Thanks to the wave of home improvement shows flooding our screens, the search for the latest in home renovation trend is gaining momentum. But are the trends the “latest” or are they just following a cycle where everything old is new again?
Retro glass trends are in for 2015
The comeback of retro glass can be attributed to a 30-40 year cyclical ‘generational trend’, where the best original designs make a comeback with each new generation.
A great example of this is the re-emergence of Antique Mirror style glass. Favoured by designers in the 70’s, Obrien’s Glass in Padstow (NSW) had a silvering plant and silvered the mirrors to look old. Now in 2015, demand for this style has once again emerged and Australian suppliers are importing Antique Mirror to meet growing needs.
Another retro glass trend re emerging is Georgian Wire Cast (GWC) and variations of GWC such as “chicken wire” glass.
Over the last 12-18 months Greater Glass have used GWC at the request of architects and designers. Particularly popular in the commercial space, funky restaurants, hotels and shops are all reviving this 70-year-old product. Interestingly, the origins of GWC stretch back to its use in tractors, not buildings. Post-World War II, it was the product of choice for factory sawtooth roofs. In the 1970s the GWC glass roof was replaced by steel and GWC glass once again emerged but this time as the glass of choice for shower screens. However, with the introduction of the Australian Standard, AS1288 – Glass in Buildings GWC was deemed to a ‘B’ Grade Safety Glass and no longer fit for purpose in showers. Now 30-40 years later GWC is again reappearing, now as a feature glass and in restoration projects.
What’s next for retro glass?
The copper tones featured heavily recently in reality home improvement shows are hinting at a bronze and amber glass revival. Bronze and amber glass were 70s must-haves, but popularity declined in the 1980’s.
Those taking full advantage of the energy saving revolution would love the wide range of Low E / energy efficient glass available today and may not realise that a large portion of the early reflective coated products were bronze in colour. While this has been overtaken by clear, light grey and even green in keeping with customer demand we’re tipping a bronze come back in 2016-17.
The best thing about the cyclical generational trends is that old styles are repurposed and comeback in a less intrusive and more creative way.
Greater Glass are glass specialists at the forefront of the latest glass trends and designs.