Guest post- Security versus Style - why home security does not have to be an interior design disaster!

We all want a
beautiful home, but then we also want to feel safe and secure within it, and
all too often it can feel like domestic security comes at the expense of interior
design. After all, can an intruder alarm or window grille ever look attractive?



Believe it or not,
domestic security measures do not have to be visually intrusive. Read on as Banham - one of London's
most trusted providers of home and commercial security solutions - offers their
advice on staying safe without compromising on style.



Window
Grilles with a Difference



Studies have shown
that it is the windows of a property where it is often at its most vulnerable,
but when you think about window grilles your first thought is probably that of
a prison. Barred windows that may be secure but look terrible from an aesthetic
point of view.

However this
does not have to be the case, and there are actually many stylish and discreet
collapsible, ornamental grilles that can provide your home with a high level of
security without affecting the look of your property during the day. They can
be made to measure while their intricate lattice designs provide a surprisingly
attractive aesthetic.

What is more, they
can simply be folded back behind curtains or blinds during the day when they
are not needed - you would not even know they are there.

Modern,
High-tech Access Controls

We all love our
gadgets don't we? If it is electronic and has a screen we are all over it, so
with this in mind, a contemporary access control system could be right up your
street. Far from an unattractive feature, one of these security systems will
look great within a modern property. The Banham K50 range of digital access
control keypads have been designed for either surface or flush mount fixing and
with a polished, satin chrome or brass finish.

The security
benefits are numerous, enabling you to electronically restrict who has access
to your building. If keys for traditional or mechanical locks are lost or
stolen it can prove extremely costly - not to mention a big inconvenience - but
this is not an issue with access controls.

Safes

If you are looking
for a discreet and unobtrusive way of protecting your most prized possessions
you can not get much more discreet than with a safe.

Specifically
designed to be hidden away and incredibly difficult to break into - you could
even put a painting over one of them just like in the movies! There are all
kinds to choose from too depending on what you need, such as wall safes (built
into the wall), freestanding safes, cash boxes and key cabinets.

But
remember - visibility matters

It is understandable
to not want the aesthetic of your property spoiled, however it is important to
remember that a big part of domestic and commercial security is making it
visible.

An effective
deterrent is half of the battle against criminals, and a burglar is far more
likely to target a home that does not have clear security measures installed
than one that does. Most criminals are opportunists, and a well defended home
simply does not represent a good opportunity.

What techniques
have you used to avoid your home security becoming a bit of an eye sore? Let us
know in the comments below.

This
guest blog was written by John Rooney on behalf of Banham - providers of the
very best alarms and locks for over 80 years.