Achieve refinement in your home with the latest window treatment innovations including recessed boxes, automation, improved energy-efficiency and privacy and new materials.
Like many other aspects of interiors, innovations in window treatment technology, materiality and energy efficiency have revolutionised consumer expectations. To uncover the latest changes and advancements, we spoke to Window Treatments’ Graeme Rose who shares the innovations taking window treatments to the next level of sophistication and functionality.
The latest smart features & automation
Motorisation and automation are becoming more and more mainstream with innovations such as Window Treatments’ blinds powered by Motionblinds which offer smart operation with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and/or Samsung SmartThings with built-in technologies Matter and Thread.
“This means that providing customers have an existing border router or smart device such as a smart TV, smart lighting etcetera, there’s no need for a bridge (hub), registration or any cloud dependency so set-up is simple and secure,” says Rose.
Since there’s no cloud-reliance, all data and intelligence are stored locally on the motor, so data exchanged in the home stays in the home.
Physical security is another benefit of automated blinds, as these smart technologies enable window coverings to be set to open and close at any time, giving the home an inhabited look even when homeowners are away.
Window Treatments’ blinds (powered by Motionblinds) are already integrated with smart technology and shortly this will be offered with custom made curtains.
These innovations mean blinds and curtains can interface with other accessories, such as thermostats and lighting in homes.
Motorised and automated louvre roofs and Securo exterior blinds not only provide outdoor comfort, but also assist in controlling passive heating and cooling and therefore the building’s energy consumption.
Motorised shutters provide shading and heat control in this glass atrium, and complement the architecture of this circa 1800s club.
Window treatments enhancing energy efficiency
For interiors, the insulating properties of blinds and curtains teamed with automation means it is possible to effectively heat in winter and cool in summer using sun and shade.
“Window coverings can be automatically queued to offer the comfort level, ambiance and security desired. Using the insulating properties of your blinds or curtains to heat in the winter and cool in the summer means customers can create a healthier environment whilst saving energy.
Automation links to other smart home applications such as thermometers and clocks to assist homeowners in using passive heating and cooling which further assists energy efficiency goals.
In the interior of the home, automation and motorisation on shutters and blinds for out of reach gable end windows and skylights are also very effective for reducing energy use as well as ease of control.
“Motorised and automated Louvre Roofs and awnings assist in controlling passive heating and cooling and therefore the building’s energy consumption,” shares Rose. “Louvre roofs provide shade for exterior areas as well as adjoining interiors, and outdoor blinds and shutters provide additional comfort.”
Exterior Securo blinds and awnings that retract into smart cassette boxes also have the added benefit of enhancing the home’s aesthetic. The awning visualiser on Window Treatments’ website simulates the shading effect from an awning at any location and at any time of the day.
With innovations such as Window Treatments’ blinds (powered by Motionblinds) motorisation and automation are becoming mainstream.
Emerging trends in materials for window treatments
There are multiple different advancements in materials that not only ensure fabric is more attractive and durable, but also offers increased privacy options. One popular example is sheer unlined curtains in open linen weaves, which can be teamed with a minimalistic roller blind or on a double curtain track with a dimout/blockout curtain.
“Sheers soften a room, offering diffuse light and ethereal elegance. They provide a level of daytime privacy whilst filtering UV and protecting interior furnishings,” shares Rose.
Temperature control is another benefit of advanced fabric technology.
“Screen blinds in hi-tech fabrics that withstand and assist in controlling temperature changes and visibility continue to be popular.
To help clients make fabric choices, Window Treatments’ fabric visualiser (on their website) enables clients to see the different effects of some of their window treatments in different lights.
In the interior, curtains can now be fully automated.
Sheer curtains offer flexibility with privacy.
Window treatments now enhance privacy and security
As previously mentioned, Window Treatments’ Motionblinds can be controlled to operate at any time to give a home a ‘lived in’ appearance.
“Privacy, and sophisticated aesthetics, has seen homeowners opt for double curtain tracks, double roller tracks, blinds teamed with curtains and of course shutters. Tools like visualisers give a good representation of what people from the outside may see with screen blinds.”
The latest recessed invisible box blinds
Customers looking for refinement in their homes expect exceptional finishing, which has prompted the huge popularity of recessed boxes, which are quickly growing in demand to hide blinds completely in the ceiling space.
“Window Treatments' new modular Recessed Boxes are launching this month which enable Motorised Roller Blinds to be recessed out of view but with a small gap to allow for the blind to lower and retract into the recess box.
“Our recessed boxes adapt for single and double motorised roller blinds as well as curtain tracks and headings. A removable extruded aluminium bottom cover conceals the blind within, however, of course, curtains do not have a bottom cover."
Rose says innovations look set to continue as architecture evolves and homeowners’ appetite for smart connectivity and automation without the need for cloud storage increases.
Because Window Treatments manufacture in New Zealand they are able to create bespoke solutions for tricky applications and offer custom options for challenging window covering requirements.
