Decorative window film continues to expand its role in architectural interiors, and a recent installation at The Anderson Apartments in Houston, Tx demonstrates how printed film can function as both a design feature and a performance-driven solution.
The project centered on an 18-foot-wide by 15-foot-tall interior glass curtain wall separating a naturally lit lobby from a darker, more intimate billiards room. The design challenge was to introduce privacy and visual interest while maintaining light transmission and cohesion between the two spaces.
DESIGN ORIGINATION & CREATIVE INFLUENCE
The conceptual foundation was rooted in storytelling. As daylight passes through, the film filters light into curated tones and patterns, creating a sequence of framed views that shift throughout the day.
“The inspiration was derived from Wes Anderson, a filmmaker and Houston native whose cinematic approach visualized space not as static, but revealed through movement, timing, and perspective. Residents at The Anderson apartments experience the design as a series of moments rather than a single image.”
– Jodi Lafayette, Creative Director at Studio Bespoke
FILM SELECTION & TECHNICAL EXECUTION
To achieve a true “art-on-glass” aesthetic, the team specified an optically clear polyester window film rather than traditional clear vinyl. Vinyl substrates can introduce visual distortion from adhesive layers or require overlamination for durability—an unnecessary step for interior architectural applications.
The selected polyester film offers superior optical clarity and rigidity, with an integrated UV inhibitor and scratch-resistant hard coat. Printed using UV-curable inks, the artwork was engineered through controlled layering of CMYK, white, and clear ink to balance opacity, color saturation, and light diffusion on both sides of the glass.
“Starting with optically clear polyester allows us to control how the artwork reads in dramatically different lighting environments. The final outcome is not just an architectural boundary and focal point anchoring both environments. It’s a multi-faceted design solution—providing privacy, diffused light, atmosphere, and subtle branding.”
– Katie Jasmin, VP of National Sales, Source One Digital
Construction coordination and installation execution was coordinated by Gemstar of Houston and completed by trained window film technicians using a wet-install method on the interior surface of the glass, ensuring precise alignment and a seamless, glass-integrated finish.
CONCLUSION
At The Anderson Apartments, decorative window film transcended its traditional role. Through thoughtful material selection, technical precision, and collaborative execution, a transparent surface became a defining architectural feature—one that demonstrates the evolving potential of window film in luxury interior environments.
This project rethinks what’s possible with printed film on glass and sets a new standard for how invisible surfaces can tell meaningful design stories.
PROJECT & PHOTO CREDITS
Source One Digital / CreativeFx Custom Window Films – manufacturing and print production
RPM Living – property & project management for The Anderson
Studio Bespoke – design and creative direction
Gemstar – construction and installation