This Image: Aluminium bifold doors, Kloeber
Angelina Villa-Clarke considers the options for windows, and how they are dressed, in the summer months
The main focus for homeowners during the summer months is how to keep a room light and airy. Windows, and how they are dressed, are key. If you are looking for a major overhaul, then Cambridge-based Economy Windows can advise on energy-efficient doors and windows. Otherwise, simply updating the finishing touches can transform how your room performs when temperatures start to rise.
Shannon Rose-Cox, product development manager at Clement Browne, gives an insight into what is on trend: “We expect a more streamlined look will remain popular in 2016. The demand for a sleek, seamless finish on window coverings appears to be increasing and features such as hidden hinges and hidden tilt mechanisms will be key. While white or neutral shutters will always be popular, more and more customers are getting creative with their shutter colours.”
Giving privacy and an innovative design ethos, The Window Film Company offers options from solar films to frosted window films in a range of designs. The films are ideal for giving privacy.
For a unique investment, QMotion UK’s automated blinds are an innovative way to control light and shade. Ian Claxton, director at QMotion UK, comments: “The blinds operate from one central point by finger touch via a smartphone, tablet app or remote control. The wireless concept means that there are no cords, power or control wires required at all and the user can install a fully motorised and intelligently controlled shading system without the need for chasing out walls or using an electrician.
There’s a collection of over 400 fabrics and colours, or, for a personal touch, you can supply your own imagery for QMotion UK to manufacture the blind with.”To truly let the outdoors in, bifold doors are one of the most popular home improvements. Kloeber is a local, leading name in the glazing industry and Matt Higgs, co-owner and sales director, reveals more: “Creating more light and space in your home has become more and more essential over the last decade and the improvements in larger glazing systems has made this more achievable.
Bifold doors are extremely popular as they open up your house to the garden and offer flexible configurations. We’re seeing a trend towards sliding doors and we now have lift and slide doors which move effortlessly even when they are widths from 1.5m to 13m wide.”Nicola Sanders of Parsons Gray agrees: “If you are planning a rear extension, consider incorporating bifold doors in your designs – the larger, the better. In winter, they provide the perfect picture frame to the garden slumbering outside, and on summer weekends, throw them wide open from breakfast time for a seamless holiday feel!”
This Image: Frostbite window film, from £30, The Window Film Company
