Product Focus I DE A S FOR B U I L DE R S & R E N OVAT OR S
Wyecroft suggests grooved baseboards and casings as simple yet elegant replacements for traditional trim offerings.
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW There’s a place for both classic and modern design, as interiors seek to soothe BY T E D M c I N T Y R E AMONG THE many lessons the
pandemic has taught consumers is to appreciate their homes. That includes the details of their interior finishes, from the floors they walk upon to the technology that lights the way. While home builders are responding in some regards, they’re not in others—particularly when it comes to the old standby of trim, suggests Wyecroft Trim & Doors Group marketing specialist Tara Macedo. “For the past couple decades, builders have been using the same Colonial-style mouldings and doors (in production homes),” Macedo observes. “This worked because builder houses have largely been traditional in design. Over ohba.ca
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the past few years, however, we’ve seen a big shift in the market. Many consumers are gravitating away from traditional design, and toward modern and contemporary design, so builders have adapted their designs accordingly with more modern elevations. “Given that shift, it would be natural to assume that builders have expanded or altered their trim packages accordingly, but we’re not finding that to be the case,” Macedo continues. “We consistently hear from people who have recently purchased their dream home, with its beautiful modern exterior, only to find out that they have Colonial-style mouldings included in their trim package, with
limited options to change or upgrade. “For that reason, we want to bring to light the more modern, simple mouldings and doors that builders can offer to complement those popular modern elevations—options that don’t require them to break the bank.” Wyecroft says it’s time for a ‘new builder standard.’ “Instead of the everpopular Carrara 2 panel door, why not opt for a flush MDF hardboard door? Instead of Colonial baseboards and casings, why not opt for flat stock baseboards and casings?” Macedo offers. “These products fall within a similar price point to their traditional counterparts, making it an easy substitution for the builder. We’ve found ONTARIO HOME BUILDER LATE SPRING 2021
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