Are you in tune with the latest and greatest home updates?

Window World has been a proud recipient of the Good Housekeeping Seal since 2008. Known as the gold standard in helping guide consumer product purchasing decisions, the Seal is only awarded after careful evaluation by the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI).

The products, ideas, and solutions researched in the GHI labs in New York have been shaping homes for more than 115 years.

For instance, according to Good Housekeeping home improvement evaluations, Window World’s 4000 Series windows help conserve energy, reducing the need to use air-conditioning. GHI also notes that the 4000 Series windows are “weather resistant and require minimal maintenance.” That’s good information when you’re thinking about investing in window replacement.

Good Housekeeping also monitors industry trends in home products and fashion by carefully researching what’s going on throughout the nation. We find these insights extremely useful when developing our exterior remodeling products and thought we’d share the same information with you.

Black window frames

This home trend carries roots from the last century when it was used in lofts and factories of the early 1900s. Today, home designers love this look, especially with modern farmhouse design, but also across the board from traditional to contemporary homes. It adds dramatic definition both inside and out. In fact, interior windows with black frames are often left unembellished without any window treatments.

Natural wood trim

The use of natural wood or wood-tone trim is making a welcome comeback to home décor. It evokes a feeling of warmth and comfort that has always been popular in lake or mountain retreat homes. The casual look blends wonderfully with nature’s beauty, making it a perfect fit on windows revealing magnificent views. Natural wood slat ceilings work well with exposed beams, and the look can also extend to the floor and floor moldings.

Classic blue tones: Pantone 19-4052 is “Color of the Year”

The Pantone Color Institute has selected 19-4052 Classic Blue as its 2020 Color of the Year: “Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”

Pantone’s selection has influenced product development in industries including fashion and home furnishings for more than 20 years. Consider Classic Blue or a similar shade for an entry door, siding, interior décor, or trim. It works well with crisp whites and other bold hues, including 2019’s Color of the Year, “Living Coral.”

Arched window shapes

Adding an elegant appeal to traditional windows, arched windows have long been a favorite in Mediterranean or Southwestern home design. However, you can find them throughout the design spectrum, often in tandem with arched entry doors and interior hallway openings. Arched half-moon windows may be added to existing windows, above exterior doors, or as transoms above French doors. Full arched windows or an expansive, three-piece arched design with classic molding can make a beautiful statement in any home.

Expansive glass

Nothing makes a big impression like a huge expanse of clear glass. Whether this is achieved with a large picture window, sliding glass doors, or an entire wall of glass, large window areas — with no visible breaks, grids, or trim — have a distinctive modern appeal. Many large window designs can offer the flexibility of ventilation through casement, awning, or hopper styles.

Maximizing outdoor spaces

In this stay-at-home world, we’re making the most of every inch of space, especially the fresh air and sunshine of outdoor living areas like patios, decks, and porches. Whether adding a new outdoor space or making the most of what we have, we’re all looking for new ways to extend outdoor livability. Adding comfortable furnishings for relaxation and dining while dressing things up with lighting, landscaping, and colorful décor can give these places the detail they deserve.

Smart home technology

The list of smart devices for homes has expanded to cover every inch of the house, indoors and out. From the security of a doorbell camera to the energy savings of smart thermostats, smart tech offers incredible flexibility and forgiveness.

Forgot to turn on the alarm system or close the garage door? No problem. A few taps on your phone can adjust things from anywhere, saving time and worry. Voice control your shopping, ask for your favorite music, or find out the answer to "Final Jeopardy!" — the more we live with smart home technology, the more we wonder how we ever lived without it.

Now that you have the lowdown on trends from Good Housekeeping, let’s talk about makeover ideas for your home. Your friends at Window World will be happy to discuss any ideas with you. Our professionals are here for you now with a free consultation virtually or in your home. Contact your local store for more information.