds common in the area. All beams were wrapped in 16-gauge, galvanized steel studs that spanned the height of the structure. Precise, consistent measurements ensured that every window frame allowed its glass to flex safely without breaking. Custom-made for this home, the end result is an incredibly clean-lined design and a towering tribute to engineering.

Choosing black windows helps bring this home’s modern-cottage aesthetic to life. It provides crisp contrast to the light-colored walls and neutral wood floors and lends a touch of drama to the décor. For added protection on the outside these contemporary windows feature durable aluminum-clad exteriors with an EnduraClad® finish, which comes standard. There’s no better way to ensure advanced protection from the elements and beauty that lasts.

From graceful curves to contemporary angles, custom windows offer virtually endless design possibilities in every size. Choose intricate grille patterns, artisanal glass options and more to create your own breathtaking before-and-after project. Schedule a free in-home consultation to talk about your options with a local window and door expert.