1950s Cottage Home Receives Major Window Upgrade in Minnesota

After years of renting, LouAnn Berglund, longtime editor-in-chief of Cambria Style, finally purchased her beloved 1950s cottage during the pandemic. Although thrilled to become a new homeowner, she knew it was time for a renovation project to update her living space. The home has an eclectic mix of furniture styles, interesting tiles and unique cabinets that really bring out its artistic side.

To navigate the supply chain challenges created by the pandemic, LouAnn chose to use all American-made products for her remodel. With her strong background in art and design, she is skilled at creating memorable spaces but wanted some guidance on window replacements. She reached out to our team to honor the 1950s style but add modern window features, keeping the home functioning over the coming years.

This plant-loving homeowner dreamed of a place where her indoor garden could thrive year-round, safely out of reach of little hands. Our solution was to install a garden window that doubles as a sunny showcase for her greenery. Now, this cozy cottage boasts a charming display of knick-knacks and potted plants, all basking in the natural light flooding through the new window. The window’s built-in shelves allow LouAnn to showcase her greenery while keeping potted plants safely elevated from her children’s curious grasp.

LouAnn had a vision to transform her dark, gloomy kitchen into a bright and cheerful room. Collaborating with our team, she chose a Pella 250 Series awning window for the space. By installing this replacement, we achieved two goals: increased sunlight and improved ventilation. When the awning window swings outwards, fresh air pours in, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, the over-the-sink window allows a natural breeze, cooling down the home during humid Minnesota summers. A fresh breeze helps to reduce the need for air conditioning. Now, LouAnn enjoys her beautiful kitchen with its cheerful blue tiles and large feature window.

Our 250 Series vinyl windows and customizable Pella Reserve — Traditional hinged patio door are the perfect additions to the sunroom. These whites sunroom windows make the space feel fresh, bright and airy. Thanks to its expansive glass and narrow sightlines, the new patio door floods the space with an abundance of natural light. LouAnn and her family now enjoy a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. As she tends to her house plants, she can also keep an eye on her children playing in the backyard without any obstructed views. With a laugh, LouAnn adds, “I love opening up the doors... it’s like angels singing, hallelujah!”

Family dinners hold a special place in the Berglund household. So, when it came time to replace their old, outdated windows, our team wanted to provide a lasting solution. The original dining room window had seen better days, showing signs of discoloration and wear from years of use. We recommended vinyl for its low-maintenance qualities. No more worries about repainting or refinishing. During dinnertime, the family can gather around their crisp white window enjoying meals together without any visible wear and tear.

The homeowner worked with our team to replace her drafty bathroom window using a Pella 250 Series single-hung window. Her goal was to enhance the functionality and durability of the bathroom window. Our vinyl windows are resilient to the elements, effectively reducing cold drafts during frigid Northern winters.

Through this project, we significantly improved the overall functionality of this 1950s cottage. Our replacements brought an abundance of natural light, better ventilation and increased durability. The warm and inviting atmosphere is further enhanced by LouAnn’s decorative details and the white windows. LouAnn says, “It’s a very beautiful aesthetic now, and it feels cozier,” and “ It allows for better togetherness — beautiful togetherness.”