New Wood Windows Update Cedar Shake Home

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Berkshire County is known for its natural beauty, historic homes and rustic charm. When the owners of a 1950s cedar shake home set out to update their windows, their goal wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was about creating harmony between the home’s original character and their modern design sensibilities. 

The vision was a bold but timeless window upgrade that elevated curb appeal, boosted energy efficiency and brought a fresh sense of cohesion to their classic New England home. The centerpiece: a black-framed bay window that adds light, dimension and enduring style.

One of the most impactful changes to the home was replacing an outdated picture window with a striking new bay window. More than just a visual upgrade, the new bay added architectural depth, filled the living space with natural light, and opened the room to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 

Popular across Massachusetts, bay windows are a practical and beautiful choice for homes with cedar shake siding. With two operable double-hung windows flanking a fixed center pane, this configuration offers excellent airflow while preserving uninterrupted sightlines. Traditional grilles on the side panels nod to classic New England style—while the black frame introduces a sleek, modern contrast.

This wasn't the first update to the home. A recent addition featured black-framed windows, which only made the original white windows stand out more starkly. To create a unified, cohesive look, the homeowners chose to replace the rest of the original windows with black-framed wood ones—a move that tied the whole exterior together. 

Today, black replacement windows are a favorite among homeowners looking to blend modern flair with timeless materials. On this home, the deep frame color offers a striking contrast against the warm tones of cedar shake siding, elevating the design without overpowering it.

Beyond the aesthetic upgrade, choosing Pella® Lifestyle Series wood windows delivered major performance advantages for this Massachusetts home. Known for their superior insulation, wood windows help regulate indoor temperatures through cold winters and humid summers—ideal for the region’s variable climate. 

The aluminum-clad exterior adds durability and moisture resistance, protecting against rot, decay and mold. And because the interior wood can be painted or stained, the homeowners were able to keep the natural character of their home intact—while embracing a more current color scheme.

This was no simple swap. The project involved a full-home window replacement, requiring careful planning to preserve symmetry, match trim profiles and work around the home’s distinctive cedar shake siding. Each opening had to be carefully refitted, ensuring a seamless installation that respected the structure’s original integrity. 

Thanks to experienced installation professionals familiar with Berkshire County’s traditional architecture, the team was able to enhance—not disrupt—the home’s character.

The result is a thoughtful transformation that feels both modern and rooted in place. The homeowners now enjoy a space that’s brighter, more energy efficient and better aligned with their personal style—without losing what made the home special in the first place. 

This project is a testament to how the right combination of materials, color and craftsmanship can deliver a lasting update that doesn’t chase trends but instead creates timeless impact.