When planning a high-end home renovation or a new build, the choice of windows and window treatments is a significant factor in defining your home’s style, functionality, and energy efficiency. For Melbourne home owners with a focus on sustainability, eco-home standards, and passive house design, selecting the right windows and coverings is a powerful way to create a luxurious, comfortable, and environmentally conscious home.
This guide will explore essential window types, sustainable design considerations, and high-end window treatment options. We’ll cover custom window treatments like internal blinds, interior shutters, made-to-measure curtains, and patio blinds. With fabric collections from global leaders like James Dunlop, Mokum, Warwick, Hoad, and Zepel, and external shading options such as Zipscreen, e-Zip, Folding Arm Awnings and Roofing Systems, you’ll have endless options for crafting a space that blends aesthetic sophistication with eco-friendly design.
1. Choosing the Right Window Types for Your Home
The starting point for achieving a beautiful and functional space lies in choosing the right window types. For both renovations and new builds, the window styles you select will influence light, privacy, ventilation, and thermal performance, which is especially vital for sustainable or passive house designs.
Common Window Types and Their Benefits
Casement Windows: Hinged at the side, casement windows provide excellent ventilation and an unobstructed view. These windows are ideal for rooms where you want ample airflow, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Awning Windows: Hinged at the top and opening outward, awning windows are perfect for letting in light and air even during rainy weather. They contribute to passive cooling strategies, which reduce reliance on air conditioning.
Double-Hung Windows: With two operable sashes, double-hung windows offer versatile airflow options. They are excellent for homes looking to maximise airflow in both directions and are a timeless choice for heritage properties.
Fixed Windows: While they don’t open, fixed windows are often used to frame views or let light into spaces where ventilation is not a concern. Large, fixed windows can be stunning in open-plan areas, adding a sense of grandeur.
Sliding Windows: Sliding horizontally, these windows are great for areas with limited outdoor clearance, such as pathways or patios.
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: These expansive windows stretch from the floor to the ceiling, flooding interiors with natural light and offering panoramic views. They’re ideal for modern designs that aim to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. In sustainable eco-home and passive house designs, they can be strategically placed to maximise solar gain during cooler months while considering shading solutions for warmer periods.
Bay Windows: Protruding outward from the main walls, bay windows create additional space inside and allow more light to enter from different angles. They add architectural interest and can serve as cosy nooks or seating areas. Bay windows enhance curb appeal and can be a focal point in both traditional and contemporary homes.
Unique Shape/Size Windows: Custom-shaped windows, such as circular, arched, or triangular designs, add a unique architectural element to your home. They can highlight specific design features and serve as artistic statements. These windows often require bespoke window treatments to complement their distinct shapes, emphasising the importance of working with professionals.
Bifold Doors: Comprising multiple panels that fold back on themselves, bifold doors are excellent for creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces. They are perfect for entertaining, allowing entire walls to open up to patios, gardens, or pool areas. Bifold doors enhance natural light and ventilation and are a popular choice in modern open-plan designs.
2. Sustainability and Passive House Design
Passive house design is a leading concept in sustainable building, focusing on maximising natural heating, cooling, and lighting to reduce the home’s energy footprint. For Melbourne’s fluctuating climate, a passive design with well-planned windows and treatments can be transformative.
Thermal Performance: Look for double or triple-glazed windows to enhance insulation and reduce heat transfer. These windows trap warmth in winter and keep interiors cool in summer, a crucial feature for passive houses.
Orientation: Position windows on the north side of the home to capture sunlight in winter, while minimising windows on the west side to avoid the intense afternoon heat.
Window Frames: Choose sustainable materials such as recycled aluminium or sustainably sourced timber for your window frames. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also add to the aesthetic quality of your home.
3. Selecting the Ideal Window Treatments
Once you’ve chosen the window types, the next step is selecting window treatments that balance beauty, privacy, and light control. High-end window treatments also offer the opportunity to integrate sustainable materials and advanced motorisation technology.
Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are an elegant and minimalist choice for modern homes. Available in a range of fabrics from trusted partners Shaw of Australia, Texstyle, Four Families and Hunter Douglas, they offer versatility in colour, pattern, and opacity.
Benefits: Roller blinds are simple to operate and can be customised to control light and privacy in each room. They’re available in Blockout, Translucent, Sheer and Screen fabrics, giving you flexibility based on your needs.
Motorisation: As a Somfy-qualified installer, we can integrate motorised systems into your roller blinds for ultimate convenience. With Somfy blind motorisation, your blinds can be programmed to adjust based on the time of day controlled remotely via a smartphone app, or integrated into third party home automation systems, using the latest RTS and Zigbee technologies, adding a touch of luxury and energy efficiency to your home.
Interior Shutters
Interior shutters add timeless elegance and insulation to any room. They’re ideal for Melbourne homeowners seeking a combination of aesthetic appeal and functionality, as well as durability.
Benefits: Shutters provide excellent privacy, light control, and insulation. Made from sustainable timber, or our highly durable eco-friendly wood composite which offers both beauty and resilience without off-gassing from toxic chemicals like PVC. Our sustainable waterproof options offer a long-lasting, eco-friendly choice that suits both traditional and modern interiors which also have the added benefit of being waterproof and low maintenance, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and more.
Customisation: With a wide selection of finishes and sizes, custom-made shutters can be tailored to fit uniquely shaped windows, such as arched or bay windows, giving a cohesive look throughout your home.
Made-to-Measure Curtains
Custom curtains crafted from high-end fabrics are essential for creating a luxurious atmosphere. Our collection includes options from renowned brands like James Dunlop, Mokum, and Zepel, allowing you to create a personalised look that complements your interior style.
Fabric Selection: Choose from an array of fabrics, including natural fibres and blends like cotton and linen for eco-friendly living. These fabrics are breathable, durable, and timeless in style, aligning with sustainable home design principles.
Layering Options: Consider pairing sheer curtains with blockout drapes to enhance privacy and insulation. This dual-layer approach is perfect for bedrooms and living rooms where you want versatility in light control.
Motorised Tracks: As experts in motorisation, we can provide motorised tracks, allowing your curtains to open and close with ease. This technology integrates seamlessly with smart home systems, offering both luxury and energy efficiency.
To make it easy to choose your made-to-measure curtains, you can try different fabrics and curtain styles using our curtain visualiser.
External Awnings and Patio Blinds
Outdoor blinds are an essential addition for windows on all homes, as well as homes with outdoor entertaining areas, helping you create a comfortable, private, and weather-protected space. With trusted brands such as e-Zip and Zipscreen, you have a selection of high-performance outdoor fabrics that provide UV protection, durability, and style.
Weather Protection: External blinds shield your windows and outdoor spaces from the harsh Melbourne sun, wind, and rain, not only extending the usability of your alfresco areas throughout the year, also adding an additional layer of protection to your windows, where rooms are exposed to the harsh elements.
Privacy and Comfort: These blinds enhance privacy without blocking the view, perfect for homes where outdoor living is an extension of the indoor environment, also with the ability to blockout light for rooms exposed to those early eastern sunrises and perfect for shift workers.
Somfy Motorisation: Motorised outdoor blinds and awnings are incredibly convenient, especially for second storey windows, and large outdoor areas. With Somfy’s weather sensors, your blinds can automatically adjust to changing conditions, ensuring your space is always comfortable and protected.
You can see how these high-quality, luxurious waterproof outdoor blinds will look on your patio using our Zipscreen visualiser.
4. Working with Window Treatment Experts
Achieving the perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality, and eco-friendly design in window treatments requires expertise. By working with window treatment professionals, you gain access to precision in measuring, custom manufacturing, and seamless installation.
Why Work with Professionals?
Expert Advice: Professionals understand the latest trends, materials, and technologies in window treatments. They can advise on the most suitable options for each room in your home, helping you make informed decisions that enhance both style and energy efficiency.
Quality and Customisation: With custom-made options, you can ensure each window treatment is designed to fit your home’s unique dimensions and decor. From bespoke curtains to perfectly aligned blinds, customisation guarantees a polished and luxurious look.
Advanced Solutions: Window treatment experts can guide you through motorisation, smart home integration, and custom recessed tracking systems. Motorised options add convenience and elevate the look and feel of your home, while also increasing your home’s energy efficiency through automated light and temperature control.
5. Enhancing Comfort, Style, and Sustainability
Choosing windows and treatments that align with sustainable practices and passive house principles can transform your home into a luxurious, eco-friendly retreat. The right windows and window treatments not only define your home’s visual appeal but also improve its comfort, energy efficiency, and value.
Sustainable Fabrics and Materials
Selecting eco-friendly materials and fabrics for your treatments is key to sustainable living. Look for organic, recycled, or sustainably sourced materials to reduce environmental impact. Brands like James Dunlop, Zepel, and Warwick offer collections that align with sustainable living goals while maintaining style and quality.
Smart Home Integration
Motorised window treatments that integrate with smart home systems contribute to energy savings and add convenience. Somfy motorisation systems can be programmed for automatic operation, enhancing passive cooling and heating strategies by adjusting your blinds or curtains based on the time of day, season, or your preferences.
By combining the right window types with high-end, custom-made window treatments, you can create a space that feels both luxurious and sustainable. Thoughtfully selected windows and treatments are investments that add to the beauty, functionality, and environmental responsibility of your Melbourne home, creating a timeless retreat that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Working with window treatment specialists ensures you achieve this balance with ease, transforming your house into a place that truly reflects your values, style, and commitment to quality.
