Interiors Experts Back Shutters To Stay Fashionable

Interior fashions come and go with such speed that at times it is hard to keep up. That begs the question of whether any particular kind of item, even one with a long history of use, will stay in vogue and not become obsolete.

This question was posed in relation to shutters by Livingetc, with interior designers from the UK and US revealing how they approach the question in 2023. With few exceptions, they agreed there is a place for them.

Founder of New York interior design studio Arsight Artem Kropovinsky said it is not just the “traditional” appeal that endures, but the way shutters have adjusted to fit more modern homes.

He remarked: “Contrary to the belief that they’re old-fashioned and bulky, shutters have evolved. Today, they’re available in a variety of materials and designs to complement any contemporary interior, and their practicality is unquestionable.”

Other style gurus similarly backed modern shutters as a good option for contemporary homes. But at the same time, it is important to note that so many people today still live in older buildings where tradition works best.

This is certainly true on this side of the pond, London-based architect Brian O’ Tuama pointed out. He observed: “We and our clients have always been keen on panelled shutters in period properties, and we’ve retained, restored, or replaced many sets over the years.”

Of course, many people will do this when they install full-height window shutters in Brighton, as these are perfect for the tall windows that characterise Regency buildings.

This indicates that shutters offer the best of both worlds, being adaptable for modern times but still providing a traditional look for older buildings that need this to retain their character.

A factor some might have overlooked is that as the climate gets hotter, shutters may be more valuable as a means of keeping rooms cool.

This point was made by scientists at Oxford University as they warned that, at present, UK homes are among the least well-equipped for a significantly warmer world, since they are designed for a cold, wet climate.