What was once old is new again
It seems like every year we see classic home aesthetics make a comeback, often with a twist. Manufactures are finding new ways to improve upon older features for a number of reasons, one of which is to appeal to our aging population. And of course, retro always has its place, no matter what age bracket you’re in.
A recent article from Builder Magazine profiles the 55+ age demographic and discusses the active adult and motivations for purchasing, among other related topics.
Because of the business we’re in, we keep our eye on new product developments and trends. Based on everything we’ve seen and heard, here are three home features that are primed to make a comeback in 2010, regionally appropriate, and they’ve been updated to reflect the current built environment:
Exterior Basement Doors
Popularized by Auntie Em, Uncle Henry and that pesky tornado in The Wizard Oz, storm doors reached popularity as shelter in the Midwest. New models, like the Ultra Series from Bilco (who have been making these things for 75 years), are made of high-density polyurethane and are weather resistant.
Cedar Shakes
Mixing the look of cedar with traditional vinyl exteriors is one way to achieve a 1950’s feel while giving an expensive “wow” factor. In a recent article from eBuild, Drew Brandt, director of marketing for CertainTeed’s new product development, says his company has offered polymer shanks and shingles for 15-20 years, but their popularity has soared during the past couple years.
Cedar Impressions Naturals, seen here, is the low maintenance, polymer look-alike to cedar, “emphasizing rugged textures, deep shadows and subtle color variations.”
Ceiling Beams
A classic look from medieval times that homeowners are using to break up the plain white ceiling is wood or faux wood box beams. Companies like Fauxwoodbeams.com use reclaimed wood to give rustic character to any room in the house. An easy way to spruce up that great room or kitchen (or at least easy for us to say).
What other products do you expect to see more of in 2010?
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Tags: building product trends, cedar shakes, ceiling beams, exterior basement doors, new building products