Interiors Trend: People In Glass Houses

In short, glass got a lot more versatile when we weren’t looking. Advances in technology mean that it now offers almost endless possibilities when it comes to transforming a space both practically and aesthetically.

One of the most popular concepts in the Interiors industry centres around ‘inviting the outside in’. Put simply, using large expanses of glass in place of external walls can create an almost seamless link between outside and in. This certainly gives the illusion of space if nothing more. An attractive proposition, especially in the current climate where moving costs are through the roof and home owners are looking at alternative ways of squeezing every last inch of usable living space out or their properties.

In the words of Daniel Adeshile from London-based company Ade Architecture Ltd, “We’re using glass more and more in extensions and side returns to flood these spaces with as much natural light as possible, and give our clients an almost seamless connection between their homes and the green spaces beyond. These can feature sliding or bi-fold doors, creating a lovely flow between the internal and external spaces.”

Extensions made almost solely of glass are also now possible and can work beautifully with both traditional and modern buildings. Arguably the most dramatic results are when a period building is paired with a new modern glass structure, breathing unexpected new life into old bones. Do be aware of how much sun this side of your home gets though. You certainly don’t want to feel like you’re living in a greenhouse all year round.

Crittall-styled spaces, with their graphic grid like charm, have jumped on the bandwagon and made a massive come back this year. The recent revival has moved on from windows to include external walls and rear extensions, alongside internal room dividers and even shower screens. The sturdy, slim frames tap into the current trend for all things industrial, allowing you to cleverly partition open plan areas into zones without compromising on light or space.

Designers are being clever with our stairs too. Karena Clayton from London-based interior design company Colour Interiors has used glass to transform this once enclosed stairwell with stunning results. As she explains, “Glass balustrades are a great way of opening up traditional spaces whilst still preserving the original charm of the building and its architectural details.”