2019 Window Trends: Prairie Style Windows Lead the Way
2019 Window Trends: Prairie Style Windows Lead the Way
PENSACOLA, FLA - Based on the surprise accelerated sales of Prairie style windows in 2018, leaders at Hy-Lite, a U.S. Block Windows Company, believe 2019 will be a knock-out year for the decorative glass window. They're also seeing trends related to Millennials, preferences for brass accents and a big jump in sales for transom windows.
"In 2017 our 4' x 1' Prairie window was our third best selling product of the year," says Roger Murphy, president of Hy-Lite, a U.S. Block Windows Company. "That all changed in just 12 months. Now this transom window is our number one best selling product in the company."
Prairie Style Dominates
Murphy believes the explosive growth of the Prairie window matches up with the desire of builders and homeowners to add more light to master shower locations in the home.
"People are looking for privacy solutions for the bath where natural light is not diminished," says Murphy. "For builders, the product differentiation of offering an eye-catching elegant window in the bath versus a plain frosted glass window has proven to be a tremendous advantage in home sales."
Looking toward 2019, Hy-Lite has introduced a decorative glass transom awning window option. The company believes the window offers the best of all worlds: privacy, memorable decorative glass designs, plus an easy way to ventilate the master bathroom.
"The 4' x 1' window fits any standard opening of the same size for easy installation," says Murphy. "The window design itself provides decorative flair and privacy while eliminating the expense and daily hassle of using light-blocking privacy window treatments. This is a big selling point for homeowners."
Growth for Decorative Glass Windows
Murphy shares that the company's decorative glass line will finish 2018 as the biggest growth winner for the company. This trend of enhanced growth for decorative glass has continued for Hy-Lite during the past several years.
Part of the company's fastest-growing product line, the Home Designer Collection features a variety of sizes and options for windows with Prairie, Mission, Baroque and Metro styles.
"There's no doubt that demand for decorative glass windows is steadily climbing," says Murphy. "That's a key reason why we introduced 2' x 2' accent windows this year in Prairie, Mission and Baroque styles.
"We're now seeing builders using these smaller square windows as a series of three placements in bedrooms and dining rooms. Creativity in usage of decorative glass windows now sets builders apart in a marketplace."
What About the Millennials?
As Millennials play an increasing role in the home buying market, Murphy anticipates that ease of use and low- or zero-maintenance products will become an even higher priority in the marketplace.
"Millennials are not like Baby Boomers," says Murphy. "They want everything a bit easier in their lives. Products that are designed for simplicity and ease for the Millennials will be the winners in the future.
"From our company's perspective that's great news. The windows we create require virtually no effort to maintain. In fact, the privacy windows eliminate the need for fussy window treatments that require cleaning and adjusting. This makes privacy windows a clear winner for Millennials."
Getting Brassy
Inside and out, privacy windows can complement the whole-home clear glass window lines installed by builders.
"Builders can stay on-trend by selecting privacy windows to make their homes look truly amazing," says Murphy. "As an example, right now we're seeing increased demand for brass accents. Our decorative glass oval window features brilliant brass caming and elegant beveled glass. This on-trend decorative window comes in an easy-to-install frame to make life easier for contractors.
"From concept to installation to end user, this window is a win-win. It's the same way with the subtle shift we've seen in recent years from Craftsman style homes toward either contemporary or mid-century modern. There are privacy windows that complement these changing homes styles that make the builders look good and meet the desires of the homeowners."
Hy-Lite, a U.S. Block Windows Company, is the leading manufacturer of acrylic block, glass block and decorative glass windows. The company's privacy product options include acrylic block shutters, accent panels, radius walls, partition walls and door inserts. Since 1988, the Pensacola, Florida-based company has been committed to providing residential and commercial construction professionals and homeowners with elegant, affordable privacy window designs. For more information, visit www.hy-lite.com.
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