REMODEL: The Great Stained Glass Affair - 4 Squared

The panes at night time - lit up by the two lights above.

Now I have the Masterpiece theme running through my head now. I know I wrote four detailed posts about this amazing feature of @hk5corner over the past 12 months. What I realized is I haven’t posted a complete photo of the finish window. We worked with some amazing craftsman on this project and finding John Espinola was everything I expected in creating this project.

Here are the previous posts for the four panes.

PANE 1

PANE 2

PANE 3

PANE 4

The four panes lit up by the daytime sun.

Now I am not going to rehash all the details and stories of how each pane came together. You can more about that on the block, just look for individual shots of each pane. Instead I wanted to highlight the road map we had for the project. And talk about lessons learned. Initially I talked to two companies but John @ Artwks was perfect timing and he really responded to what I had envisioned for the big hole in the ceiling. That big hole was there solve our light issue on the second floor landing.

Sitting now on my master bed looking out on to the landing, the light problem was truly was solved by the stained glass ceiling and the channel of windows atop the staircase. The amount of light is not too much l, especially as the light shifts in early evening hours. Included in the post is a image of early evening sunset. The direct sunlight hits the light streaming down the sun tunnels into the big silver Mylar draped hole behind the stained glass window. Red and Purple light can be seen at this early sunset hour and as it shifts through out the sunset hours. Ultimately the landing becomes a kaleidoscope of light, cascading around the landing and the staircase. This effect is also similar to the direct sun in noon hours of the day.

The Golden Hour light looking onto Second Floor Landing.

As you can see from of the photos on this post, the colors truly cascade. Since we’ve moved back into HK5corner over seven months ago. We have had some house guests, and the response of our guests when they see it, or when the stand under it, is pretty positive. Yes it rare things these days but it gives the house even more character. I recently saw a social media post from one of the accounts I follow, where they were talking about how stained glass is seeing resurgence in home construction. There are many accounts on instagram to pull design ideas. What blows me away, is the work being done in Russia, crazy amount of skills over there.

One question I do get asked about the windows, what are you going to do when you move and sell the house. Considering how personal the four panes are, I will more than likely take them with us. I was toying installing something fancy to sell the house, but Clem pointed out, just put something simple looking, so we don’t scare off buyers. Since the final pane was installed back in April, I’ve caught all three kids laying on on the second floor landing, looking up at the glass panes. I will admit, I am guilty of that in private, especially with the kids at school. More so, I like taking naps in the afternoon, laying on our bed, seeing all the colors come down from the ceiling.

Work with John and his wife on this window was a real treat. They were very kind and accommodating to learn the process of designing the panes. I have fond memories of doing stained glass in art class in Junior High and High School. My guess is the art form is rarely taught anymore in schools. I enjoyed classes like this growing up. I am sure I have one or two pieces still left in storage. Heck I found my mothers little ceramic jewelry box I made back in the 80’s. We kept so much stuff from our childhood. I guess I should say, my mother kept so much stuff. For now this little artwork in the ceiling will be in our lives for a few more decades.