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Posts Tagged ‘custom shutters’

Decorative Cornice Top on Plantation Shutters by Kirtz

Monday, June 18th, 2012

If you are looking to dress up your window with a practical and gorgeous window treatment, plantation shutters are the way to go… If you want some serious WOW factor,  consider adding a KIRTZ Shutter with a cornice top.

These windows started out as a dry wall wrapped window without any trim except a wood window sill and a piece of trim below.  This maple shutter with 3 1/2″ louvers has a wide casing style frame on the sides, and for added drama, a cornice top.  The cornice is complete with finished returns for a truly custom look.

A Cornice Top adds impact to these plantation shutters

A Cornice Top adds impact to these plantation shutters

Details such as finished returns and extra wide case enhance these plantation shutters

Details such as finished returns and extra wide case enhance these plantation shutters

Cornice Top and Single Plantation Shutter

Cornice Top and Single Plantation Shutter

Can we help take your windows from ordinary to extraordinary?  Give us a call at 800-416-6455

Updating your home with KIRTZ SHUTTERS

Tuesday, June 5th, 2012

I had the foresight on this recent project to take some photos before, so you can truly see how stunning the after can be with the right window treatments.

Initially the windows had been treated with faux wood blinds by the previous homeowner.  The new homeowner loved the look of shutters and, like many parents, had safety concerns with the lift and tilt strings on the wood blinds.

Take a look at the transformation!

before plantation shutters

before plantation shutters

plantation shutter in breakfast nook by Kirtz Shutters

plantation shutter in breakfast nook by Kirtz Shutters

after adding 4 1/2" maple wood plantation shutters by Kirtz Shutters

after adding 4 1/2" maple wood plantation shutters by Kirtz Shutters

The only thing I hate about these photos is that they don’t show the awesome view you get with a 4 1/2″ louver on a plantation shutter.  To get them open enough to show that detail, the sunlight is so bright you can’t see anything at all!  But, a 4 1/2″ louver is on 4″ spacing, meaning you only have a louver every four inches.  Clients are AMAZED at how different that can make a room look.
These next photos show how a Kirtz Shutter (especially a large louver)  really does make a space feel more grand!
Home Office with Wood Blinds

Home Office with Wood Blinds

Home Office with Plantation Shutter by Kirtz Shutters

Home Office with Plantation Shutter by Kirtz Shutters

Another question I am often asked… “Should I leave those second story windows open?  I love the natural light!”   Personally I sway back and forth on my answer to this question, but here is a look a a room where we did leave the windows open.

Kirtz Shutters in lower windows, transoms open

Kirtz Shutters in lower windows, transoms open

Call or email Kirtz Shutters today-  We can help you with quality wood plantation shutters in your home!

800-416-6455

http://www.kirtz.com/wheretobuy.html

Plantation Shutters for 1/2 Circle Window

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

Arch windows that are full half circles often represent a challenge for homeowners.   These windows, which add architectural interest, often sit above large rectangle windows.  By treating only the lower window sun damage and light control can often continue to be an area of concern.

Kirtz Shutters builds only the finest of custom plantation shutters, so when a homeowner came to us wanting to not only treat a large window with a 1/2 circle top with a plantation shutter, but also add decorative millwork, we were happy to oblige.

arch window before shutters

arch window before shutters

This sunburst, over 60″ in width makes a dramatic statement itself.  Combine it with the large casing and keystone located at the peak, and the window changes this room from blah, to WOW!
arch 1/2 circle window with plantation shutters and sunburst top

arch 1/2 circle window with plantation shutters and sunburst top

A sunburst this large can only be made out of the true hardwood.  Kirtz uses only maple for our painted product, not poplar or basswood like most manufacturers.  That is because maple is twice as dense as basswood, letting us build a wider, taller and STRONGER shutter than average.

If you are searching for a shutter company that will build a product with excellence to address even your most complicated of windows, Kirtz Shutters is the company for you!

Mixing Finishes on your Plantation Shutters

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

After several years of a love affair with dark, rich woodwork we are having several requests to help homeowners “lighten up” a room with there plantation shutters.

Given the size of investment made when purchasing a plantation shutter, there is often a concern of future regret by the homeowner.

My professional opening on that matter can vary depending on the room itself, but I will say with utmost confidence that it can be done — and in a very tasteful way.

There are a two methods to do so:

Cover up casing with a new shutter and casing frame, thus eliminating any direct contrast of dark casing and painted shutters.  The casing stays in place, so if the shutters ever come down, the original mill work design is still in tack (albeit with a few screw holes to touch up).

or

Make the transition obvious and intentional.  This works best when the painted shutter is chosen in a color to complement the existing trim.  For instance, if you have rich, warm dark brown trim- choose a paint color with complementary undertones, such as a nice cream color as opposed to a stark, pure white.  Then you will find the shutters look as if they were part of the design plan from the beginning.     Of course, since we custom color match at Kirtz Shutters, your options are only limited by your imagination.

If you are building a house, you may have the opportunity to tie in other painted elements in the home so that the mix reads thoughtful and intentional.

Below shows a breakfast nook with beautiful stained mill work, and gorgeous painted Kirtz Shutters.

Painted Shutters with Stained Casing
Painted Shutters with Stained Casing

This photo goes to show that with just a little forthought, you can have shutters that compliment your homes design, even in a different finish!

Bahama Style Exterior Shutters by Kirtz Shutters create Privacy

Monday, June 20th, 2011

This homeowner found her deck was no longer a private retreat for her family due to new construction in her neighborhood.  Looking for a tasteful, long term solution she browsed the web until she found information about our Bahama Style Exterior Shutter.    A conversation began via email and since she was so close to our shop, we handled the project turn key.

  • Shutters are built from Cypress, which is a long lasting choice for exterior products
  • The color is custom to match to the deck stain, which was Sherwin Williams Deckscapes, Hawthorne
  • Hardware is fully functional
  • Louver size is 3″- which is a nice scale for this size panels (apx 35 x 72″), but provides limited visibility when opened.  Not a concern for this homeowner since the whole point of the shutters was to block the new less than desirable view
Kirtz Shutters can help with your interior or exterior shutter projects!  Give us a call at 800-416-6455.

Kirtz Shutters at 27th Annual Tulsa House Beautiful Show

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

With fall just around the corner, Kirtz Shutters will be attending the 27thAnnual Tulsa House Beautiful held at the QuikTrip Center on the Tulsa State Fair Grounds. Located between Hwy 412 and Hwy 64 on Yale Ave.

 

We will be displaying our premier quality shutters including our plantation shutter and exterior shutters, which comprise of our new bahama style.

 

Come out and see our beautiful custom shutters first hand and also meet with Kirtz Shutters representative for Tulsa, Don Watson, at BOOTH 148

 

SHOW TIMES AND DATES

 

Friday, September 10th Noon-6pm

 

Saturday, September 11th 10am-8pm

 

Sunday, September 12th 11am-5pm

Special Projects: ellipse eyebrow shutter

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Another unique custom shutter to move through our facility recently was an ellipse shape that was destined for a home in Florida. There are a few features that made this plantation shutter stand apart from the rest.

1) Solid Walnut Plantation Shutter
2) Special 7″ deep framework served as an extension jamb designed to work with European style windows made by Tischler Und Son windows.
3) Unit size was 136 1/4″ wide by 39 1/2″ tall
4)  Ellipse shape required the hands of our most skilled artisans.
5) Shutter panels on the wings had fixed louvers per the customers request and the center pair were operable.
This walnut shutter spanned over 136" wide

This walnut shutter spanned over 136" wide

Notice the elliptical curvature of this custom walnut shutter.
Notice the elliptical curvature of this custom walnut shutter.

Do you have a highly custom project?  If so, we can help!  Call us at 800-416-6455.

 

Cafe Doors

Monday, October 26th, 2009

We have produced a variety of cafe doors for both public and private use.   Interested in cafe doors?   Consider the following when designing your doors.

Fixed louvers- typically, all cafe door louvers are fixed.  The purpose of these doors is to obscure the view from one area into another and provide easy access, making fixed louvers a natural.  If you prefer the look of a tilt rod, it can be ordered as such.  You may want to tighten the louver tension so that the louvers are not moved unless that is your intention.

Design- the top of the cafe door can be a simple rectangular top, slightly curved or elaborately designed.  See example photos below or submit your own unique design.

Proportion- as with all our custom shutters, cafe doors are built to order.  Depending on the level of privacy you need, cafe doors are usually between 3′-5′ high, possibly higher.    A good rule of thumb is to take your opening height and order your shutters 1/2 to 2/3 the total height.  Also pay attention to where you want them positioned.  Are you taller than average?  You may want to hinge them higher to obstruct your site line.

Hardware- cafe doors must be installed with cafe door pivot hardware.  Unlike a standard hinge that allows 90 degree access, the pivot hardware allows the shutter to rotate a full 180 degrees.  For a commercial application, bommer hinges are recommended.  These are spring loaded hinges that swing the door back into the closed position after being pushed open.  (Please note, width deductions taken on cafe style openings are more than a standard shutter panel.  This is necessary for the hardware to operate properly and allow the shutter to swing correctly.)

Installation- Solid wood jambs are the ideal surface to install your cafe doors. If you have only a drywall opening, don’t despair.  Order your cafe doors with mounting strips.  These square four sided wood strips can be secured to your jamb and through a stud and provide the pivot hardware a solid surface on which to mount.

cafe style shutter, with arch top

cafe style shutter, with arch top

Decorative Cafe Doors

Decorative Cafe Doors

Plantation Shutter with Insect Screens

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Yet another unusual custom shaped shutter shipped from our facility this week.  These shutters, were headed to a home in NY and had an insect screen built into them!

How did we do it?

  1. The shutter was made at 2 1/4″ thickness, this is 1″ thicker than our standard plantation shutter.  As with all painted Kirtz Shutters, they were made of solid maple.
  2. The stiles (side pieces)  were made 3 1/8″ wide (an 1″ wider than standard)  and the rails were made flush with the stile.
  3. 2 1/2″ louvers were used and rather than center them in the middle of the stiles,  as is our standard process, they were moved forward.  This allowed the shutter louvers to fully pivot open and closed without protruding from the backside of the shutter.
  4. A groove was cut in the backside of the shutter all the way around it.  The insect screen was stretched tight, and vinyl cording pushed into the groove was used to secured the screen in place.  This is very similar to how screens are inserted into aluminum frameworks for windows.
  5. Finally, a custom piece of trimwork was made and placed so that it covered the grooved area for a clean finished look on the backside.
Arched Plantation Shutter with insect screen inserted into custom groove

Arched Plantation Shutter with insect screen inserted into custom groove

Trim covers insect screen in this custom shutter

Trim covers insect screen in this custom shutter

Plantation Shutter (backside) complete with insect screen

Plantation Shutter (backside) complete with insect screen

plantation shutter, frontside, with insect screen
plantation shutter, frontside, with insect screen

The Kirtz Shutter factory has amazing flexability for two reasons.  First, the right tools.  We  do it all in house,  from making parts to speciality finishes.  Second (and most important), the people.   Kirtz Shutters  is composed of many skilled  men and women in each department who are not afraid  to tackle the most unique of challenges when building a custom shutter.

Italian Rustic- Tuscan Style Shutters

Friday, October 16th, 2009
Tuscan interiors are very popular in the US right now.  A new book, Italian Rustic, written by Elizabeth Minchilli, details a variety of authentic Tuscan homes.    From wall finishes, to flooring, to windows and even shutters, she discusses the construction methods and how you can replicate this look in your home.

On my recent trip to Italy, I was intrigued with the shutters that are so common on the inside and outside of a Tuscan home.   According to Elizabeth, Italians have an intricate system for setting windows and shutters.     Interior shutters, called Scuri’s, are primarily designed to provide darkness.  Notice how in the photo from her book, the shutter itself is designed to fit snugly in the jamb area of the glass with a bit of overlap, insuring maximum darkness when closed.

Interior Tuscan Style Shutters

Interior Tuscan Style Shutters

If you are looking to bring a little Tuscany to your home, consider customizing your plantation shutter to be reminiscent of the style of a Tuscan shutter.   For instance, by adding a raised panel to the bottom of a shutter you can maintain the functionality and light control of a plantation shutter, while attaining the charm associated with a Tuscan home.

Tuscan inspired shutter by Kirtz Shutters

Tuscan inspired shutter by Kirtz Shutters

Choosing rustic materials, such as knotty alder or reclaimed wood for your shutters is another way to incorporate the feeling of age and permanence found in Tuscan farm homes.
Bring your shutter ideas to Kirtz Shutters, and we help you add a little Tuscany to your home.