Bridge For Design November Issue

design trends | viewpoint
PUT THE WOW IN WINDOWS
Interior Shutters can add character to a room’s interior says Fiona Kelly
W
e have been watching what the
best-dressed windows are wearing
this season. Like all the best things in
life, windows come in all shapes and
sizes and how we adorn them is both a
practical and decorative dilemma. From
blinds and curtains to shutter solutions,
here are a few tips and trends that we
have spotted.
Windows aren’t always rectangle or square but depending
on the architecture of the property they can be a variety of
irregular shapes including arches, portholes, half circles,
triangles, octagons, ovals and ellipses. This is why window
dressing plays a crucial role in the success of a room’s scheme.
Windows are a key element in a living space, both in their
architectural design and as a source of natural light. Recently
there has been a resurgence of shutters used as an interior
decoration as alternative to blinds. Interior shutters add
character and can create a feature out of the window whilst
highlighting practicalities such privacy and light.
Does size matter? Well, designers are choosing statement
shutters to create more of a feature and a trend we’ve spotted
is for wider louvres, which have a more contemporary look.
Also chic café shutters are creeping back for town houses, a
good solution for rooms that don’t require full darkness.
There is also a growing move away from stained natural
wood to painted shutters in shades that echo the accents used
throughout the whole space. AW15 colour trends include
earthy greens, neutral greys, blues and pops of bright pink
and orange. However the colour trend with shutters leans
towards shades of white as it brightens up the window.
Painted shutters are also the perfect foil for patterned
furnishings. Interior designer, Emma Pocock, chose tieron-tier
shutters, as she wanted a clean-lined antidote to the
bold colour and big patterns that she has used in her sitting
room. Yes, a decorative choice but practical as she says. ‘It’s
a misconception that shutters block out light. I find that the
reflection off the slats can actually increase it.’
Combining shutters and drapes is a great design choice
for all year round. In the summer, shutters mean you can
control light and fresh air whereas in the winter, you can
shut them and draw the curtains, creating a cosy ambiance
perfect for curling up by the fire.
The current trend for carved wooden shutters or using
beautiful screens as an alternative to louvered or solid panel
shutters is increasing. These can be handcrafted to create an
intricate, lace look effect pattern or a more decorative style
offers a bespoke element to design.
Window film is another popular way to address privacy
without compromising the light. A patterned film on all or
part of the window adds a delicate touch to bathrooms and
street-facing windows.
Interiors continue to follow fashion. Take a cue from the
catwalks and layer window dressings. Sheers and voiles
can be in crisp whites and naturals fin contrast to heavier,
decorative drapes. During the daytime when the curtains are
drawn back, the sheer material casts a soft light and mood in
the room. There is also nothing prettier than a light breeze
sweeping around full-length voile.
Fiona Kelly – Director of The Shutter Shop
T: +44 (0)207 751 0937 | www.shuttershop.co.uk
A member of Chelsea Design Quarter
48 Bridge for Design November 2015