(NUI) - The newest trend in home renovation is to add updates that are true to a home's specific architectural tradition, whether it's Old World Mediterranean, English Tudor, Craftsman or Victorian.
Wood features are especially important in drawing attention to your home's architecture. Because wood is a flexible and durable material, it is commonly used to achieve a cohesive look that accentuates a home's architecture and blends its focal points.
There are plenty of options for homeowners in the market for architecturally correct elements made of wood. Here are some examples.
* Windows: Regardless of their style, windows are the focal points of a house. Real wood windows help add indelible character to a home. One manufacturer, Jeld-Wen, offers windows with AuraLast wood that provide 20-year protection against wood decay, water absorption and termite infestation. These durable windows are available in a variety of designs.
* Doors: The front door defines the character of a house. When replacing a front door, select one that reflects the home's architectural design. For example, a knotty alder Craftsman door, distinctive for its thick wood plank design, complements many rustic architectural styles, from Mission to Old World. An entry door with stained-glass sidelights and a transom conveys classic Victorian design. To protect against the elements and call attention to the front door, install an overhang and lighting that projects the same look and feel.
* Molding: Installing molding is an easy way to give rooms a finished appearance and capture a unique look. Select heavy, detailed molding to convey traditional English design. For a more contemporary feel, use clean-cut, simple molding and trim.
* Flooring: Hardwood flooring anchors the decor of any room. An antique oak plank floor suits a variety of architectural styles, from French Tudor to Mediterranean, while birch flooring has a more casual look, with clean lines equally at home in classic or contemporary architecture. Hardwood floors require little work to maintain and can be customized with perimeter trim designs.
Nothing evokes a home's vintage charm like real wood design elements. For more information about which wood window and door products best suit the style of your home, visit www.jeld-wen.com.
