Victoria Brocklesby of Origin discusses how coloured doors and windows can transform home design, and offers practical advice on using colour to boost kerb appeal, enhance light, and add value.
The decisions are endless when designing a home: from floor plans to materials, and naturally, the aesthetics.
Colour plays a crucial role in residential properties, influencing mood, atmosphere, and the overall feel of each space. In recent years, the trend of aggressively grey and neutral interiors has started to shift, leaving many homeowners feeling bored and uninspired.
While these muted tones were once popular for their simplicity, more homeowners are now drawn to bold colours to bring personality and energy back into their homes.
In addition to their practicality, doors and windows can shape the overall character and personality of a home, with colour being a key aspect of this.
Including colourful doors & windows
Just as a building’s exterior colour or wall paint creates a distinct feel, the colour of a door or window can significantly boost kerb appeal and set the aesthetic tone. For example, a front door’s colour can make a powerful first impression, while the colour of door and window frames can either complement or contrast with the building’s architectural style.
What to consider
Before specifying coloured doors or windows, architects will need to consider any restrictions on the property. In conservation areas, for instance, there may be limitations on colour choices that don’t align with the character of the area.
It’s also important to think about how the interior colour scheme will interact with doors and windows. Rooms are redecorated by homeowners frequently, so choosing a versatile colour that can adapt to various decor changes is crucial. Exterior materials, such as brickwork or cladding, should also be factored into colour decisions. Dual-colour options on bespoke doors and windows allow for different interior and exterior frame colours, which can further enhance design flexibility.
Although neutral or grey hues may seem like a safe choice, carefully selected contrasting or statement tones can bring a unique edge to a building. For example, a red front door or pastel window frames inject personality into the property.
Framing spaces with colour
Coloured frames can also influence how light enters and moves through a room. Lighter frames can amplify natural light, which is particularly beneficial in smaller spaces or rooms with limited natural light. A pale grey or pastel yellow door, for instance, can brighten a hallway by reflecting light from adjacent rooms, creating a more open, airy feel. In contrast, darker frames can subtly define spaces by limiting light flow, enhancing a sense of separation between areas.
Boosting property value
When designing homes, saleability is always on the mind. Research of 2,000 UK prospective homeowners found that they are likely to pay an average of 5% less for a property with an unappealing colour scheme. Notably, almost a fifth of people believe a bad colour scheme – either on the inside or outside of a property – knocks over 10% off the value of a house.
So which colours tend to discourage buyers? Yellow is perceived as the ‘cheapest’ looking colour, with pink considered as the ‘tackiest,’ and neutrals the most ‘boring.’ However, whites, blues, and reds are widely regarded as stylish and timeless. Architects may want to keep these preferences in mind when selecting frame colours that add lasting appeal.
Specifying quality
With a vast selection of doors and windows on the market, it’s essential for architects to recommend systems that prioritise quality. Quality doors and windows are defined by several key features that combine craftsmanship, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
The highest-quality fenestration is often British-made, valued for its craftsmanship, durability, and precision. British manufacturers adhere to strict quality standards, ensuring products are robust, long-lasting, and fit seamlessly.
When prioritising quality, material choice plays a vital role. Aluminium is a superior material for doors and windows due to its exceptional strength and durability, yet it is also lightweight. It offers superior performance compared to other materials, ensuring that the door remains robust and performs well for years.
Given the investment in fenestration and the impact of colour, architects shouldn’t compromise on quality. For clients interested in unique colours, selecting a manufacturer that offers bespoke products ensures a range of colour choices and an assurance of quality.
Victoria Brocklesby is COO at Origin