We all have our favorite movies ranging from rom-coms to thrillers. But if you're a person who obsesses over dream homes, chances are, a house on film or TV has sparked your vision. Maybe it's the charming "Holiday" cottage, the "Father of the Bride" estate, or the sleek, glass-walled retreat from "Ex Machina." Most people don't realize that windows and doors can define a home's character. From Colonial grids to Victorian bay windows to floor-to-ceiling modern glass, the right choices bring a home's style to life.
Fortunately, the experts at US Window & Door compiled a list of breathtaking famous TV and movie homes, along with the key windows and doors that define their style so you can bring that look to your space. Let's take a look at some of the most famous homes from TV and film history and match them to Milgard's top notch window quality and design.
Colonials: 'Home Alone' & 'Father of the Bride'
Chances are, you've seen "Home Alone" or "Father of the Bride". It could be a childhood favorite or a movie you watch every holiday season. But you might have caught yourself admiring the houses beyond the heartfelt moments. That warm and inviting Colonial-style home featuring symmetrical charm, classic window grids, and elegant French doors. Colonial homes are perfect for those who love timeless elegance and classic American charm. You can capture that same iconic look with the right windows and doors while enjoying modern comfort and efficiency.
Most Colonial homes originally featured wood window frames, but homeowners often choose to update with vinyl or fiberglass for better durability and energy efficiency. The signature double-hung windows, where the top and bottom sash slide open, help with ventilation while maintaining that traditional aesthetic. French doors with grids add an extra touch of elegance, seamlessly connecting your home's indoor and outdoor spaces.
Cottage: 'The Holiday'
We all love a romantic comedy like "The Holiday." Whether Cameron Diaz dramatically drags her suitcase through the snow or Kate Winslet cozies up by the fire, the movie makes us fall in love with the idea of escaping to a charming English cottage. Rosehill Cottage perfectly captures that storybook countryside charm and is small, warm, and effortlessly inviting. With wooden beams, soft lighting, and signature timber-framed windows, it feels like the ultimate cozy escape.
Most cottages of this style originally had wood or timber windows, often casement-style, opening outward from the center. Many choose vinyl windows in warm, natural colors to improve your home's durability and insulation.
If you want to bring that cozy cottage feel to your own home, here's how to get the look:
- Casement windows with a woodgrain finish — Maintain the traditional outward-opening style while improving energy efficiency.
- Earth-toned or soft-colored window frames — White can often feel too modern, so experiment with muted greens, warm browns, or soft grays to blend seamlessly with the cottage aesthetic.
- Multi-pane designs — Gridded windows add an authentic, old-world charm while letting in just the right amount of natural light.
Cottage-style homes are perfect for those who crave warmth, character, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you live in the countryside or want to bring that rustic charm to the suburbs, the right windows and doors can turn any house into a cozy retreat.
Cape Cod: 'Jaws'
Few movies have made beachside living feel as thrilling and downright terrifying, as "Jaws". The quaint, shingled Cape Cod-style home of Chief Brody looks like the perfect seaside retreat until you remember what's lurking beneath the waves. But for those who love the coastal aesthetic, ocean views, and classic New England charm, the home's relaxed yet timeless style is worth recreating.
Cape Cod homes are known for their weathered wood siding, simple, symmetrical design, and practical yet charming windows that maximize natural light and ocean breezes. Many of these homes originally featured wood-framed windows with bay or bow styles designed to provide expansive water views. Another common feature is grid patterns on just one pane. Usually, the stationary sash gives the home a proud yet understated character.
Bay and bow windows create depth and enhance natural light, making small spaces feel more prominent and more open. Double-hung windows with minimal gridding preserve that clean, unobstructed view of the outdoors while still nodding to the traditional Cape Cod aesthetic.
Tudor: 'La La Land'
The Tudor Revival estate in "La La Land" is impossible to forget. The dreamy engagement party unfolds there, with string lights glowing over manicured gardens and a home that looks like it belongs in a storybook. With its half-timbered façade, intricate grid windows, and stately architecture, this home radiates old-world elegance.
Tudor-style homes trace back to 15th-century England, combining medieval craftsmanship with sophistication. The hallmark of this style is the half-timbered exterior, where dark wooden beams contrast against stucco or brick, giving the home its unmistakable character.
If you love the timeless Tudor aesthetic, start with casement windows with slim grids. These windows open outward, staying true to the traditional style while improving airflow and energy efficiency. Look for diamond or rectangular leaded glass patterns to enhance the historic feel.
For a bold statement, install large picture windows in key areas like the living room or dining space to create contrast against the home's darker timber framing. Also, choose dark black or deep brown window frames to highlight the Tudor contrast and maintain architectural authenticity.
Victorian: 'The Addams Family'
"The Addams Family" mansion helped cement Victorian architecture's style. While horror films like "Psycho" often link Victorian architecture to eerie settings, they inspire the charm of gingerbread houses, Mary Tyler Moore's classic American home, and even the cozy nostalgia of Groundhog Day.
The defining feature of a Victorian home is its dramatic architecture, and windows play a huge role in its character. Many feature bay and bow windows, often wrapping around towers to create stunning curved facades. Radius and oval windows add elegance and enhance natural light, making spaces feel bright yet atmospheric. The intricate detailing, from ornate window trims to decorative grilles, sets this style apart.
Spanish Mediterranean: 'It's Complicated'
In the movie "It's Complicated," Meryl Streep's character, Jane, lives in a stunning Mediterranean-style home. It's the kind of house where you could picture yourself sipping coffee on the patio in the morning and then hosting a candlelit dinner in the courtyard at night.
Unlike the heavy arches and ornate details in traditional Spanish homes, this one leans toward a more modern, relaxed interpretation of the style. Instead of the usual radius windows, the home features sleek black-framed windows with subtle grid patterns. These could be aluminum or vinyl, offering durability with a touch of contemporary contrast against the stucco walls.
If you want to bring this Spanish aesthetic to your home, black-framed casements or picture windows are the way to go. They allow for unobstructed views, bringing in natural light while maintaining that signature Mediterranean warmth. Grids add a bit of structure, making them feel timeless instead of overly modern.
Ranch: 'The Golden Girls'
There's something undeniably comforting like an old friend about a classic ranch-style home, just like "The Golden Girls." Whether you watched it religiously or caught reruns, you probably remember Blanche's Miami home's wide layout, tropical landscaping, and breezy, open feel. The house in Brentwood, California, showcased key features of mid-century ranch homes, including large windows, clerestory designs, and an effortless connection between indoors and out.
Builders designed ranch homes for function and simplicity, but modern upgrades can completely transform the look while keeping the spirit of the design. Large picture windows are necessary if you want to recreate that light-filled, airy aesthetic. They maximize natural light, making your home feel even more spacious. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels or sliding doors enhance the seamless indoor-outdoor flow, perfect for homes with courtyards or patios.
You can also add windows with varied shapes, such as trapezoids, ovals, or even horizontal clerestory windows, to add more visual appeal. Black or bronze window frames offer a striking contrast against neutral stucco or brick, bringing a modern edge to the classic ranch style.
Modern: 'Ex Machina'
If you've seen "Ex Machina", you probably remember the house. A secluded, high-tech masterpiece buried deep in nature, its expansive glass walls and sleek, minimalist design make it feel like a cross between a futuristic lab and a billionaire's retreat. If you want that same striking, modern aesthetic, it all starts with glass. Moving glass walls and floor-to-ceiling picture windows are essential to achieving this look. These maximize natural light, blur the line between indoors and outdoors, and create that open, futuristic feel. Aluminum-framed windows keep things sleek and contemporary, while dark or neutral finishes add an edge of sophistication.
Large expanses of uninterrupted glass amplify natural light, highlight architectural details, and make the home feel like it's floating in its surroundings. It's perfect for those who love clean lines, minimalist spaces, and uninterrupted views.
Modern Farmhouse: 'Fixer Upper'
We all know the show "Fixer Upper". The show made us believe every run-down house had the potential to become a dream home. No one has defined the modern farmhouse aesthetic more than Joanna Gaines with her signature style blending rustic charm with contemporary elements, making homes feel cozy and stylish.
If you're chasing that "Fixer-Upper" look, French doors are a must. These timeless, airy doors flood a space with natural light, creating that warm and inviting vibe. Pair them with large picture windows to enhance the brightness, and consider black or bronze window frames for a modern contrast.
Modern farmhouse design appeals to those who want the charm of a country home with the convenience of contemporary living. More natural light, better airflow, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces make these window choices beautiful and practical.
Recreate the Most Iconic Homes from TV and Films with US Window & Door
Movies and TV shows can be great sources of design inspiration. Whether you're looking to add the grand bay windows of Victorian mansions, the sleek glass walls of modern masterpieces, or the cozy farmhouse charm of fixer upper-style homes, the team at US Window and Door can help.
We specialize in bringing dream homes to life, offering a vast selection of window styles, doors, glass options, and custom designs to fit any aesthetic. Your home should be as stunning as the ones on the screen. Let's build it together. Contact US Window & Door today for a free consultation and estimate.
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