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Author: Helen Clarke

Composite Doors

Posted on by Helen Clarke

Composite Doors Are The Finishing Touch

If you’re looking for some curb appeal you can’t go wrong with composite doors. They are the perfect way to create an impact or enhance the existing style of your home.

composite doors

Composite front doors are not just stylish, they are also very durable with excellent security features. And with so many styles and colours to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice.

They are available in a variety of colours, giving a huge range of different looks to suit traditional and contemporary properties. You could choose a dramatic black with chrome finishing for a modern property. Or, perhaps duck egg blue with decorative glass for a period home.

composite doors

Home design trends for 2020 feature colour in a big way. From cobalt blue range cookers and matching glass splashback in kitchens, to feature doors. Colour is THE trend for 2020.

Colour trends for 2020 according to Elle Decor and leading paint brand Behr Paints are a mix of muted colours inspired by nature.

composite doors

An exciting new range of composite doors from Door Stop has launched this week on our website.

Featuring materials that give you the very best in strength, easy maintenance, security, and weather resistance. The latest technology and design in doors means enjoy loads of style, strength and security.

The composite doors are thick (44mm thick, compared to conventional PVC panel doors which are 28mm). Coupled with a super-strong structural frame and up-to-the-minute hardware you don’t have to worry about security.

composite doors colours

Available in a wide range of colours for both the door and frame, there is something for all tastes. Its glass-reinforced plastic finish means you’ll be secure in all weathers and enjoying great looks for years to come. Oh – and great looks as well.

You can view the full range here.

All of our composite doors come in a large range of colours, so you’re sure to find something that suits you. We stock doors from brands such as Solidor, Elite and Door Stop Premium.

Finishing Touches

For the finishing touches, we have a range of beautiful glass and finishes to complement almost any property. All of our composite doors are easy to maintain. They have been thoroughly tested for maximum resistance against adverse weather. Aswell as thorough testing for high-pressure contact to keep intruders out. Our global door is 48mm thick (nearly 10% thicker than most alternatives). Coupled with a strong structure it comes complete with the all of the latest hardware, making it even more secure. We can even make your cladding to match!

Security

As well as top-quality standard hardware and locking systems Abelglass also provide a range of smart solutions.

For those that like their gadgets, we offer a range of high tech solutions:

  • Full remote control locking systems
  • Fingerprint recognition locking systems
  • Stylish, easy to use intercoms.

Get In Touch

We pride ourselves on our quality of work and service. If you’re looking to update your front door then why not get in touch with our friendly staff. You can speak to one of our friendly professionals today for a no-obligation chat about your requirements. to discuss your requirements or call us for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Call us on 01253 893355 or email enquiries@abelglass.co.uk

 

Kitchen Splashback Ideas

Posted on by Helen Clarke

Who doesn’t love designing and updating their home?

It’s so nice to give your hallway a lick of paint or some new linoleum in the bathroom. However, there aren’t many people lucky enough to be able to replace their entire kitchen on a regular basis. However, just like painting a wall changing your splashback will change the whole look of your kitchen. With this in mind, we’ve put together our top kitchen splashback ideas.

Tall Splashbacks

kitchen splashback

As featured in this Elle Decor Article.  Tall splashbacks which cover the entire wall are an emerging new trend.

“Tall backsplashes clad with heavily veined marble such as Arabascatto or Calacatta Oro will be making waves in high-brow design circles.” — Katharine Pooley

This sits very well with the new trend to have one wall clear of any cupboards. Instead, there is a feature wall with an interesting covering or feature shelving.

Mirrored Splashbacks

kitchen splashback ideas

Metallics are still everywhere in home interior design. Whether it’s copper handles or brushed chrome taps this trend is here to stay. The use of mirror instead of plain metal is a really interesting way of playing with this trend. The reflective material will create a feeling of space and increased light whilst also keeping in with the trend for metal.

Colour

Match your splashback to your appliances or accessories. The introduction of a ‘key’ colour into an otherwise monochromatic room is a huge trend for kitchens this year. Match your appliances, walls and accessories for a big impact.  We offer a colour-match service which means we can create a splashback in any colour you choose. Colour can really have a huge impact on any room.

Take a look at our blog to find out which colour suits your personality, and the effect of colour on your mood. Colour Can Transform Your Home.

Monochrome

kitchen splashback ideas

Black is the new grey! This year has seen a return to pure black and white rather than just grey tones. Gloss finishes on walls and cabinets add to the sharp to the crisp look of this trend.

Black feels fresh as crisp as white when used as a predominant or accent colour.  Using black as a splashback will add some drama without fully darkening your kitchen.  You can choose between a super shiny black glass splashback or a matte frosted effect.

Have You Decided?

Hopefully, we’ve whetted your appetite with our top kitchen splashback ideas. However, if you’ve got an idea that we haven’t featured here that doesn’t mean it’s not possible.

If you’ve got an idea for a splashback in your kitchen or bathroom why not give us a call to discuss it?  If you can make it from glass there’s a good chance that Abelglass Design can make your ideas a reality.

Call our friendly team on 01253 893355 for a no-obligation quote or email enquiries@abeglass.co.uk 

 

 

Open Glass Shelves – Kitchen Trends

Posted on by Helen Clarke

Open Glass Shelves Are A Key Trend In Kitchen Design.

There’s always something new in kitchen design, and open glass shelves are this years trend.

glass shelves

Featured in this Elle Article open shelving is a key trend for 2019.

“A trend I’m seeing is replacing kitchen upper cabinets with metal, wood or glass shelving. Inspired by hotel and retail spaces, this adds to the overall bold statements many want to make in their homes, forgoing the minimalism that was popular in years past.”  – Sara Ianniciello, Director of Design at Whitehall Interiors

glass shelves

This trend for open shelving is in line with another key look which is kitchens with no upper cabinets. In a move against the previously popular minimalist look, walls are now adorned with open glass shelves.

This allows the homeowner to proudly display their kitchen paraphernalia. And why not, after all, you are proud of your favourite set of plates or shiny copper pans.

Let The Light In.

Glass is the perfect material for shelving to show-off your kitchenalia and can be made to perfectly match the style of your kitchen. Whether you have a sleek monochromatic kitchen with brushed steel accessories. Or a country kitchen look with gold accents and marble tops you can create shelving to fit in seamlessly. Shelving is also something which can be updated regularly. You can change what you display, from plants to books to antique scales.

Choosing glass rather than wood or metal for shelving also maximises space and light. Creating the illusion of a more spacious kitchen. Glass will also reflect and amplify any colour or pattern which is covering the walls or surfaces.

glass shelves

Glass Shelves Just For You.

Abelglass’ bespoke glass cutting service means you can create glass shelves to fit perfectly into your kitchen. Whether its some tall and narrow ones to make the most out of unused space. Or a single statement shelf spanning a whole wall, Abelglass can create something uniquely yours. Our glass is available in a huge range of colours and finishes, from frosted to quartz effect. Ablelglass offer a colour matching service for all of our glass products. Which means you can match your shelving to your wallpaper or even a favourite cup.

We also have a huge range of hardware to finish off the look, to make sure that everything is spot-on.

Why Stop At The Kitchen.

Here at Abelglass, we create glass shelving suitable for anywhere in the home. From a shelf above the bathroom sink to space-saving shelves in a shower enclosure. If you can dream it, we can make it.

Get in touch with our friendly team of glass experts to bring your ideas to life.

Call us on 01253 893355 or email enquiries@ableglass.co.uk.

Coloured Glass Will Transform Your Home

Posted on by Helen Clarke

Surround Yourself With Colour

Coloured glass is a fantastic way of incorporating colour into your home whilst also increasing light. Including your favourite colour in your surroundings will lift your mood and feeling of contentment.

Coloured Glass Will Light Up Your Room

Everyone has their favourite mug or perhaps a china cup to drink their morning coffee or tea. The reason it’s their favourite is usually down to the colour and design. By matching the glass on your splashback to your favourite mug your whole kitchen can feature your ‘happy colour’.  Maybe you have a photograph from a fondly remembered holiday. And you want a breakfast counter to exactly match the blue of the Mediterranean.

Whatever it is, and for whichever reason, everybody has a favourite colour that makes them smile.

There is also a psychology behind colour and why we naturally like or dislike different ones.

YELLOW is ‘Emotional’ and the most effective at raising optimism and self-esteem.

coloured glass

RED is a ‘Physical’ colour and is believed to actually stimulate the pulse rate.

BLUE is ‘Intellectual’  and can be both soothing and aid concentration.

coloured glass

GREEN represents ‘Balance’ and is believed to offer reassurance and restoration.

coloured glass

Coloured Glass Can Really Brighten Up A Bathroom.

Often the smallest room in the house, a bathroom can sometimes feel dark and uninviting. By replacing tiles and shower curtains with glass you can increase the feeling of space without sacrificing colour and design.

From serene green to fresh and cool blue, your bathroom will look more inviting with a highlight of colour.

Glass is so versatile it can be used anywhere in your home. If you have a piece of art displayed in your bedroom you can match your dressing tabletop to one of the colours.

Colour Matched Glass

We use state-of-the-art technology which ensures we can match the exact colour of your sample.  Whether it’s wallpaper or your favourite mug, as long as it’s a solid colour, we can scan it and create your glass to match.

We create a huge variety of different products using our specialist glass. From glass tabletops and shelves, balconies and balustrades, splashbacks, countertops and panels, the possibilities are endless. And with our colour match service, it will all be in your unique colour.

You can pick out a name for your colour and we will save it so that you can come back for more items. So, when you decide to add a kitchen counter in “Claire’s Favourite Turquoise” we’ll know exactly what to do.

We Love Colour!

Everything from vibrant orange to subtle green. We believe that it can transform a room and your mood with it.

Take a look at our Colour Match page for more information and check out our Portfolio to see our work in action.

If you want to talk about adding coloured glass in your home we’ll be happy to talk.

Contact Us on 01253 893355 or email enquiries@abelglass.co.uk

Which Splashback?

Posted on by Helen Clarke

There’s now a bigger choice of splashback materials on offer than ever before.

No longer a purely practical addition, the splashback now serves as a statement piece as well as protecting the walls from splashes and spills.

Cost, maintenance and how they complement the rest of your kitchen design will all factor into your selection.

Stainless steel has an industrial look and is easy to look after although it can sometimes look ‘cloudy’ if not cleaned properly. Stone will make a statement, although it will require a considerable investment. As will quartz and solid surface materials if you want to match to a worktop. More unusual materials are mirrored glass and metallics, which can brighten as well as protect. Whilst being visually attractive they can be difficult to keep clean and expensive to install.

Tiles are a traditional choice…

There are many colours, styles and patterns to choose from at a wide range of price points. They’re easy to keep clean, although grout is often quite tricky to keep looking fresh.  Black or grey tiles with a black or grey grout instead of the standard white, can help eliminate ‘grubby looking grout’. Many homeowners favour tiles as they think they are more classic. Therefore won’t date and can be a very economical choice if you’re working on a budget. There is a vast array of different designs which can create a beautiful effect. Including the currently very popular mosaic designs. However, if you stray away from standard tiles many of the more high-end products also come with a hefty price tag.

Glass can be a barely visible addition to your kitchen…

Clear glass will protect a painted wall or stand out in its own right if you choose a coloured or patterned design.  With glass, you can still embrace the trend for wallpaper, pattern and a feature wall in your kitchen. Simply install a glass panel over your wallpaper to protect it from any stains, splashes or spillages. Glass is very easy to clean and looks really sleek. You can simply wipe the surface rather than scrubbing the grout between tiles. In addition to worktops, splashbacks are often the first thing that people notice when walking into a kitchen. Brightly coloured glass is very popular in contemporary kitchens as it adds character without becoming over-powering. Almost any colour can make a huge impact from bright red to stylish navy blue, although it is worth avoiding a “fashion colour” if you worry you will become bored or you don’t want it to date.

Pick something you love, rather than something that is currently in fashion.

Alternatively, you could opt for an upstand to match your worktop and have a single panel glass splashback above the hob.

Painting your kitchen walls in a bold colour and fitting a clear glass splashback over the top is really effective. If you want to change the colour of the walls in the future, you can just repaint. Glass splashbacks can be more expensive than standard tiles, but they are easier to maintain (no more scrubbing grout) and they really do have the wow factor. Clever use of back or down lighting can really make the most of your choice. You can order the glass and fit it yourself, although a lot of people opt for supply and installation in order to guarantee a good fit and peace of mind. If you’re thinking of fitting your own kitchen, consider whether you can install your splashback material yourself. This is possible with glass panels, tiles and mosaic sheets, however, a professional will need to do the job with stone and solid surfaces.

Don’t be afraid to mix materials, a glass splashback behind a hob with tiles either side looks great and is easy to keep clean with just a wipe over… Apart from the pesky grout, and life is too short to scrub grout.

To talk to one of our friendly team about a splashback for your home contact us on 01253 893355

or email us at enquiries@abelglass.co.uk

Orangery or Conservatory?

Posted on by Helen Clarke

If you are looking to upgrade your home or need extra space. You may be deliberating between a conservatory or an orangery.

So, what is the difference between the two? Both an Orangery & Conservatory have similarities in their construction. As they are both built on a solid concrete foundation and will usually incorporate some form of a brick base. They are both used for very similar purposes. An extension to a home which provides a bright and elegant extra living space.

The main differences between an Orangery and a Conservatory are the frame construction and the roof.

orangery

A conservatory typically has over 75% of the roof glazed, whilst an orangery has less than 75%. Conservatories by definition have over 50% of their wall area constructed of glass using less framework/brickwork. Whilst an orangery frame often has brick pillars at its corners, or shorter wooden pillars to support the roof.

What is an Orangery?

Orangeries date back as far as the 17th Century, and up to the mid-1800s were typically found on wealthy estates & high-value properties. This is because they were fashionable amongst the wealthy elite to grow citrus trees that required warmth and light. However, by the approach of the 20th-century international travel and cargo shipping made citrus fruits much easier to obtain. This meant that Orangery structures were increasingly used as living spaces as well as a place to grow other plants and vegetables.

Orangeries can either be attached to the property or constructed as a separate building. They can be created to feel like an additional room that compliments the house. Or have their own design that sets them apart from the rest of the building. Orangeries typically offer more privacy than traditional glass conservatories. As more brickwork is involved in their construction. The roof of an Orangery tends to have a solid perimeter with roof lanterns to allow light in. It can also include a range of different design ideas which set it apart from a conservatory roof. A substantial roof also allows for lighting, which is beneficial when the room is being used in the evening.

orangery

If you are the owner of a more traditional or period building you may find that an orangery is more complementary to the style of your home. Therefore, if it’s a more substantial extension that you’re looking to add to your home, then an orangery may be the perfect addition.

See what Orangeries look like by looking at our Orangery Gallery.

What is a Conservatory?

A conservatory is a glass room with a pitched roof that usually connects to a house from one wall. Conservatories are thought to have been inspired by the orangery and have been popular in the UK since the 1970s. This is mostly due to the abundance of light coming into the glass structure. A perfect area for entertaining guests and relaxing. Conservatories normally reflect the design and features of the property. Making it feel like an extension of the home rather than a separate building or extension. Conservatories often use less brickwork than orangeries and feature a glass ceiling and walls. Conservatory frames minimise the components needed to hold the glass. Allowing for uninterrupted views of the garden and surrounding areas. See what Conservatories look like by looking at our Conservatories Gallery.

orangery

Modern conservatories are manufactured using UPVC which allows for very affordable manufacture, supply and installation costs. However, many property owners choose Wood over UPVC for its natural aesthetic properties. Both Orangeries and Conservatories use double/triple glazed window units to maximise energy efficiency. A choice of patio/French doors is most common in conservatories whilst orangeries tend to feature folding door systems.

How does it all stack up?

Orangeries tend to be more expensive than Conservatories due to their size and the construction involved. Conservatories are typically priced from £10,000 for a standard UPVC model. Whilst a 4×4 Orangery is typically around £19000. The cost of your conservatory or orangery will entirely dependent upon the size, materials and features which you choose.

According to a recent article in the Telegraph by property guru Phil Spencer.

“A well-built conservatory can add at least 5% to the value of your property”.

When looking to extend your property bedroom space is desirable, however, “living space is worth more per square foot than bedroom space.” the addition of an orangery to your property can add up to 10% in extra value.

What if you already have a conservatory?

“Too many conservatories built 40, 30 or even 10 years ago are not fit for purpose today. When you bought yours, you wanted an extension you could use throughout the year: somewhere warm in winter and cool in the summer. In hindsight, what you ended up with was a conservatory that left you sweltering in summer and freezing in winter.” Writes Tim Adler here

Modern conservatories have overcome this problem with dramatically improved thermal ratings. Better design means they can be enjoyed all year-round. Replacing the glass in your existing conservatory with new units will immediately make an improvement. Our double glazing is manufactured using heat-saving low emissivity glass which will ensure great thermal performance all year round. Keeping your conservatory cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Each Abelglass conservatory and orangery is individually designed, and with over 30 years of experience, we can ensure that your conservatory or orangery is the best match for the rest of your property.

Designed and built to last in either uPVC or aluminium our double-glazed units are installed and secured into each frame. Ensuring your home is safe and secure. We have a wealth of conservatory and orangery ideas. You can trust us to help you make the right decision for you, your home and your budget. We can project manage the entire build, or work alongside your own builder, the choice is yours.

Whatever you choose, Abelglass will ensure that your project is built to our high standards with deposit protection and insurance for up to 10 years.

Talk to us about your project today on 01253 893355 or email us at enquiries@abelglass.co.uk

The Right Staircase For Your Home

Posted on by Helen Clarke

The staircase is a major feature in any home, however, its detail and design are often overlooked.

Your staircase is often the first thing visitors see when they visit your home and can make a fantastic first impression. Take time to consider how your staircase fits within your home and if it is in keeping with the overall style.

Making the most of your staircase and hallway can really make an impact.

It is well worth considering an update if you are renovating your home or when designing a new hallway. And with so many clever ideas and stylish solutions now available, the possibilities are endless. While some staircase designs look beautiful, they aren’t always practical for everyday life.

Making the right decision about the materials you choose is a big part of the decision: wood, glass and metal are all equally effective as long as they suit the property they are situated in.

It’s a fairly commonly held view that glass can be unsafe to use inside the home, especially with pets and children.

However, safe and secure toughened or laminated safety glass is safe. Manufactured to withhold heavy loads it can be safely used around the home for doors, partitions and staircases.

The glass is toughened, shatterproof and highly stain resistant. Which means it is perfect for a durable and long-lasting staircase. Your bespoke glass staircase can be constructed to incorporate your own personal design. And fitted in sleek steel or traditional hardwood. You can also choose etched or coloured glass to give a really unique feel to your project.

A glass staircase will add the wow factor to your hallway and create an airy and spacious transition between floors. The glass balustrade lightens the look of hardwood treads and maximises the natural light in the stairwell.

At Abelglass we only use materials of the highest quality and safety, and we have genuine pride in our workmanship.

Our qualified, experienced and friendly staff are always on hand to offer advice and guidance, so contact us today to discuss your design.

01253 893355 or enquiries@abelglass.co.uk

Add value to your home with double glazing

Posted on by Helen Clarke

How to add value to your home with quality double glazing.

The nights are drawing in, winter is creeping upon us and the chances are you’ve put your heating back on. It may well be that you’ve also started to notice the odd draught and cold spot in your home.

double glazingIf you’re looking to keep your house warm and save some money then fitting new double glazing will definitely help.

In a recent survey, 88% of homeowners agree that their property feels warmer with new double glazed windows. And 90% agree that their property feels quieter. Installing new double glazing can also reduce your energy bills by an average of £110 per year.

In addition to energy bill savings. Fitting new double glazing can increase your property’s value by up to 10%. Many estate agents attest that double glazing can make your home more ‘saleable’. And a recent article in the Daily Express found that “80% of home buyers say double glazing is a ‘must-have feature’ when buying a property.”

The average price in the UK for a semi-detached house is currently £210,000. Which means that new double glazing could add £21000 in value to your home. The average cost for replacing windows in a semi-detached house is only £4000. Which makes it a very lucrative investment.

The right type of double glazing is also very important.

For example, installing uPVC double glazed windows in a period home would actually decrease the property’s desirability. Causing its value to fall. Here at Abelglass we have a vast range of different styles, in uPVC or aluminium, including Vertical Sliding Sashes, Tilt & Turn and Casements.

We can also accommodate your choice of design, whether it’s a circular window you need or even a window with a specific angle or curve. With a vast choice of colours and effects to suit any period or imagination, we can help you make the right choice for your property and budget.

The units in all of our windows are glazed, as standard, using an advanced performance, low emission glass – PLANITHERM TOTAL +.

This means your windows will offer you up to three times more insulation than standard double glazing. This glass is also the ideal low-E solution for compliance with Building Regulations relating to energy efficiency, and filling each unit with Argon gas offers an added reduction in heat loss. New windows can make a huge difference to the appearance and value of your property, they will also keep you warmer and make your home more economically efficient.

Don’t let double glazing cost deter you from updating your home, it could very well end up saving you money.

Contact Abelglass today to find out how we can save you money with our range of double glazed windows.

01253 893355 or enquiries@abelglass.co.uk

Why You Should Include Mirror in Your Kitchen (and how to use it)

Posted on by Helen Clarke

Incorporating a carefully chosen mirror into your kitchen is a clever design move. As well as injecting a touch of glamour, a mirror brings other benefits too. The reflective surface bounces light back across a room, boosting brightness and adding a sense of depth. It’s also a simple but highly effective way to make your space look bigger. Depending on what type of mirror you go for, it can be a relatively inexpensive way to boost your cook space. Browse these imaginative ways to add mirrored glass to your kitchen.

Put one behind your hob…

Clever positioning of a mirror can boost your kitchen’s design in several ways. For example, locating a mirrored splashback behind a hob (as pictured) will let you easily keep an eye on small children or continue to chat with friends, without having to turn around while cooking.

This mirrored splashback reflects the garden, creating the illusion of more outdoor space, as well as visually doubling the presence of the feature brick wall. This light- and the space-boosting effect is heightened by combining the mirror with the glass ceiling and large windows.

…or your sink

Getting the right type of mirror is key. For a traditional kitchen or one in a period home, consider an antiqued or ‘foxed’ design, which has a mottled appearance and creates a lovely soft, vintage look (it can also work well in a modern kitchen). If you want to go ultra contemporary, a tinted mirror is a good option. Tinted designs come in a choice of colours, including smoked black glass and bronze, as shown here.

mirror
By LWK Kitchens London London – See more Home Design Photos

Choose the right finish

Getting the right type of mirror is key. For a traditional kitchen or one in a period home, consider an antiqued or ‘foxed’ design, which has a mottled appearance and creates a lovely soft, vintage look (it can also work well in a modern kitchen). If you want to go ultra contemporary, a tinted mirror is a good option. Tinted designs come in a choice of colours, including smoked black glass and bronze, as shown here.

A mirrored glass splashback must be made from toughened or tempered glass, otherwise, exposure to heat or an accidental knock could cause it to crack or break. And as long as it’s carried out prior to templating, mirrored glass can be shaped, drilled or cut to include socket cut-outs or to work around awkward corners. Mirrored glass can also be fitted in sheets up to 3m long which, for most kitchens, means you won’t have any visible joins.., or get in touch with us on 01253 893355 to discuss your needs!

While it looks beautiful, the major downside of a mirrored glass splashback is that its intensive manufacturing process is reflected in the cost, making it more expensive than most other splashbacks. But consider how dramatically it could affect the feel of your kitchen and the sense of space – you might decide it’s worth the investment.

click on the above images to view more great ideas via Houzz.

A New Set of Windows in Lytham St Annes

Posted on by Helen Clarke

“Abelglass are the best double glazing company I’ve ever come across, the process is always straightforward. The fitters are always well presented, pleasant, do a good job and tidy up after themselves and the standard of work is always very good.”

A happy client in Lytham St Annes. We replaced a number of windows for the garage, now it looks as good as new!

You can choose from our impressive range of uPVC windows or aluminium styles, including Vertical Sliding Sashes, Tilt & Turn and Casements. We can also accommodate your own personal choice of design, whether it’s a circular window you require or even a window with a curve.

With a huge choice of colours and effects to suit any imagination, your new windows will make the world of difference to the appearance and value of your home. Don’t let double glazing cost deter you from updating your home. Based on our many years of experience, we will be more than willing to help you make the right choice to suit your budget.

Contact Abelglass today to speak to their team of experts 01253 893355