For 2012, bold colors are popping up in some unexpected places. JELD-WEN experts say window cladding colors that make a strong statement, such as its Scarlett Haze and Capri Blue, are becoming more popular as homeowners look for ways to enhance curb appeal. Beyond bright tones, black and gray finishes also are being used in a stylish “mix and match” fashion to help highlight bolder shades. Other homeowners are opting for cladding just on window sashes for easy maintenance, while leaving exposed wood on the frame. The exposed wood provides flexibility for trim options, and because it is made with JELD-WEN’s proprietary AuraLast^® wood, it offers superior protection from wood rot, water saturation and termites.

The use of color is also true for the company’s Premium Vinyl window line which, unlike other vinyl windows that only come in white and neutral tones, offers homeowners 10 different shades to choose from.

“When it comes to vinyl, homeowners are gravitating toward our more interesting color palettes such as Mesa Red and Hartford Green as well as dark, defining frame colors like Dark Chocolate, Chestnut Bronze and black,” said Elizabeth Souders, director of product marketing for JELD-WEN windows. “We’re seeing color considerations playing a much larger role in the decision process.”

The Premium Vinyl line also offers a variety of natural-looking woodgrain interiors that add the warmth and beauty of wood finishes, so that in addition to customizing with color, homeowners can select from grain patterns to incorporate even more variety.

Mix it up

Taking a cue from fashion trends, homeowners are steering away from exact matches and using different styles to create customized looks. At the International Builders’ Show (IBS) this year, the concept home called the “New American Home” features different JELD-WEN doors appropriate for the look and feel the designers were hoping to achieve in each room.

“When it came to selecting the doors, colors, stains, handles, and hinges all were considered carefully,” said Phil Kean of Phil Kean Designs, architect for the New American Home project. “There were areas where we wanted privacy; some are painted, some are stained; there are mirrored doors, simple flush doors, others have textured glass and metal inlays.”

Experts suggest that homeowners consider each door opening and how it is placed and used to determine what style might be most suitable vs. automatically repeating the same design throughout.

Earthy tones and finishes prove to be a natural attraction

Earth tones are a classic, and this year sustainable style will continue to resonate with homeowners. JELD-WEN takes the notion of reuse and recycling to a whole new level as the first major manufacturer to offer reclaimed wood window and door products as part of the company’s Custom Wood line.

Made from Douglas fir that was originally used for fencing, barns, houses and factories, JELD-WEN brings this durable wood back to life by reclaiming it for stylish windows and doors. JELD-WEN’s reclaimed wood options include weathered, skip planed and planed finishes for doors, and a planed finish for windows, giving homeowners the option to mix and match window and door styles or achieve a coordinated look.

Whether homeowners decide it’s time to go bold, or more soothing, restful finishes feel right to them, there’s no doubt that 2012 style will be anything but boring.

“People are ready to put the doldrums of the past couple of years behind them and many are returning to the notion that their homes are a reflection of themselves,” said Brosterhous. “That’s resulting in some really interesting style and design trends this year.”