Ever since we moved into this house I’ve never been a big fan of the internal glass windows that separate the hallway and the living room. I can totally understand the reason for them being there as they do allow more light to flow into the hallway but I never saw them as a feature. I haven’t got many clear photo’s as I never seem to take photo’s of areas of the home that I don’t like (funnily enough!) But these give you a rough idea of what they looked like.
You can see the original colour and style here.
This is after I had applied a wood primer.
So the Hallway revamp happened quite quickly and I hadn’t even given the internal windows a second thought, I knew that I would paint them so I primed them with my all time favourite Zinsser primer. I couldn’t decide whether to paint them the same colour grey as the walls or paint them white like the rest of the woodwork just so that they blended in. Then I suddenly had the idea to paint them black and make more of a feature out of them, if I didn’t like them as they were then maybe making them pop would cure me! I went fumbling around in my left over paint supply and found a Little Greene oil based gloss which I had used on my kitchen tile makeover. I don’t often use gloss but I thought a more shiny finish would look good on these windows.
Excuse the poor quality photo, in all the excitement I totally forgot to take a photo so this is a cut from a video that I used on my Insta stories!
As soon as I had applied the 1st coat I loved them so much more. They reminded me of industrial style Crittall windows found in downtown Brooklyn, New York. This gave me the idea to use strips of wood and try to turn them into a Crittall effect style window. I wasn’t sure whether I was going to be able to pull this look off but once I get an idea in my head I have to at least try and make it work. So off I went to my local DIY store and came home with these 11mm strips of wood.
Bob the builder….. I can do this!
I measured the windows and cut the wood to size so that they were a tight enough fit just to slot into place without requiring any glue or nails. Each window was a slightly different size so this was trickier than I thought but I wouldn’t be defeated!! I then set about painting them.
Then to see if my plan actually works…..
It worked!!! I absolutely love how it has turned out and I think this is actually one of my favourite features in the house. It’s gone from being my most disliked to my favourite and all it took is a dose of creativity, some strips of wood and a few coats of paint! Here are some before and after shots.
What do you think? Do you have an area of your home that you totally disliked and have since transformed it into one of your favourites?
Thank you for reading and if you need any help with any projects in your home please get in contact. I would love to help.
This is one of my favourite makeovers I’ve ever seen, the window idea is genius!!!!!!!! Really I love it, so simple but clever and I don’t think it would have worked so will if your had used thinner wood it’s worked out perfectly.
You must be so pleased when you get home and walk in and see it?
So lovely of you to say. Thank you so much, i’m so happy with how they turned out xx
We have a similar thing in our new home. I love the idea of keeping some of the older features but can’t bare the thought of keeping them as they are. It’s a stained patterned glass too. This was the idea we came up with too. Glad it looks so nice. Will definitely be going ahead with it now 👍
So Glad you’ve found it helpful
Wow. What a transformation. It looks a million dollars!! I love it Kerry.
Thank you so much xx
This was exactly the feature I was looking for to make a narrow hall feel bigger. I thought you had put the windows in for that reason actually. Also eternally love crittall – girl after my own heart – awesoness!
Thank you x
I love what you’ve done with the internal window it looks amazing and fabulous feature. I’m thinking of doing something similar with my awful wardrobes. I would like them to look panelled with the crittall effect on the mirror parts. I’ve always loved the style and live in an old house that had that type of windows originally. I don’t really know what I’m doing but going to give it a go. You’ve given me inspiration. Xx
That’s amazing! Hope it worked out x
This looks amazing. Going to try something similar in my living room which has a large window to the kitchen which I have never liked. (You’ve inspired me!) Did you do the same on each side of the glass or just the one side?
That’s great to hear. I just did one side as it shows through. Thanks, Kerry