Building product trends and consumer research have shown design moving toward a more contemporary and minimalist aesthetic in recent years. Some of the trend is explained by the homeowners who inspire it. As millennials make their way into the home buying and remodeling ranks, they bring with them their desire for urban living in suburban spaces. Moreover, homeowners of all demographics are looking for ways to decompress in an increasingly chaotic world.
Knowing that, kitchen and bath product manufacturers have brought clean line designs to hardware, fixtures, and cabinetry to help reduce visual clutter and create a sense of calm. Large-format and plank-style flooring help visually widen and elongate spaces. And this year, window and door manufacturers are heavy into the contemporary design theme. Look for frames and sashes to narrow, giving way to larger glass areas, all complemented by sleek hardware and finishes.
A Modern Touch
The contemporary touch doesn’t have to stop at windows and entry doors. With garage doors often making up a large part of a home’s front elevation, designers can take advantage of their expanse to continue the modern aesthetic used elsewhere in the home, or to add more flair. Clopay’s new Modern Steel collection offers a three-layer insulated construction with optional polyurethane insulation. The available grooved and flush panel designs can be customized with a number of glass options for an edgy and fresh feel. The Modern Steel collection is part of Clopay’s Color Blast paint program, in which designers can choose from 1,500 Sherwin-Williams colors. clopay.com
Come Into the Fold
Large-panel, contemporary doors and systems manufacturer LaCantina is expanding its offerings to include a vinyl folding system. The introduction brings contemporary style with narrow, 2 15/16-inch stiles and rails to a broader audience thanks to a more affordable price point. Options for weather-resistant or flush sills expand installation possibilities. Designers can specify panels measuring up to 8 feet tall and in configurations of up to 6 panels with a total width up to 18 feet. Choose from white or tan colors with a range of glazing options. lacantinadoors.com
Contemporary Cool
Contemporary design is right there in the name of Weather Shield’s updated Contemporary Collection. In line with the trend, the collection’s doors and windows incorporate flush frames and slim 3 1/4-inch stiles and rails that are 2 inches narrower than the brand’s traditional components. The streamlined look lends Contemporary Collection products a resemblance to cool commercial steel and aluminum windows. Enhancing the sleek appearance are new minimalist and squared-off hardware options now available in black, as well as standard color options. New color options are also available for the product line’s exterior aluminum cladding, including eight anodized finishes or metallic paint in copper, silver, and espresso. weathershield.com
Modern Interiors & Exteriors
Jeld-Wen is bringing modern design to a variety of its product lines. The EpicVue wood window collection does away with traditional sticking and caming and takes advantage of an aluminum extruded sash to support expanded glass areas. The thick, aluminum extruded sash is available in eight wood species and numerous stain and paint colors. Multi-panel patio doors and 90-degree “direct set” corner windows let designers bring in light and views from all reaches of a home’s exterior. Inside, continue the contemporary feel with Studio Collection molded and flush interior doors (shown) available with a variety of design options that are at once minimalist and intriguing. jeld-wen.com
Expand Your Views
Marvin has expanded its product line with larger size offerings for the Ultimate Casement, Awning, and Picture windows, making them attractive options for designers who want to increase glass expanse and views. The Ultimate Casement is now available in heights up to 102 inches and widths up to 44 inches, or choose configurations up to 96 inches high and wide for the Ultimate Awning, and 120 inches high and wide for the Ultimate Picture. A Direct Glaze 90-degree corner window is also available in symmetrical and asymmetrical units, capturing light from multiple angles and featuring standard 1-inch insulating glass and a corner post of just 2 11/16 inches thick. marvin.com
Revealing Selections
Pacific Architectural Millwork launched its Reveal brand at the 2016 International Builders Show, including several European-style windows. The M-Series line of all-wood and aluminum-clad systems provides consistent sightlines and allows for unique configurations, such as stacked awning windows and the Tradewinds casement (shown). Ultra-slim sightlines of 2 1/8 inches are available. Other new introductions from the brand include tilt-and-turn windows, swing doors, and Slide & Seal contemporary patio doors. revealwd.com
