Top Trends For 2007: Number 1 - Deja Vu Design: JELD-WEN Predicts Style Resurge For 2007Window and door classics are making a comeback in new and interesting ways

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. February 07, 2007 -- Homeowners on the hunt for fresh styles are in for more than a little déja vu, as classic looks make a comeback and even new designs cannot hide their historic roots. Carriage house garage doors, Dutch doors and vinyl windows that echo traditional East Coast styles are just a few of the home design products poised for mass appeal in 2007, according to JELD-WEN, the world's leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors.

Today's divided lites are purely decorative

"People want architecture and building products with a sense of history or an interesting story. Some of today's most popular styles draw inspiration from the past," said Teri Cline, JELD-WEN corporate communications manager. "However, most of these 'déja vu designs' now come with a twist, such as high-tech materials that greatly improve performance over time."

Classic looks make a comeback
Uniquely designed windows with divided lites conjure up the time when homes were built by turn-of-the century artisans who put a little bit of their personality into every project. In today's age of manufactured building products, the charming look of true divided lites for windows is still popular, and homeowners are getting creative with interesting window shapes and sizes.

Today's divided lites are purely decorative, and that means manufacturers can ensure greater energy efficiency and overall performance of the window than is possible with true divided lites. And there is a wider assortment of styles - from no-maintenance grilles between the window glass to fully simulated grilles on the interior and exterior of the glass. In addition to divided lites, JELD-WEN experts say that oil-rubbed bronze is this year's new "brushed nickel" when it comes to popular hardware options for both windows and doors. Subtle rather than shiny, oil-rubbed bronze has an elegant, timeless look and a rich antique finish that complements a variety of historic architectural styles.

Warm, welcoming style has always been the heart of the home's entryway, which is why the classic Dutch door is back in vogue. Dating back to pre-Revolution days in the United States, Dutch doors are constructed in two pieces, allowing the upper section to be opened independently of the lower. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Web site, this style of door allowed homeowners the advantage of letting air and light into the interior while keeping children safely inside and "animals and vermin out."

While today's urban and suburban homeowners don't need to worry about wandering livestock, Dutch doors are popular for their handsome proportions and no-nonsense functionality. By opening the top half of the door, homeowners keep in touch with what's happening in the neighborhood, while closing the bottom is a practical way to maintain a sense of security and privacy. JELD-WEN® IWP® Custom and Premium Wood Dutch doors offer homeowners a variety of styles and options.

"Because of their emphasis on simplicity, Dutch doors work well with many traditional home designs that are very popular today, including Craftsman and Colonial styles," said Shane Meisel, marketing manager for JELD-WEN® doors. "Their traditional wood stile-and-rail construction only adds to the appeal."

In some cases, it's a classic building material, not necessarily an architectural style, that's making a comeback. Wood itself dates back to the beginning of time for doors and windows, and this year, homeowners are increasingly craving the natural look of wood. To highlight the return to natural materials and finishes, homeowners are mixing contrasting wood species. Some of JELD-WEN's original designs that help achieve this updated look are all the rage for 2007.

One of this year's style stars is the JELD-WEN® Premium Wood "Miracle Door." An original design from the 1920s, this interior door is a flat panel with picture frame moulding accents. Either the moulding, panel or door frame can be different species. The result is a clean, modern look that homeowners throughout the country are clamoring for. "The 'Miracle Door' is a perfect example of how some of the classic styles are making a comeback," Meisel said. "Good design is timeless, and people are rediscovering it for their homes."

A third example of comeback style also harkens from the early 20th century - carriage house garage doors. Craftsman and cottage-style homes remain popular, but homeowners don't live like they did at the turn of the century. Modern garages are larger than in years past and may function as extensions of living space with the same requirements for natural light, energy efficiency and security.

In addition to what happens inside a garage, the door style sets the tone for the home's whole front faêade. JELD-WEN offers the only high-performance wood composite garage doors available today, and the company has heeded the call for Craftsman and cottage style options by offering its Carriage House collection with a variety of designs and glass inserts. Although they reliably capture Craftsman style, these doors are highly energy efficient and offer superior resistance to denting, warping and cracking.

"Homeowners realize they cannot neglect the effect of the garage door on overall curb appeal," said John Monfore, marketing manager for JELD-WEN® garage doors. "The garage door is key to reinforcing the home's architectural style and, unlike a sheltered front door, must also provide high-performance benefits because of year-round exposure to the elements."

Historic styles with a twist
As with JELD-WEN's wood composite garage doors, historic styles are reappearing, but now with a modern twist - engineered materials and new elements offer the perfect blend of style and performance. For example, JELD-WEN has introduced new vinyl windows that deliver classic, East Coast brickmould and flat-casing looks, which work well with Colonial-style homes. By offering these window frame styles in vinyl, JELD-WEN offers an affordable, low-maintenance and energy efficient option for homeowners around the country.

Entry doors are getting into the game as well. Rustic grilles in a variety of styles are the answer for many who want to evoke Old World style at the entryway. JELD-WEN has preserved the nostalgic style of door grilles, but has added a few modern conveniences. Rather than being fixed, these grilles swing open for quick and easy cleaning.

For homeowners who envision chatting with neighbors across friendly Dutch doors, or for those who need to add a touch of carriage house style to their three-car garages, manufacturers like JELD-WEN Windows & Doors are answering the call for classic styles with all the modern conveniences.

www.jeld-wen.com

Darcie Meihoff
503-274-7006
JELD-WEN@cmdagency.com