Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/962985
A PR IL 2018 | 35 Doors as outdoor ones, doors like the Ultimate Bi-Fold offer more interesting design options that also put security and safety as a priority. With this product, a con- cealed multi-point locking system comes standard, and multiple sill liner options add to its flexibility, and the optional retractable screen is unobtrusive thanks to a concealing surround – style with some serious substance. M O D E R N M A R V E L S The bi-fold is one example of an overarching trend towards clean, modern looks. "We have definitely seen the modern look become increasingly popular over the last two years," says Nadiger. And with increasing customization options, it's easy for any design to take on a modern edge: the opportunity to choose the lite place- ments in a slab, for example, allows a homeowner to customize their door to fit their style and personality – flush, glazed lites that have clean lines nod to the modernist trend, as do flat-face profile lite frames. Even more traditional designs are getting a modern take: Milgard Windows & Doors's latest Essence series of In-Swing and Out-Swing French patio doors are designed to have a similar look and feel to the brand's French Sliding doors, so mixing and matching is a breeze – but even with its mullions and faux-wood fibreglass frame, the multitude of finish options and handle designs make this a thoroughly contemporary option. All Weather Windows is tapping into this desire for modern designs with its new Modern line, which consists of dozens of options in fibreglass and steel-slab contemporary looks. From mid-century-modern-inspired bright green designs with diamond-shaped frosted windows, to steel products with geometric bevel- ling, there's a wide range of options to suit a spec- trum of tastes. "The whole idea of customized ability is really big now," agrees Reynolds. "Colour offer- ings, window offerings, different contempo- rary offerings are all out there." Even last year, Reynolds was noticing bold colours coming into play, like reds and blues. All Weather's previously mentioned green design is one indicator that the company has also noticed this trend towards colourful front doors. Orange, says Nadiger, is the leading choice in today's market, "but everything from green to orange to purple gives the home some personality." Besides bold colours, natural wood is a popular choice because of its warmth and character, and doesn't necessarily have to be paired with a traditional style. Hanson points out that switching up the finish or size can take a wood door in a very mod- ern direction. "For example, the Wood Ultimate Bi-Fold Door is available in sizes up to 55-feet wide and 10-feet tall, with dark finish options and modern hardware. It's an on-trend choice, as warm wood finishes are also popular at this point in time. "It's mainly cedar and walnut," says Reynolds. "They want application doors that are made of steel but look like wood versus going out and buying an actual cedar door, which is exponentially more expensive, plus it's got all the mainte- nance issues that come with it and it doesn't last quite as long." It's a look that's not necessarily new either, "I've seen this happening for a few years now," says Reynolds; and its a look that isn't going away any time soon. In fact, darker finishes and sleek hardware have been trending industry wide, notes Hanson, and more owners and developers are looking at doors as an inte- grated part of the design, which means being able to get custom colours and sizes to mesh perfectly with the home is crucial. S U S TA I N A B L E A N D S T Y L I S H Giving a designer exactly what they want can sometimes be a bit of a balancing act. "The trend is for energy efficient doors doors that provide light and privacy, which can be difficult to accomplish," says Nadiger. Hanson agrees: "We are seeing demand for bigger views with bigger glass that won't sacrifice energy performance." This checklist has made texture glass inserts and certain types of privacy- enhancing door lites highly popular for consumers right now. All Weather Windows carries a door lite that changes in obscurity depending on the angle of visibility, which has proved to be a popular option, but overall, the use of side lites Contemporary Series from Steel-Craft Door Products. Aluflam.indd 1 2017-09-20 7:58