
To support our work, we are paid for providing advertising services. Our reporters create honest, accurate, and objective content to help you make decisions. “Many times they look great in the room they are placed but mismatch the exterior architectural style.” That’s not a problem for the well-designed homes in the two photos immediately above, but it is something to consider. Image courtesy of Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects“There is also the problem of making them look good in relation to the outside of the home, Outlaw says. This metal porthole fits perfectly in the metal wall. If you’re considering a porthole window, make sure that you have at least one other larger window in the room. In the event of an emergency (like a fire), you need a window large enough, and placed low enough, to crawl through. “They can look great with an appropriately themed room or home but don’t serve much of a purpose,” Outlaws explains.” The light brought in is minimal, they can’t let as much breeze in.” He says another issue is that they don’t serve as egress windows.
#Porthole windows windows#
“I think porthole style windows are fine as long as a homeowner is just using them for aesthetic purposes,” according to Nathan Outlaw, president at Onvico, a general contracting and design-build company in Thomasville, GA. Image courtesy of Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest ArchitectsHowever, there are some factors homeowners should consider before installing porthole windows. With this spectacular design vision, the owners are now able to enjoy their stunning view from a bright and spacious interior that brings the natural elements of the beach into the home.The porthole complements this home’s design.

The custom, built-in maple cabinetry of the closets provides a textural counterpoint to the unique glass shower that incorporates sea stones and an ocean wave motif accent tile. A striking barn door made of glass with industrial hardware divides the two zones of the master suite. A bathroom and closet were combined into a single room in a modern design that doesn't sacrifice any style or space and provides highly efficient functionality. The bedroom features a cozy sitting area with built in storage and a porthole window to look out onto the rowboats in the harbor. The sense of movement is accentuated by the continuous, V-groove boarded ceiling that runs from one ocean-shaped dormer through to the opposite side of the house. On the exterior, the curved dormer on the street side echoes these rounded shapes and lines to create continuity throughout. Transparencies are built into the design via features like gently curved glass that reflects the water and the arched interior window separating the bedroom and bath.

The result was a completely unique and one-of-a-kind space inside and out. Mathew and his team designed the master suite and study using a subtle combination of contemporary and traditional, beach-house elements. “This way,” he explained, “you will not only be able to see the ocean from your new master bedroom, you’ll also be able to experience that view from a space that actually reflects the spirit of the waves.” He then described how the dormer would be designed in the shape of an ocean wave. Inspired by the waves that came ashore mere feet from the little house, Mathew took up a fat marker and sketched a sweeping, S-shape dormer on the waterside of the building. The owners were inquiring about adding a simple shed dormer to provide additional exposure to the stunning water view, but they were also interested in what Mathew would design if this beach cottage were his. Situated along Eagle River, looking across to the mouth of the Ipswich Harbor, this was clearly a little cape house that was married to the sea.
