I know we’ve been focused on windows, but I have to echo what some have touched on: the trend of creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. In Florida, especially here in Tampa Bay, people love connecting their living space to the lanai or backyard. One of the coolest things we did was convert what used to be a big window and a back door into a 12-foot sliding glass door (3 panels that stack). It essentially turns our family room wall into an openable glass view.
Now, a sliding door is technically a door, not a window, but design-wise it falls into the same category of expansive glass. When it’s closed, it’s like having a floor-to-ceiling window with a great view of our patio and pool. When open, it gives a ~6-8 foot wide opening that really blurs indoor and outdoor spaces. We put a flush track so there’s no big step, which makes it feel even more continuous.
This is definitely a trend in renovations – I see neighbors investing in larger patio doors or even those fancy accordion folding glass walls. It’s perfect for entertaining; we had a Super Bowl party and basically extended the party to the screened porch with that big opening.
We went with a hurricane-rated sliding door (didn’t want to mess with panels/shutters) and got a subtle gray tint on the glass to cut the heat. The frame is bronze to match our windows. If you’re able to consider something like this in your project, I highly recommend it. It’s a bit of a bigger construction project (we had to enlarge the opening and add a new header beam), but it made the biggest impact in how our home feels.
Even if you stick with windows, the idea is the same: larger expanses of glass, fewer divisions, maybe grouping windows to create a “glass wall” effect. I’ve seen folks take two or three windows and replace them with a big sliding window or a combination picture+operable unit to open things up.
Florida living is all about that indoor-outdoor life! 🌴
Yes! Building on what @shadowthomas36 said – we did something similar by adding a large pass-through window from our kitchen to the patio. It’s basically a 6-foot horizontal sliding window installed just above the counter height, opening to our patio bar. When open, the window slides completely to one side, giving a big serving hatch for passing food and drinks out (and it has a screen track too, for when we want bug protection). When closed, it’s a big picture window above the kitchen sink.
This kind of entertaining-friendly design is definitely something homeowners in our area are loving. We have mild weather much of the year, so being able to easily merge spaces is a plus. A neighbor of mine went even more extreme: he put in a fold-up awning window that literally hinges upwards (like a little garage door) to open the kitchen wall to the outdoors. It’s pretty amazing – like a café window.
So while these might be more “door” or “specialty window” than standard windows, I think it’s worth mentioning as part of design trends. Windows aren’t just for light anymore; they’re becoming dynamic features of how we use our homes.
Also, from a style perspective, we made sure the frame color of the new pass-through window matched our other windows (white in our case) and we trimmed it out nicely on the patio side with decorative molding so it looks intentional, not like a take-out restaurant window (lol). Aesthetic continuity even when you’re doing something custom is important.
I’m honestly so inspired by these indoor-outdoor ideas you all are sharing. Adding it to my dream home wishlist!
On another note – black window frames all the way! 😎 I’m a total convert. I painted my formerly white frames black (with specialized paint) as a temporary DIY fix before I do a full replacement, and even that made my home look more modern. Can’t wait to get real black windows installed. I think Tampa is catching up to the black window trend big time.
Call me old school, but I still prefer white windows. They’re classic and safe. I worry the black frame trend might become the avocado-green-appliance fad of this decade. In my neighborhood (Carrollwood), a couple of houses did black and while it looks good now, I wonder if in 10 years it will date the house. White never seems to age. Just my two cents – I know I’m in the minority here 😅.
This all sounds amazing, but I have to ask: How’s the cost for some of these fancy options? I’m on a tight budget. I’d love black frames and casements, etc., but when I got one quote, the price for black vs white was higher, and impact glass was also a lot more. Did you guys find these trends (like special colors, big picture windows, multi-panels) to be worth the money? Or would a basic white vinyl, double-pane (non-impact) do the job if I’m mainly after a new look and some efficiency?
I want to do the project, but I might have to prioritize. Any advice on what design features give the most bang for buck would help!
@tim_seeker, great question. From my experience, here’s a breakdown on where to splurge vs save:
Impact Glass: In Florida, I’d say if you can afford it, splurge here first. It often gives you insurance discounts, storm peace of mind, and generally these windows are high quality (they have to be). If budget is tight, you can do front-facing windows impact (for security and storms) and maybe do shutters on others, but many companies have good financing for whole house impact. It’s a functional upgrade that also improves resale value.
Frame Color: Upgrading from white to a color (black/bronze/etc.) usually is a smaller upcharge relative to the whole project – like maybe 10-15% more, as you noted. It does have a big visual impact though. If the look is super important to you, it can be worth it. If budget is critical, you could stick to white (cheaper) and compensate with other design elements (like bold shutters or trim paint) for now. But given how long windows last, sometimes it’s worth paying extra for the color you really want, so you don’t have “buyer’s remorse” later wishing you had that look.
Window Style: Surprisingly, the cost difference between styles (casement vs single-hung vs slider) isn’t huge in many cases. It can vary by manufacturer, but often it’s more about the size and glass options than the opening mechanism. Casements might be a tad more than single-hungs due to hardware, but it’s not outrageous. So I’d choose based on function and look rather than cost here, unless one is notably pricier in your quotes.
Big specialty units (picture windows, bays, sliders): These can be expensive mainly because they’re large (more material, possibly need structural work if enlarging openings). If you’re on a budget, you might skip adding new large openings and instead just replace what’s there in the same size. That said, if you have one feature window you really want, it could be worth doing one “wow” window and keeping others standard to balance cost.
Grids and Custom Shapes: Grids usually don’t add much cost unless you’re doing something fancy or true divided lights. Custom shapes (arch, circle) can be pricier due to non-standard manufacturing. If cost is an issue, keep standard rectangular windows everywhere (maybe add an arch later as a decorative insert or something when budget allows).
In summary, energy efficiency and impact resistance give you tangible returns (safety, bills, value) so prioritize those if possible. Aesthetic features like color and shape are more of a personal happiness factor – worth it if it makes you love your home, but only you can decide that trade-off.
From all the stories here, those who splurged on what they truly wanted seem very happy with the results (like @jennifer_river going black, or @shadowthomas36 doing the giant slider). So if there’s a design element you’re dreaming about, and you can swing it, go for it. For other things you’re indifferent to, save money by keeping it simple.
Slightly different angle: I’m a plant enthusiast with a backyard greenhouse, and I wanted more natural light in my home for my indoor plants. One cute trend I’ve seen (and did in my home) is adding a garden window in the kitchen. It’s basically a glass box that juts out a bit from the house, with glass on top and sides – perfect for herb pots and such. Think of it like a mini greenhouse window.
I replaced a regular kitchen window above the sink with a garden window. It has shelving for plants, and the top is glass so light comes in from above too. It’s not super common, but a few friends in Florida have done it to grow herbs or orchids. It definitely has a more retro look (popular in the 80s, I think) but some updated versions look more streamlined.
Cost-wise, it was a bit more than a flat window, but not insane. From outside, it adds a little architectural interest (a bump-out with glass). From inside, it makes the space feel bigger and brings in extra light. And my herbs are thriving – they get tons of sun.
It might not suit every style of home, but I thought I’d mention it as an idea. Especially for those who love gardening, it’s a fun feature. And in Tampa Bay, we can grow stuff year-round, so why not have an in-kitchen herb garden window?
Back again with a follow-up tip: Don’t underestimate ventilation needs when considering those picture windows. My one fixed window regret taught me that! If you do install a large picture window, maybe pair it with venting windows like casements/awnings/sliders nearby. I’ve since talked to a few neighbors who had similar experiences – big beautiful fixed glass that made a room a bit stale. Now I’m actually exploring adding a small operable transom above that fixed pane if possible.
Also, I wanted to mention: after living with my mixed window styles, the thing I’m happiest about is how consistent frame color (white) tied it all together. Even though I have sliders, single-hungs, and awnings all on one house, because they’re all white with no grids, they look uniform enough. If I had mixed colors or some with grids and some without, it might look patchy. So whatever you choose, a unifying element (color or grille design or trim style) across the house is important. That was echoed by a lot of you already.
One more minor regret: I kind of wish I’d done at least one bay window or bow window in the front for a little extra charm. Those add a nice nook inside and character outside. But they do cost more and require structural work to jut out, so I skipped it. Maybe someday I’ll convert my flat living room window into a small bay with a window seat. I see a few in older Clearwater homes and they are adorable (plus catch breezes from multiple directions).
Loving all the advice here – it’s like getting a free consultation from dozens of locals. 😀
Quick question about something I’m debating: Impact windows vs. regular windows + shutters. I have accordion hurricane shutters already, so do I really need to spend extra for impact-rated windows when I replace the old ones? I’m all for better glass for efficiency, but the cost difference is significant. Any thoughts from those who went impact? Was it worth it just for convenience or other reasons?