Shakespeare once wrote that ‘the eyes are the windows to the soul’. And while we appreciate the poetic nature of it, we prefer to think that ‘windows are souls for the eyes’ or… Bah, who are we kidding? Our specialty isn’t Shakespeare or fancy intros. It’s windows. So let’s get straight to them.
Windows do far more than just let natural light and fresh air in. Depending on their design, they can also serve as architectural focal points and accentuate the overall style of your home.
Here at Empire Steel, we’ve been creating homes and commercial spaces for people who want something really special and bespoke for over 20 years. This constant, hands-on experience helps us stay on top of all the latest window design trends.
So if you’re building a brand new home or considering an interior renovation, if you’re an avid home decor lover or just keen to learn more about window designs, keep reading as we reveal 5 modern window designs that we think will take 2022 by storm! But first…
What are modern windows?
Modern windows are generally defined by their simplicity, minimalism and practicality. With their straight lines, innovative textures and choice of bold or neutral colours, modern windows complement the clean lines and open spaces of modern architecture to perfection.
Why choose modern window designs for your space?
The main reason to choose modern windows for your next project is style. Simply put, modern windows will provide instant appeal, and give you a contemporary edge that will make all your neighbours want to follow suit.
As an added bonus, many modern window styles allow plenty of natural light into your space. And many modern windows are also energy-efficient, meaning that they help insulate against heat and cold and keep your energy bills down all year round.
5 on-trend modern window designs in 2022
In recent times, windows have become more of a statement piece in new builds and renos. And about time too!
This refreshing change includes everything from quirky asymmetric shaped windows to space-adding garden windows that jut out to create a mini-greenhouse, round centrepiece windows to contemporary stained-glass windows, and so many more. The options really are endless.
Here are 5 modern window designs we think will dominate 2022:
1. Arched windows (and doors)
If you’ve been noticing more arches lately, well firstly pat yourself on the back, you’re very observant. The arches décor trend is indeed (re)claiming the interior design world in a hurry.
There are many possible reasons for this. One is that arches create the illusion of more space. Curved ceilings are well known for adding height to a room while arched windows and doors can give any room a wider and larger feel.
Whether you’re keen for your room to have a single arch as a focal point or to be packed with all manner of arched windows, ceilings and decor features, arches are also likely to make your room feel more spacious and airy.
From classic to ultra-modern designs, another great thing about arches is that they can be done in so many different ways. For example, you may wish to combine this unique curved shape with other window trends, such as arched glass block windows (trend #4) or arched window walls (trend #1).
Of course, for arched windows that will give your home instant street cred and last for decades to come, choose arched steel frame windows (trend #5).
On a related note, round windows are also a strong windows trend. This is because they offer a priceless telescopic focal point to a room. Even from afar, what’s on the other side feels wonderfully magnified.
2. Bespoke corner windows
One of the most popular bespoke modern window design trends in 2022 will be corner windows, which are a smart way to utilise any unused corner areas of your home.
New builds will feature them, and numerous solid walls will be replaced by L-shaped glass windows that align with the structure of the room and help keep it ventilated.
Just add an L-shaped box seat or an armchair to make this newly illuminated corner a beautiful viewpoint or a reading spot. Or opt for a thriving indoor plant to give the corner a stunning look. Or simply keep it clear for pure minimalist charm.
3. Window walls
Another modern window design trend you may well have noticed is windows that span the entirety of a wall. Modern floor-to-ceiling windows feature minimalist frames and offer spectacular views, making window walls a great choice if your goal is to maximise your views and natural light.
These windows blur the lines between the indoors and the outdoors, offering the bright, airy openness of a sunroom, and giving your space that wow factor through their sleek designs and their showcase of your natural surroundings.
Window walls can also be heavily customised, so you can create window wall designs that perfectly match your space. Single pane or multiple panes. All manner of window shapes. A myriad of frame types and colours. Arch heads and other intricate detailing. The choice is yours.
4. Glass block windows
Corner windows and window walls are two fantastic options for your living spaces. But for those spaces where a bit more privacy is preferred, such as the bathroom or a walk-in closet, glass block windows are an on-trend choice once again.
Made with an arrangement of frosted glass blocks, glass block windows keep silhouettes visible while maintaining valuable privacy. This makes them perfect for partitioning, say if you wish to partition the shower from the rest of the bathroom, or to divide two rooms.
A key quality of glass block windows is how they still allow natural light in, subtly brightening up an interior space while also lending a chic look to whatever room they’re in.
5. Steel frame windows
And finally, we arrive at steel frame windows, a current favourite in chic, fashion-forward architecture and interior designs for homes, restaurants, cafes and much more.
Steel windows in on-trend finishes and colours allow you to show off your artistic design sensibility with their stunning light-bathed functionality, architectural elegance, and incredible quality and strength.
Whether you’re looking for statement steel windows for a home renovation, a chic steel frame window facade for your retail space or interior steel windows to add opulence to your office meeting rooms, quality steel windows deliver a smooth, strong appearance you’ll love for a long time to come.
Because of its timeless, stark aesthetic and its unparalleled versatility, black is still by far the most popular steel frame window hue. However, by offering a lighter, refreshing alternative, white and off-white shades are also trending strongly at present.
Here at Empire Steel, we’ve been designing and crafting quality, architectural steel windows for Australian homes and businesses for over 20 years. The gorgeous image above is taken from The Spanish Club project. You can view this, and some of our past projects here.
If you’re considering bespoke steel windows, we’re the perfect partner to make your design vision a reality. Head over to our blog for more steel window inspiration or simply get in touch with our friendly team today.