Alternative Door Styles that Made my Home Design Pop
As the saying goes when one door closes another opens and that was both actual and factual, while my home was being built. While choosing a front door, I just wasn’t impressed with the styles I was being shown, within the allotted measurements provided by my builders. When I told them as much, they asked if I saw anything that I did like and I had but it was much bigger than the specifications given. My builder yelled, YOLO! (You only live once) Let’s do the bigger door! Ok, so she didn’t actually say “YOLO”, that’s just how I interpreted it though but they did make the modifications for my oversized 8-foot door, with built-in screen and there was no additional cost for it. Hooray!
As it goes though, no good deed goes unpunished, at least not for my builders in this case because I started thinking of ways that I could improve and or change other doors within the house. The primary bedroom was originally slated to have french doors but instead, I opted to get 1 massively oversized, 8’x4′ solid wood door and it turned out beautifully! It’s also very convenient when trying to take a nap during the day, while my husband works from home downstairs. It’s very good at noise cancellation for naps and in general. *wink*
I saved the french doors to enclose the upstairs loft area. Combined with the accent shiplap wall, the entire space gives a very cozy rustic vibe.
So let’s talk barn doors. When I built my home, I was all about farmhouse style and technically, I still am, just a bit more modernized. I knew that I would incorporate barn doors in some areas but I have one regret. I do not recommend putting a barn door in a place that requires privacy unless you live alone or don’t care. I have a barn door that closes off the bathroom in the primary bedroom.
Aesthetically it’s great but when my husband has to be up early or vice versa, the light from the bathroom, filters through the sides and smiles right upon your sleeping face. Also because a barn door isn’t the equivalent of a real door, that can close off sound, you hear everything that’s happening at the sink or the water from the shower. It’s not the worst problem that you can have but it can be really annoying. We also have barn doors in our home office and in my Mom’s basement apartment.
This door in Mom’s basement apartment has not been stained yet but we love how the built-in mirror opens up the small space and afforded her a full-length mirror without taking up any additional space.
Hardware can also be a unique way of changing the look of a door. On our newly added wine room in the basement, I went with a lucite pull on the oak door. Fun fact, the pulls haven’t been installed yet so I had to hold it in place to give you the look! We also didn’t remove the plastic on the glass yet because I’m thinking about painting it a different color.
I hope these different door options will help you to think outside the box for your interior or exterior door choices. There are literally thousands of options when you factor in different style doors, hardware, stains and paint colors. Ultimately, thinking outside the box is key. Let me know which door is your favorite, in the comments.
