Top 2008 Trend: Homeowners Crave Contemporary
JELD-WEN offers advice on achieving a fresh look for traditional architecture

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. February 13, 2008 — When it comes to architectural style, homeowners are breaking from tradition.

Conventional wisdom says that Craftsman or Old World homes are most popular. However, a recent national survey by JELD-WEN® Windows & Doors reveals that contemporary styles have eclipsed more traditional looks in the hearts of today’s homeowners. Given a choice of eight architectural styles, a passionate 20 percent of respondents preferred a contemporary style, according to the JELD-WEN Perfect Home Survey. The respondents are not only passionate about incorporating contemporary designs into the home but are actively researching products with a modern bent and are intent on finding products that meet their design style.    

The growing demand for contemporary styles continues to drive product design for many manufacturers. The unique is now the norm when it comes to window and door design as customization and contemporary style are becoming a common theme for many products recently introduced to the marketplace. 

A break from tradition is not usually a clean one. Many homes simply can’t escape their old bones, nor can their owners afford complete overhauls. The hallmarks of contemporary home design — open living areas, sleek finishes and tall spaces — are often at odds with existing architectural features like popcorn ceilings and partitioned rooms. Unifying two styles can be a challenge, and it can get expensive.

“Simple design decisions for windows and doors can go a long way toward adding contemporary details,” said Rod Clark, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN. “Windows and doors influence the architectural styles of both the interior and exterior, along with regulating light, air and views — key values of contemporary design.”

For many homeowners, the practical choice is a “remix” that can bring a fresh look to a home, yet work within a traditional context.

“Whether it’s developing the Phantom Screens® Technology with custom wood for people requesting a clean, sleek look or door grilles with contemporary patterns, we’re creating products that meet consumer demand. We have seen an increase in the number of customers requesting contemporary options on windows and doors and have expanded our choices,” Clark said.       

Here are style ideas from JELD-WEN on how to mix in contemporary without messing up the traditional.

Bring the outside in
Outdoor living and a visual connection to nature are key features of contemporary design, so it’s no wonder that homeowners are setting their sights on the patio door — one of the largest doors in the home — as a quick and easy way to modernize their style.

“This is an opportunity to make an important exterior opening taller and wider, allowing the patio door to bring in more light and views,” Clark said. “Homeowners can easily unify the patio door with the home’s architectural style by selecting the right hardware and matching wood finishes.”

The ultimate contemporary patio doors are the ones that virtually disappear, opening entire rooms to the outdoors. JELD-WEN offers the exterior folding door system, the only accordion-fold patio doors available in wood or fiberglass. For added drama, it’s possible for the patio doors to meet at a 90-degree corner without a structural post.

Exercise your inspiration
Replacement fixtures no longer need to have an off-the-shelf look, especially when it comes to windows. JELD-WEN advises homeowners to get inspired and explore the many custom options available. Simple moves, such as adding jewel-like Arctic Silver cladding for windows, can make traditional homes sparkle.

 In 2007 JELD-WEN introduced a variety of door grille styles, many with a contemporary influence. There are 21 new grille designs available in the Custom Fiberglass and Custom Wood exterior door lines, and all designs are recessed and hinged for easy cleaning.

Make passageways more appealing
The best contemporary homes have a sense of openness throughout, yet many homeowners face the harsh reality of partitioned, dark rooms that date back to older architectural styles.

 An alternative to the expense and effort of knocking down walls can involve making passageways brighter and more appealing. Doors with glass panels help make visual connections between rooms and allow space for natural light as well as people to pass through. This is a perfect, contemporary intervention for small, cottage-style homes with tiny rooms.

“Interior doors with glass are becoming more popular because homeowners are tired of old, flush, dark hollow-core doors or looks that they might not have selected in the first place,” said Elizabeth Souders, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN. “Doors with glass panels are a great update for any architectural style and allow homeowners to get creative with wood, glass and hardware.”

From jewel-like window cladding to sleek door designs, homeowners who want to remix their style have more to choose from than ever before.

About JELD-WEN
JELD-WEN, inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors. Based in Klamath Falls, Ore., JELD-WEN began as a small Oregon millwork plant in 1960 and has grown into a company with nearly 150 divisions and more than 20,000 employees worldwide. JELD-WEN is the official window, door and millwork provider of the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour, Proud Partner of THE PLAYERS and title sponsor of the JELD-WEN Tradition. Since 1998, JELD-WEN has been an ENERGY STAR® Partner with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Eleven JELD-WEN® product lines and all windows and doors constructed with AuraLast® wood have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. JELD-WEN® windows and doors have been honored by numerous consumer and industry publications. In 2005, JELD-WEN® Custom Fiberglass exterior doors received a Consumers Digest Best Buy rating.

For more information about the exceptional value and reliability of JELD-WEN products, or to find a dealer near you, please visit www.jeld-wen.com or call 800-877-9482.

Sources:
“Given a choice between eight architectural styles, 20 percent of homeowners preferred contemporary.” 
JELD-WEN Perfect Home Survey, 2006