With expensive home improvements like door and window replacements, you want your investment to have staying power, so it’s important not to be taken in by fads or passing trends. After all, you don’t want to redo your doors and windows every year or two.
While there is certainly value in making yourself aware of what styles are popular, your final decision should balance your personal preferences and a timeless style to create a well pulled together look that doesn’t age. Here are some trending window and door designs for inspiration.
Expansive Glass
With many people spending more time in their yards, there is a growing need for opening glass walls. Whether you choose to install larger windows mulled together or lift-and-slide doors, you will enjoy increased daylight, magnificent views of the exterior, and many other benefits with multi-panel glass units.
Pass-Through Windows
The latest trend is to have a glass door in the entryway, with many featuring decorative stained or oversized glass inserts, sidelights, surrounding panels, and beams.
Their popularity is evident. Having a glass front door is a great accent and provides more natural light in the home. Most of these entryways provide a warm feel or have classic style that make them well-suited for any type of home.
The improved insulation and strength qualities of glass have contributed significantly to this new trend. For instance, the insulation issues usually associated with glass door installation are resolved with double glazing and specially coated glass.
With several decorative glass options available, including clear and sand-blasted glass, as well as other customization elements such as grilles, blinds, privacy levels, caming, and energy-efficient Low-E glass; you are sure to have a custom front door that is sure to match your home’s style and decor.
Here are a few examples of glass door entryways for inspiration:
Single Glass Front Door
Opaque glass is more popular than clear glass because it maximises natural light without compromising privacy. For period or classic styles, you may consider other options like leaded and bevelled glass, or even patterned stained glass inserts and panels.
Transitional Double Front Door
Clear glass is still the most popular choice for glass front doors. You can create an even more impressive focal point for your entryway by designing a bigger entryway fitted with a double front door.
Beach Style Entryway
This is a simple entryway design that strikes a balance between style and energy efficiency. This look is easily customizable with several glass designs and layouts to give you a signature look that expresses a laidback and inviting style.
Midsize Entryway
This design adds a sense of serenity to the exterior while maximising natural light into the home. It is particularly suited for Victorian, European, and Colonial home designs.
Small Transitional Single Front Door
Clear glass grille options offer endless combinations to fit any home or budget. Whether you prefer grilles or external lite dividers, there are a few options to consider. You can also choose Low-E glass for optimal energy efficiency and impact-rated options for storm protection.
While some homeowners choose to install big sliding or accordion-shaped elements that function as both windows, to let in light and ventilation, and doors, for easy access to the yard, others are choosing folding windows, sliders, and even awnings that also serve as exit points to the outside.
Clean Lines
Homeowners are choosing crisp lines and squared-off edges as opposed to arches. Moreover, there’s a growing interest in aluminium and steel framed storefront windows, which has led to an increase in demand for fixed, direct-set windows and casement windows instead of double-hung units.
High-End Woods
With homeowners looking to create a modern, clean appearance while making their homes warm and inviting, there is a growing demand for higher-end wood species such as mahogany and oak that boast a fine furniture feel and a more subtle grain, as opposed to traditional pine and other softwood options.
Wider Doors and Hallways
If you are remodelling your permanent residence, where you hope to live for the rest of your life, you should consider integrating practical solutions to problems that may arise with age. For instance, you may need to install wider doorways and hallways that provide enough room for walking aids such as scooters and wheelchairs. Pocket doors may also come in handy if you choose to age in your home, because they occupy less room compared to swinging doors, plus they are easier to operate.
Is Energy Efficiency a Trend?
Energy-efficient windows and doors have become so popular with the drive towards reduced energy costs and conserving the environment they are no longer considered a trend. It is important that you choose Energy Star rated products to maximize your comfort and reduce your energy bills.
