Achieving practicality and style in your kitchen and bathroom
"Bathrooms are not just functional these days, they have become a place to retreat to after a hard day at work or running around after the kids," says Sarah Quilliam, head of product design at Hillarys. "With style stakes at a high, you need to make sure the type of window dressing you choose works for both the room and humidity. Likewise as the hub of the home, the kitchen demands something that's attractive to look at but durable and easy to clean.
"Heat, condensation, cooking smells and mould are all significant concerns when fitting blinds or Shutters in your kitchen and bathroom. With so much on the market, it can be difficult to decide which type to go for.
"Shutters work well in any type of room as they're very hardwearing and will add value to your home. However, not all of us can afford such luxuries! PVC Vertical, Roller and aluminium Venetian blinds are all ideal for the kitchen and bathroom. All can endure different temperatures and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Some of the fabrics and materials even come with flame retardant, mould resistant, heat reflective and insulating properties.
"We've asked our customers to tell us about some of their kitchen and bathroom window dilemmas. Here are some of their most frequently asked questions":
- My kitchen windows are extremely tall and unfortunately look out onto the street. I've no idea what blind to go for, but I'd like something quite modern and discreet. What do you suggest?
- How can I soften the look of my kitchen? I have so many square lines; I'd just love to go for something different at the window!
- I have quite a small kitchen so I'm looking for some blinds that won't clutter the space. Which type would be best?
- My five year-old son makes a real mess when it's his bath time. Water goes absolutely everywhere! Are there any waterproof blinds available?
- I have quite a lot of wood in my bathroom and I'd like to have wood Venetians but I'm concerned they'd get destroyed from the damp atmosphere. Is there an alternative?
- I'm not sure where to begin decorating my enormous bathroom! I really need some privacy and currently have a contemporary suite, but nothing else. Please help!
Q
My kitchen windows are extremely tall and unfortunately look out onto the street. I've no idea what blind to go for, but I'd like something quite modern and discreet. What do you suggest?
A
Simple Rollers or aluminium Venetians would work. There are loads of neutral fabrics and slat colours to choose from. I'd suggest going with chrome or wood-effect Venetians so they blend
in well with any modern appliances or units. They can also keep prying eyes out whilst allowing you to filter the light to suit your needs.
Q
How can I soften the look in my kitchen? I have so many square lines; I'd just love to go for something different at the window!
A
Roman blinds are a fantastic way of softening the square lines of kitchen units. Try going for a pretty pattern to draw the eye to the window. Doubling up two different fabrics will add more interest and become a real focal point in the room. Plus you can safely pull them up out of the way, when washing up or cooking.
Q
I have quite a small kitchen so I'm looking for some blinds that won't clutter the space. Which type would be best?
A
Pleated blinds can neatly be folded up into almost nothing, making them ideal when space is at a premium. Roller blinds are also a good option as they are non-intrusive. By covering open shelves with Rollers, you'll be able to hide your clutter and give the appearance of a flat wall, making the room feel larger.
Q
My five year-old son makes a real mess when it's his bath time. Water goes absolutely everywhere! Are there any waterproof blinds available?
A
You've probably not considered this unusual blind before, however it has fantastic benefits as well as a sleek appearance. PVC Vertical blinds are water-resistant and have an anti-static finish which helps prevent dust. And even if they do get dirty, they're easy to wipe down.
Perfect for family households!
Q
I have quite a lot of wood in my bathroom and I'd like to have wood Venetians but I'm concerned they'd get destroyed from the damp atmosphere. Is there an alternative?
A
Aluwood Venetian blinds look like wood but are actually made of aluminium. These will easily withstand the humidity and condensation in your bathroom. They look fab too! But despite popular belief, you can also have real wood - they won't warp but will 'move' according to the temperature.
Q
I'm not sure where to begin decorating my enormous bathroom! I really need some privacy and currently have a contemporary suite, but nothing else. Please help!
A
If you choose the blinds first, you'll be able to refresh the room with a lick of paint later. The world really is your oyster, but I would keep it fairly simple as you don't want to over do it and end up making the room seem smaller. You also need to be careful so as not to make the room look too cold. Stick to plain fabrics or Venetian blinds. Adding a hint of colour with Pleated blinds would be a nice touch as they can create a light and airy feel or a warm and welcoming glow, depending on the colour you choose. They provide essential privacy and keep in the heat.
Prices
Pleated blinds start at £76 (46cm wide x 91cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
Roller blinds start at £33 (61cm wide x 76cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
PVC Vertical blinds start at £52 (50cm wide x 90cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
Venetian blinds start at £32 (46cm wide x 61cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
Aluwood Venetian blinds start at £69 (46cm wide x 61cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
Roman blinds start at £89 (60cm wide x 75cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
Stockists Information
To arrange your free home visit call: 0800 916 6516 or click: www.hillarys.co.uk
ROI - 1800 409 468
Hillarys has a HUGE range of images, so please let us know if you're looking for anything in particular, be it room, colour or blind type led, and we'll do our best to fid something suitable.
For more information, product for makeovers or high resolution images, please call Sarah or Emma on 0115 950 9955 or email us at sarah.able@darkhorsepr.co.uk or emma@darkhorsepr.co.uk