Are you contemplating a kitchen remodel or building a custom home? Do you feel as if your current space is dull, boring, or lacks pizazz? Consider incorporating a touch of glass within the design of your home. This simple addition can give an existing space new life, break up the monotony of solid surfaces, and highlight pieces of art.

A Brief History of Decorative Glass

Decorative glass has been an integral part of our interior spaces since medieval times. Shapes, colors, and textures have told stories, given our living space character, and shown personality. Italian stained glass windows were often round in shape and told religious stories in pictures. They also allowed light to come into dark, cold churches and cathedrals. We still see stained glass being used today to add color and light to spaces.

Seeded glass was used in colonial times. The glass takes its name from the tiny bubbles within it that look like seeds. It tends to look wavy and often hand-crafted. Today, as we tend towards re-using old materials to create a vintage look, we see replicas of this seeded glass and similar textures in many interior applications.

During the arts and crafts era, Frank Lloyd Wright had a huge influence on the glass market. It was during this time that we started seeing what is known as art glass. Many of Wright’s pieces are a combination of both leaded and stained glass, shown in windows, doorways, furniture pieces, light fixtures, and art.

Incorporating Glass Into Your Home

If you want to add a touch of glass to your home, the possibilities are endless.

Doors

You can consider giving old glass new life by utilizing vintage materials, as one of our clients did for their powder room entry door. They added decorative appeal to both their powder room and hallway simply by utilizing old materials.

Glass Accents

Check out your local antique stores and flea markets for these types of pieces. You never know—there may be old glass hanging out in a garage or attic from a previous homeowner! Use your imagination. The sky is the limit.

Custom Cabinetry

Here at Meadowlark, many of our projects incorporate custom cabinetry. This allows us to add special touches like custom sized antique glass pieces that are family heirlooms, or 2-sided glass cabinetry cabinets shown in the picture below. The double glass-sided wall cabinet blends well with the large window next to it, while showcasing important pieces for the homeowner.

Furniture Pieces

A built-in furniture piece, such as these in a Meadowlark client’s home, showcase beautiful glass and china pieces. In what felt like a small dining area, storage was added in an effort to avoid crowding the space. The addition of clear glass accomplished this goal.

Have you ever contemplated highlighting a photo, framed art, or glass piece? Clear glass cabinetry protects your possessions but allows them to be showcased. Lighting can be added on the interior or exterior to accent.

Frosted Glass

This gorgeous frosted glass (courtesy of Cabico) helps keep a light, airy ambiance with the wood cabinetry.

Whether you are utilizing glass within newly designed custom cabinetry, or adding decorative stained glass accents to doors or windows, glass can refresh and revitalize a space.

By Melanie Grabarkiewicz