2022 is shaping up to be a banner year for home design that exudes health, serenity, and earthy colors. But what about the window trends that are taking us by force and shaping the home design landscape? From fully embracing natural light to the growing need to save with energy-efficient products, homeowners are doing their best to make the most of the spaces they call home — and home office.

Maximizing Natural Light

For many Americans, the pandemic has merged work-life to the point that the home is also one’s office. Since homeowners are spending more time indoors, they are seeking to create spaces that are as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing. Investing in larger and multiple windows is a strategic design tactic that lets in more light and opens up living areas, effectively creating a more inviting and peaceful environment. Increasingly, SoftLite customers are choosing to replace smaller, more limited windows with styles like large picture windows or combining multiple types for a truly captivating look that maximizes natural light. However, replacement windows don’t just have to “replace” an existing window. Customers can open up an exterior wall with the addition of a window, illuminating the space even more. Another option is an expansive patio door, which succeeds in both allowing in the sun’s rays and creating a seamless transition from the inside to the outdoors.

“Daylighting” is a term often used by architects to describe the process of maximizing natural light, but there are more benefits than just aesthetic appeal. Increasing natural lighting in a home can help lower overall energy consumption by reducing reliance on electric lighting and heat. Natural light also offers health and wellness benefits for occupants, including boosting Vitamin D, improving sleep, and fighting seasonal depression.

Thin Profiles

A design element that aligns with our desire for more natural light is the progression of thinner profiles in windows. One of the main benefits of slim windows is their ability to provide a clearer view. With thinner stiles and narrow frames, they offer a minimalist aesthetic that is both modern and functional. With this style option, less window frame obstruction translates to more glass on display and wider views. Homeowners can even opt for larger windows to expand across the wall for an extra dramatic effect.

Those seeking a contemporary look with slim-profile windows can also take their design dreams up a notch and customize them with a variety of finishes, trims, grid patterns, and low-profile hardware. Speak to your SoftLite dealer about the design choices available to you.

Black Window Frames

Modern yet timeless, black window frames provide design versatility rarely found elsewhere. This simple and bold choice can merge seamlessly with virtually any aesthetic, for both an interior paradise or enhanced curb appeal. Not only do black windows provide an exciting alternative to the traditional white frames, but they offer a dramatic flair while blending in with many other finishes.

SoftLite’s Sure-Coat^® Exterior PVC Bond Colors are available in black for the exterior of Imperial Elite, Classic Plus, Pro, and Elements window styles and Kingsroyal Glide sliding patio doors. Our newer black laminate interior/exterior color combination goes another step by incorporating this trend into the design of both the indoors and outside. Black laminate provides better color longevity in SoftLite’s Elements and Imperial Elite window lines, as well as Kingsroyal Glide sliding patio doors.

Energy Efficiency

With record levels of inflation and the rising cost of living across the country, people are looking for more ways to save money. That includes cutting down on wasteful energy expenses and improving the home’s overall energy efficiency. When evaluating your home’s energy consumption, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a professional audit that will check for areas of inefficiency. You can also conduct the audit yourself to identify air leaks, inspect insulation and investigate overall energy use.

It’s worth noting that leaky windows account for a tremendous amount of energy waste. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, in residential homes, windows account for 25 to 30 percent of heat gain and loss. Besides saving you money and decreasing unnecessary wear and tear on your heating and cooling systems, improving the thermal efficiency of your home can help the environment by reducing the amount of electricity your household consumes.

SoftLite offers a variety of products that exceed industry standards for energy efficiency, including our double-hung windows, which are the most energy-efficient in the industry. For more than 80 years, homeowners have trusted SoftLite’s ability to manufacture the most reliable, durable, and high-performing windows on the market. To find your dream windows, start by contacting a SoftLite dealer near you.