Victoria Brocklesby of Origin discusses the impact of colour when choosing doors and windows, and its importance in design decisions
For self-builders and renovators, the decisions are endless: layouts, materials, and of course, aesthetics. One element that can be overlooked, however, is doors and windows – the ‘eyes’ of a home. While their functionality is important, the colour of these elements plays a surprisingly significant role in shaping the overall character and personality of a home.
Doors and windows have a big impact on both the interior and exterior of a property. The colour of a front door, for example, plays a big part in creating first impressions and boosting kerb appeal – setting the tone for the entire property. Opting for soft pastel colours can create a warm and inviting look, whilst choosing monochrome or grey shades can contribute to a sleek, modern aesthetic.
The colour of door and window frame can also either complement or clash with a home’s architectural style. Traditional homes might benefit from classic creams or neutrals, while contemporary spaces can handle bolder pops of colour or sleek grey and black hues. That being said, when chosen carefully, contrasting tones can add a unique stamp to any property. For instance, a statement red door can look fantastic in a traditional, brick property, while warm pastels can add instant character to a newbuild.
Colour can also influence the perceived amount of light and space in a home. Opting for lighter colours such as white or cream will help reflect sunlight, making rooms instantly feel larger and airier. On the other hand, if looking to create cosier, more intimate spaces, opting for darker colours can help absorb the natural light.
Before choosing coloured doors or windows, it’s worth double-checking whether the property is covered by any restrictions. For example, if a property is in a conservation area, renovators may need to seek permission if they plan on opting for a colour which is out-of-keeping with neighbouring properties.
It’s also important to consider how the interior will interact with the colour scheme with the doors and windows. Remember, most people redecorate rooms much more frequently than they replace their doors and windows, so it’s important to select a colour that will stand the test of time and complement a variety of interior schemes.
As well as the interior, the frames will need to complement the property’s brickwork, cladding, or render. Some bespoke doors and windows will also offer dual-colour options, allowing selfbuilders to opt for a different colour for the interior and exterior of the frames.
Choosing the Right Manufacturer
With so many door and window manufacturers in the UK, selecting the right one is crucial for achieving the desired look, especially when working with a specific colour scheme.
When researching a supplier, selfbuilders and renovators should consider the colour range they offer. Do they offer a diverse palette? Do they offer dual colour options? Fenestration is a big investment, so we’d never recommend compromising when it comes to colour.
For those desiring an unusual shade, it’s best to opt for a manufacturer that makes its products bespoke to ensure there is plenty of choice. Some premium quality doors and windows are available in over 150 RAL colours.
It’s also important to investigate the quality of the finish as this will have a big impact on the colour and how it lasts over time. High quality aluminium doors tend to be powder coated, a process which involves applying dry paint and baking at extremely high temperatures to form a hard coating. The better the powder coating, the better the finish and the more durable the doors will be. There are several ways to determine this. Ideally, we’d recommend opting for a company that has complete control over its own powder coating process to guarantee quality. Selfbuilders and renovators should also check the guarantees and warranties offered on the finish.
Victoria Brocklesby is COO at Origin