Blinds give a stylish outlook to city living

Yorkshire Post - 2nd July - Life & Style Section: Homes

Interiors

How do you keep your privacy, but still enjoy the view when living in a modern city-centre apartment? Interior Designer, Jamie Hempsall, is inspired by an idea thats big in Japan.

The modern city or town environment is invariably an apartment, either in a converted house or purpose built. Urban window treatments should be clean and uncluttered: drawing back as far as possible to allow maximum light in. These dwellings often provide spectacular views, but how do you retain them without compromising your privacy?

One of the most interesting recent introductions is the Japanese style panel blind no national knows more about crowded living! These are wide panels that neatly stack back to the sides of the window. They are spectacular on their own, but are available in designs that allow you to see out, whilst blocking any view in. If your view is not that terrific, why not consider the Kyoto Citiscape panel blind from Eclectics (www.eclectics.com) that gives you an instant penthouse view when drawn. Ceiling or wall mounted, you can also use these as room dividers create additional temporary rooms in your apartment in true Japanese style (from £323).

Vertical blinds, that bastion of the 1970’s office, are also making a comeback but with considerable design twists. The blinds provide a full view out and can be angled to give you maximum light as required. They stack back to allow completely open window space. Companies such as Lonsdale and Novatec (available via £130).

The simplest option is the roller blind available from most retails and specialists. Virtually anything is available in this form these days, from items printed with your own picture to total blackout. However, to provide a view and maintain privacy, voile blinds are an excellent solution. Eclectic has a range of plains and patterns that will suit both trendy and traditional interiors (from £33). Battery-operated, remote control mechanisms help with difficult to reach windows (or can be used just for the fun of it) from £260, plus blind, these have to be a serious consideration.

If modesty is the issue, consider pull up blinds. These are installed at the bottom of the window and as the name suggests pull upwards: allowing you to hide as much of the interior as you wish, whilst keeping the view from the top of the window. Novatec and Hillary’s Blinds both have solutions from £57.

Traditional Venetian blinds are always in style, particularly in wood a product that is now much more affordable. They add warmth to an interior scheme and, as with verticals, can be angled to allow one way views and maximum light. Timberlux by Decora Blinds have a large range from £63 (www.decora.co.uk).

A softer option is found in sheers, billowing light fabric that covers your window (think of the sitting room in “The Great Gatsby” with Robert Redford). They put your view into soft focus, allow light in, but keep daytime viewers out and protect delicate fabrics from fading. However, be aware that when night falls and you turn on a light, sheer fabrics become see through!

Finally, if you want total privacy and are happy to block your view, then curtains are the solution. Use eyelets and a pole for an unfussy finish and incorporate the lightest fabric possible to enable them to stack back and allow light in during the day.

Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall is always full of practical window treatment ideas contact him on studio@jamiehempsall.com if you would like to know more.