Typically, when we think of stained glass, some very specific things come to mind. Among them are churches, mosques, distinguished buildings, and other formal places of great importance. Although for the most part this continues to be true, architectural innovators such as the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright have long been finding ways to bring the beauty of stained glass into domestic interiors and architecture.
Today their innovation has become a trend as the artistry and majesty of stained glass are finding their way back into contemporary homes. The kitchen seen above is a wonderful example of this new direction. In Chicago, Linc Thelen Design and Scarafano Architects worked together to transform an abandoned church to a single-family home. The juxtaposition of the modern décor placed alongside the revived church windows is breathtaking.
Stained Glass Window Frames
Want an extra window or two without the extra renovation work? No problem. Adding stained glass window frames to a room is an effortless solution to create an elegant setting while also creating the illusion of more space. Although they can also be used as wall art, jewelry maker and star of HGTV’s Beach Flip, Lucy Farmer, paired vintage stained glass windows together to created a headboard for their master bedroom.
The window frames define the room as an instant focal point.
A DIY Door
So, this may be cheating – because although this incredible door looks like stained glass it is not technically stained glass. It’s more of an interpretation of stained glass. But whatever your stance on stained glass purity may be, the good news is that this colorful and unexpected DIY project is super easy to do, and creates an awesome stained glass effect! This door is by Italian designer Armin Blasbichler.
It can be recreated by lining up slides from an old reel projector and sticking them to a glass door with a clear adhesive.
Artsy Agate Windows
Agate is definitely having a moment in interior design. Designers have been using out the box thinking to integrate these fascinating stones into different kinds of furnishings and accessories. Artist Sigmar Polke used agate stone to create this luminescent window. While this, too, is not technical stained glass, the stones radiate a varied sea of colored light throughout the day similar to how a traditional stained glass window would.
A window like this is not just an architectural attribute, but a modern work of art.
Modern Stained Glass Lamps
If a more modest dose of stained glass decadence is what you are looking for, a table lamp is the way to go. Beyond the classic, antique Tiffany lamps, artisans and craftsmen are coming up with new and novel designs for the modern shopper. This piece, for example, boasts a streamlined rectangular shape. Geometric in nature, yet chic in style, these kinds of stained glass table lamps are sure to add a refined flair to your space.