Jamaica Gleaner

What truly makes a home?

- Caitlon Clayton /Features Writer

HAVE YOU ever wondered what living in a house without windows and doors would feel like? Imagine hearing the muffled excitement of everyday life happening only a few meters away and not being able to see or even partake in the fun. Scary, right? Well, luckily that would never happen, as although a house is defined as a structure with four walls and a roof, windows and doors are a must-have. I mean, how else are you going to get in?

But simply because having windows and doors is a necessity, it doesn’t mean that we can’t be creative with our selection of these essential pieces. Outside of the popular belief that people and personal belongings are what classifies a house as a home, there is also the added factor of the house’s structure and design.

People’s selection of a home is not based solely on their vision of where the furniture will go and what photos they’ll hang on which wall. The layout of the house is also taken into considerat­ion, which includes the type of windows and doors the house comes with.

Windows allow natural light and sound to enter houses. The larger the window, the brighter the space will be. And although we may not be plants, we do need sunlight to survive and remain healthy. The majority of natural light in a house comes from its windows, which helps us feel more energised and improves our mood.

COOLING SYSTEM

Ventilatio­n is also an important part of any home. Windows give access to fresh air, which helps to cool down the enclosed space. In addition to this, windows also give people the opportunit­y to feel somewhat connected to the rest of the world, without having to leave the comfort and security of their homes.

But we not only use windows as a means to look out at the world around us; our neighbours and passers-by also use our windows to catch a glimpse of our daily lives. As such, there are many different window designs created to suit different people, and match whatever level of privacy they prefer.

Doors serve as our protection from unwanted elements, such as nature, animals and also strangers. Without doors, no one would feel safe in their homes knowing that at any moment someone or something could come waltzing in.

They also assist in creating a relaxing environmen­t by helping to block out outside noise. People view their homes as a place of refuge, whether they seek solace from a hard day at work or they simply want to hide from friends and family for a while. In order to provide adequate peace and quiet, doors are needed. But even while having such basic tasks, doors have been created in many shapes and sizes to enhance the look and feel of a home.

Whether you are building, buying, renting or renovating a home, always pay attention to its windows and doors. We oftentimes overlook the small stuff, but these tiny details can make a big difference in the way our house feels and looks. Choosing the right windows and doors can also be a fun and fulfilling experience as you witness your vision come to fruition.

Although the windows and doors may not be the most important or glamourous part of a house, they do hold a hidden beauty that can complement the rest of the house when taken into careful considerat­ion.

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 ?? ?? Elegant and sleek metal-and-glass entrance door, with sidelites manufactur­ed and installed by Better Deals Windows and Accessorie­s.
Elegant and sleek metal-and-glass entrance door, with sidelites manufactur­ed and installed by Better Deals Windows and Accessorie­s.
 ?? ?? Polystyren­e cement (foam) moulding with arc, keystone and sill made and installed by Weathershe­ild Ltd.
Polystyren­e cement (foam) moulding with arc, keystone and sill made and installed by Weathershe­ild Ltd.

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