Concealed Blindspace Blinds for a Grand Designs Style Extension in Chilcomb, Winchester

Concealed Blindspace blinds were the ideal finishing touch for this spectacular Grand Designs style extension in Chilcomb, Winchester. We supplied and fitted made-to-measure motorised roller blinds within hidden Blindspace boxes, working with the homeowner and builder throughout the project to preserve the clean architectural lines and expansive garden views.

Matching manual roller blinds completed the smaller seating-area windows, while a blue roller blind brought a coordinated finishing touch to the boldly decorated cloakroom.

A Traditional Country Cottage with an Extraordinary New Extension

Our customer had a clear vision: to create his dream Grand Designs style extension without losing the character of his much-loved country cottage.

Working with a renowned architect, he wanted to bring traditional and contemporary design together in a space that would be both impressive and genuinely enjoyable to live in. This was a home for spending time with family, welcoming grandchildren and making the most of the beautiful garden surrounding the property.

Large floor-to-ceiling glass doors on either side of the extension were central to that vision. They opened up views across the sprawling garden in both directions, creating a strong connection between the living space and its setting.

Inside, natural brickwork introduced warmth and texture, while the black door frames gave the glazing a crisp, contemporary outline. The combination was exceptional: the familiar character of a country home, brought together with the openness and drama of modern architecture.

The blinds needed to feel equally considered.

The Brief: Practical Blinds That Preserve the Garden Views

With so much glazing, the homeowner wanted a practical way to manage incoming light and provide privacy when needed. However, maintaining the open feel of the extension was just as important.

The garden views were a defining feature of the design, so the shading needed to remain discreet when raised. A visible blind installation above each large door would have introduced another feature into an otherwise carefully detailed space.

Our solution was to combine made-to-measure motorised roller blinds with concealed Blindspace boxes, integrating the blind storage into the structure of the extension.

This allowed the homeowner to enjoy the glazing and garden outlook when the blinds were raised, with convenient shading available when required.

Working with the Homeowner and Builder from Start to Finish

A concealed blind installation begins well before the final fitting appointment.

We worked with the customer throughout his project, discussing the proposed glazing, the appearance he wanted to achieve and how the blinds would work within the finished room.

We also consulted with his builder to coordinate the Blindspace boxes at the appropriate stages of construction. Planning this work alongside the build allowed the concealment detail to become part of the extension itself.

That early collaboration was essential to achieving the finished appearance. The boxes needed to be considered before the surrounding finishes were completed, with the blind specification informing the space required.

Once the extension was ready, we fitted the made-to-measure blinds to complete the installation.

For homeowners planning a similar project, this is one of the most useful lessons: discuss concealed blinds while your extension is being designed, rather than waiting until the decorating is finished.

If you are also considering electric operation, our guide to powering options for motorised blinds explains the choices worth discussing during the planning stage.

Motorised Roller Blinds Concealed in Blindspace Boxes

Across the large glass doors on both sides of the extension, we installed motorised roller blinds housed within concealed Blindspace boxes.

Blindspace provides the concealment housing; the roller blind is the working shading system fitted within it. Bringing the two together creates a discreet installation that suits contemporary extensions where clean lines and glazing are key features.

For this Chilcomb home, that approach meant the blinds could sit quietly within the architecture when raised, allowing the garden to remain the focal point.

Motorisation also made the large door blinds convenient to operate, giving the homeowner an easy way to adjust the shading as the room was used throughout the day.

Explore our concealed Blindspace blinds to learn more about incorporating hidden roller blinds into extensions, renovations and new-build homes.

Black Roller Blind Fabric Against Natural Brickwork

The black roller blind fabric was a particularly striking choice.

Alongside the black door frames, it created a strong, coordinated finish. Against the natural interior brickwork, the depth of the fabric brought out the warmth and texture of the surrounding materials.

When lowered, the blinds became a deliberate part of the interior design. When raised, the concealed installation allowed the glazing and garden views to take centre stage again.

It was a beautiful example of how a practical window covering can contribute to the overall character of a room. The fabric, frames and brickwork worked together without competing with the architecture.

Matching Manual Roller Blinds for the Seating Area

At the smaller windows at the end of the extension, within the seating area, we fitted manual roller blinds in the same black fabric.

Using a matching fabric connected these windows visually with the larger motorised door blinds, creating continuity throughout the space.

The combination also allowed the operation to suit each part of the room: motorised blinds across the expansive glazing, with manual blinds at the smaller windows.

Our made-to-measure roller blinds can be specified with manual or motorised operation, allowing different windows within a home to share a coordinated appearance.

A Blue Cloakroom Blind to Complement Bold Wallpaper

The cloakroom called for a different approach.

Here, striking wallpaper gave the room its own distinctive personality. We fitted a blue roller blind chosen to coordinate with the scheme, adding colour at the window without distracting from the wallpaper.

It was a smaller part of the project, but an equally thoughtful finishing detail. Each room received a blind that suited its setting, while benefiting from the same careful measuring and professional installation.

The Finished Result: A Remarkable Space for Family Life

The completed extension is stunning.

The floor-to-ceiling glazing, garden views, black frames and natural brickwork come together to create a space with real architectural presence. Yet behind that impressive appearance is a very personal purpose: a place for the homeowner, his family and his grandchildren to enjoy together.

The blinds support that purpose without overwhelming the design. Raised, they allow the openness of the extension to shine. Lowered, the black fabric adds another considered layer to the interior.

It was an honour to be involved in such an incredible project and to help bring this part of our customer’s vision to life. Seeing the finished result was especially rewarding after working with him through the build.

This Chilcomb installation shows what can be achieved when window shading is considered as part of the architecture from the outset.

More Inspiration for Blinds in Extensions and Hampshire Homes

If you are planning your own extension, you may also enjoy our Blindspace kitchen extension case study in Bishop’s Waltham, which offers another example of concealed shading in a contemporary living space.

For a wider combination of shading products, explore our Winchester family home blinds and awning case study, featuring motorised roller blinds, a roof lantern blind, INTU blinds and a motorised Weinor awning.

You can also read our guide to orangery blinds for further ideas on shading rooms with extensive glazing.

Planning Blindspace Blinds for an Extension in Winchester or Hampshire?

If you are planning a glass extension, renovating a country home or working on a new build, we can help you consider the blinds before construction reaches the finishing stages.

Based in Alresford, Winchester Blinds & Shutters is an independent family business with over 30 years of industry experience. We supply and fit made-to-measure blinds across Hampshire, including Chilcomb, Winchester and surrounding villages.

From initial advice and fabric selection to coordination with your builder and final installation, we offer a personal service built around your project.

Call 01962 736836 or email hello@winchesterblinds.com to discuss your plans and arrange a free, no-obligation quotation.