6 Shutters Trends You’ll See in Australian Homes This Year

Window shutters never go out of style, but new trends emerge keeping them fresh and relevant in Australian homes today. Moving into 2023, these are some rising shutter looks and innovations gaining popularity across the country:

1. Wider Louver Sizes

Plantation shutters with wider louver sizes are trending:

The standard 2.5 to 3 inch louvers are transitioning to 4, 5 or 6 inch slat sizes.
Wider louvers still tilt to control light levels but feel more modern and streamlined.
Larger surface area allows bolder shutter colors to make more visual impact.
Increased spacing between louvers provides outward visibility when tilted open while maintaining privacy.
Works with contemporary architecture favouring clean sightlines over fussy details.

The expanded louver scale nods to historical precedent while feeling new and current for today’s interiors.

2. Vibrant Saturated Colors

Vibrant, saturated colors are energizing dated whites and greys:

Bold emerald greens, cobalt blues, and velvety eggplants replace expected beiges and taupes.
Brilliant coral, mustard, rust and terra cotta inject warmth and personality.
Matte black makes a sophisticated moody backdrop for lighter furnishings and decor.
Metallic sheens in brass, bronze and silver mesh old and new elegance.

Saturated hues align with the current color psychology craving drama, optimism and self-expression.

3. Custom Shaped Shutters

Uniquely shaped shutters are an easy customization gaining favor:

Circular shutter cutouts complement round windows in modern and traditional architecture.
Cathedral arch shutters follow the curves of vaulted windows rather than square off openings.
Octagonal, triangular and diagonal shutters embrace unique geometries.
Asymmetric louvers angled on just bottom or top rows provide discreet privacy when open.

Custom shapes tailored to distinctive window configurations translate well on social media, driving this trend.

4. Wide Format Shutters

Grand floor-to-ceiling shutters make a luxurious statement:

Eliminates divider rails for uninterrupted expanses of rich stained woodgrain or vibrant color.
Extends shutter framing aesthetics from windows up to the ceiling and down to the floor.
Communicates scale, drama and substance when specifying full room height.
Provides complete room blackout and separation from floor to ceiling when needed.
Poses engineering challenges requiring robust reinforced construction to prevent possible sagging at wide dimensions.

The commanding appearance enhances formal spaces and makes quite an impression on visitors.

5. Smoked and Frosted Glass

Smoked and frosted glass inserts provide discreet privacy:

Grey, bronze and white colored glass reduces visibility while still permitting healthy natural light transmission.
Obscured opaque glass acts as a translucent wall when shutters are fully closed.
Glass can be incorporated into just the top portion of shutters for privacy when desired.
Adding dimensional glass upgrades the shutters with an artistic element catching the light elegantly.

Beautiful materials answering the demand for both privacy and plentiful natural daylight.

6. Hidden Ergonomic Controls

Smart ergonomics improve shutter convenience:

Touch latches open shutters via hidden touchpoints along the frame barely visible to visitors. Reduces hardware clutter.
Hidden internal control wands operate louvers behind the scenes without exposed bars and knobs. Safer for kids and pets.
Electrified smart glass shifts from opaque to clear instantly via apps, timers, and voice commands. Let’s in ample daylight on demand without compromising aesthetics.
Motion sensors triggered by approaching occupants automatically adjust light-filtering slats to pre-set positions. True hands-free convenience.

Automating manual tasks enhances shutter daily livability and echoes our tech-forward lifestyles.

Material Innovations

Beyond aesthetic trends, advancements in materials bring new shutter possibilities:

Composite Wood Technology

High density engineered wood resists temperature fluctuations. Prevents joint gaps and stickiness in humidity.
Composite mixes like Fortify replicate the warmth and richness of woodgrain better than earlier generations. Smooth consistent performance.
Natural wood veneers laminated onto engineered substrates provide the beauty of timber with added stability.

Smart Glass

Electrochromic glass instantly shifts between transparent or opaque at the touch of a button. Next level control over visibility.
Thermochromic glass intelligently reacts to heat, cooling rooms by blocking light and reducing solar gain when too hot. Automated protection.
Photochromic glass self-tints when detecting bright light then gradually clears as light levels drop. Mimics transitional human vision.

Antibacterial Materials

Added antimicrobial and antibacterial agents in shutters kill pathogens and assist with cleaner indoor air quality.
Silver ions embedded into materials like hardware, glass, and paints deter growth of microbes keeping components cleaner.

Sustainable Materials

PVC plantation shutters created from recycled vinyl reclaimed from construction waste reduces landfill impacts.
FSC certified wood confirms shutter materials originate from responsibly managed forests.
Low-VOC adhesives and finishes minimize air pollution and off-gassing. Added protection for occupants.

Material science advances make shutters smarter, safer, and more sustainable improving our built environments.

Designer Textures

Textural variations create added visual interest:

Distressed Finishes

White washed paint exposes hints of woodgrain below for an organic timeworn appearance.
Intentionally crackled paint finishes mimic aged antique shutters.
Burnishing louver edges with hammers or chisels offers rustic hand-hewn textures.

Metallic Accents

Warm rose gold, brass, and bronze powdercoated aluminum shutters radiate glamour. Also available in cool chromes.
Gold leafing or metallic paint selects louvers, frames, or hardware in eye-catching shimmery elegance.

Unexpected Materials

Powdercoated steel shutters bring industrial refinement to modern and traditional spaces in on-trend blackened steel or softer champagne.
Concrete shutters offer monolithic modernity and intricate formwork patterns. Manageable smaller sizes make possible.

Tactile visual variety created through inventive textures and mixed media keeps shutters novel.

Custom Capabilities

Expanded customization options remove constraints:

Bespoke Design Services

Design studios create one-of-a-kind shutter interpretations collaborating with clients to capture precise personal visions.

CNC-Cut Patterns

Computer-controlled routers carve intricate custom cutout motifs from multiple layered material sheets into single shutter pieces with precision and repeatability. Opens limitless detailed embellishment opportunities.

Generative Design Exploration

Parametric 3D design software iterates endless subtle variations on core shutter designs based on input constraints and preferences. Clients select their favorite iteration as the final bespoke product.
Machine learning algorithms generate novel shutter modifications and visuals unattainable through manual design processes.

Democratized technologies place custom shutter design in more homeowners’ hands.

Creative New Applications

Interior designers push shutters into unconventional new functional territories:

Room Dividers

Shutter panels partition large open concept spaces into separate zones. Can slide, fold, or stack out of the way intact when not needed.

Ceiling Treatments

Shutters applied directly on ceilings replace tired popcorn and tile. Offers sound dampening and a built-in coast feel.

Focal Walls

Dramatic expanses of shutter panels installed without windows as decorative textural feature walls. Makes a statement.

Closet Doors

Shutters upgrade mundane closet doors with beautiful natural woodgrains and refined hardware. Offers tailored built-in style.

Fireplace Surrounds

Shutters tailored to surround a fireplace integrates the focus into architecture for a clean unified look.

Creative applications rediscover shutters’ versatile merits beyond mere window coverings.

The possibilities are expanding. Australian architecture, craftsmanship, and interior design propels shutters into the future while respecting heritage. Let us know if you see or specify any emerging shutter trends we may have overlooked!