If you are renovating or remodelling your home, perhaps by updating the facade, building an extension or creating a fantastic open plan kitchen/diner, it is a great opportunity to think about how the interior spaces link to the exterior ones, so that the light flows through and you create a wonderful atmosphere and connection between inside and out.
The key to achieving this is by introducing some high performance glass into your design; here are some of the ways you can use this modern material to create the contemporary indoor/outdoor balance you desire:
Glass Facades
A front of house redesign can greatly improve properties that have a dated look, or lack character. Altering or adding windows, or glass doors, will allow light to flood into the home and provide that connection between house and garden. Keeping frames minimal and unobtrusive, as above, helps avoid creating any visible barriers.
Bi-folding Doors
Introducing large panes of glass is guaranteed to lighten a gloomy space and add a contemporary feel to any design. Popular bi-folding doors have been on trend for a while now and are a great way to bring the outdoors in, inviting light and fresh air on those fine weather days. Especially popular in modern, open plan kitchen-diners, they come in a variety of designs – you can choose from aluminium, wood or composite/uPVC.
And some people are now incorporating corner bi-fold doors, so removing brickwork and replacing an entire corner of the house with two sets of glass doors that can be opened up fully, giving a frameless and clear view of the garden. Structurally more involved, but a stunning design feature that truly embraces outdoor living – you should talk to an architect if this idea appeals to you.
Glass Rooms and Ceilings
There is something enchanting about sitting in a glass room, where you feel part of the outdoors and can enjoy the garden even when it rains! So with the UK climate, you can appreciate why conservatories and orangeries have long been popular. However, the common-or-garden, conventional ‘kit’ varieties – renowned for being freezing in the winter and too hot in the summer – are making way for more beautiful, bespoke structures, that blend aesthetics with the latest solar-control and energy-efficiency. As the world’s first self-cleaning glass, Pilkington Activ™ cleverly uses the weather to break down dirt so the rain washes it away – which is a game changer when it comes to large areas of glazing. After all, there’s no point linking indoors and outdoors if the glass is high maintenance and dirt and streaks obscure the view!
Other Ways to Connect the Interior/Exterior
You can further link indoor and outdoor spaces by arranging house plants that complement the greenery outside of any partition glass. Also consider using the same stylish non-slip, weather-resistant floor tiles inside and out as it blurs the boundaries. Replacing internal ‘barriers’ such as solid walls and wooden banisters with glass alternatives further opens up your environment and won’t hinder the view. Colour is another simple device that can be used to great effect when connecting spaces; opt for the same hues flowing through in your accessories.
So, as you can see, there are plenty of solutions for those seeking to create a chic, contemporary space that brings synergy between the indoors and out.
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© Copyright 2018 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
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