16
Dec
Planning a renovation or new build project in Devon and Cornwall presents its own unique set of challenges and design considerations.
Fleeting architectural and stylistic trends from bigger cities and regions don’t always trickle down to the South West, or the priorities of local homeowners can differ.
Whether your ambition is to frame the gorgeous coastal views of Torbay, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge, or to bask in the rolling hills of Dartmoor.
Every project starts with an idea. However, if you’re still searching for that moment of inspiration, we’re here to support you.
To help with your next renovation project, or new build property, we’ve analysed some of the latest trends in aluminium glazing, with some expert opinions and insights from some of the industry’s leading and most popular manufacturers.
Slimline windows and doors
Large expansive panels
Prioritising thermal performance and coastal protection
Choosing complementary colours
A timeless priority for customers undergoing any level of renovation will always be to maximise their location and surrounding views – something that is particularly prevalent across the South West in comparison to more suburban areas.
According to a recent report published by Natwest, location remains one of the top two most important considerations among prospective homebuyers in the UK, only bettered by price as the leading determining factor.
Extensive countryside views can be a huge attraction to a refurbishment project in the South West, and to make the most of those views, slimline aluminium windows are a smart choice.
Slimline aluminium windows from manufacturers such as Origin are a fantastic example of glazing becoming as much of a design element within a property as they are a functional feature of the build.
Origin directors, Victoria Brocklesby and Ben Brocklesby, have specialised in manufacturing high-end aluminium glazing solutions through their range of sliding doors, bi-folds, and windows.
When we asked them how they would style a modern Devon renovation, they commented, “Large sliding doors, expansive picture windows, and casements with barely-there frames, such as those of the OS-29+ sliding door and OW-70 window, come into their own in the Gallery Collection.
“It’s a style that satisfies the growing appetite for light-filled, open-plan living.
“Natural light is one of the most powerful design tools available to self-builders and renovators. It can transform a space by enhancing its aesthetic, improving functionality, and adding value.
“Slimline sliding doors and bi-folds remain popular for their ability to flood rooms with natural light while providing seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.”
When it comes to glazing styles, two of the most popular looks are the industrial, steel-look, or a more contemporary panel that allows homeowners to maximise glass space for uninterrupted views.
The latter is increasingly popular among homeowners in Devon and Cornwall, where we are so fortunate to be surrounded by so much beautiful greenery and coastal views.
Throughout 2025, we have seen customers prioritise brands that allow them to create picture-book contemporary looks that showcase the very best of our surroundings.

Manufacturers such as Origin and Reynaers offer large, expansive panels that perfectly frame external views.
Origin’s range is on display throughout the Aspect Windows showroom, and Victoria and Ben went on to explain what makes their Gallery Collection so popular.
“The Gallery Collection is all about clean, modern lines. This style embraces minimalism, with slim frames engineered to maximise glass and light.
“It’s the style of choice for customers across Devon and Cornwall, building sleek extensions, modern new builds where uninterrupted views of the coastline are so often the priority.”
With the cost of living continuing to dominate our thoughts, homeowners and renovators across the region are placing a greater emphasis on thermal performance and having a product that works hard for them.
Homeowners, particularly those in harsh coastal environments, are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of product performance, weather ratings and U-values.
In 2025, 70% of our customers cited a product’s thermal performance among their top product priorities, ahead of factors such as price and lead times.
Not only do the products need to perform well, but they also need to provide long-term resistance to the harsh South West conditions.
Choosing an anodised finish can help combat the destructive elements of a coastal location here in the South West, as Samanatha Hill, Head of Marketing at Reynaers Aluminium, explains, “The Reynaers Aluminium range is a popular choice for homeowners across the South West. Our aluminium profiles and slim sightlines offer the perfect balance of performance, thermal efficiency and longevity.

“Whilst Devon hosts many idyllic settings for homeowners to live in, the salty sea air and exposed coastal areas can be harsh on building materials. At Reynaers Aluminium, we are dedicated to testing and certification of our products and, resultantly have one of the largest test data sets proving the performance of our products.
“We aim to give our partners everything they need to ensure the right products are specified for coastal locations that are subject to more extreme weather conditions and increased weathering. We can also offer marine-grade painted profiles for the extra protection from exposure to the elements.”

Over the past decade, the rise in popularity of grey tones in architectural glazing has seen RAL 7016 become the standout choice for homeowners.
Such is its popularity; suppliers often hold larger volumes of 7016 materials in stock, thus it often becomes the most cost-effective choice for buyers.
We’re also seeing growing interest in close alternatives such as RAL 7015 Slate Grey, RAL 9007 Grey Aluminium, as well as RAL 9005 Jet Black. Each delivers a sleek, modern finish while providing a subtle point of difference from Anthracite Grey.

Grey and black tones can create a striking contrast against coastal backdrops with deep blue sea views or rolling green hills, while still giving homeowners the freedom to introduce character and style through bolder colours elsewhere in their design.
A recent 2025 Market Trends report from Tommy Trinder claimed 42% of all bi-fold doors sold across the UK in 2025 were designed in RAL 7016.
Anthracite Grey was the leading aluminium window and door colour of choice by some margin, compared to the 21% finished in White as the next closest option.
If you’re planning a renovation project or looking to upgrade your property’s windows and doors, Aspect Windows can help.
Visit our Exeter showroom, where you’ll have the chance to browse and compare more than 100 product samples, including entrance doors, windows, bi-folding doors, sliding patio doors, rooflights and more.
You’ll have one of our expert sales team on hand to guide you through our product range, aligning you with the best glazing options that fit your style, space, project and budget.
Book a showroom visit, or email sales@aspect-windows.com for more information.
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