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Smart lock technology from Allegion Canada Inc. Frameless glass barn door from The Sliding Door Company. A PR IL 2016 | 27 Doors A Bigger dimensions and innovative materials are rocking the doors market by STACEY MCLACHLAN A door seems simple, but it can be so much more than just an entry to your home. "Whereas doors used to be a hole in a wall to enter or exit a building or room, nowadays they're expected to provide high-level secu- rity against intruders, bring the outdoors in, keep the weather out, and do all of this while looking good," says Michele Funk of EuroLine Windows. Luckily, the options available this year offer plenty of opportuni- ties to make a statement, while still offering plenty of smart functionality. "Design professionals, as much as builders and homeowners, are getting increasingly aware of the impact of the door on the house curb-appeal over the traditional functional perception," says Tracy Nadiger, director of marketing, All Weather Windows. "With today's products, including glass and door styles, a much bigger impact can be achieved by selecting the right product for a house." And it's not just the professionals who are on the hunt for the perfect design. Thanks to increased access to information – think design shows, magazines and sites like Houzz – homeowners are more educated than ever as to their design options. Consumers are paying attention to the details, like architectural hardware, hinges and deadbolts, and these details are influencing the design throughout the entire home, as entrance and interior door hardware styles are tied into kitchen and bathroom looks. "It's about work- ing the overall finish and theme to enhance or comple- ment the rest of the residential package," explains Mike Longhi, senior VP of McGregor & Thompson Hardware. "For example, we are seeing doors, molding, baseboard, casing and hardware being presented as an entire theme for consideration, rather than separate compo- nents which often don't belong together." F I T T I N G I N As urban centres become more dense and housing prices go up, homeowners are looking at smaller square footage and are hungry for space-saving options. It explains the rise of folding doors, as well as this year's hottest look, the barn door. While a swinging door can take up approximately three square feet, these sleek designs require no space at all. "They're decorative and more functional in certain areas where space is a constraint," says Jane Kelly, director of marketing for Allegion Canada. "It's all about reinvention," adds Mark Stein, presi- dent of The Sliding Door Company, of the trend. "It's a modern twist on an old classic." The Sliding Door Company actually integrates a further twist with its line of top-hung frameless glass barn doors that glide along a decorative rail. However, not all homes require space-saving options. Indeed, big is still beautiful, as oversized slid- ing doors also surge in popularity. It makes sense that these sizes are becoming more valued with the rise of indoor/outdoor spaces and natural light. Kris Hanson, product marketing manager for Marvin Windows and Doors, has noticed the trend across North America. "Regardless of the style of architecture, what we are seeing is an emphasis on indoor/outdoor living and letting more light in," says Hanson, adding that glass is everywhere. Of course, contemporary architecture embraces the glass look more than traditional styles, and the types of finishes that are gaining traction right now (satin nickel, matte blacks and dark bronzes) are in line with that. Come On In

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