Our selections for the glass in the doors came months ago – one of the first finishes to be chosen, thanks to a big box of glass samples last August. Tod & I stood in the imaginary rooms and tried to picture what each one would look like in place. I asked friends what they thought. I shared in the Facebook group.
The glass goes in the ranma/transoms above the interior doors and in the doors themselves. Glass in the doors means no shoji paper to change and a bit more light between the rooms. We selected a range of textures for privacy and interest:
We got a preview of the doors two weeks ago. They are beautiful! So much more than I imagined.
After sending photos, the door maker came on Friday with 1:1 scale measures of each glass section. He and Sasaki-san confirmed and noted every size and shape so that we could order the glass.
On Monday morning, I brought my laptop to the house (first computer at 555!) and we confirmed the colors and sizes again, then Yoshida-san called Okabe Glass to order them.
And it turns out, the bronze wood textured glass is all sold out. It won’t be restocked.
Oh, no! I had to make a quick choice about what to substitute. The Okabe Glass salesperson kindly sent thought some options to consider. There is a clear version of the same texture, but it was really the color I loved, not the texture. A bronze water glass was a close substitute, but only 3 mm thick and the doors are made for 4 mm glass. The amber options were too bright. I chatted with Tod to let him know we’d have to make a change but he was busy with work and, as always, amenable to whatever I decided. Hmm…
I dislike making quick decisions that I have to live with a long time. But it had to be done. I gave myself a mental calm space, got a cold drink from the fridge and a snack from the treat box, then sat with my thoughts for a few minutes. Looked at the spaces where the doors go. Closed my eyes and imagined the options. Then made a decision that I think works.
The bronze textured glass has been replaced by 12 mm ribbed glass. This echoes the ranma at a smaller scale. It creates a consistent stripe across the doors via pattern rather than color. It’s probably easier to decorate around clear glass, too. For example, I don’t need to worry about clashing with that bronze, and I can choose ribbed glass lighting fixtures to carry the theme through the rooms.
I think it will be okay. We will find out in two weeks when the glass arrives.
