How to Create a New England Style Home Complete with Louvered Window Shutters

Louvered Shutters

How to Create a New England Style Home Complete with Louvered Window Shutters

New England was one of the earliest places to be developed and boasts a history of over 400 years. It’s no wonder than you’ll find houses here that will astound and amaze even the most learned historian. Here in New England you’ll find a collection of architectural styles that are more varied than the rest of the country. Colonial, Georgian, Victorian, Federal and even Greek Revival are just a few of the styles you can explore. As varied as the styles are, you’ll find that each style was built to last and weather harsh elements and severe winters. Louvered shutters, symmetrical windows and doors, plain, stately façade are some of the common features.

Let’s take a look at some of the more popular New England styles.

Colonial – These houses were usually built facing south to receive more warmth in the winter months. The houses have steep slopes so that snow could easily shed and not collect on rooftops. Small windows and vertically-planked doors helped to keep the warmth in. Chimneys are usually found in the center of the roof. Colonial styles homes are simple with a very plain façade. The original structure was a one-room, two-storey box. Cape Cod houses are a variation of the Colonial style.

Georgian – These houses are much like the Colonial house in their simplicity. The roof however is only moderately pitched, the houses themselves are much bigger – often two-storeys and two rooms. Georgian houses have symmetry in the positioning of their doors and windows. Lower storey windows are positioned exactly below the upper storey window and the door is in the center. No doubt about it, these homes are solid, upright and have a stately form.

Federal – These houses have more detailing than Georgian houses. An elliptical or semicircular fanlight is typically seen below the crown of the entrance. Venetian or Palladian windows are seen above the doors. Windows are usually crowned with lintels or recessed in arches. Bays, bows and balconies appear on the façade. These design elements break away from the plain squareness of older Georgian houses.

Greek Revival – These buildings resemble the public buildings in Greece way back when democracy was first introduced. These were front-gabled houses and in this way the detailing of the cornice could be better observed.

Victorian – These houses don’t look anything like the previous styles. They are free in the sense that there are no pediments, porticos, pilasters, fan lights, and transom lights. These houses are not plain by any means and prefer to boast a more grandeur style, rather than the squarish boredom of previous styles we’ve seen. Victorian style borrows from other styles but common elements include steep, many-gabled roofs, and an assymetrical arrangement of windows and doors. Builders experimented with curves, arches and other complex shapes. Porches are a distinguishing mark with delightful detailing.

Marks of a New England Home

With such a variety of architectural styles what exactly defines a New England home? Here are 3 distinguishing marks:

1. Simplicity – While millwork is rich it is not overly ornate. Blue and white colors are the most prevalent possibly taking from the natural surroundings of the sea and coastlines.

2. Pride in traditionalism – Houses are sturdy, stately and built to last.

3. Indigenous elements – New England styles feature elements in interior décor that are locally available such as fresh local flowers, seashells, slate and granite.

Creating your own New England style home

You don’t have to be in New England to enjoy the style. Create your own New England look anywhere you are by paneling the walls and choosing a classic floorcovering such as floorboards in original wood. Dress the windows with white louvered shutters. Try pared-back, white painted furniture with less detailing. Combine that with checked or striped linen. Pretty florals in the bedroom blend well with the look you want to achieve. For accessories, look for folk art or anything wicker, galvanised steel, enamel, painted or natural wood. Use bird motifs on pillow covers and make sure there are plenty of pillar candles.

Looking for exterior shutters to match your New England look? Try your local store or search online for bargains on online stores like Decorative Shutters.

usually side-gabled (roof ends at the sides of the house), flat-faced, wooden structures, covered with narrow pine clapboards, although most of the earliest ones had shingles. With no eaves, shutters, stoops, porches, window trim, or door decoration, these houses present a very plain facade, relieved only in some examples by a jutting overhang of the second story – the “garrison” style. Old and heavy, they seem to grow straight out of the ground.

Source:https://decorativeshutters.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/how-to-create-a-new-england-style-home-complete-with-louvered-window-shutters/

Top Best Tips for Choosing Raised Panel Exterior Shutters

Exterior shutters graced windows before the era of glass and before it became affordable. They served such functions as providing privacy, insulation during the hot and cold months and covering openings, among other functions. With improvements in window technology, Raised Panel Exterior Shutters have acquired new uses. They are largely used for decoration.

Despite the use of shutters in decoration, they have a functional impact on the house and demand careful consideration when choosing and installing them. If they are to block the sun, provide privacy and add to the value of your house, they have to be chosen and installed appropriately. Here are tips that will make it easy to choose shutters for your premises.

Match the Style with That of Your Entire Home

Each home has a general design. Some are Victorian while others are Mediterranean, modern, etc. This also applies to the design of Raised Panel Exterior Shutters. They should not stand out as any different from the other parts of the house. Maintaining the design requires you to consult an expert on building shutters. The expert will visit your house and recommend the design that best matches that of the rest of the structure. You may also consider checking your neighborhood for the kind of shutters they have installed. Some of the common designs include

• Louvered- this is a historical design that provided for protection against rain even when the shutters were open. The design has been improved to enable a fixed, movable and mixed design. Make a decision based on how well each option matches the needs of your house.
• Bold and Batten- the general design is that of a number of boards that are mounted vertically and have ‘z’ or horizontal crossing. This is another traditional design that gives your home a rustic appearance.
• Raised Panel or Solid Panel- the best way to identify this variety is through the number of panels that complete each shutter. The common one is a three panel shutter with one at the top, another in the middle and the last at the bottom. The size of these panels depends on that of the shutter.
• Bahama or Bermuda Shutter- they are identified by the mounting which resembles an awning placed over the window. They are common in coastal areas and are thus identified with the Bahama tag. Their Caribbean touch makes them idea for offering protection against the strong rays of the sun.

Most of these styles can be varied to match personal taste and complement the entire house. Their colors may also change depend on preference of the client. There are no restrictions on the style that must be used. However, ensure that the shutter does not crash with the appearance of the rest of the house.

Get the Correct Size

The design of the shutters should be to cover the window when closed. The appearance must be that they are usable even if this is not always the case. It is important to mirror the image and design of your window. Ensure that the rails of your shutters are properly lined to muntin, transom and lock rails of the window, among other functional and aesthetic elements.

The importance of having the right size of shutters is to maintain the aesthetic balance of the house. Further, it is impossible for the shutters to function appropriately if their size is inaccurate. They will prevent people from using nearby paths or block the window from opening perfectly. With an oversize or undersize shutter, it will be impossible to install. You will either break the glass or damage the wall. 

To get the size correctly, engage a professional in production of shutters. The technician or company should be experienced in construction. With each window being unique, the technician will provide custom measurements for each window and shutter. Allowances must be provided for the proper functioning of the window.

Choose the Best Material

Shutters are available in different materials including wood, PVC, pultruded fiberglass and other composite materials. There are different reasons why you might choose each material. For instance, wood provides a classical or traditional feel to your shutters. It is also durable and can be easily manipulated to desired design. It is however expensive compared to the composite materials. Among the varieties of wood available are mahogany, cypress and cinder. Their natural colors may also determine the wood to choose. Fiber glass is easy to manipulate, affordable and durable. You, however, have to deal with the health concerns surrounding the use of fiber glass. PVC and other composite materials are affordable and easy to manipulate. However, they are not as durable and might not withstand heavy wind or pressure. If you want shutters for decoration purposes, these materials offer the most incredible variety.

Get a Recommendation

It is impossible for a homeowner to buy shutters that are poor quality. Most of these home owners buy the shutters hopping that they are the best quality only for them to be disappointed. To avoid such disappointment, get a referral from your friends, neighbors, associate, etc. This should be from a person already using the shutters. From their experience, you can tell whether a particular design, materials, manufacturer, etc will offer quality. You should also consider reading reviews or asking for assistance on social media. Referrals are more reliable because the quality of such shutters has already been tested.

What is your budget?

The market provides all types of shutters regardless of your budget. However, the price will always affect the quality of shutters you get. This is not a justification for exorbitant pricing of shutters. Get quotations from different supplies to compare prices and determine where you will get the best value for money.

The quality of raised panel exterior shutters you install determines who well they serve you. It will also determine the beauty of your house and how well all elements merge. Be ready to invest the right amount of money to get quality shutters for your house. 

Original Source:http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/home-repair/diy-tips-for-choosing-raised-panel-exterior-shutters.html

Metal Shutters - Types and Styles

Lately, metal (aluminum) shutters have gained a lot of popularity. Many homeowners are interested in installing these shutters in their homes. They are also proving to be quite popular in offices. Chances are that you will perhaps struggle to find shutters that are more versatile or available in a wide range of designs than aluminum. You have the option of coloring the shutters in various different colors or customize them to fit any window size and style.

Metal shutters also create a neat appearance not only on the windows but also the entire room. The major benefit that a homeowner should expect to enjoy by installing metal shutters is their ability to manage the amount of sunlight that is entering the room. The metal shutters can be adjusted and this quality makes them ideal for a home where excess sunlight is not required.

The metal shutters can be kept open or closed as the homeowners wish, and one can never experience this quality with any other kind of shutters. When the homeowner needs protection from excess wind, rain or cold, he can simply choose to open or close the shutters depending on what he feels at any given moment. No matter how powerful the storm is, it won’t be able to damage the shutters or make them collapse. Metal shutters are also among the most hard-wearing shutters. If a homeowner installs it once, he never has to be bothered about replacing them for a lifetime unless he wants to change the appearance of the shutters. These shutters can also be used as insect screens if required.

Metal shutters are mainly made of aluminum because of its versatile nature. There are two types of aluminum shutters:

• Decorative aluminum shutters
• Louvered Aluminum Storm shutters

Decorative aluminum shutters

Aluminum shutters are a great choice for your home because they can add a distinguished aura without burning a hole in your pocket. They are a fantastic option for any home or office because of the varied array of styles and colors available at your disposal. Go for aluminum shutters to add some zest to your home, while also getting protection from extreme weather conditions.

When you're looking to dress up your home or add some effortless sophistication to your commercial space, decorative aluminum shutters are simply the best possible choice for you. You can customize aluminum shutters to match your home or office's decor with modern styles that will provide any room a perfect finish. Aluminum Window shutter is an exceptional alternative to extravagant or stuffy curtains and other window installations. They have an additional plus point in that they help in banishing unwanted amount of sunlight and accentuate your privacy and security, while, at the same time, adding an overall sense of style and luxury.

Louvered Aluminum Storm shutters

If you live in a locality that is too windy or prone to severe weather conditions, you have to ensure the safety of you and your family and guard your property as efficiently as possible. In the case of Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and brutal thunderstorms, hail and airborne debris can enter your house and can cause costly damage to your home. Installing aluminum storm shutters on your exterior windows is essential in ensuring that your family is safe and your personal belongings are protected during the storm.

Storm aluminum shutters are a permanent fixture to the exterior of your house and can be designed to look trendy. These shutters can be painted and stained as often as you like to enhance the character and aesthetic appeal of your home's appearance.

Additionally, these shutters are also an incredible barrier to ward off potential thieves and burglars. With your shutters closed, it will be practically impossible to break the window.

Aluminum metal shutters are perfect for any home, regardless of the design. The homeowner can customize the shutters as per his décor taste to match the building. The shutters can also be powder coated with colors in the manner deemed fit by the homeowner. The installation of the aluminum shutters is part of home enhancement and the worth of your home will increase if you plan to put it up for sale. Check out your local Home Depot or visit Decorative Shutters for a variety of metal shutters that can be customized to meet your needs.

Source: https://decorativeshutters.wordpress.com/2017/07/31/metal-shutters-types-and-styles/