ITV 60 Minute Makeover Show requested my help with a makeover in Huddersfield. I contacted Simon, the homeowner whose property was the subject of this episode. He uploaded some digital photos on my www.opennshut.co.uk website in the easy to use ‘My Account’ section available after registering on the website. These allowed me to view his window and patio door as if I were standing in the room, avoiding the inconvenience to him of arranging a suitable visit. I could clearly see what shutter style would best suit.
Design & Style: Knowing the TV designer John Amabile wanted a modern look, for the window I chose 3 full height shutters without a horizontal rail, fitted to battens to space the shutters away from the window handles. For the Patio doors, 4 shutters, folding 2 left and 2 right, their height requiring a horizontal rail for strength. I chose the Elite shutters in Basswood to keep the weight down, with medium size louvres (64mm), finished in the most popular colour of silk white, to match the window colour.
Measuring over the phone: I advised Simon over the phone, matching his window layout and patio door design. Impressed with the customer-friendly website and practical expert advice he quickly gained the confidence to measure accurately, avoiding the need for a visit, and ensuring a speedy order. Trusting in my online DIY service, I attended on the day of filming, my 5th time for the ITV 60 Minute Makeover show, easily fitting the shutters within the 60 minutes show time
Once again, my shutters were the designer John Amabile’s favourite part of his makeover. The show’s presenter was Terri Dwyer from Hollyoaks, Grange Hill and The Game, who took over from Claire Sweeney for this series. Also on set was Craig Phillips, winner of Big Brother 2000 who was very interested in the shutters and said he would like shutters for his customers.
ITV’s DIY choice: The ITV 60 Minute Makeover shows favour interior shutters from www.opennshut.co.uk due to speed the shutters can be put together and fitted. It proves to viewers that it really is very easy to fit DIY shutters. The benefit of pre-drilled holes, slot-in hinges, finger-push corner connectors and 4-sided frames, making the whole thing almost as easy as hanging a picture frame!
The completed episode airs on ITV towards the end of the year – show dates online when available.