After making the decision to move out of London to raise their young family, Nick and Anna Osborn, bought their 4 bed Aylesbury barn conversion in early 2015. The large, dark and draughty barn had not been touched since the original conversion in 1982, and needed extensive renovation work before the family could move in.
With two young children, making the home warm, inviting and secure was incredibly important to Nick and Anna. With old, single glazed wooden windows and doors throughout, the barn was draughty and noisy, and the 80s-style interior was not in keeping with the cosy, contemporary style the couple wanted to achieve.
As a result, the couple spent three months changing every aspect of the interior, from floor to ceiling – replacing the bathrooms and kitchen, as well laying used engineered oak barn wood flooring throughout the ground floor, with underfloor heating to ensure the house stayed warm throughout the year.
Nick’s grandfather was Danish, and Anna, a Business Stylist and Interior Designer, wanted to create a calm and cosy home that reflected their ‘‘Hygge’ (pronounced “hoo-ga” or hue-gah”) approach to life. Hygge, usually translated to “cosiness” (although there is no literal meaning for the word in English), is the feeling of warmth, comfort, and tranquillity within a home. It’s a concept that was developed in Denmark in the 18thCentury but has since become popular across Scandanavia and is now sweeping the UK.
The Osborn’s new bi-folding doors and windows certainly helped them to successfully achieve hygge as they flooded their home with natural light whilst keeping it warm during the cold months thanks to their exceptional thermal efficiency.
“We were recommended Origin by our installer, Multifold Doors, and after visiting Origin’s showroom in High Wycombe, were really impressed by the products”
In addition to the thermal properties of the Origin Doors and Windows, the Osborn’s were also impressed by the sleek design and slim sight lines that the products offered. Furthermore, the finger safe gaskets and a 20-year guarantee gave the Osborn family complete peace of mind in choosing Origin.
As a Grade 2 listed property, the couple had to opt for black windows and doors to complement the tone and style of their barn conversion – which work perfectly. To maximise the amount of natural light in their living space, they chose to have two bi-fold sets installed, one off the kitchen and one of the living room. As well as tall hallway window to further add to the home’s character.
“The Origin doors and windows give much better soundproofing from outside. We used to be able to hear the wind blowing the trees. Our house is so much warmer and much lighter now.”
Opening their downstairs space to their tranquil outdoor surroundings, has completely transformed the way the family interact with their home, helping to contribute further to the Hygge feel the family were so keen to achieve. The children now have the freedom to run in and out of the house safely, and the family get to reap the benefits of bi-fold doors all year round. Whether it be enjoying breakfast in the summer with the doors open, or snuggling up in the living room with the fire on, admiring the winter view.
“We love the bi-folds and windows. We always have the doors open in the summer, and the kids run in through the kitchen and out through the lounge”
The windows and doors have gone down well with the couple’s friends and family too, who particularly love the bi-folds and hallway window.
“We love the bi-folds and windows. We always have the doors open in the summer, and the kids run in through the kitchen and out through the lounge”
– Anna Osborn
