Depends on where they're going. You may love them but will they suit the rest of the area.

As designers we chose what works not what we 'love'. Designers really love everything thats done well and works.....

Timber may look equally as well as may aluminium.

Yeah , MB has pretty much nailed it -- will it look right and suit what you are going for ?

If you decide yes , and you have aluminium windows for example , talk to an engineering business , and see if they can rivet steel flatbar over the aluminium , maybe pre-painted and varnished ? Having said that , you then have the visual appearance , but only from the outside -- or maybe you could do the same on the inside too , but I suspect , especially with clasps and the like , that would look clunky and too fake ?

Just an idea .

Or maybe you could get a clever painter to simply paint your existing windows to look metallic -- if you really want to experiment , how about a mid brown paint with almost gold streaks , but mix in actual metal shavings ( most engineers shops will collect and give or sell you these ) so it will evolve over time , and even get rust stains if thats the look you are after ?

There is so much interest throughout the various threads from readers in how to achieve the narrow sightlines and industrial feel of metal windows without steel. My project is a new construction so please presume, yes, it will look right and yes, it is suited for the project.

For the benefit of others who may be interested, some of these sources might be useful to pursue further for merit:

*Western Window Systems has a simulated steel line with an aluminum extension extrusion design.

*Diamond Windows and Door has a steel replica 5000 Series, thermally broken, aluminum.

*Kolbe's Ultra Luxe contemporary aluminum line has 2 narrow trim selections and 7/8" grills, one in a triangular shape to mimic the roundness of steel on the exterior. The interior is painted black wood, thermal break glass.

*Milgard has a slim profile aluminum frame with narrow sightlines, low maintenance.

*JELD-WEN® Siteline® wood and clad-wood windows are available with a black interior and exterior, a slim grill and streamlined appearance that complements styles from historical to contemporary.

*Steel Windows and Doors has four different profile systems at four different price points. All of these must meet thermal property criteria.

*Anderson has an Industrial Modern line that fits with a variety of elements one might find in a factory, such as corrugated metal and exposed wood and beams, popular in urban settings.

I'm building a custom home in the Carolina mountains. I managed the design of each of my previous home builds or renovations, and each has been featured in local magazines, newspapers or regional publicity.

This is an Australian Houzz site.

Yeah , plus we offered some basic ideas to your fairly basic question mr b in your bonnet haha , so just a suggestion -- take it as it was intended , rather than show you have already looked at options , espacially as MB says -- if you are in Carolina , the businesses have very little relevance to Australians .