Windows are primarily considered functional features of a home, but their aesthetic properties are increasingly being emphasized with a range of interesting shapes, materials and finishing touches. Tying the home’s exterior and interior together, windows play an undeniably important role in a home’s design.
For homeowners who are installing windows in a new build or updating existing windows, there is no shortage of visually appealing and energy-efficient options on the market. Here are the top trends homeowners are drawing inspiration from in 2022.
Arched Windows
Arched windows may have been associated with churches and schools in the past, but this year, homeowners are shifting away from traditional square and rectangle windows toward this pleasing shape.
Providing a curved element to the home’s façade while bringing in plenty of additional light, arched windows are balancing out homes that are dominated by the straight lines of their doors and roofs. Many homeowners are also incorporating intricate designs into arched windows to give their home interesting light patterns.
Black Frames
One trend that has emerged in the last few years and remains popular in 2022 is black window frames. Homeowners are opting for black frames both inside and outside the house thanks to their clean look that is minimalistic yet bold. This year, the black trend is also extending to window hardware to create a sense of cohesion throughout the home. Although black is making the biggest waves, designers say they are also seeing a greater demand for other dark shades of window frames.
Acoustic Windows
The trend toward working from home has many homeowners seeking a quieter space, and acoustic windows are drawing attention for their ability to minimize outside noise and distractions. These high-performance windows feature thick and durable glass and are especially useful for those who live in urban areas or close to a busy highway.
Laminated glass is one popular option as it features two panes of the same thickness with a layer of polyvinyl butyral in between to reduce sound transmission, while dissimilar panes use different thicknesses to disrupt different sound frequencies and enhance sound control.
Chunky Trim
In 2022, homeowners are turning to chunky trim inside and out to add visual interest to their windows. When used on the exterior, chunky trim can draw the eyes toward the home’s windows, and it is a particularly popular option for those seeking the farmhouse look.
Floor-To-Ceiling Windows
Homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to feel more connected to the outdoors, and the trend toward working from home has many people looking to take advantage of a more serene surrounding by opening up their view of the outdoors with floor-to-ceiling windows. It is also a sustainable design choice as it optimizes daylight.
Modernized Bay Windows
The pandemic has left many people spending more time at home, and that is driving a trend toward making homes feel more spacious and multifunctional. Large contemporary bay windows that feature built-in seats with storage space underneath are enjoying a surge in popularity, combining function with comfort and aesthetic appeal. They suit a broad range of architectural styles, from contemporary to traditional, and can also raise the resale value of a home.
Skylights
This year, some homeowners are thinking beyond their walls and looking to the ceiling to bring more light into the room. Skylight windows are a popular option for areas of the home where more natural light is desired but vertical windows are not an option. Sun tunnels, or tubular skylights, are a more affordable way to let some natural light into a room through the roof.
Industrial Touches
Windows are also being transformed to keep up with the current industrial design trend. Farmhouse-style homes are using touches like industrial-style muntin bars to separate and hold the panes of glass in windows. White and black are the most popular colors for those following this trend, but shades like brown, green, gray and beige are also on the rise.
Energy-Efficient Windows
As energy prices continue to climb, many homeowners are investing in more energy-efficient windows. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver website, heat gain and loss through windows makes up as much as 30 percent of residential cooling and heating energy use.
Therefore, budget-minded homeowners are opting for the most efficient windows they can afford and extra measures like solar control film. Modern windows bear ENERGY STAR labels to guide buying decisions, and gas-filled windows with low-e coatings are being lauded for their ability to reduce heat loss.
Reach Out To The Northern Virginia Exterior Remodeling Contractors
Improve your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency with window replacement and installation services from Adelphia Exteriors. Family-owned and operated with decades of experience, Adelphia Exteriors is a top Northern Virginia exterior remodeling contractor known for precise workmanship and friendly customer service. Get in touch today to discuss your project or request a free window replacement or installation estimate.