Paint It, Black

I wanna see it painted, painted, painted, painted black... Yeah!

Black windows are all the rage in home design right now.  They also call for bravery.  Obviously I'm like the bravest person out there because I frickin love 'em.

So, why black windows?

* Helps frame the view by turning the window into a focal point

* Black windows help anchor a room and gives it a more custom feel

* Adds a sense of drama for all you showmanship loving folk

* The price to obtain black windows range anywhere from $ to $$$, and it can start with a can of paint.

For reference, let's take a look at some bomb ass windows.

 

    

Lucky for us we are in need of some new windows.  I'm hopeful we will get them installed before cat mating season rears its ugly head.  I can't handle another summer listening to those screams again.  I can't, and I won't.

I'm attracted to how black windows look, but know that they are a BIG commitment.  You have to have the right space in order to make these black portholes look good.  What we do have going for us is our neutral (and light) color palette. A few years back I started painting our kitchen window white, drunk.  Then I thought putting blinds up would do the trick in covering up the slop job.  Admittingly, I never got around to painting the top part of the window.  Oops.  Since we are replacing the window anyway, I couldn't turn away from this golden opportunity.

I had a quart of Phelps Black by Benjamin Moore stashed away in my paint supply.  For prep the old me would have said, eh, I don't need to tape.  I'll just scrape everything off with a scraper.  Do yourself a favor and don't listen to the old me.  Tape that shit.  

After cleaning and sanding the wood, I used a small foam roller and angled paint brush to get into those tight spaces.  Since primer and three coats of various white paint were already applied, it took about four coats of black paint before it looked solid.

The black window will take some getting used to.  I think I like it?  I think?  I do.  The black makes a big statement in the kitchen and breaks up the white.  Seeing the picture perfect kitchens above makes me really want to start on this kitchen reno, but patience is a virtue or whatever.  But those sinks!  

Conclusion, if you are due for some new windows, or want to revamp the ones you have, I would recommend painting one to see how it fairs in your space first.  If you would prefer to dive in head first and commit, you go, you.  

I can't say these photos are doing the work justice but ya know.  Just come over and take a look for yourself.

What do you think of black windows?  Crazy insane or insane crazy?

Thanks for reading!

-J

A Window of Opportunity

Hello fellow readers,

Just stopping by with a quick fix and some tips when it comes to updating the accent wood in your house.

When we first moved in, the oak didn't bother me as much.  Then we noticed how scuffed the trim was.  I pulled off the tiniest trim piece to inspect it... but it didn't stop there.  The builders used three inch nails to secure the trim.  A little much?  It was rough.  There was absolutely no way we were preserving what we had.  Overtime we managed to replace most of the trim in our house with white.  Not sure why I am making such a big story about this...

We had an oak stained bay window that was a focal point, but maybe not in a good way?

Based off of feedback from others, the oak had to go.  Investing a lot of money into replacing everything was not ideal with our current bathroom reno and need for some new doors and windows.  Little to no budget?  No problem.  I did a similar technique that I used on our kitchen cabinets (find this here), by using oil based primer.  Depending on how much use the area you are painting is going to get, it wouldn't be a bad idea to do multiple coats of primer, allowing ample drying time in between.

Our bay window was given two coats of primer, and two coats of Behr's primer+paint in Silky White.  Even then, our dog still nicked it--squirrels-- I'd argue that it wasn't dry, but in reality, the bay window shelf could have used three coats of oil based primer.  Just remember that when you are applying oil based primer, use multiple foam brushes for ease.  If you want to clean a paint brush off with paint remover, feel free.  The world could always use more over-achievers.

I knew the window was going to look brighter, but this blinding was not expected.  It has been a very welcomed presence in our living room.  We finally shed the curtains too.  Thank goodness for decent tree coverage. Three months later I am sure I will re-visiting this new-found "issue."

Another step towards home renovation completion.  I'd hate to think of the cost of replacing our oak trim, instead of painting it.  I've got better things to spend my money on and I am sure you do too.  If you have been hesitant to change up your window color, or found this post to be inspiring enough to give it a try, what are you waiting for?  This is your window of opportunity!