Lifestyle Shutters

Where louvres are built to last

2011-09-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

Few people buy a product without first thinking about how long it will last before needing to be repaired or replaced.

A cheap product will actually prove much more costly than the apparently more expensive version if it has to be replaced at a future point – it’s what the phrase ‘false economy’ denotes.

In the world of interior design, the choice between two entirely different options could become a whole lot clearer if it’s evident one will last longer than the other.

So it is with our shutters. High quality timbers and the finest contruction techniques ensure that all our hand-crafted shutters last a lifetime.

We use superior joints, of the type used in bespoke furniture, meaning the frames won’t split. Our reinforced stiles (the vertical beams on each side of the shutter) are thicker than those of inferior designers, so they will remain level and true for many years. Our louvres benefit from advanced tensioning, so they won’t droop over time.

Beyond the timber and craftsmanship, it’s the finish that can make a difference. Ideally it should show through the paint but not be felt over the wood grain. Whether stained or painted, shutters should have a minimum of two top coats. They should also have a UV-resistant finish to prevent discolouration by the sunlight.

They are going to be used a lot too. After all, it’s worth taking advantage of the flexibility (in terms of controlling light, ventilation or privacy) they give you.

Curtains get their fair share of use, too, but even the best quality ones will deteriorate after a few washes and the rubbing of fingers against their surface. Their other shortcoming is the temptation they offer children to grab one end and pull...resulting in the rail coming away from the wall.

Talking of children, the trailing cords associated with some curtains are considered a serious hazard, as there’s a risk of entanglement unless particular care is taken to conceal them.

To sum up, the quality of design of a premium shutter will make it timeless, pleasing feature in your room, whatever the ebb and flow of fashions, and the construction will make it last for as long as you want it.

Greek beginnings

2011-09-07T04:56:00.000-07:00

Greece conjures up images of sun-filled holidays, azure seas or, less happily, a debt-laden country that’s caused European finance ministers more than a few headaches in recent months. But for Lifestyle Shutters, it is really worthy of note as the place to which we owe the origins of the shutter.

Not quite the shutter as we know it, though: archaeologists have established that the ancient Greeks used shutters with louvres, but with a notable difference in that the material used was marble rather than wood. As with modern shutters, they were a versatile window covering enabling light and fresh air to enter and, when drawn shut, a measure of privacy and security. Greece was, and is, prone to alarming thunderstorms, so the shutters were used as storm-protection to prevent rain getting in.

A Samos view

The shutter concept spread to other European countries: glass, used by the Romans in their grandest dwellings, was not a practical choice for most people. Timber slotted into window frames became the protection of choice for many medieval Europeans. For the poorest people, bundles of thatch stuffed into the apertures had to suffice. The first glass windows, including those which became widespread in churches and merchants’ homes in 13th century England, were thin and fragile, so for protection from the elements hinged shutters would be fitted both inside and out. As glass technology improved in the late 1600s, sash and casement windows, with interior shutters for protection, became standard.

Perhaps appropriately for a city that gave its name to a type of blind, Venice was the Western world’s centre of glass production in the middle ages.

As for shutters in modern Greece, tourists on Samos or other islands will not have failed to notice the gaily-coloured shutters in village houses. Recreating this look in your own home will add a splash of Mediterranean brightness to your property. Bright blue, green, pink... at Lifestyle Shutters we can help you choose a customised paint finishes from a choice of around 5000!

But we don’t recommend marble shutters.

A balcony with the perfect view

2011-08-31T04:59:00.000-07:00

A balcony is a welcome feature in any property, old or new.

Shutters for its windows work put a wonderful finishing touch, adding an impressive splash of colour, or, if a lower-key tone is preferred, blending the balcony into a harmonious whole with the roof, front door or other features. Exterior shutters in particular combine a hint of the Mediterranean (conjuring images of Italian villagers pushing open brightly-coloured shutters to let the morning sun flood through flower-bedecked windows) with the added practicality of being able to wander out onto the balcony and close them behind you, giving yourself a moment of privacy out of sight of those in the house.

The balcony commonly referred to as ‘Juliet’ does not generally project out of a building, essentially being part of an upper floor, with a balustrade only at the front. It should be possible to perform a morning weather check, or chat to the Romeo in the garden, without actually getting wet. The ‘French’ balcony is a similarly small, or ‘false’, projection, little more than a set of doors (French windows, naturally) through which you can step to lean against the railings and admire the view.

If you are fortunate enough to have a balcony of whatever form, custom-made interior shutters such as those designed by the team here at Lifestyle Shutters will show it to its best effect. They can be made to suit the architecture of the property, look classic or contemporary - and be just the right shape to match your windows (French or otherwise).

If you have set your heart on exterior shutters, we can talk you through the louvre options – including closed, semi-open or open. All our exterior shutters are finished with powder coated stainless steel hardware, which will keep them looking great over the autumn and winter months and for many summers to come.

Shutters for an English Bank Holiday

2011-08-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

The final long weekend of the summer is upon us. We have a Bank Holiday Monday, then that’s our lot until the Christmas festivities commence.

Let’s hope for some clement weather to allow the scent of barbequed food to fill the streets and children to let off steam in parks or at one of the outdoor events that typically take place at attractions the length and breadth of the UK over the long weekend.

However, in life we have to be prepared for all eventualities, and in particular the British weather can never be taken for granted. Behind the dream of a long, hot Bank Holiday spent in the garden is the very possible reality of a cold, rainlashed dreary day.

Is your home prepared for these circumstances? What you need to do is imagine what it would be like to spend an entire day with your family, and possibly your visiting relations too, indoors - which for many effectively means the living room. While such a room can fairly easily be made cosy and welcoming on a cold winter’s day, thanks to a log fire, in summer this is less easily achieved. A room can feel confining when we know that, but for the presence of cumulonimbi in the sky, we could be taking advantage of the long hours of daylight and doing what folk are supposed to do in summer.

This is where a plantation shutter enters our picture. You can adjust this type of window covering to help create the mood you are after in your living room. Want to shut out the sight of wind and rain pummelling your window panes? Keep the louvres closed. Wish to make the most of the sun, which has put in a brief appearance from behind a dark cloud? Just open the louvres and let the light flood in (closing them again when the kids complain about the glare on the TV screen).

If it happens to be a wet, humid day then a shutter will do a better job than a curtain in letting more air into the room through an open window.

This posting may have planted some ideas in your mind, in which case you should have a look our website and photos of shutters in domestic settings. Then, talk to us about a custom-made design for your living room. Happy Bank Holiday.

Shutters for all shapes

2011-08-23T04:43:00.000-07:00

Of all the points in favour of the wooden shutter, one that is sometimes overlooked, perhaps because it’s a functional point easy to take for granted once the covering is in place, is that they can be made to fit windows of varying and awkward shape.

Hexagonal or triangle or arched, the shutter gets to the places the curtain cannot. How could a curtain cope with a circular porthole?

Fanlight windows, which graced many a doorway to houses designed by the great Robert Adam, whose ‘neoclassical’ ideas introduced light and refined lines to 18th century architecture, are known to be particularly difficult to get right. It’s a job for the expert.

In a similar vein, an Art Deco window with its sinuous lines would quickly lose its allure if no satisfactory covering could be found for it.

As it happens, few windows are a perfect square shape anyway, which is why a custom fitting for shutters is invaluable for the best possible result.

The Lifestyle Shutters craftsmen have the know-how to ensure that your shutters are mounted level and true, and that they will close perfectly.

And, because we work in close consultation with the home owner, each window receives a bespoke dressing.

We’ve added a couple of photos of non-rectangular fittings to give you a taster of what we can do.

Café-style shutters and the Continental touch

2011-08-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

By the time you read this you will have enjoyed a well-earned extended break from your computer screen and an August family holiday abroad.

Among the prime pleasures of an overseas break, especially in a European country, is to eat or drink in the congenial surroundings of a tapas bar, bistro, or cafe: call it what you will, sitting in one of these hostelries is the best way of observing the locals, watching the world go past, and achieving something close to blissful relaxation.

At some point in your travels you are bound to come across interior window shutters that allow you to eat your restaurant lunch away from the gaze of passers-by yet still get the benefits of the sunshine – and fresh air – streaming through. They may well have been the appropriately-termed ‘cafe-style shutters (particularly associated in many minds with France), where only the lower portion of the window is covered by a shutter.

Cafe-style shutters don’t have to be confined to cafes. How about bringing a taste of the Continent back home with you by arranging for Lifestyle Shutters to fit cafe-style shutters to your dining room or kitchen? The result will be a stylish, year-round reminder of your holiday experience.

Once in place, perhaps on a sash window with two halves, a simple adjustment of the louvres will give you total privacy when you want it – but at the same time all the light and air you need will enter through the uncovered top half.

For some homeowners, they are the solution for a ground floor bedroom, too. But not everyone relishes being woken early in the morning by sunlight blazing through the uncovered top half of the window arrangement, so a ‘tier-on-tier’ layout would be a fine alternative.

You might have a different idea in mind, or an awkward-shaped window to find a covering for. So bear in mind that full height, cafe-style and tier-on-tier are not the only options available to you. There’s the tracked window version, where shutters can be bi-folded away to allow uninterrupted views. And there are shutters to fit porthole windows, hexagonal windows and more. The team at Lifestyle Shutters can help you arrive at just the right design.

They say travel improves the mind: who says it cannot also improve the home?

Rooms, windows and shutters for life and work in the future

2011-08-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

The more hours we spend in our homes, the more important it is to get the design and feel of them right.

It’s an apt time to be thinking about our living environments in a week that has seen the start of a new Channel 4 series, The Secret Life of Buildings, and an Evening Standard piece on the ‘workhomes’ of the future, which will be designed with both working and dwelling in mind.

In the UK, the number of people who work mainly from home has doubled in the last twenty years. There are social and personal benefits to avoiding a daily commute, but these can be cancelled out by the problems caused by a living space that isn’t fit for purpose.

Among the issues picked up on by the Workhome Project, initiated by Dr Frances Holliss (the architect interviewed for the Standard’s feature), is that of public-private space. A journalist might work quite happily from a spare bedroom, and the same space might seem fine for a graphic designer: but if a client wants to pay a visit to the latter’s studio, he/she might have to be led through the hallway of a family home and up the stairs, areas of the house lacking ‘professionalism’ (especially if there is the odd children’s toy in the way).

Solving this scenario would need some creative thought, but simple adaptations in bedrooms of the future, probably involving sliding doors, will separate working areas from those reserved for leisure. Downstairs, sliding covers could be pulled over kitchen units to make the space fit for doing business in.

What have shutters got to do with this?
Firstly, their value lies in their versatility. They suit both the room and the needs of the moment. You can open them wide, use them as ‘blackouts’, or let in just a little or quite a lot of light as you wish. They are perfect for keeping the glare off your computer screen as you work.

Secondly, from a company such as ours you get a bespoke service. We can’t redesign your room layout for you, but we can give you professional advice on the best shutters for you, from planning stage to completion.

For it is the lack of a personalised touch that bothers Tom Dyckhoff, presenter of The Secret Life of Buildings. He shares the view that homes will have to change to suit our 21st century lifestyles, being of the firm opinion that new homes in the UK are too small, with the windows - ‘about the size of a pizza box’ – particularly inadequate in an age when plentiful natural light is highly prized.

But at the heart of the problem, in his view, is the gap between the designers of the building and those who will eventually live in it. An office block might be built with a developer’s immediate needs in mind, with no scope for feedback from the workers who will take up residence (at the time of construction it might not be known what type of companies will one day occupy it). Similarly, in domestic homes, the emphasis might be on ‘one size fits all’, with the input of architects ending with the initial design template.

‘Workhome’ or not, your rooms have to work – for you.

A window of opportunity for your business

2011-07-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

When it comes to commercial shutters, we don’t design and fit shutters for offices with functionality our sole consideration – though, of course, they are functional in that they give a measure of privacy to a room, keep you and your staff cooler in summer and warmer in winter, and don’t require the hassle of dry cleaning.

We firmly believe that quality shutters make a room appealing to the eye, and in a commercial space that eye belongs to a potential client or customer. First impressions count, and if a room feels both light and spacious (effects which well-chosen shutters can produce), and the materials used in the fixtures and furnishings lend them an air of distinction, the person entering for the first time will want to stay and eat (if it is a cafe), or be reassured that they are dealing with a company that gets all the details right and thus be readier to strike that all-important deal.

Naturally, our company has built its reputation on getting the details right. Our profession is high quality design, and the team at Lifestyle Shutters can advise you on all aspects of the available fabrics and trims for your premises’ interiors. Our own premises feature a showroom where you can see our full range of shutters.

As well as serving a practical purpose, a window dressing can become a promotional tool. A logo on your blinds will help people to remember your name and will keep you in the frame even when you have shut for the night, the wording on your blinds giving your organisation exposure to everyone who walks past your window.

There’s another financial implication in the shape of a lower insurance premium, as our fabrics are flame-retardant. And the insulation provided by shutters could just lower your heating bill, too.

Over the years, Lifestyle Shutters has worked on projects for restaurants, hotels, a chiropractic clinic and an office for an environmental services business.

Our shutters can be customised to fit any type of window in any building, so whether your business is banking or bagels we will work with you for the ideal solution.

Farrow & Ball colours added to all wood shutters collections

2011-03-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

At Lifestyle Shutters we strive to offer you the widest choice of painted shutters possible. In previous blogs we have wrote in depth about how painted shutters can be an ideal solution for many homes in particular period properties such as Edwardian or Victorian.

Because we aim to give you the widest choice available we are delighted to announce that this month we have added Farrow & Ball colours to our standard paint finishes to all wooden shutters collections.

New colours by Farrow & Ball available:

Wimborne White 239
Pointing 2003
White Tie 2002
Clunch 2009
Off-White 3
String 8
Pavilion Gray 242
Hardwick White 5
Blue Gray 91
Elephants Breath 229

How window shutters can save your hotel money

2011-03-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

At Lifestyle Shutters we've often been brought in by owners of commercial properties to advise them on the various window dressing solutions that are available. The recommendations that we make are always based on the specifications of the design brief that may include the property's interior decor, budget and project time frame.

We are always very happy to meet with prospective customers to offer our professional opinion and, one of the advantages of this, is we get to know the customers and the challenges their business can face. For example we were recently contacted by a five star, beautiful grade 2 listed Hotel in Fleet, Hampshire who had spent over £3600 every year dry cleaning their curtains. The same hotel had additional problems with sun damaged carpets which needed to be replaced and being an old building, heat retention was a real problem.

As strong proponents of window shutters we knew that with our beautifully crafted interior shutters we could offer them advice on the perfect solution. Below are the twelve top reasons why we believe interior shutters are perfect for Hotels.

The Benefits of Our Interior Shutters

Effectively black out rooms to ensure a good night’s sleep
Provide a fresh, welcoming and inviting feel to every environment
Dramatically improve heat retention in rooms, thereby lowering heating costs
Carry a lower fire rating than curtains, which could reduce insurance premiums
Eradicate expensive curtain dry cleaning bills
Redirect harmful UV rays to eliminate ageing, sun damage to carpets and furnishings
Create a timeless, elegant and uniformed look inside and out
Increase security - you can fit them with locks and bolts
Are maintenance and allergy free and will not discolour - giving a lifetime of use
Give hassle free control of light and privacy
Reduce outside noise
Enhance any decor - from 4 poster beds to Hydro-pools. Shutters suit every interior

Why do commercial property owners commission Lifestyle Shutters?

Our experience has taught us a thing or two. With us you get a dedicated service from experienced professionals who have the capability to project manage large scale installations, whether it's 1 or 1000 windows we've got it covered.

With over thirteen years of experience working with some of the South East's top interior designers, architects and master builders we have an unsurpassed reputation as one of the UK's leading shutter providers.

From design and manufacture, through to a bespoke, project managed and beautiful installation. We work around your needs and requirements, allowing you to get on with your busy and hectic work schedules.

We have an 'Absolute Service Promise' to provide you with the best solution for your window dressing. We are here to create a hassle free beautifully crafted and perfectly tailored new look to the interiors of your property.

If you would like to know more about Lifestyle Shutters and our services you can contact us by email at info@lifestyleshutters.com or you can arrange a free design survey.

Plantation Shutters for a Sussex farmhouse

2011-03-02T00:54:00.000-08:00

We take pride in the projects we undertake and therefore are delighted to share with you another one of our recently completed jobs. This property, a country house, is situated in the village of Blackboys, East Sussex. It has recently been renovated but has managed to retain all the original Edwardian features which have being painstakingly refurbished.

The home owners were interested in plantation shutters because they wanted a window furnishing to retain the heat during the cold winter nights, but with the stipulation that the shutters should match the original Edwardian decor.

The solution was our phoenix wood solid shaker style shutter that matched and complimented the decor perfectly. As a natural timber reminiscent of an English Oak it is perfect for this farmhouse bathroom, painted white the beautiful grainy texture of the timber is still visible.

Window shutters are a perfect solution for period properties as you are able to order from an extensive range of timber and over 3000 paint finishes that allows you to tailor your window dressings to exactly match your decor.

Plantation Shutters for a home cinema

2011-01-29T06:03:00.000-08:00

Interior design enthusiasts may have come across the word 'techorating' as they look for the latest trends to help them design their homes. But for those people who haven't yet discovered it is the concept of integrating the latest modern technology seamlessly with home decor.

Increasingly we are spending more on technical devices such as plasma and LCD flat screen televisions, but how do we style our rooms to suit new electronic devices and to ensure the sound and vision is optimum without turning a once homely setting into an odd mix of electronic showroom and soft furnishing boutique?

New devices these days tend to be quite sleek and slender which does help, and it can also help to slim down our home furnishings too. Plantation shutters are a great solution, not only are they slim fitted, clean and crisp, but they are also have a warm homely feel.

If aesthetics and the feel of the room is not a strong enough reason to install plantation shutters, here are a few more for you:

They control the light allowing you to create a dark and atmospheric ambiance in which to view your digital media
They cut down on noise from outside and insulate against your own sound systems output from leaking out of the room
Unlike curtains that easily pick up dust, plantation shutters are easy to clean and require very low maintenance to look after
Plantation shutters offer greater security and will keep prying eyes away from your latest plasma screen TV

If you find this article interesting and want to find out more, please contact us at Lifestyle Shutters where we will be able to offer you a free design survey.

Be reassured with Lifestyle Shutters

2011-01-14T07:23:00.000-08:00

At Lifestyle Shutters we have installed window shutters to a variety of customers that has ranged from private home owners to commercial businesses. Our company directors Nathan Clarke and Mark Costar have between them 19 years experience of working within the shutter and interior design business. They have a wealth of experience and they are reputed in the trade for possessing a great eye for interior design and knowing what plantation shutters work best for your property.

Lifestyle Shutters prides itself on its reputation and many of their clients have come through repeat business or recommendations. To ensure that Lifestyle Shutters retains the quality service that our customers demand as a company we have always gone the additional step to reassure them. This has included becoming the first shutter company in the South East of England to be accredited with the Trading standards ‘Buy with Confidence scheme’ and by offering a minimum 3 year guarantee for the work that we carry out in our name.

We understand that if you are going to invest in our products then the onus is on us to prove our credentials and any genuine tradesman would be happy to do so. With Lifestyle Shutters you are not just buying the shutters (however gorgeous they maybe), but a dedicated service with tradesman of extensive experience who will ensure that the work is implemented efficiently and with care.

At Lifestyle Shutters we're committed to reassuring you, so if you have any further questions on our services please contact us by ringing 01825 766720 or ask for one of our complimentary design surveys.

Window shutters will enhance your childs room

2011-01-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

We know that one of the most important renovations anyone can ever make to a room is when they want to create the perfect nursery for their child. The hours that people can put in to ensure that the room meets the most rigorous of quality assurance controls is immense. The improvements intended will of course vary from safety measures that include stair gates and bed rails to glossy paint finishes that makes the room look absolutely beautiful.

Shutters also deserve careful consideration, in particular because we believe that window shutters offer both safety and practical solutions.

Shutters for a new born baby
We all want to sleep peacefully - like a new born baby in fact! But, many babies (and toddlers) have disruptive sleeping patterns and ensuring they are fully comforted is a time consuming job. Window Shutters can ease the situation by helping to create the perfect atmosphere by minimizing the noise from outside and controlling the light and warmth within the room.

Shutters can improve security
Plantation shuttering is the window dressing that offers you optimum privacy and increased security simply, by acting as an additional barrier your nursery room will be far more secure.

Shutters for young children
When people invest in window shutters, especially in quality shutters like we provide at Lifestyle Shutters they want it to be a long term investment. This is understandable and of course installing shutters for a new born baby alone can be a significant investment.

However, we feel that window shutters are equally useful for young children as well as new born babies and that parents should retain the shutters as the child grows up.

Especially, if you have very active children that you would like to confidently leave in the room top play safely, for example, there are no strings or cords that children can accidentally get trapped or twisted in. There is in fact a society called the parents for window blinds safety that was set up by parents who had children injured or killed after being strangled with blind cords. In 1997 a study found that 339 children had been strangled by blinds and as recently as this last year a new campaign was launched to create awareness of the dangers of blinds and curtains posed to young children.

Shutters as an aesthetic solution.
Raising children is so personal it is understandable that mothers want their child’s nursery to have a unique look and feel. Buying blinds and curtains from a shop doesn’t provide quite the same individuality that window shutters can provide. With window shutters you can have any choice of colour to create a bespoke window dressing that would perfectly compliment your child’s nursery.

If you want more assurances about installing window shutters in your child’s nursery please contact Lifestyle Shutters by ordering our online brochure or phoning us on 01825 760722 for expert advice

Shutters are not only for windows

2010-12-23T05:10:00.000-08:00

Plantation shutters are not just for windows according to influential TV interior designers Colin and Justin. As they wrote in this article there are many other innovative ways shutters can be used. A good example of this (shown below) is Colin and Justin's transformation of a drab store room into a plush dining room.

"Who says shutters should only be installed on windows? Certainly not us. As part of this project we inserted them to conceal the dating sliding French doors, but then we had a brainwave. Why not also use them to divide the dining room from the living space that lies beyond? This approach provides the option of "open concept" while letting light flood into the adjacent room via the moveable door slats even when the shutters are folded together."

Their recommendation is no surprise. Other than superb practical solutions like increased security, light control and ventilation; a great many people purchase for reasons of appearance, quality craftmanship and the great variety of styles and colours that can be personally tailored.

With so much choice in quality timber and paint finishes it is no wonder that leading interior designers are looking to use shutters for other uses. Using shutters as a room divider is an absolutely brilliant idea and would make a wonderfully unique feature. The additional benefits of being able to moderate light and help retain heat within a room also adds to their appeal.

We are always happy to discuss how we can help improve your house by installing shutters. Why not visit our website where you can find great examples of our work and what products are available.

The very best in painted plantation shutters

2010-12-17T05:32:00.000-08:00

In previous blogs we have mentioned that with Lifestyle Shutters you can choose from a range of painted colours and finishes, in fact, in excess of 3,500!

It probably goes with saying that we are against cheaply made and painted window shutters as they commonly deteriorate within a short period of time. Problems can include the paint fading or even flaking and often means that the cost saving people thought they made in the beginning costs them in time, effort and money when having them repainted a few years down the line.

We want you to feel confident that you are purchasing quality.

How do Lifestyle Shutters create and treat painted plantation shutter?

Our painted plantation shutters go through a process of being sealed, sanded, primed, re-sanded and then covered with two satin finish clear UV restraint, protective top coats. This finishing process is an extremely safe way to ensure that your painted shutters do not peel or flake.

How can you customise your painted plantation shutter?
With Lifestyle Shutters you can customise your shutters to match perfectly with mostly all interior decor. With thousands of Farrow & Ball, Dulux Trade, Fired Earth and Sanderson colours to choose from you will be able to mix and match colours that will be fitting for your rooms.

Why take the time to choose?
If you chose painted plantation shutters, consideration needs to be given to how they compliment the architecture and style of your home. Victorian and Georgian homes tend to suit either crisp whites or heritage colours like those available from Farrow & Ball for example. For a more modern building white shutters are also popular as they allow a room to look more spacious and they will reflect the sunlight allowing a more light and airy ambiance. In the end it always comes down to personal preference, and with over 3,500 colours available it can get as personal as you like!

On the Lifestyle Shutters website we have additional information on all the colours available, on the other services we provide and how you can contact us for a free consultation.

Restoring period properties

2010-12-10T05:26:00.000-08:00

Period homes from the Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian era have long been popular among homeowners in this country. This is not a surprise as the quality of these properties is evident given the the original craftsmanship involved in the construction.

Victorian and Edwardian houses are renowned for spacious rooms, high ceilings and very often a good size garden. Although period homes are often large suiting the many needs of a family this isn't necessarily the main reason for their popularity.

The finishes within a period home such as a grand Victorian house are nearly always unique. The carpenter working on the property during its construction would have added varying levels of bespoke design formulated to reflect the property's status.

Sadly, over time, many of these great features face neglect or can even be completely ruined with sometimes original staircases, fireplaces and floor boards being ripped out for modernisation purposes. For many people restoring these original features to their former glory is part of the pleasure of owning such a property.

The current trends of restoring period properties

Period properties have been popularised by television shows that has focus on interior design and period restoration. Even, now television Production Company Endemol are creating a new television show for BBC 2 titled Restoration Home, where private home owners of crumbling historical homes look to save and restore them to their original state.

With restoring period homes becoming more popular many people have found out that restoring these properties can be more complex than well edited programs have lead them to believe. The interior furnishings in many Victorian or Edwardian homes can be extremely complex in design and to fully restore these features to their original state will often involve a very skilled and often expensive carpenter. Following feature restoration it's time for some interior design. The difficulty with this is getting the balance right between modern options and sensitivity to the original features.

Why Window Shutters

This is where window shutters and our professional service has a distinct advantage over other window dressings. We use a range of timbers that can be matched to any interior design choice and with over 3,500 different paint finishes to choose from we can fit perfectly in any situation.

It's worth noting that many Victorians expected their interior furnishings to be painted, therefore plantation shutters that has been professionally painted are perfectly suited to these homes.

Window shutters can enhance your home office

2010-12-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

It is no longer the case that employees and small business owners are chained at their desk from 9 to 5, with the development of desktop technology and online internet services, many people nowadays take the option to work from the comfort of their own home rather than face the daily commute.

Many people working from home on a full time basis take the step to renovate one of their rooms into a home office. The renovation process is generally epitomised by the necessary installation of the stalwart office essentials - a desk, shelves and a comfy office chair. We believe that plantation shutters should also be given serious consideration as a practical and good looking addition. There are multiple functional benefits to installing shutters in your home office, but also there is the professional ambiance that is created, often helping to focus the mind away from domestic issues and chores. Not to mention the professional image they promote if meeting clients and conducting meetings.

Shutter installation enhances the room’s professional image, aids heat retention and overcomes the unnecessary minor annoyances that curtains can suffer from, such as failing to stay fixed to the railing and discolouring in sunlight. Plantation shutters also offer complete privacy which can be essential to providing security for expensive work systems, they reduce noise from outside allowing you to work in peace and can additionally provide light control and ventilation to create the perfect working room ambiance.

We are experienced in creating the perfect home office shutter solutions and we are always happy to consult with anyone wanting advice. Whatever the size of the window, we have a team that can professionally design and custom fit the perfect shutters for your workspace.

We work with a variety of materials that include a range of timber solutions such as Poplar, Red Cedar, Phoenix Wood and with 3,500 paint finishes - we are sure that there will be a shutter to suit you.

Contact us now for more information or to book a visit by one of our design team.

Image courtesy of Good Housekeeping

Plantation shutters are the right choice for period properties

2010-11-26T03:49:00.000-08:00

Many people who own Victorian or Edwardian properties want to maintain decoration in keeping with the integrity of the property, which means double glazing, even if allowed by planning, is not necessarily the right choice asthecially. So what's the alternative, especially when dealing with large areas of window, like bays?

Last weeks news that interior shutters are more effective than double glazing in helping to insulate your home suggests that plantation shutters could be the answer. Not only because they are so efficient at heat retention but also because they suit period properties so well.

Many midsized period properties have bay windows of various style and size, certainly of all the period properties we fit, this is true of about 40%. They are popular with home owners today and that's no surprise when you look at the benefits of bays... Not only do they fulfill the normal function of a window they also create the illusion of a larger room and, because of the three sided configuration, increase the flow of natural light into the building as well as providing views of the outside that would not be available with an ordinary window.

Curtains can be awkward to fit into bays, they can look bulky and cumbersome taking focus away from the beauty of the windows; and they can cut out light. Plantation shutters, on the other hand, are elegant and cleanly hung. In short, shutters add to the feeling of space in a room with bays by accentuating the existing shape of the window rather than covering it up.

Beautiful, sympathetic to your home and cosily warm.... What other choice is there!

Shutters more effective than double glazing

2010-11-17T06:16:00.000-08:00

New research by the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust has determined that window shutters are more effective than double glazing and can drastically reduce peoples energy bills.

The research was conducted using thermal imaging cameras to reveal where heat is leaking from a buildings. The results from the survey were consistent throughout, where shutters were used in properties, they proved to be extremely effective in keeping in the heat.

As part of the conclusion of the survey people owning period properties were advised on the benefits of acquiring window shutters and blinds for their homes. Chiara Ronchini of the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust stated,

'We know that improving energy efficiency in historic buildings is very important if we're to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate fuel poverty'.

'There are issues, of course, with historic buildings, but they are so well designed that they need a little push to make sure that they are performing as well as most modern buildings'.

'The thermal imaging exercise really proved that very simple measures, like closing shutters at night and using full length curtains, can have a dramatic effect and make a dramatic improvement on the amount of heat being lost through the windows'.

The research was funded by the climate challenge fund

We're pleased to report this research doesn't come as a surprise to us at Lifestyle Shutters, the news only came a few days after our last blog on how you could reduce your heating bills after all!

If you want to know more about how to reduce heat loss with window shutters, contact us, we'll be happy to talk through your individual requirements.

Reduce Your Heating Bills With Red Cedar Wood Shutters

2010-11-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've all noticed we're now in the grips of Winter, we've all certainly noticed the days are shorter, wetter and colder. So you might, therefore, be thinking about how to keep your homes warm and cosy. The answer could be plantation shuttering.

The protection against heat loss internal shutters provide is probably obvious. But did you know that the wood they're made with will also impact on this efficiency. Here we explain why Red Cedar Wooden Shutters are the best choice for a cosy result.

Red Cedar Wood Shutters

The beautiful western Red Cedar Wood Shutters collection, available from us, is recommended by architects because of the woods strength, durability and exceptional thermal properties. Red Cedar wood is also a favorite of timber builders as it's resistant to rot and, due to its natural oils, even repels insects.

As a premium grade timber, it’s a dimensionally stable wood which allows it to be constructed into any style of shutter to fit any window. It's strong too, making it a great choice if you want natural looking window shutters with optimum durability.

Red Cedars ability to reduce the transfer of heat makes it ideal as a natural room insulator

Its low density and unique cellular structure creates interior air pockets that give it an insulation value higher than most other woods. Its thermal efficiency is equivalent to four times its thickness in concrete.

Selecting Red Cedar Wood Shutters retains heat in your home throughout the winter.

As well as a lacquered finish an ‘Oiled only’ version of louvre and solid shutters is available in natural grain. These shutters are coated and rubbed in linseed oil to enhance the natural and richly textured grain of the wood.

Our Red Cedar Wood Shutters are classic in style yet they sit perfectly in contemporary living areas too. So whatever your style of house and decor you can cosy up behind our Red Cedar Wood Shutters and keep the Winter outside where it belongs!

Contact us for more information.

New Blackout Shutters Available Now

2010-11-05T04:59:00.000-07:00

At Lifestyle Shutters we are delighted to continually offer innovative new products and new to our showroom this month is an exciting range of Blackout Shades.

Blackout Shades sit neatly and cleanly behind your shutters to provide privacy, darkness and seclusion whenever you feel the need!

Blackout Shades are extremely popular in premier homes as they help prevent discolouration of carpets and antique furniture.

Blackout Shades are a must in premier homes with a home cinema installation.

For homes that are without a home cinema installation, blackout shades can help create that home ‘cinema experience’. The virtual blackout experience is a perfect way to watch a blu-ray DVD on your plasma screen TV.

Easy light control that can offer ‘virtual blackout’.

A perfect solution in the summer when the sun comes up at 5am.

Blackout Shades are a great option for individuals who have an irregular work pattern as they can offer ‘virtual darkness’ in your rooms even in the middle of the midday sun.

Blackout Shades will improve the insulation in your rooms by reducing heat loss through your windows.

To find out more about Blackout Shades contact us at Lifestyle Shutters

A buyers guide to interior window shutters

2010-10-28T03:59:00.000-07:00

In previous blogs we have talked about how difficult it is for consumers to decide which plantation shutters are right for them. In this blog we go into a bit more detail.

It all starts with the company you choose to use. We were the UKs first Trading Standard compliant shutter company, and we are a member of the Buy with Confidence scheme. We are very proud of both these accolades and, of course, we think you should use us!

Once you have settled on a company to use the fun bit starts, you get to decide what shutters are going to make your window look amazing.

To help you decide, here are a few questions we suggest asking....

What type of wood is being used to make the shutters?

There are many types of timbers, mdf and exotic sounding names for which both plantation louvre shutters and solid panel shutters are made from. Who’s to say which timber is best for you. You may prefer shutters with a deep grain visible through a white finish. You may prefer the durability of an engineered shutter or the beautiful grain of the premium Red Cedar wood. However, what is important to note is that some types of shutter materials/timbers may more suitable for specific windows and room environments. E.g. A heavy basswood shutter may not be particularly suitable for a large tier on tier opening window where you may wish 3 shutters to fold left and 3 shutters to open to the right. They can be fitted but would they be too heavy for that design?

How are the shutters constructed?

Quite possibly the most important question, although one that is often overlooked. The way a shutter panel is manufactured can have a bearing on the quality, longevity and cost of your purchase. For instance, a shutter that is simply glued together or has thinner profiles (less wood used in making it) is going to be cheaper than one that has reinforced vertical styles to protect from warping or one that is strengthened with mortice and tenon joints. However, with cheaper versions, there is a risk of breakage under the weight of hanging.

How are the shutters secured to the wall/fitted?

From our experience of over 10,000 design surveys there may be any number of ways your shutters can be fitted. The approach taken will depend on your window type, the height, existing openers and the window handles etc. However, there are other elements to take into consideration too, for example:

How often are the shutters to be opened away from the window?
How many shutters are needed per window?
What louvre size do you prefer?
Where should the shutters be mounted for best fixing
Which material/timber are the shutters to be made from.

It is important to make sure all these considerations are discussed in detail before finalising your shutter choice and the method of fixing.

Hopefully you have found our advice useful. If you would like to discuss your own requirements in more detail, do contact us on: info@lifestyleshutters.co.uk or visit us at http://www.lifestyleshutters.co.uk/

Lifestyle Shutters 1st Trading Standards Compliant Interior Shutter Company

2010-10-20T03:11:00.000-07:00

Twitter: Shutter_Tweets

Choosing the right Shutter Company to install shutters in your home can be an extremely difficult decision to make with many of the companies seemingly offering the same service or product.

At Lifestyle Shutters we understand that our customers will want evidence of quality through industry accreditation so they feel confident using our services. In our continued efforts to prove our quality of our services and products, we have sought every accreditation that is available to us.

A scheme that we are extremely delighted to be signed with is the Trading Standards Buy with confidence scheme. The Trading Standards scheme is run in partnership with local authorities such as East Sussex and Kent County Council. The scheme was introduced in response to tackle rogue traders and inform customers of professional companies that have a proven track record of quality and secured guarantees.

Lifestyle Shutters is the first and only shutter company with the Trading Standards buy with confidence accreditation.

How does the scheme work?

The Buy with confidence scheme puts customers in contact with approved traders who have proven to apply to the highest standards of customer service.

How does a trader join the scheme?

Membership of the scheme is not given likely as applicants have to pass a series of stringent checks. This involves each applicant having their complaint history reviewed and being visited by a Trading Standards officer. Additional requirements are references from previous customers and criminal records Bureau clearance.

The scheme covers three key topics

Ensure staff are properly trained for work
Respond to any customer enquiries/complaints promptly
Criminal Records Bureau clearance for all staff that carry out work in peoples home

What this means to you?

The approval process was both thorough and extensive and took a significant amount of time and work to go through, very few companies are unwilling to go through the process and that is why to date we are the only trading compliant Shutter Company throughout London and Sussex, Kent and the rest of the South East.

This means that when you and other customers research diligently the right Shutter Company for your property you will be satisfied that at Lifestyle Shutters we consistently work to the highest levels of quality as required by Local Authorities and Trade Standards officers.

If you have any further enquiries about the Buy with confidence scheme run by Trading Standards then please leave a comment. Or alternatively contact us directly where we will be more than happy to explain our accreditations and quality shutter range.

Case Study 1 - Plantation Shutters for a Kent country home

2010-10-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

At Lifestyle Shutters we are always delighted to receive positive feedback from customers. At our new website we have a dedicated section where we can share this positive feedback. This blog post is one case study that is now available to view.

Case Study

Mr & Mrs Bilson were living in Haywards Heath and were moving to a new build house on the outskirts of Hythe, Kent. They arranged to visit our Uckfield showroom to get a feel for initial costs and the wooden plantation shutters themselves. Once the windows were in place in their new home a detailed design survey was arranged.

It was suggested 63mm louvres throughout the house with Half and half shutters to frame the windows and to match the window framework and help improve their insulation. The 89mm larger louvers were suggested for the Kitchen / sunroom to allow more light through during the summer

Comments about internal shutters for an ideal home

"My wife and I were looking for some indoor plantation style shutters to give our new home a contemporary look and came across the Lifestyle Shutters website. It was clear from the website that they were the sort of thing we were looking for and therefore we decided to visit their showroom in Uckfield to get a clearer indication of options and prices.

We met Nathan at the showroom, who gave us his full attention to explain the various materials, designs, and colours available and tips on the best options for our requirements. We also at that point had a fair indication of costs. Nathan suggested a site visit to our house to discuss in more detail the most appropriate design options regarding panel configuration and louvre dimensions and where to fit the internal wood shutters to the windows.

We both felt that our initial showroom visit and subsequent site survey were handled in a clear concise and professional manner and at no time did we feel under pressure to proceed with an order. We subsequently placed our order to have the entire house fitted out and were given a detailed sales order confirmation and an estimated delivery and fitting date.

Delivery was on cue with fitting completed in one day during the advised week given at time of initial order placement.

We are delighted with the results. The precision of the fitting was excellent, and the aesthetics of the shutter configurations suggested by Nathan are very pleasing to the eye. We also noted that the shutters have improved the insulation properties of the house, a benefit that we were not fully expecting.

We were also impressed with the after sales service. As a few minor fitting adjustments were required which were carried out promptly and efficiently. We have no hesitation in recommending this Shutter Company for the quality of it's product and service level."

Geoff and Wendy Bilson. Hythe. Kent.

Plantation Shutters opens up solutions for your home

2010-10-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Window Shutters are very popular around the world in millions of homes, especially in countries such as the USA and France.

In the United Kingdom with the increasing popularity of home interior television shows that promote new and innovative products, plantation shutters have become an increasingly popular choice to improve the aesthetic of your rooms.

At Lifestyle Shutters we have witnessed this trend and with the relationships we have built up with our customers fully understand the reasons why people are turning to plantation shutters from dated net curtains.

For many of our clients having increased privacy is essential for them, especially if they have other properties over looking their home. Plantation shutters are an obvious solution to this problem, but furthermore they can offer greater security.

Additional reasons that contribute towards people deciding that plantation shutters are a great solution to their household needs include the reason that they can provide great insulation during the winter. For many of our customers they have found that the installation of shutters has been an investment that has paid for itself several times over as they have reduced their energy bills.

The efficiency saving that can be gained can often be the deciding factor when people choose plantation shutters. Yet, there are even more reasons why people choose plantation shutters from the reduction of outside noise to light control.

If you want to find out further, about the specific benefits of plantation shutters you can visit our new website that has a full listing of high quality plantation shutters that have been installed in premier homes and businesses. Alternatively you can visit our showrooms in Uckfield to further discuss the range of plantation shutters available and have a cup of tea.

Lifestyle Shutters launch new website

2010-10-15T02:59:00.000-07:00

About the Website

Lifestyle Shutters are the South East of England’s premier Shutter Company. We install high quality wooden shutters into luxury homes and prime commercial properties.

Our new website will help us to communicate our dedication, professionalism and quality of service to you, so you can be satisfied we are the best people for your project.

The site includes thorough descriptions of our work and products, testimonies from existing customers, images from our work portfolio and new upcoming products.

On the new site, and in line with our policy to provide a first class service, you can order a comprehensive shutter survey for your home, view our full range of products, request samples, download our brochure or register to join our mailing list.

About Lifestyle Shutters

Lifestyle Shutters has been designing and installing durable, high quality wooden shutters and blinds for over 5 years. We offer investment in the latest technology, a highly skilled and specialist workforce alongside a highly motivated and energetic management team. Our reputation is built on a first class customer service, reliability and a real understanding of all wooden window dressing solutions.

For a superb choice of plantation shutters and wooden blinds to complement your home please visit the NEW Lifestyle Shutters website.

Lifestyle Shutters launch New Blog

2010-10-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

At Lifestyle Shutters we are delighted to launch our new blog and social media sites. Since Lifestyle shutters was established in 2005, we have built up a strong reputation for our work across Sussex and the South East of England.

During this time the relationship that we have forged with our customers has meant that we are often recommended or asked back for future projects. This blog gives our customers the opportunity to follow us and to keep up to date with our latest products, projects and news.