A steel look transformation – from a customer’s perspective.

Before

After

We were delighted to design, and install, steel look aluminium French doors and casement windows, in this stylish Ipswich home. 

The homeowner, Hayley, has a natural flair for design and has achieved a truly stunning transformation. 

Here, Hayley recounts her journey, from conception to installation:

“Making what was previously an ‘our’ house, ‘my’ home was important to me. Initially this was decorating and furniture, but in early 2023 I decided to revamp the rear of the house, the kitchen and the dining area.

The kitchen was white, with a window and bi-folds in white uPVC – even south-west facing, the kitchen and dining room felt cold.

Drawn to the 1930’s charm of the original front door and landing window (which featured beautiful, coloured stained glass) when purchasing the property, I wanted to bring back some 1930s glamour, whilst also making the kitchen and dining room a place I wanted to spend time in, rather than just somewhere to do the basics.”

Research & Installation

“I had seen the industrial style aluminium windows on Instagram, and liked how similar they were to the property’s original 1932 windows.

Knowing I was going dark with the kitchen, I felt these doors and windows would achieve the look I envisioned. I also wanted them to reflect some of the intense sun (being south-westerly facing) and be more energy efficient. 

I did my homework on local window companies and found The Burgess Group. There are lots of ‘industrial style’ windows out there, I wanted to make sure I made the right decision as it was a large investment, especially after adding the upstairs window to match.

I spoke to Fiona and received a price and images really quickly. Fiona was incredibly helpful, demonstrating the doors in the Fornham St Martin showroom and at a local installation (so I could see the 20mm astragal bars – a major benefit of these doors).  They were perfect.

A few of the bars needed tweaks post installation – Amanda and Jodie were super helpful in sorting them quickly. 

Before

After

The verdict

I went with a black kitchen and windows, which you’d think would make the space feel dark, but it doesn’t. The windows and doors let in so much more light.

I love the way the astragal bars cast shadows on the cupboard and worksurfaces.

I’m so pleased with how the window and French doors have enhanced the space. The kitchen (from local company Touchwood) would have looked fabulous on its own, but the window and doors have lifted it to the next level.

I really think understated glamour has been achieved. The rear of the property has also been transformed from the outside.

Afterwards, you realise how drafty the old windows and doors were, how the bifold handle wasn’t secure and how much lighter the space can be.

Since installation, there’s been some really sunny days, yet the back of the house, which used to get really hot, is so much cooler.

As it starts to get colder, I know the doors and windows will also reflect heat back into my home. For a relatively small amount more, I am so pleased I upgraded the glass.