This is a tale of two windows. Because, once upon a time, we decided to add some, and they didn’t actually exist yet.
The windows by the kitchen have been a bit of a process. Obviously, the entire house has.
This back wall looked like this: {On one side}
And this on the other:
When we first began the demo of the house, we knew we needed a plan for something that fit the space better in a wide open room that would hold all the things. So we sat down with sketchbooks and diagrams and really thought about how we could get a space to meet all our needs. It evolved over time…
The initial floor plan looked like this
And our plan was to have a little something like this by the time we were done:
Meanwhile, you may remember from our first Window World post {on why it’s good to select new windows for your house} that we went through the process of selecting new windows. We wanted our home to be safer, and more energy efficient for starters. When it happened, they were efficiently installed and absolutely fabulous.
It was like our house got a haircut. And it made its eyes pop, and took away those wrinkles. A game changer, for sure.
It made the spaces look bigger, and wide open. We were so thrilled to see such great changes after waiting for so long. It’s the little things that can make a big difference.
And meanwhile on the inside, we were going through a little bit of this: From demo, to framing, it was time to reconfigure the space.
When we stumbled upon these turn of the century stained glass windows from an old university at the local flea market, we knew we had to have them. It was one of those days when we weren’t even looking for stained glass, and if we had been, we wouldn’t have found them. We spied them in the corner, sitting oh so nonchalantly. Like it was meant to be, I was smitten. And while we were considering what we’d do with them, we literally had vultures circling.
Jamin has this thing where he likes to talk through what we’d do with something because he’s being all rational and stuff. And I have this thing where I like to buy them before someone else does because I know what I want. We initially had no idea where we wanted to use them but felt the need to scoop them up anyway. And this lady kept circling back around, asking us if we were going to buy them. Then more of them, hovering, ever so close. Just in case.
We call this the flea market possession: When you see a one of a kind piece and know you must pull the role of hoarder and hold on to it until you know where you’ll use it.
Thankfully, inspiration hit us out of nowhere, quickly. It dawned on me that the sun sets on the kitchen side of the house in the evenings. So, duh, we really should do transoms over those new additional windows we planned to put in. We’d been craving a one of a kind look for a great room, and this would be our little masterpiece in the world of all things great room and rehabs that seem to take forever.
So in the meantime, we continued to move forward with the new window plans. And I think I waited so long, I started to get cold feet.
After the demo was done, we began the process of framing it out.
Then, insulation…
And finally, drywall.
But in the meantime, I’d started to doubt my decision.
Because if you’ve been following along for a while, you know there was a lot of meantime.
And finally, the moment of truth. It was time.
The night before I knew it was happening, I sat down with an image of the space, as is. And then photoshopped the windows in, just to be sure. There was no turning back after that.
First, they installed the stained glass. And it was like I was holding my breath because we waited a few days before the windows from Window World went in.
And after they were finito with the brick work outside, this happened.
There’s nothing more exciting than getting to see our vision finally take shape… and know we’re using quality products in some great windows, alongside it.
Or having the guts to stick with it ’til the end.
And by guts, I mean Jamin talked me off the cliff like he always does.
We love that we were able to combine the old and new together for a fabulous new look in the kitchen area.
They’re definitely quite the conversation piece.
And while we’re at it, {discussing said windows} we get to tell them how amazing Window World has been.
Even the neighbors have been saying things. ;}
They’ve made the entire process effortless, and we’re thrilled to have such beautiful things in the revamp of our home. And we love how the new replacement windows can have enough character to coordinate beautifully with these vintage stained glass windows! Like, love.
It’s like our house has a second chance… and we can’t wait to make endless memories here.
When the windows were framed out, it brought a lot of beautiful detail to the space, and tied them all together.
Oh how far we’ve come!
The most exciting part?
Looking at all the details coming in to hi light them both. Especially the tile!
And it’s all coming together!
We have adored the process of working with Window World and the beautiful product in our home.
We’re so close… with just a few more little details.
And a quick shot we snapped last night after we finished up the painting!
Have an inspired day!
:: This post was brought to you in partnership with Window World. All opinions are 100% ours. Please read our full disclosure pertaining to partnerships here ::
Jenna says
Lovely. This progress is incredible. What you’ve done is incredible.
Renee says
I was wondering what the story behind the stained glass was….great idea to incorporate them into your home.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Reneee! Thanks so much!
We wrote a little about them in the post above, but they’re from an old university in New Jersey. I stumbled upon them in the local flea market here – a grouping of four. I had no idea what I was going to do with them, but I’ve always loved stained glass and I was smitten. Then I realized I wanted to use two in the kitchen over new windows. ;} It worked out nicely that we snatched them up without really thinking! I knew I didn’t want them to collect dust somewhere. ;} We plan to place the other two in doors throughout the house. Can’t wait to see it all tied together!
Suzy says
Beautiful! I really like the tile!
Jeni B says
When you get all settled, I’d love it if you would give us a photo tour of your kitchen and cabinets..like where you are keeping your dishes, etc. The windows and kitchen tile are so beautiful! Can’t wait to see all the beautiful personal touches you will do.
Lauren says
This is truly a beautiful kitchen! And I love the stained glass the most I think 🙂
Can I ask for the dimensions of your island? We are looking to do a similar layout in our kitchen but are waffling on island dimensions.
Thanks so much!
Lauren
Bonnie says
Beautiful windows, beautiful light fixtures, beautiful tile. Love it, love it, love it!!
sara says
Really, really pretty! The windows add just the right amount of color while remaining classic.