When purchasing windows, most homeowners think about aesthetics and operation, while very little consideration is given to the glass itself. Below, Brenda Brunk, product portfolio strategist at Marvin, provides a rundown of glass types and their performance to help you decide which product is best for your home.

Double Panes—In the 1950s, residential-glass manufacturers devised double-paned glass, in which two panes are separated by an air pocket. It acts as an insulator and reduces condensation buildup in winter.

Low E Coatings

• Radiation from the sun, in the form of infrared light, can shine through a window and heat up the objects in a room—not desirable on a hot day. Also, warm objects themselves can emit heat radiation, which means a room can lose heat by radiating it outdoors through the window. Glass alone will not reduce the effects of radiant heat transfer, but low emissivity (Low E) coatings can.
• Low E coatings are made of microscopically thin metal on the surface of the window. They reflect radiant heat, reducing heat gain and loss, and block ultraviolet light, which causes flooring and furniture to fade.
• A Low E coating is only noticeable as a slight tint. Adding layers and switching their surface application will change the performance of the glass.

Insulation—The first examples of dual-pane glass contained an eighth-inch of air in between the panes. Eventually, manufacturers began separating the panes by a half-inch and filling the space with argon, an inert gas. This type of assembly is referred to as an insulating glass unit (IGU). Krypton is even more effective than argon but is much more expensive to create. While insulating glass helps thermal performance, indoor comfort levels are still mostly controlled by Low E coatings.

Glass Ratings

• U-FACTOR—Measures how well a window keeps heat inside. Lower numbers mean greater insulating capabilities.
• SOLAR HEAT GAIN—The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much radiant heat enters your home. The lower the number, the less heat a window lets in.
• VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE—This describes how clear the glass is. The higher the number, the clearer the glass.

Climate Questions

• The colder your climate, the less heat you want escaping your home and the more radiant heat from the sun you want entering. This means you should seek out a lower U-Factor and higher SHGC.
• If you live in a warmer climate, escaping heat is not as important as preventing radiant heat from entering, which means a higher U-Factor and lower SHGC.

Pro Tips

“We create a balance between modern and traditional in a home by preserving charming existing features while layering in sleek elements that impart modern appeal.”  — Maryam Tabrizchi, AIA, Elie Ben Architecture, LLC

“The architect’s role is vital during the construction phase. He or she resolves questions from the permit office, construction team and homeowner, and assists with design details throughout.” —Bruce Wentworth, AIA, Wentworth, Inc.

Grouped Together
Layering groups of accessories will achieve a fuller, more finished look. Do not line them up or space them apart as separate elements; instead, pull objects together to form a cohesive look—even if they appear to be touching. Hanging a mirror or artwork behind them will connect them visually.

By the Book
The visual appeal of books in a setting is undeniable—and books aren’t just for bookcases! Use them to bring extra color into a setting or stack them as an anchor for accessory groupings. Books can serve as a base for a lamp to give it extra height; they also make great fillers when placed on odd shelves.

Unexpected Statement
While accessories should reflect your personality, they should also be visually stimulating. Select surprising accent pieces, energizing colors and lamps with unusual bases. Consider incorporating a classical motif such as an elegant Greek key or some of the latest designs trends on your throw pillows. Above all, blend contemporary, natural and classic items for maximum effect.

Get the Picture
You may have been told to hang art at eye level—but in reality, this is a meaningless concept. Just as accessory groupings add interest through their connection with one another, artwork and mirrors should also be visually connected with other elements in a room. A few pointers:

• Hang your art close to a tabletop or mantel or above the back of a sofa or a chair rail.
• Layer items in front of your art whenever possible, even if that means resting the art on or placing it slightly behind your furnishings.
• When using art to flank an architectural feature or a piece of furniture, hang it close to the main subject, not spaced at an equal distance from it.

Back to Nature
Fresh flowers and plants not only add beauty and interest, but they are also welcoming, giving the most sterile room a positive lift. Placing them on cocktail tables, nightstands and mantels, or even inside bookcases, will enhance the atmosphere of your space.

Pro Tips

“Window treatments should complement a space, not overpower it. They should be the icing on a cake, that special finishing touch.” —Bonnie Ammon, Bonnie Ammon Interiors

“Choosing a carpet or rug boils down to form and function. Will it be a focal point or a textural backdrop? Size and proportion are everything.” —Melanie Whittington, Whittington Design Studio

The most important decision you’ll make when planning a remodeling project is who to hire. Keep in mind that you’re giving a third party free reign in your house—and paying a substantial sum for a product whose costliest components are hidden, from plumbing and electrical wiring to framing and HVAC. It is essential that you trust your remodeling partner implicitly. Below, Four Brothers Design + Build lists the dos and don’ts of choosing your contractor.

Do

• Use a company with strong pre-construction/planning, even if little or no design is involved. A well-run construction project takes many hours to plan. If the design is not finalized with materials selected and ordered before construction begins, expect delays and stoppages.
• Check online and print forums for reviews. If multiple negative reviews exist, chances are there is a good reason.
• Interview at least three companies before settling on one.

Don’t

• Hire the lowest bidder. As with anything else in life, you usually get what you pay for. Many companies will secure a contract by low-balling an estimate, then assess premeditated change orders once construction begins.
• Choose a “yes man.” You need someone who will tell you the truth even if it is not what you want to hear.
• Hire anyone who pushes their own agenda. Your remodeling partner should be receptive to your input.

What to Ask

• How much of your business is repeat- or referral-based?
• Do you have examples of projects like mine that you have completed recently?
• Are you licensed, bonded and insured in my area?
• Do you have a fixed-price contract, and what is your policy on change orders?
• Will you pull the necessary permits?
• What work do you subcontract out, and how are your relationships with your trade partners?
• Who will be in charge of the work once it begins?
• What is your timeframe for completion, and will you work every day?
• Are you LEED-certified by the EPA?
• How will you ensure that my home stays clean and safe?

Pro Tips

“Solid oak is our go-to for hardwood flooring. Unlike vinyl or engineered wood, hardwoods like oak can be countlessly refinished, making them the most timeless selection.” —Fritz Eisenbrandt, Eisenbrandt Companies

“Everyone wants control via a smart device—often voice-activated—from HVAC, lighting and entertainment systems to exterior and low-voltage landscape lights.” —George Papaheraklis, FineCraft Building Contractors, Inc.

GOING GREEN Durapalm’s latest line of wall- and ceiling-panel systems is made in the U.S. from reclaimed, plantation-grown palm trees. Pictured, the Manali system pairs a palm veneer with a core of bamboo. The design was influenced by colors and textures found in the Himalayan region of the same name. durapalm.com

EASY OPENING The Contemporary Aluminum Model 8850 from Wayne Dalton Garage Doors combines an anodized black frame and clear glass panes for a modern look and maximum visibility. It’s designed with tongue-and-groove joints and heavy-duty tracks that ensure smooth operation. wayne-dalton.com

SAFETY FIRST The Precious Bar cabinet lock by Buster + Punch keeps valuables safe in style. Two vertical pulls hold a fixing bar on a chain; the lock features the company’s signature knurl pattern and can be secured with a Buster + Punch padlock. Available in solid brass (pictured) or burnt steel.busterandpunch.com

Kitchen+Bath

METAL ACCENTS Clean lines and an array of finish options make the Erika hardware collection from Atlas Homewares a good fit for any kitchen. Cabinet pulls range from three to 12 inches long; 18-inch appliance pulls are also available. Looks vary from brushed and polished nickel to matte black, polished chrome and warm brass. atlashomewares.com

DISH DUTY Waterstone’s Industrial Pulldown PLP faucet is made in California from eco-friendly solid brass or 316 stainless steel. The sleek, curvy fixture boasts an 18-inch sprayer that toggles between an aerated stream and a wide spray. Clients can choose among 32standard finishes or customize their own options. waterstoneco.com

SURFACE STYLE The Wetwall Water-Proof Wall Panel System presents a low-maintenance, easy-to-install alternative to tile and grout. Developed by Wilsonart, the tongue-and-groove panels can be applied in showers, around baths or on accent walls. Available in 17 colors and patterns, they offer antimicrobial protection and scratch resistance. wetwall.com

BACK TO NATURE Spotting the latest trends in tile put forth by 120 Spanish manufacturers, Tile of Spain has reported a surge in products inspired by nature—particularly ceramic tile that mimics the look of wood. Pictured: a porcelain tile backsplash by Gayafores reminiscent of textured plywood. gayafores.es/en; tileofspainusa.com

PARTY READY Bosch’s 800 Series Counter-Depth Refrigerator with a built-in Refreshment Center specializes in chilling beverages at optimal temperatures. A linear glass-front door contains dedicated wine racks along with convenient storage for water bottles and canned drinks. Users can control the fridge with the Home Connect app. bosch-home.com

SEA DREAMS Italian designer Marco Acerbis conceived the Coral collection for Talenti Outdoor Living with an eye toward flexibility and sleek, timeless style. The Coral Sunbed, which pairs an airy aluminum frame with generous cushions, comes in Graphite (pictured) and White. The line also features a modular sofa, armchairs, tables and poufs. talentispa.com

IN THE SWING Brazilian designer Patricia Anastassiadis’s latest collection for Artefacto focuses on outdoor living. The series of nine new pieces includes the Balanço Seed hanging chair (pictured), which marries a hand-woven base with soft, inviting cushions. artefacto.com

THE LOOK OF WOOD Made largely with recycled materials, low-maintenance TimberTech composite decking mimics the look of natural wood and resists moisture, fading, scratching and staining. The company offers an array of formats and colorways. Pictured: the TimberTech Azek Vintage Collection in English Walnut. timbertech.com

DINING AL FRESCO Designer Patricia Urquiola finds the perfect balance between lightness and durability in her Anatra collection for JANUS et Cie. Pictured: The award-winning Anatra Armchairs, with aluminum frames and handwoven rope details, surround the Anatra round dining table, boasting a powder-coated aluminum base and Carrara marble top. janusetcie.com

SUN SALUTATION Perennials’ new Villa del Sol outdoor fabric collection brings a resort vibe home with exotic prints and festive hues. Palmetto in Verdigris (pictured) evokes swaying palms on a pristine tropical beach. Five new rug patterns round out the line, offered at David Sutherland in DC. perennialsfabrics.com

BACKYARD BILLIARDS Suitable for outdoor use under cover, this pool table by Los Angeles designer James De Wulf conveys a bold, modern statement. It’s made of concrete reinforced with carbon fiber and features a smooth, high-performance surface layered in premium black felt. Balls and cues are included. jamesdewulf.com

• A dry basement is a sure sign of good bones. If it doesn’t smell damp, the house probably has fine grading, drainage and waterproofing.
• Unfinished spaces allow you to check floor joists, plumbing pipes and ductwork.
• A level floor indicates solid structural support. A dip where the ceiling and wall meet means the floor joists above are sagging.
• Stand on tiptoe, then drop down hard on your heels. Too much bounce indicates insufficient structural support.
• Straight hairline cracks above openings or at joints are fine, but jagged, diagonal cracks may indicate settlement issues or insufficient framing.
• Have an expert look at mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems to make sure previous work was done properly.

The owners of a 1929 home in Northwest DC’s Woodley Park turned to McInturff Architects to transform their first floor with an airy, modern aesthetic. “They wanted to open the house up internally as well as to the back garden beyond,” recounts project designer Jeffrey McInturff, who conceived the project with principal Mark McInturff, FAIA.

Working with construction company Added Dimensions, the team replaced load-bearing walls with a structure of steel columns and beams that allows free flow between spaces. The traditional center-hall staircase made way for a bold, modern version that lets in the light. “We wanted the new stair and the steel structure around it to work together as one design element,” Jeffrey McInturff explains.

The stair leads up to the second floor and down to the lower level. Fabricated off-site by Majer Metal Works, it was disassembled and then reassembled on-site. White oak treads and glass-and-steel railings complement the surrounding white oak floor and steel structural supports to sleek, harmonious effect.

Renovation Architecture: McInturff Architects, Bethesda, Maryland. Renovation Contractor: Added Dimensions, Takoma Park, Maryland.

"The trifecta of good design, outdoor living spaces and landscaping create a continuity that’s hard to beat,” observes architect Paul Gaiser, who now works with Landis Architects/Builders. He reimagined the home’s exterior with architectural flourishes—from dormer windows in front to a two-story bay in back embellished by a white-railed deck.

Renovation Architecture: Paul Gaiser, AIA, Paul Gaiser Architects, Bethesda, Maryland. Contractor: Precision Capital General Work LLC, Takoma Park, Maryland. Landscape Design: Susy S. Altmann, CPH, Susy Altmann Studio, Rockville, Maryland. Photography: Pak Cheung.

• Yews are forgiving of harsh pruning. They reach 30 feet tall. Full sun or part shade.
• Schip Laurels like rich, well-drained soil. They grow up to 12 feet tall. Full sun to part shade.
• Boxwoods are easy to shape, often used as formal borders. A variety of light conditions.
• Hornbeam Trees are deciduous but keep their leaves after they turn brown in fall. They grow to 25 feet. Partial shade.
• Arborvitae are somewhat deer-resistant. The popular Green Giant variety reaches 30 feet tall. Full sun to light shade.

The renovation of a 19th-century estate in Tidewater, Virginia, wasn’t complete without the overhaul of its pastoral 30-acre property, which encompasses five miles of shoreline along the Rappahannock River. The extensive landscape plan included gardens, terraces, arrival sequences—and a picturesque pond. “The owners were not interested in swimming,” recounts Eric Groft, FASLA, of OvS, who spearheaded the project, “but they liked the idea of water as part of the landscape.”

Inspired by the celebrated scenery at Monticello, Groft designed a 30-by-40-foot lily pond, which is nestled among pebble pathways and ornamental gardens mixing cultivars and native species. Just beyond, a 15-acre barley field stretches away to the riverfront.

The semi-circular pond is contained in a 23-inch-deep concrete shell with built-in planters that support lotus plants and lilies; openings in the planters allow water to flow in and out. As a bonus, the pond attracts all manner of aquatic life, from fish to frogs. Says Groft, “Such a feature in an agrarian area—it creates its own ecology.”

Landscape Architecture: Eric Groft, FASLA, OvS, Washington, DC.

• Decide what surface will best suit your needs. Choosing your material will narrow down aesthetic options.
• A neutral hue will look good in 20 years but bold, solid surfaces work well in minimalist kitchens.
• Consider the undertones in prospective materials. Some colors will bring out a red cast in cherry cabinets, for instance. A neutral surface with veins or specks of color will add vitality.
• Bring home samples to help you make the right choice.
• Look at your kitchen holistically. A solid countertop, for example, will complement a patterned backsplash or curtains.