Live safely, and beautifully

While it might not be a pleasant topic to talk about, good home security is an absolute must in our beautiful country with its high crime statistics. For most people, there are two main considerations: keeping the bad guys out when you’re not at home and staying safe when you’re asleep at night – in essence, creating safe zones inside your house.

Traditional burglar bars and security gates can be unattractive. “Security measures such as gates and burglar bars are often a grudge purchase,” says architectural designer Jenny Collins of Red Cat Design. “We know we need them, but we don’t really want to spend lots of money on them, especially if they’re not aesthetically pleasing. Fortunately, there are some good-looking options available these days.”

A layered approach is best, with a variety of barriers and warning systems that will alert you if there is an intrusion. They can be expensive but choosing the right