Bi/Tri folding doors or french doors?

[LittleMilla]

Worried I am being too old-fashioned so would love some MN wisdom.

We're going to be knocking kitchen/dining room of our victorian semi through and adding a small extension across the back.

I would like something that looks like this at the end: www.completekitchencollection.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20&Itemid=9

Is it really old fashioned to have french doors + sash windows? My FIL (yes!) has said so. Especially when combined with our desire to put some traditional victorian tiles in the hallway.

Getting light in is our number one aim, but surely we can achieve this with veluxes and the above? Architect is coming on Monday to talk more.

I think that looks lovely and is what I would choose if I were doing our house again. I have a run of bifiold doors on our kitchen extension, at the behest of our architect, and they are a complete PITA. Wouldn't have them again. We end up using the trad French doors in the sitting room, which fortunately I insisted on retaining and which also go into the garden, just to avoid the pain of opening up the sliding folding ones.

I also think original or good quality repro period features never date if they're appropriate to the house. The things I like best about our house renovation include restoring the original tiled front path and hallway, fireplaces, cornicing and picture rails. These were all things I had to argue with the architect about but are the things which people always comment on and compliment, and which I am pretty sure will sell the house when the time comes. Not so sure the glass box extension and bifold doors will still be cutting it in 15 years time...you live and learn!

I have sliding doors and I love being able to open the whole wall up. They suit our house and our lifestyle. However, I originally pictured French windows and I am sure I would love those too. Those ones in the picture you linked too are timeless classics and won't look dated. Choose what you love the most.

Oh I like those! We have French doors although after having them I've swayed from wishing i Had got bifold doors to not. Like someone above said the bifolds can be a pita to open up meaning you use them less, they're also harder to add blinds to if your overlooked. On the other hand they do let in loads of light and look lovely and modern.

I guess it's up to you on which you would prefer, the French doors in the picture look lovely and suit a Victorian house.

Definitely doors and windows like in your link.
I think those folding doors can look quite good but could look dated in a few years. Whereas the ones in your link are so beautiful and like other have said you could get lovely blinds/curtains.

We have a living room alongside our kitchen, although on a different level, and this has bifolds right across. I wanted the same for the kitchen but DH talked me into French doors and I am now very glad we went for them. We have the kitchen door(s) open nearly every day and they are much less hassle than the bifolds, much as I love them too. Our single opening door in the bifolds is on the end of the windows too, whereas doors are in the middle of the kitchen which works much better.Something to think about when looking at your design. Pic of kitchen on my profile if you are interested. I would stick with the French doors also because more fitting with your kitchen style.

Thanks for replies. I'll be interested in hearing from builder & architect price difference...we've been quoted £1250 to replace a sash window upstairs and so slightly scared that this could make windows + doors an expensie option!

Ho hum. Think I will stick with my guns based on feedback though.

I like the setup in that link, it is a bay though.

Neighbour the good news is that we should have a similar-ish space and I'm hoping to have a similar kitchen (diff knobs though ) but without the long cupboards...

That's another thread though .

We have trifold french doors, two doors of which can be fixed and one opened as well as being able to open all 3 so a sort of compromise I think.

The link picture is lovely. Fashions come and go, but you cannot lose out by matching the style of your house.
We have dormer windows in our Edwardian house, They probably looked great in the 70s, but would look so much nicer if they matched the style of the house. Our new extension has French doors and sash windows- not as nice as the link- but I am pleased with the decision.