| Bremond House Gallery |
This project is three large panels
(temporarily) placed in the gallery
windows awaiting installation. They are Tiffany style and went
into a
home in Northwest Houston - a dining room. |
Custom Glass Scenics
Ever walk into an old Victorian house and have your breath taken away with
the light reflecting through a staircase window? Or, how about a church window
with the awe inspiring, hand painted detail in the faces and robes. Is there
anyone who hasn’t been struck by the beauty of stained glass?
Stained or etched glass is a medium unlike any other. Glass has an ever changing
quality which presents a different visual experience depending on the angle
viewed and the amount of light refracted through the glass. If you are an
admirer of stained glass, you’ve probably noticed that red and gold glass seem
to come alive in bright light, while blues can be just as beautiful on a cloudy
day as a sunny day. You also probably noted that the color of stained glass
refracts better if the rough side is facing the window or the light source. By
turning the glass around, you can view a completely different look.
The Bremond House Gallery is rooted in the belief that quality stained or
etched glass is as much
an art
as it is a skill - passed on from generation to generation of craftsmen.
Understanding the visual effects of different types of glass and what light
displays can be achieved from the glass is essential in delivering a finished
window that exceeds a client’s expectations. Another essential component is
attention to detail. An investment in stained glass, no matter how large or
small, should last decades without requiring repairs. The lead lines and solder
joints should be unobtrusive and of consistent quality. And finally, the choice
of glass should reflect a timeless elegance that can be enjoyed for generations.
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Stained Glass Ideas
Many people love the idea of stained glass in their home, but aren’t aware of
how many options they have. Stained glass can be placed in any room of the
house, porch or patio. Here are a few ideas to get your imagination flowing.
- Beveled glass entryways (doors and side lights)
- Stained glass entryways
- Transom windows within the house or to an outer wall
- Bathroom windows (often over a garden tub or shower)
- Kitchen windows…built in or displayed in a frame
- Beveled kitchen cabinets
- Stained glass kitchen cabinets
- Room dividers
- Fireplace screens
- Framed windows
- Light boxes hung on a wall
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Four Stages of Design
Whether you want to create theme inspired kitchen cabinets, a spectacular
bath window, or a one-of-a-kind entryway, custom stained-glass designs can range
from the affordable to the very expensive. The type of glass used, square
footage, and the complexity of the pattern determine to final price. The Bremond
House Gallery offers fixed-bid pricing with special discounts for large scale
projects. Most projects have four stages of design including:
View Starting Photo
- Pattern Creation
- Glass Selection
- Glass Cutting
- Glass Assembly
In this case, the process started with a photo of one of the holes at Avery
Ranch in Austin, Texas. Click each stage for a graphic example.
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Commissioning a Project
Purchasing a one-of-a-kind glass scenic for your home or business is easy.
First, a dialogue is established to set the parameters of the project and
discuss themes and styles of glass. For example, in a Victorian house you would
want to stay with traditional interpretations rather than something that is very
contemporary. The same goes for the setting. If you have a beach house that you
are selecting glass for, a winter scene with snow and ice wouldn’t be as logical
as a waterscape. Also, one must consider whether the glass should be opaque for
privacy, or transparent to maximize the amount of light coming into a room.
Once a design theme is agreed upon, the next step is a preliminary sketch
created for your approval along with the estimated cost of the project. The cost
of a project will run between $175 to $250 a square foot, depending on the number
of pieces and complexity of the pattern. Adjustments in the pattern can be
easily made at this point to fit budget considerations. It is our goal to
achieve your design as well as budget goals.
Upon sketch approval, a 40% non-refundable deposit will be required to begin
the full-size pattern creation. Next, the glass is selected. At this time, a
“cutting deposit” of 40% is required to begin fabrication. The glass is then
cut, leaded and cleaned. Photographs, illustrating each stage of the project,
are typically posted so that the client can follow the process. Upon completion,
final payment of 20% is due prior to shipping or installation.
For more information about commissioning your glass project, drop us a
quick
note. We welcome the opportunity of working with you to create your
one-of-a-kind stained glass creation.
For more information and pricing contact either
David or
Deborah at Bremond House Gallery.
