Every home has style. Since most people are buying replacement windows and doors to update their home and give it that “WOW” factor, it’s important to consider how they will impact the architectural style of your home. Charles Conkle, CEO of California Window & Solar, offers the following insight based on his 40+ years as a window and door design consultant.

“The most common style of Orange County homes has a stucco finish with a Spanish-Mediterranean style influence. These include typical track homes in established cities such as Irvine and Mission Viejo, as well as new custom homes in communities like Anaheim Hills and Laguna Niguel. For these homes horizontal sliding windows and arch-top windows are typically a good match. Many of the newly built homes use banks of small fixed windows in the upper section of the wall to let in extra light. This can also be done in existing homes by taking a large window and changing the opening to accommodate the new design. It’s best to talk with a trustworthy window design advisor when considering such a change. As for patio doors, French swinging or French-style sliding doors are an affordable and elegant choice. Since vinyl, fiberglass and wood frame windows and doors all complement the stucco style home, ask your advisor to assist you in selecting the one which best fits your budget.

Another popular style found in communities like Laguna Hills, Huntington Beach and Long Beach, is the California bungalow or craftsman homes.

This is a throwback to a style that swept across America in the early twentieth century. These homes used double hung, casement and awning windows with attention-grabbing grid patterns (many times only at the top portion of the window). This architectural style is known for having many windows and abundant light. Replacement vinyl windows and doors are an excellent choice for these homes. Milgard Tuscany and Milgard Styleline series are two of the best selections for Southern California.

The Cape Cod architecture, and variations thereof , are very common in the beach communities of Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente.

This design was made popular in the bays of the northeast. However, it has proven to be an elegant upscale appointment to the So Cal coast. Frequently, there are dormers with double hung or single hung windows. Best for this architectural style are double hung or casement windows. They are traditional in design and are available with grids to match the multi-pane look. Milgard Essence Wood or Ultra Fiberglass windows and doors are a perfect fit for these beautiful homes.”

You can see all of these style windows and doors in the showroom at California Window & Solar or call (949) 284-7483 to schedule a free, no obligation window and door design consultation and estimate.