Elevating home entertaining with glass
As we use our homes more and more for entertaining, how can glass be used innovatively to create space and enhance our living areas? Simon Boocock, managing director at CRL Europe, looks at the creative potential of glass, the installation possibilities and how it can help redefine the way we gather and connect.
Entertaining at home has emerged as a significant trend in recent years. While it’s not entirely new, there has been a noticeable shift towards hosting social gatherings, in the comfort our own homes, with the trend fuelled by various factors including cultural shifts, cost-effectiveness, and convenience.
As they’re using them more to meet with friends and family, homeowners are increasingly seeking to personalise their interiors and exterior spaces, tailoring them to their own tastes and preferences and embracing the notion of creating spaces that exude a sense of hospitality and charm. From cosy kitchen nooks perfect for intimate gatherings to outdoor patios adorned with twinkling lights and comfortable seating, the emphasis is on creating a friendly atmosphere that encourages relaxation and connection.
Upgrading with glass
Creating a seamless impression that ties in with this sense of connection, particularly when considering retrospective projects, glass offers a wide range of innovative possibilities for enhancing properties and creating dedicated areas for socialising, both inside and outdoors.
Whether it’s through glass extensions, walls, features, or accents, this versatile material can help to enhance the appeal of a home while providing stylish and functional spaces for entertaining friends and family.
Internal upgrades aimed at enhancing socialising spaces within a home often involve incorporating modern conveniences and stylish features. For instance, integrating bottle storage solutions ensures easy access to beverages during gatherings, while incorporating the latest cooking technology into kitchen designs caters to the needs of hosts who love to entertain. Kitchen islands that double as a bar or dining area serve as versatile hubs for socialising and enjoying meals with guests.
Externally, there’s a growing trend towards creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces to facilitate socialising outdoors. Glass and, glazing expertise, such as that offered by CRL, plays a crucial role in realising these designs.
Internal and external solutions
Recently, Glass and Mirror Technology enlisted CRL’s solutions to create luxurious inside-outside socialising spaces for a discerning client, who requested a dedicated wine storage area indoors and a comfortable all-weather outdoor living area to the rear of their property.
In collaboration with CRL, a showpiece wine storage unit was crafted, featuring sleek fittings for a seamless aesthetic. Utilising a combination of a 10mm U channel and 10mm glass, along with the Geneva hinge in matt black and a Ladder pull-door handle, the unit was not only simple to install but also exuded understated elegance.
For outdoor socialising, CRL solutions were again used by the installation team to create a functional and inviting all-weather space complete with a kitchen and comfortable seating area.
CRL SpigLite Pro, an effective windbreak solution, was used to provide protection from the elements while maintaining an unobstructed view of the surrounding garden. Straightforward to fit, the absence of a channel maximises the visibility of the glass panels, enhancing the connection to the outdoors. Additionally, the individual spigots allow for free-flow water drainage, making the system suitable for wet areas. The mechanised adjustment feature ensures precise installation and a flawless finish, further enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
As the trend towards at-home socialising continues to gain momentum, CRL’s expertise in glass and glazing solutions ensures that glass can be used to create the perfect spaces, even retrospectively, seamlessly integrating functionality, style, and durability.
