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Kyoto blinds
The modern city or town environment is invariably an apartment, requiring window treatments that are clean, uncluttered and allow maximum light in. H
One of the most interesting recent introductions is the Japanese-style panel blind; no nation knows more about crowded living! These wide panels neatly stack back to the sides of the window. They are spectacular on their own and available in designs that provide views, but ensure your privacy. The Kyoto Citiscape panel blind from Novatec also gives you an instant penthouse view when closed. Ceiling or wall mounted, you can also use these as room dividers to create additional temporary rooms in your apartment in true Japanese style (from £323).
Vertical blinds, that bastion of the 1970s, have cast aside white drabness and are making a comeback in contemporary designs. They can be angled to give you maximum light as required and stack back to allow completely open window space. The most dramatic are “strings”, incorporating a series of fine, flat braids onto each section – available in 25 colours to give you an instant club feel in your living room (from £130).
Modesty and voyeurism can be achieved with pull up blinds. These are installed at the bottom of the window and as the name suggests raise upwards: allowing you to hide as much of the interior as you wish, whilst retaining your view from the top of the window.
If all else fails, you can never go wrong with traditional Venetian blinds which, though pricey, are always in style, particularly in natural wood.
However, remember that when night falls and you turn on a light, some fabrics become see through – so always check before banking on complete discretion.
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.
Jamie Hempsall is a Nottinghamshire-based BIDA associate interior designer undertaking domestic and commercial contracts throughout the UK. For more information and contact details please visit Jamie Hempsall Ltd
