Homeowners want durable products to create period-style look for their homes

A recent report on consumers' home design choices found that homeowners want period-style homes to be as authentic as possible, but need them to be durable and low maintenance.

The findings in the "Authentic Modern Trend Report" by supplier James Hardie Building Products suggest a move toward nostalgic design by homeowners, although the need for less maintenance is high on consumers' wish list.

"Authentic modern products and building materials enable consumers to reminisce on simpler times while providing the up-to-date technology features that savvy buyers appreciate," a company release stated.

For instance, the company has found that Victorian-style cooking ranges, vintage-inspired kitchen appliances and the resurgence of clawfoot bathtubs are indications of this trend.

Another area in which consumers can authenticate a period look is in their selection of window treatments. For instance, shutters are a traditional window covering in cottage and country-style decorating. Wooden blinds give an authentic look of the early 1900s in rooms decorated with mission-style furniture.

"Along with low maintenance and durability, design and authenticity are important attributes to consumers," James Hardie's marketing director Prashant Panchal stated in the release.