As housebuilders and architects strive to make properties that stand out to prospective buyers, it is important to incorporate unique, intentional features into the build. In this article, Richard Lister from The Radiator Company, discusses how designer radiators can be used to help deliver attractive and inspiring interiors in new homes.
With any new scheme, there are a wealth of clever design approaches, tools and tactics to help entice new home buyers to sign the deal. However, one often overlooked way of shaping the interior appeal is the choice of heat emitter. Traditionally viewed as a purely functional necessity, designer radiators and towel rails offer an additional opportunity to enhance aesthetics and elevate the design of a property, as well as serve as a functional heat emitter.
Today, there are a broad selection of designer radiators available to choose from for every type of scheme, regardless of its size or value. A key benefit of specifying designer radiator models is that they offer flexibility in size and orientation to make the most of floor and wall space.
For example, in rooms where space is at a premium, vertical radiators free up valuable wall space. This design can also make interiors appear higher than they really are and, when applied in rooms with a double height ceiling, the vertical radiator design works effectively to create a sense of size and impact. Furthermore, ultra slimline models ensure efficient heating without encroaching on valuable floor space.
The influence of colour
A further benefit of opting for designer models is the choice of colour finishes. Leading manufacturers now provide extensive colour options, from classic whites, subtle neutrals to bold, striking hues. For example, The Radiator Company, offers 188 RAL colours as well as the ability to colour coordinate with leading paint brands including Little Greene and Farrow & Ball. While many new builds favour neutral palettes to appeal to a range of personalities, colour psychology can be leveraged to inspire and influence the mood and emotions of potential buyers.
This means that developers can specify heat emitters in specific colours that help to set the tone of the property. This can be an advantageous design tactic for newly built properties that are unfurnished or for show homes, can be an effective approach to blend, contrast or colour coordinate with soft furnishings and wallpapers.
Shape and style
Not only is colour important, the shape and style of radiators can also contribute to the overall design aesthetic. The use of lines through the use of structural elements, furniture and fittings, has long been used as an essential design element to define spaces and guide the eye, making it an effective tool to expand or contract a space, as well as set the mood and ambiance of a room.
For example, the use of curves in interiors is considered a key design tactic to help soften the room and extend the eyeline. Choosing radiators and towel rails that complement this approach, with curved or tubular features such as those on the Ellipsis or Sitar ranges from The Radiator Company, can help to create a graceful, cosy inviting atmosphere. Straight lines can create structure and order and again, there are radiators that can contribute to this design objective, such as The Radiator Company’s Piano. Its vertical, flat angular tube sections can work really well to add to a feeling of strength in formal interiors.
Extending warmth to outdoor living spaces
For schemes with outdoor living spaces, designer radiators in an electric configuration are available to extend warmth, comfort and style to summer houses, garden offices, and home gyms, increasing the functionality and appeal of the property.
Through colour, shape and space optimisation, designer radiators and towel rails can help developers enhance a property’s aesthetic and appeal, elevating homes from standard to aspirational.
Working with renewables
As Part L mandates lower temperature heating systems for new builds, there are designer radiators with emerging technologies that offer advanced compatibility with renewables such as heat pumps, to quickly reach room temperatures with maximum efficiency.
Furthermore, specific models can be configured to not only provide heating, but also cooling, such as the Relax Hybrid from The Radiator Company. This integrates cooling functions to offer a radiator solution that can provide both hot and cold air as required (with correct heat pump and system specification). As climate patterns evolve, this futureproofing technology will appeal to many house buyers.
The Radiator Company, part of the IRSAP Group, offers a wide range of designer radiators and towel rails supported by a team of technical advisors who can help with the correct specification for your development.
