I couldn't tick one or the other of the boxes – I think the choice has to be made contingent on so many variables. In fact we have painted timber, double-glazed bifolds (with a fabulous retractable pleated fly-screen) at the end of the dining room leading out onto a terrace and a painted timber, double-glazed slider (with a timber-framed sliding fly-screen) on the other side of the kitchen (but on the same axis) opening onto a raised timber deck. Each works really well in terms of function and aesthetics but they would not be interchangeable as the different locations determined which was more suitable – but they have been made by the same highly skilled window craftsman and have given us nothing but pleasure. And on a hot, steamy evening with both open we have the most wonderful cross ventilation.

I am about to start some alterations and the front door is currently dark violet purple but soon to be black. I will however be retaining the natural rimu on the inside even though my kitchen walls are dark charcoal currently. I like them so much the new kitchen will have the same coloured walls. The new sliding windows in the kitchen have a pine frame so won't match the rest. I am going to paint it dark charcoal too, with the cedar sliders and rimu finishing.

Unfortunately the door had to swing from that side due to light switches having to be a certain distance from water (shower). Plus I’d rather have the first view be of vanity and bath, rather than shower and toilet... Solution was to go for a hidden control arm (Glynn Johnson 410 series concealed overhead door stop) at the top of the door that bounces door back away from shower screen. Can’t see it when the door is shut. Plus didn’t interfere with water proofing/tiling.

Where did you get it, by the way? I am actually looking for some doors for my terrace. The thing is, I don't want them to be opaque. I would like the same design for the lines to be a little more subtle with more transparent glass. Actually, I think there is no need for ornaments on the glass. Just a little shading would be more than enough. I am also curious about the prices on this one because if it's triple compared to a simple door, then I am not even considering