James Hardie’s Aspyre collection delivers endless design possibilities in durable and weather-resistant fiber cement. The juxtaposition of shapes, patterns and profiles of the Reveal panels—applied horizontally or vertically—combined with the Artisan siding add visual interest. Through Ring’s End, Darien, ringsend.com, aspyredesign.com, jameshardie.com.
No more searching for keys: Baldwin’s Enhanced smart lock offers easy access with a smart phone. Kevo technology allows users to lock or unlock doors remotely. Through Canaan Distributors, Stamford, canaandistributors.com, baldwinhardware.com.
Solar roofing isn’t likely to win any beauty contests, but forward-thinking Tesla has developed a solar roofing product that works hard and looks great. Turning sunlight into electricity, an integrated Powerwall battery stores the harnessed energy. The glass tiles, offered in textured, smooth, Tuscan and slate varieties, are backed by a lifetime warranty. Price upon request, Greenwich, tesla.com.
Responding to the trend toward darker colors, Marvin has introduced bronze and ebony finishes to its energy-efficient Integrity window line. As shown, $700, through Ring’s End, Darien, ringsend.com, marvin.com.
Decorative shutters and hardware add the finishing touches to a home. Choose a classic, cottage, mission or board and batten style to suit your home’s personality. Here, Timberlane’s recessed panel shutters in Really Red are accented with black shutter locks and pull rings. Price upon request, timberlane.com.
Practical and stylish, small details like house numbers enhance a home’s curb appeal, welcoming guests. The Century Gothic font by Rocky Mountain Hardware is handcast in a white bronze light finish. $69, through Klaffs, Norwalk, klaffs.com, rockymountainhardware.com.
Slate, a new colorway for Clopay garage doors, emulates semi-transparent stained wood in shades of gray, black and brown, without the upkeep of the real thing. The contemporary style of the insulated Canyon Ridge garage door sports clean horizontal lines and sleek glass panels. $3,900, through Home Depot, Norwalk, homedepot.com, clopaydoor.com.
Eldorado Stone has unveiled five new color palettes to add textural and tonal expression to a home’s façade. The Ironside TundraBrick has the look of chiseled brick in a moody mix of charcoal with red undertones. $9 per square foot. Through Connecticut Stone, Milford, connecticutstone.com, eldoradostone.com.
Bevolo merges the time-honored craft of metalworking with clean lines in the Modernist lantern. The copper fixture can be outfitted for gas or electric. Starting price, $475, bevolo.com.
Architectural elements from Walpole Outdoors elevate an entryway. The handsome trellis and lattice structures are crafted in low-maintenance Azek PVC and can be custom finished to match exterior trim colors. Sheldon bracket, $395 each, 12-inch lathing, $189 each. Westport, walpolewoodworkers.com.
The circular design of the Modern Avalon door bell from Atlas Homewares makes a great first impression in an aged bronze finish. $56, through Klaffs, Norwalk, klaffs.com, atlashomewares.com.
Presentation is everything and exterior lighting provides drama, showcasing a home’s assets. Realm designs, develops and installs outdoor lighting systems for beauty, safety, security and functionality. Plans are customized to accommodate client needs, the existing architecture and the surrounding landscape. South Norwalk, realmcontrol.com.
Blurring the lines between indoors and out, the Ultra series French door from Kolbe Windows & Doors lets in the light and the view. Shown here, an in-swing model with performance divided lights in a coal black finish. Price upon request, through Ridgefield Supply Company, Ridgefield, ridgefieldsupply.com, kolbewindows.com.
This article appears in the March 2018 issue of CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens).