Hi Cynthia 1. agreed ... although I would just raise the small concern that this will be a large master bedroom which we hope will be impressive and attractive on any future sale. Therefore we would like to avoid as far as possible, anything which makes one end of the room look a bit unusual (i.e. one obscured window not matching other clear windows). I am hoping we can come up with some internal (or possibly even external) design idea to mitigate the actual difference in window glass. One idea has been to use folding plantation shutters for example and to have the top 1/3 of windows (above the 1.7m threshold) as openable. However given the windows are dormer, the top 1/3 has the sloping roof, so cannot fit in plantation shutters around the top 1/3. 2. agreed again ... but again for future use by other occupants, it may seem strange to have a room with only obscured glass (or at least the main window pane up to 1.7m). Wondering if there are any design ideas which can make it look more like a normal room even though 3/4 of the window pane will be obscured. 3. that could be possible, I was thinking it would be a problem since the size matched (as usually I've seen the staircase window when stained glass being of a totally independent size and shape and therefore one does not even expect it to match, as it is unique in every way). However, here it is not only the same size and shape but also part of a horizontal row of windows, so I would think maybe the eye would expect matching styles across the plane? Would love to see a photo of exterior of a house where one of the windows in a row of similar sized windows is stained, if anyone can share? 4. The last window will continue to have regular glass as is it part of existing (pre-renovation) house and in any case (although difficult to see from drawing) set back from the 3 new windows by about 2m (you can see a flat roof in front of it). Therefore less of a need to imagine it would match as it is on a slightly different plane to the other three. Will definitely consider Solatubes for the study room ... hoping this is not another planning authority approval issue!

They sound very expensive. If you're not happy, speak to the company. Most reputable firms are happy to make sure customers are satisfied. First check the contract you signed and what their policies are for unhappy customers. Does the contract specify that the shutters will match up to the windows? Or did you specify you wanted this (so is it only now they are saying it's not possible)? Or does it specify a particular sizing or 'look'? Its important you know what you signed up for, as that's what the company should have provided. I hope you haven't signed anything to say you're happy with the installation as that might make things harder - what happened when you looked at the work they'd done, before they left site?

In planning terms there is a 45 dec rule i.e draw a 45 dec horizontal line from the centre of the nearest first floor window of your neighbors house towards your house and your first floor extension should not pass this line

Hi Reshma, I think you would need to first consider the look you are trying to achieve before deciding on the colour. Are you after a modern look? Grey would be more modern. You could look to paint the existing window frames grey if they are in condition and don't need replacing. You may also want to consider if you will be rendering the front of the house then the window frames will need to with the new render. As an example, the below picture has grey frames and white render which gives a modern feel: Hope that helps, Thanks Rukmini Patel Interior Design