Embarking on the journey to select the most ideal doors for your home can be quite daunting, but there’s nothing to be worried about. By considering a few key points, it can actually be quite a straightforward process to select the doors that will not only work well in your home but will be beautiful too.
Why Internal Doors Matter
While it’s easy to overlook the significance of internal doors, they play a crucial role in shaping your home’s interior. A well-chosen door can enhance the flow between rooms, define spaces, and even serve as a focal point within a room. Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, doors can either blend seamlessly into the background or stand out as a design feature.
In recent years, there has been a shift toward viewing internal doors as more than just functional barriers. Designers and homeowners alike are treating them as important elements in the overall design scheme, with modern trends focusing on clean lines, bold hardware, and materials that tie in with the home’s architectural style.
Home Decor
Of course, the most important thing to match your doors to is expensive and valuable pieces of home decor that you might have. The biggest thing, here, is to ensure that the color of the door and the color of the furniture match, which can be quite easily achieved with modern paint and well-constructed doors.
Beyond the color, however, there is also the form and physical characteristics of your furniture. To understand what this nebulous concept means, consider how you would sum up your favorite dining table, for instance. Is it minimalist and sleek, or is it ornate and hefty? However your decor is best described, try to match those terms with words that could be used to describe doors that you consider. This will lead to a tonal match and, in turn, a sense of unity in the design of your home.
Source: deantadoors.ie
Design Style Examples
- Modern homes ─ Opt for flush doors with a smooth, seamless finish that complements minimalist decor. Bold colors or monochromatic designs work well here.
- Traditional homes ─ Consider paneled doors in warm wood tones or painted finishes to match classic furniture and decor.
- Rustic/cottage homes ─ Barn doors or distressed wood doors can enhance the charming, natural feel of these spaces.
- Industrial homes ─ Metal-framed glass doors or matte black finishes can mirror the raw, edgy feel of an industrial-style home.
Room Functionality
The function of any given room is another key factor that defines how we design, decorate, and furnish it. Therefore, it’s essential to choose doors that not only look great but also contribute to the practicality of the room.
For example, in bathrooms and kitchens, moisture resistance is crucial, so you might want to choose a door made from materials like uPVC or composite that won’t warp due to humidity. These doors can still be stylish and come in a range of finishes that can match the rest of your home.
If you have a utility room or laundry space, consider sliding or pocket doors that can save space, or even louvered doors that allow airflow and ventilation while maintaining privacy. Similarly, bedrooms or home offices may benefit from solid core doors, which provide better soundproofing, ensuring privacy and quietness.
Specific Room Examples
- Home offices/bedrooms ─ Choose solid, soundproof doors to block noise and create a peaceful space.
- Living rooms/dining rooms ─ For a more open feel, consider double or French doors, which can help create a larger visual space while still allowing for room division when necessary.
- Kitchens/utility rooms ─ Sliding or pocket doors help maximize space, while fire-resistant materials can offer an extra layer of safety near kitchen areas.
A good example is the Dutch or stable door, which can be particularly useful for homes with children or pets. The lower half can remain closed to keep pets contained or ensure child safety, while the upper half can be opened to allow easy communication and supervision.
Source: jbkind.com
Light
Allowing the maximum amount of light possible to flow through your home is a great way to ensure that every room feels alive and deliberately designed. Installing premium glazed doors will allow for a sense of continuity throughout your home.
There are various types of glazed doors, from fully transparent glass to frosted or decorative options. Clear glass panels are ideal for common areas like living rooms or dining rooms where privacy is not a concern but where you want to enhance light. Frosted or textured glass may be a better choice for bathrooms or bedrooms, where some degree of privacy is necessary.
Another advantage of allowing more light through glazed doors is that it helps visually connect different spaces within the home. This can make even smaller houses feel larger and more cohesive, and it can also highlight a unified design theme across multiple rooms.
Glass Door Options
- Clear glazed doors ─ Ideal for living rooms or shared spaces to enhance natural light flow.
- Frosted glass doors ─ Perfect for bathrooms and bedrooms where privacy is a priority.
- Decorative glass ─ Adds a touch of personality while still allowing light to pass through. Consider designs that complement the style of your home—whether traditional or modern.
Material Choices
When selecting doors, it’s important to consider the material used. The material can significantly impact the durability, maintenance, and overall aesthetic of the door.
- Solid wood doors ─ These are a timeless choice, offering warmth, durability, and a high-end look. They’re ideal for traditional or rustic interiors.
- Veneer doors ─ A budget-friendly alternative to solid wood, veneer doors are available in a variety of finishes and are great for achieving a high-end look at a lower cost.
- MDF doors ─ Medium-density fiberboard doors are a cost-effective option that can be painted in any color. They’re durable and resist warping, making them a popular choice for modern homes.
- Glass doors ─ As mentioned, glazed doors are perfect for enhancing light, and they come in many styles to suit both traditional and contemporary homes.
Source: deuren.co.uk
Hardware and Finishes
One often overlooked aspect of door selection is the hardware. The door handles, locks, hinges, and finishes can make a big difference in the overall look of the door and how well it integrates with your interior design.
For example, in a modern home, sleek chrome or matte black handles might be more appropriate, while a traditional home may look better with antique brass or bronze hardware. Also, consider the style of the hinges, and whether you want to make them a feature or keep them more discreet.
Conclusion
Matching your new doors to the home that you’ve lovingly built can be tricky, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Internal doors have the power to tie a space together, add to the functionality of each room, and influence the overall flow and atmosphere of your home.
By considering factors such as décor, room function, light, materials, and hardware, you can ensure that the doors you choose complement the unique design of your home, creating a cohesive and stylish interior.
