A Verotex application at Al Badia Golf Club.
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What’s in for windows?
As the focus increasingly shifts towards the environment and technology, billowing, poufy curtains with reams of fabric seem to be out, as designers look towards blinds and shutters for the latest innovations. But has style gone out of the window?
Manufacturers say the latest trends for window dressings are sleek, contemporary and highly technical. “The trend makers for intelligent window design are coming from Europe,” said Scholz.
“Just after the last trade fair ‘R&T’ in Stuttgart, it became evident that panel track, vertical blinds – a newcomer – pleated blinds and roller blinds, in this order, will set the trend over the next three years, with high-tech materials being the special highlight.”
Roller shades, quite a retro-look for a while, have been reinvented and offer sleek designs, excellent light control and a clean, stylish look.
“With our huge fabric collection, whether it’s elegant, tailored design, natural grass cloth or sophisticated silk like fabric, we can create a roller shade to suit any taste,” explained Tobien from Luxaflex.
“The dual roller shade option allows you to pair two fabrics of varying opacities on one cassette for optimum light control and an intriguing layered effect.”
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Another major trend from Luxaflex is for sleek, flat, Japanese-design vertical panels made from a unique paper material called ‘washi’ (literally meaning Japanese paper). “This opaque material has a cloudy finish that allows light through but obscures the view, making it perfect for privacy and sun protection,” said Tobien.
“We offer combinations with white and colour washi segments. The woven washi panels and roller blinds look like bamboo but are also made from paper. Wooden or aluminum ribs and bottom bars enhance the oriental look.”
According to Tobien, demand in the market is starting to show a definite shift from plainer colours to more vibrant styles. “Lately we have realised that the styles in demand have started to shift from colours such as white, beige and greys towards more vibrant and trendy colours.”
Another option for a cool and contemporary look is shutters. The Shutter Company creates bespoke handcrafted shutters which are ideal for a sleek modern interior. The shutters are made from solid basswood and can be both manual and motorised, and painted or stained suit any interior.
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