Why Paint an Entire Room When You Have These 9 DIY Door Ideas

This article explores five distinct themes for transforming a front door with color, each providing a unique aesthetic and curb appeal. The first theme, 'Classic Country,' uses pops of red and blue, understated barn light sconces, and chipped elements to create a welcoming entry. It suggests using Bedford Blue by Benjamin Moore for the door color and incorporates items like a bronze horseshoe door knocker, cast-iron house numbers, and vintage food canisters as planters. The 'Natural Beauty' theme emphasizes verdant shades and outdoor elements. It recommends Sherwin-Williams' Artichoke paint and includes a brass woodpecker door knocker, a star pendant, and galvanized barrel planters. This design focuses on bringing the essence of nature to the doorstep. The 'Garden Party' theme offers a romantic, rustic approach with pretty pastels and elegant accents. Glidden's Peach Punch is suggested for the door color, complemented by a brass dragonfly door knocker, copper lanterns, and woven wicker baskets. This theme aims to create an inviting and charming entrance. 'Coastal Country' focuses on a calming blue palette and nautical-inspired touches. Farrow & Ball's Blue Ground is recommended, paired with a polished nickel anchor door knocker, brushed nickel light fixtures, and tailored boxwood topiaries in metal buckets. This design evokes a serene, seaside atmosphere. Finally, 'Tropical Punch' brings vibrant colors and playful elements to the forefront, creating a cheerful and hospitable entrance. Olympic's Canary Yellow is highlighted, along with a brass pineapple knocker, ceramic house numbers, and terra-cotta planters. Each theme offers specific paint recommendations, decorative items, and accessories to help homeowners achieve a desired look for their front door, ultimately enhancing the overall curb appeal of their home. #FrontDoorMakeover #HomeDecor #CurbAppeal #PaintColors #ExteriorDesign #DIYHome

Interior doors, traditionally painted stark white, are increasingly being recognized by designers as an opportunity to add character and personality to a space. Instead of white, experts are opting for a range of dynamic neutrals, including warm beiges, rich green-grays, and subtle browns, to create a more intentional and cohesive aesthetic within a home. These alternative hues can significantly impact a room's atmosphere, providing depth and a sense of sophistication without overpowering the overall design. Michelle Ficker, cofounder of Studio Dorion, highlights the transformative effect of moving away from white, noting how a rich color like Benjamin Moore’s Branchport Brown can elevate a historic home. Designers suggest various applications for these colors, from painting only the door to matching it with walls and trim for a color-drenched effect, which Amr Samaha explains helps reduce visual clutter and makes a space feel more expansive. This trend is also practical, as painting interior doors is considered a DIY-friendly update. Iona Graham from Graham & Brown offers straightforward advice for the painting process, including preparing the door by cleaning, drying, sanding, and wiping it before applying paint, and recommending specific tools for different door types. Eleven professional designers share their preferred non-white paint colors for interior doors, offering a diverse palette of suggestions. Annie Downing recommends Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal, a warm aubergine, for its surprising element when paired with contrasting colors like bright yellow. Jackie Kosnett uses Benjamin Moore’s Tapestry Beige to match plaster in rooms, emphasizing its understated depth. Amanda Leigh from House of Rolison favors Benjamin Moore’s Carob, a rich, warm brown that provides depth without being too dark, often used in tonal palettes for a seamless look. Tami Ramsay of Ramsay Nye suggests Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe, a grounding dark gray that complements whites and neutrals. Natalie Myers, founder of Veneer Designs, often opts for Sherwin-Williams Grecian-Ivory when wood doors are not feasible, matching it with baseboards or cabinetry for consistency. Liz Hoekzema from KLH Custom Homes recommends Benjamin Moore’s Pewter for its nuanced neutrality and subtle contrast, sometimes extending it to door casings for greater impact. Angelica Squire of Studio Squire highlights Farrow & Ball’s Ball Green, encouraging homeowners to tie door colors to other room shades and consider painting each side of a door a different color. Steven Rodel, creative director for Guy Goodfellow Interiors & Architectural Design, praises Farrow & Ball’s French Gray for its timeless warmth and versatility, particularly in kitchens. Lindsey Colhoun of Lindsey Colhoun Design favors Benjamin Moore’s Sea Salt for its soft, muted, earthy tone that adds quiet sophistication. Zoë Feldman of Zoë Feldman Design recommends Farrow & Ball’s Railings, a blue-black that offers a classic look and can conceal imperfections on older or builder-grade doors. Finally, Keren Richter from White Arrow suggests Fine Paints of Europe’s Delft Blue for a playful and saturated look, especially in historic homes, alongside Farrow & Ball’s Inchyra Blue or Fine Paints of Europe’s BS18E58 Blue for a more coordinated approach. These recommendations collectively demonstrate the wide array of possibilities for transforming interior doors from simple functional elements into key design features. #InteriorDesign #DoorPaintColors #HomeRenovation #ColorPalette #DIYHomeImprovement #DesignInspiration #PaintTrends #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalDetails

Painting interior doors the same color as the walls is a design approach that offers numerous aesthetic and practical benefits, according to interior design experts. This technique, often referred to as 'color drenching,' creates a seamless, modern, and visually cohesive look within a space. Andy Greenall, creative director of Paint & Paper Library, highlights that this method envelops a room in a single color, integrating doors and other architectural features into the overall design scheme. One significant advantage of painting doors the same color as walls is its ability to make a space appear larger. This is particularly effective in smaller rooms or narrow hallways. Patrick O’Donnell, international brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball, explains that carrying the wall color over woodwork can elongate a wall and create the perception of more space. Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore, further elaborates that an all-encompassing floor-to-ceiling finish blurs the edges of a room, creating the illusion of a larger area. This trick is especially useful in small or irregularly shaped entryways, where it fosters harmony and continuity. Color drenching also contributes to a modern and sophisticated aesthetic. When applied to living rooms, bedrooms, and entryways, this approach can make a space feel inviting and cozy. It creates a striking backdrop for furnishings and accessories, elevating the overall design. Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene, notes that combining color drenching with architectural features like wall paneling results in a high-end feel. The seamlessness achieved through this method eliminates visual clutter, making a room feel more expansive and refined. Furthermore, painting doors the same color as walls can effectively disguise less favorable doors. If a door is not a desirable feature of a room, camouflaging it with the surrounding wall color can integrate it seamlessly into the space. Mottershead suggests that mid-tone and darker colors work particularly well for this purpose, enhancing the room's character and depth while creating intimacy and warmth. O'Donnell adds that while a door will never completely disappear, painting it the same color as the wall can significantly soften its presence, making it less of a focal point. In entryways, this design strategy makes a strong first impression. As the first area guests see, and a connector between rooms, a cohesive color scheme can create a welcoming and elegant atmosphere. Andy Greenall points out that halls and entrances are ideal for a single-color approach across all elements, including doors, as they are often visible from multiple rooms. This ensures a consistent palette that interacts well with the rest of the home. For narrow hallways, color drenching can visually extend walls upwards, a useful technique for spaces lacking natural light. Finally, painting doors the same color as walls can promote a sense of calm and tranquility. The absence of visual contrast reduces jarring elements, making this approach ideal for spaces intended for relaxation, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and nurseries. Pam Gruhn, founder of Frenchic, emphasizes that a single color for trims, doors, and walls contributes to a tranquil environment, which is beneficial for promoting sleep. This simple trick results in a pared-down, sleek, and chic look. While white has historically been the most popular color for interior doors, the trend of color drenching offers a contemporary alternative. However, it is crucial to use appropriate paint types for different surfaces; wood doors require an undercoat and primer, and premium wood and metal paint should be used instead of wall and ceiling paints for a professional finish. #InteriorDesign #ColorDrenching #HomeDecor #PaintIdeas #RoomTransformation #SpaceOptimization #AestheticAppeal #DoorPainting #WallColor

The front door serves as a crucial first impression of a home, influencing perceptions of both the property and its inhabitants. Selecting the right front door color is therefore a significant decision, with designers and color experts advocating for choices that reflect personality while harmonizing with the home’s exterior. This guide explores various front door color ideas, offering insights from professionals to help homeowners make informed decisions that enhance curb appeal. Stained wood offers a classic, sophisticated aesthetic, highlighting the natural beauty of the material and creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. For those seeking a bold statement, red is a versatile option, ranging from cheerful cherry hues to subtle, darker shades that exude sophistication. Blues, particularly soft, calming tones, are a timeless choice, providing a welcoming entrance. When painting, it's recommended to match the door frame to the door color to create an illusion of greater scale and proportion, a simple yet effective technique to elevate the overall look. Smokey greens, like olive or sage, strike a balance between noticeable and neutral, suiting various architectural styles and offering a slightly bolder alternative for neutral lovers. Creating a colorful contrast between the front door and the home’s exterior can establish a focal point, with lighter colors enhancing darker exteriors and darker doors adding visual weight to lighter homes. Establishing a theme by coordinating the front door color with window treatments or other exterior elements can create a cohesive and unified aesthetic. Matching the front door color to the house's exterior can result in a clean and coordinated appearance, particularly effective for traditional properties. Embracing natural materials through wooden doors showcases the timeless beauty of nature, especially when paired with coordinating porch elements. Blues and greens rooted in nature are excellent choices for harmonious blending with surrounding foliage and are well-suited for traditional homes. For a quick refresh, white paint can significantly boost curb appeal, though it requires more frequent cleaning due to its lighter tone. The ancient practice of Feng Shui provides a framework for selecting front door colors based on directional energy, with red traditionally considered auspicious in Chinese culture. Floral-inspired shades can create a cohesive look with garden plantings, echoing hues from blooming flowers. Highlighting a door's intricate details can be achieved by using multiple harmonious colors on different elements of a paneled door. Black offers a classic, smart look, especially in a glossy finish, making the door a focal point. For double doors, a quieter finish like white can be an elegant choice, though homeowners should check with HOAs for any color restrictions. Gray presents a contemporary alternative to black or navy, appearing handsome on classic paneled doors and being easier to maintain in mid to lighter tones. When choosing a color with staying power, consider the amount of direct sunlight the door receives, as west and south-facing doors can fade quickly. Opting for naturally pigmented hues and high-quality exterior paints can prolong color vibrancy. Finally, the interior side of the front door doesn't have to match the exterior. Choosing a light-reflective shade for the interior can brighten an entryway and seamlessly link the door to the home's internal decor. #FrontDoorColors #CurbAppeal #HomeExterior #InteriorDesignTips #ColorSelection #ArchitecturalStyle #HomeImprovement #DesignTrends #FengShui

Interior doors, often overlooked in home design projects, can significantly impact a space's aesthetic and functionality. While smaller details like door furniture and electrical outlets are easily changed, interior doors are more permanent fixtures that deserve early consideration in any remodeling, renovation, or redecorating endeavor. Industry experts emphasize that these elements are not merely access points but opportunities to enhance a home's overall design. One effective approach is to integrate doors into storage solutions, such as building shelving walls around them. This maximizes space utilization and transforms the doorway into a prominent feature. The choice of materials for internal doors is also crucial, as it dictates the ambiance of a room. Traditional homes benefit from paneled wood doors, while modern spaces are complemented by sleek, flush designs. Budget-friendly options like MDF exist, but solid wood offers a more substantial and timeless feel. Utilizing rich timbers, sometimes in intricate patterns like herringbone, can contribute to an opulent atmosphere, especially when paired with complementary color schemes and grand architectural features. Doors can also serve as focal points that introduce personality and intrigue. Creative designs, such as a door resembling a red phone box, can set a playful tone for a themed room. Embracing unique colors, archways, or custom details allows doors to become integral to the overall design narrative rather than a mere necessity. To optimize natural light flow within a property, glazed doors are highly recommended. These are particularly beneficial for home offices, hallways, and pantries, allowing light to permeate deeper into the interior while maintaining spatial separation. Partially glazed doors offer a similar benefit, providing a lighter sense of division without being fully transparent. Another design strategy involves setting doors within deep sets of shelves or open cabinetry. This creates an intriguing visual effect and can be used to integrate doors seamlessly into a larger storage or display system. Matching the material of the doors with surrounding elements, such as flooring or shelving, ensures a cohesive look. Introducing a splash of color through interior doors can dramatically alter a room's aesthetic. Whether contrasting with the walls or matching them for a color-drenched effect, bold hues on doors make a strong statement. For smaller spaces, sliding pocket doors are an efficient solution. They save space by disappearing into the wall, making them ideal for ensuites, closets, or compact home offices where a traditional swinging door would be impractical. The use of fluted or ribbed glass in doors remains a popular trend, offering a vintage aesthetic while providing a degree of privacy. This material is versatile for various applications, including pantries, ensuites, and internal hallway doors, balancing light transmission with visual screening. Painting doors to match specific details within a room's scheme, such as trim or baseboards, creates a classic, elegant, and cohesive look. Careful planning of these details ensures that the doors contribute to the overall flow and feel of the home, much like walls, flooring, or furniture. Finally, experimenting with contrasting colors, such as painting one face of a door a vibrant hue that contrasts with the room's primary color, can create a surprising and impactful visual element when the door is opened. Current trends emphasize that interior doors are now considered a crucial part of the full design concept, with designers advocating for their use to accent rooms, color drench spaces, or serve as statement features. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #DoorIdeas #StorageSolutions #MaterialSelection #ColorDrenching #SlidingDoors #GlazedDoors #HomeDecor

Painting a front door is highlighted as one of the most effective and affordable ways to enhance a home's curb appeal. The article emphasizes that a fresh coat of paint can convey a bold statement and significantly improve the first impression of a house. Beyond the exterior, the suggestion is made to also paint the interior side of the door to extend this impact. The article then explores various color categories, showcasing 16 different front door ideas. The 'Pinks' section presents four examples. An L.A. home designed by Lizzie Green features a fuchsia double door, setting the tone for an interior primarily in pink and green. Melissa Johnson's Sacramento Airbnb incorporates a pale pink front door with a pineapple bell, designed to be 'Instagrammable.' Geneva Vanderzeil of A Pair and a Spare blog chose an arc design in pink, preserving some of the door's original charm. Lastly, Cara Irwin's door, once showing glue marks, is transformed with a sweet shade of pink visible from both inside and out. Moving to 'The Blues,' three instances are provided. Melissa Johnson's family home exterior renovation uses a turquoise door to introduce playfulness to its mid-century modern aesthetic. Designer Andrea Van Soest's glass-panel door, though intricate, demonstrates that detailed frames can still be painted using a small brush. A soft gray-blue door on a white brick Tudor home by Studio McGee is shown to complement its traditional character. 'The Yellows' section features two vibrant examples. Natalie Myers's restored mid-century ranch home uses a zesty lemon-colored door, paired with a giant globe light, to create a glowing exterior. Michelle Nadar's extra-wide entrance is painted a canary yellow, evoking jungle vibes with surrounding potted trees. 'The Greens' offers three distinct uses of the color. A 'swampy green' door (Madras by Resene) is presented as a chic, unconventional choice for a front door. Kay Volmar's Florida home renovation includes a happy, tropical hue called Warm Springs by Benjamin Moore, chosen to signal a positive transformation. Dabito's New Orleans home features a vibrant Kelly green door, with the other side painted bright yellow for a double dose of fun. Finally, 'The Reds' and 'The Whites' sections each provide examples. In 'The Reds,' Mae House in the Hudson Valley features a merlot-colored door that complements sage green siding, creating a calm yet striking effect. Los Angeles designers Jason and Laura O’Dell painted a Dutch door in candy apple red for their Silver Lake Colonial, enhancing its fairy-tale aesthetic. Lori Paranjape's Chicago client's apartment elevator entrance is painted in a red inspired by Cubs colors with a lacquered finish, demonstrating that this concept can apply to high-rise living. In 'The Whites,' Julia O’Rourke’s Maine cabin features a white front door against a jet black facade, illustrating the dramatic impact of high contrast. The article concludes by reinforcing the idea that a simple paint job can profoundly transform a home's exterior. #FrontDoor #PaintColors #CurbAppeal #HomeExterior #DesignInspiration #DIYHomeImprovement #ColorPalette #HomeRenovation

When planning interior design, the color of interior doors is often overlooked, with attention primarily focused on wall colors. However, experts emphasize that doors should not be an afterthought, as their color choice can significantly impact the overall aesthetic and perception of a space. There are primarily two approaches to painting interior doors: either matching them to the walls to create a seamless, cohesive look, or painting them a contrasting color to make a statement and highlight architectural features. Painting doors the same color as the walls is particularly effective in smaller spaces or for achieving a minimalist, contemporary feel. This method helps to create an uninterrupted visual flow, making rooms appear larger and calmer. When walls are in mid to deep tones, this approach can enhance the sense of continuity and sophistication. Moreover, it can be a practical solution for doors located in awkward spots or those that might otherwise disrupt a small area, allowing them to blend into the background and reduce visual clutter. Conversely, painting interior doors in a contrasting, bold color can serve as a deliberate design choice to add energy, personality, and visual interest to a room. This is an excellent way to draw attention to architectural details like moldings or a pitched roof, encouraging the eye to appreciate the full height and features of the space. Such an approach is particularly suited for larger rooms where some contrast can make the area feel cozier and more defined. Brightly painted doors can playfully inject color with less commitment than an accent wall, making them a rising trend in interior design. When selecting a door color, designers suggest considering the room's purpose and the desired mood. Bright colors might be ideal for vibrant spaces like a child's playroom, while more muted or lighter tones are better suited for tranquil areas such as reading rooms or bedrooms. Current color trends for interior doors often include white, gray, black, and taupe, offering versatility. The choice between lighter or darker shades relative to the walls also depends on the desired effect. Darker doors can create a strong feature, especially in larger rooms needing visual anchors, while lighter doors can provide visual relief in a dark scheme or help bounce light in a room with multiple doors, making it feel brighter. Beyond color, the paint finish is crucial. For a seamless look, matching the door finish to the walls (e.g., matte on matte) is recommended. However, for durability and ease of maintenance, a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish is often preferred for doors and trims. These finishes make cleaning easier and add a subtle or dramatic shine, transforming the door into a glowing focal point. Ultimately, the right interior door color should reflect the homeowner's personality and complement the overall character of the house, offering a unique opportunity to enhance the home's design. #InteriorDesign #DoorColor #PaintChoices #HomeDecor #ColorSchemes #ArchitecturalFeatures #SpacePerception #DesignTrends

Selecting the right interior door is crucial for new home builds, renovations, or simple replacements, as these doors are used frequently and must be durable while complementing a home's aesthetic. This guide provides essential information for choosing interior doors and highlights top recommendations. The selection process involved drawing on experience with door installations and daily home use, followed by extensive product research to identify leading options. Products were evaluated based on price, available sizes, and overall value, with those meeting criteria receiving specific awards based on their strengths. The Masonite 2-Panel Square Interior Molded Door is recognized as the best overall choice, offering a timeless design, common sizes, and prehung convenience for easy installation. Its hollow-core construction makes it affordable, though it provides less sound insulation. For budget-conscious buyers, the Jeld-Wen Colonist Textured All Panel Molded Door offers a classic style at a low price point, available in various sizes as a slab door for flexible installation. The EightDoors 6-Panel Solid Unfinished Pine Wood Door stands out as the best wood option, providing the weight and soundproofing of solid wood, with the ability to be trimmed and customized, though it may be susceptible to seasonal expansion and contraction. The Masonite 6-Panel Solid Core Interior Molded Door is the top prehung option, combining traditional design with the substance and soundproofing of a solid core, offered in common sizes and primed for paint. The Jeld-Wen Continental Smooth All Panel Molded Door is recommended as the best slab door, featuring an arched panel design and affordability due to its hollow-core MDF construction, though its scratch resistance might be lower than molded composite alternatives. The Masonite Riverside Interior Molded Door is the best hollow-core choice, featuring a unique Shaker-inspired design and durable composite wood shell, offered prehung in various sizes. The Kimberly Bay Shaker 5-Panel Solid Core Interior Door is noted for its solid pine core and MDF face, offering durability and sound resistance in a customizable slab format. The Steves & Sons Unfinished Flush Interior Door Slab is ideal for flush designs, featuring a sturdy plywood exterior and solid core for sound reduction and insulation, offering a blank canvas for customization. Lastly, the Kimberly Bay White Shaker 2-Panel Solid Core Door provides a clean, classic panel look with a solid pine core and MDF face, offered as a pre-primed slab for easy trimming. Key considerations for choosing interior doors include material, style, and whether they are slab or prehung. Materials range from solid wood to MDF, molded composites, and plywood, each affecting durability, cost, and soundproofing. Common styles include six-panel, two-panel, Shaker, flush, double, and French doors. Flush doors are smooth and minimalist, while panel doors offer a traditional, crafted look. Slab doors are just the door itself, suitable for renovations, while prehung doors come with a frame, ideal for new constructions. Additional features like finishes (primed, varnished) and door swing (left-hand or right-hand) are also important. Replacing an interior door is relatively simple, requiring specific tools depending on whether it's a slab or prehung model. A good quality solid core interior door typically costs between $100 for a slab and $300 for a prehung model. Panel doors remain the most popular interior door style due to their timeless appeal. #InteriorDoors #HomeRenovation #DoorInstallation #DoorStyles #DIYProjects #BuildingMaterials #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #ProductReviews

Doorstops, often overlooked, can be both decorative and functional, offering a chance to add quirky and interesting elements to a space. Beyond their primary role of holding doors open or preventing slamming, they can protect against pinched fingers and tails, especially in homes with children or pets. A wide array of materials and designs are available, ranging from store-bought options to repurposed DIY creations and vintage pieces. One innovative design involves fruit-shaped doorstops made of silicone that hang over the top of the door, providing a soft and partial close without being a tripping hazard. These are particularly useful in nurseries to prevent finger-pinching. Another popular choice includes soft, fabric doorstops, such as bean bag or sand-filled cubes, which are gentle on toes and do not damage doors. These often feature charming details like patchwork and embroidery and are relatively easy to DIY. For those seeking an artistic touch, carved wooden bird doorstops, hand-painted with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, can serve as small works of art. Similarly, felt creatures, available in various animal designs and bright hues, function as weighty doorstops and playful bookends, ideal for kids' rooms due to their softness. Felted mushroom doorstops, with their vintage charm, also add a whimsical, fairycore aesthetic to any decor, suitable for kid-friendly spaces due to their soft nature. Modern and industrial aesthetics can benefit from sculptural doorstops, such as a large red magnetic-looking piece, which combines fine art with utility and introduces a pop of color. For creative DIY enthusiasts, crochet frog doorstops offer a handmade and functional solution, with customization options for size and color. Concrete doorstops, featuring unique abstract patterns or sleek solid colors, present themselves as sculptural art objects, often with a convenient handle for portability. An ordinary brick can be transformed into a charming cottage-style doorstop by covering it with a knitted, crocheted, or crewel-embroidered sleeve, allowing for personalization to match home decor. A humorous option is a flattened man doorstop made of thermoplastic, a minimalist and contemporary wedge design that is compact and easily stored. Retro bowling pin-shaped doorstops, crafted from Portuguese felt and organic leather, offer a playful touch for game rooms or vintage interiors and are soft enough for children's play areas. DIY painted rocks provide a creative and inexpensive doorstop solution, allowing for personalized designs from simple messages to intricate scenes or characters. For a whimsical yet glamorous touch, brass mice door holders offer an indestructible and charming alternative to traditional wooden wedges, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Traditional bead-filled fabric dog doorstops, available in various colors and patterns, add texture and character to any space and are safe for nurseries and playrooms due to their soft material. Finally, brass nature doorstops, featuring small accents like rabbits or butterflies on wedge bases, provide a subtle classic addition to cottage and farmhouse-style rooms. Additionally, repurposed motor oil cans, filled with sand, offer an eco-friendly and vintage automotive-themed doorstop, perfect for DIY projects, and macrame knot doorstops made from natural rope provide a neutral, textured accent for coastal or earthy aesthetics, functioning both on the door and on the floor. #DoorstopDesign #HomeAccessories #DIYHomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FunctionalDecor #UniqueHomeGoods #HomeImprovement #CraftIdeas

Food stylist and recipe developer Diana Yen embarked on a DIY project to transform her bedroom's bifold closet doors in her Ojai, California, home. Faced with a closet that initially lacked doors, Yen explored various options, including custom designs priced around $10,000 and IKEA hacks. She ultimately decided on bifold doors due to their cost-efficiency and the opportunity for creative personalization, despite a previous aversion to them from her childhood. The total cost for the transformation, excluding contractor fees for installation, was under $500. The project involved five main steps. First, Yen drew inspiration from an Instagram post by a friend, Jayne Henderson, featuring doors with a squiggle outline. She then used a pencil to trace eight wavy oblong shapes onto each of the bifold door panels, aiming for a whimsical yet elegant touch. The second step involved applying peel-and-stick flexible molding, which she sourced from Amazon, directly over the pencil lines. She carefully removed the adhesive backing and used scissors to cut the molding to fit each shape. Third, to achieve a polished finish and conceal any gaps, Yen applied caulk along the edges of the molding. After the caulk dried, she used a sanding block to smooth out any residue. The doors were then painted with white chalk paint, chosen for its matte and soft finish, which would accentuate the molding without requiring a primer. While the doors were drying, Yen realized their potential for use as chic room dividers in the future. For the fourth step, to visually distance the doors from the typical bifold appearance, Yen installed four brass knobs instead of the standard two. This arrangement created the illusion that the doors operated as traditional swing-open doors, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. The final step involved professional installation. Yen opted to hire a contractor to mount the doors, ensuring they were properly aligned and sat flat, thereby avoiding any potential issues with self-installation. This decision finalized the transformation, resolving her long-standing issue of an open closet and providing a stylish and functional solution. #DIYHomeDecor #BifoldDoors #ClosetMakeover #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FlexibleMolding #ChalkPaint #BedroomDesign #BudgetFriendly

Repainting a garage door can significantly enhance a home's curb appeal, but selecting the right exterior paint is crucial due to exposure to extreme weather and constant movement. This guide explores essential factors for choosing garage door paint and highlights top products. Key considerations include durability, weather resistance, and compatibility with the garage door material, whether it's wood, metal, or vinyl. The article also touches upon paint coverage and cost. Several top paint options are reviewed. The Behr Ultra Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer is recommended as the best overall choice, known for its ability to adhere to various materials like wood, vinyl, metal, and fiberglass, offering excellent coverage (250 to 400 square feet per gallon) and durability. It's a paint-and-primer combination that resists stains and holds up against weather and sunlight, drying quickly and being rain-resistant within an hour. It also boasts Greenguard Gold certification for low chemical emissions. For a premium option, Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Acrylic Paint is suggested as the runner-up. Despite its higher price point, it features Color Lock technology for fade resistance against rain, snow, and UV rays, and includes an additive to prevent streaks. It offers coverage of 350 to 450 square feet per gallon and dries in about an hour. The Valspar StormCoat Acrylic Exterior Paint is presented as the best value option. This affordable latex paint resists fading, cracking, peeling, and mildew, providing good coverage of up to 450 square feet per gallon and suitable for metal, wood, and vinyl doors. It dries to the touch in 1 to 2 hours. HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams Weathershield Paint is highlighted for its weather resistance. This paint-and-primer combo offers good coverage (250 to 400 square feet per gallon) and is effective on wood, metal, and vinyl. Its acrylic formula resists peeling, cracking, mold, and mildew, becoming rain-resistant just 1.5 hours after application. For metal garage doors, Behr Premium Direct-to-Metal Interior/Exterior Paint is recommended. Formulated specifically for metal surfaces, it dries to a durable finish that protects against corrosion and rust. It covers up to 400 square feet per gallon and dries in 1 hour, with easy soap and water cleanup, though scuff-sanding and priming are advised for maximum protection. The Kilz 3 Premium Interior/Exterior Primer is identified as the best primer. Its excellent adherence and stain-blocking properties ensure less topcoat paint is needed. It’s an affordable, water-based primer compatible with both latex and oil-based topcoats, drying in 1 hour, and covers 300 to 400 square feet per gallon. Another option to consider is Sherwin Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex. This self-priming paint requires fewer coats, offering coverage of up to 300 square feet per gallon. It’s mildew-resistant and incorporates PermaLast Technology for crack and peel resistance. When selecting paint, the type (acrylic, latex, oil-based) affects flexibility, cost, and adhesion to different materials. Color choice can either help the garage door blend in with the home's exterior or make a bold statement. Gloss or semi-gloss finishes are generally preferred for their sleek appearance, durability, and ease of cleaning, though surface imperfections are more visible. For older doors, a satin finish might be better. Proper surface preparation, including repairing damage, sanding, and thorough cleaning, is essential before painting. A primer coat is recommended if the paint is not a self-priming combination. Typically, one coat is sufficient for already painted surfaces, while unpainted surfaces may require two coats. #GarageDoorPaint #ExteriorPaint #HomeImprovement #CurbAppeal #PaintSelection #DIYHome #WeatherResistance #BehrPaint #SherwinWilliams

The article explores various front door ideas that combine aesthetic appeal with functionality and security to enhance a home's exterior and interior. It emphasizes that a front door is more than just an entryway; it's an opportunity to make a significant design impact and improve curb appeal. Brad Loveless of Simpson Door Company highlights the shift from generic doors to custom designs that serve as statement-making entrances. The article delves into several design approaches, starting with minimalist options for contemporary homes, characterized by clean lines and an uncluttered look. The Home Depot offers modern hemlock wood doors that reflect this style. Another popular idea is to use inviting colors, where pastel or bright front doors create a striking contrast against neutral facades. These can be pre-painted or a DIY project using durable exterior paints like Little Greene's Intelligent Exterior Eggshell or Dulux Weathershield. Eliot Spritzer, Senior Merchant of Exterior Doors at The Home Depot, notes that bold colors like red, turquoise, and yellow are trending and can dramatically change a home's exterior. Sustainability is also a key consideration, with energy-efficient doors offering benefits in terms of cost savings and environmental impact. Fiberglass, steel, and wood are common materials, each with varying levels of maintenance, security, and insulation. Fiberglass is highlighted as a low-maintenance option. The article showcases the Parma Pivot Doorset from Urban Front, made from hardwood and steel, offering high security and a range of finishes. Doors with window panes, including stained glass or clear/frosted fiberglass, are popular for modernizing homes and allowing natural light in. French doors, also known as double doors, are presented as a timeless option for larger entryways, adding elegance and space. Modern designs, often in dark colors and made from wood, metal, or a combination, feature sleek, clean lines. Elizabeth Assaf of Urban Front mentions the popularity of contemporary classic designs like the Milano V in Oak or steel doors with a rust finish. For homes with historical significance, the article suggests choosing a door that is sympathetic to the building's era, such as Georgian-inspired six-paneled doors. Textural elements like rust-colored steel doors from Urban Front are also explored for their strength, weather resistance, and soundproofing qualities. Oversized doors and those with extensive glass elements are recommended for increasing natural light, especially in north-facing or low-rise homes. Companion outdoor lighting, such as motion-sensing lanterns, can further enhance the entryway's look and functionality. Wooden front doors, whether classic or modern, are praised for their versatility and ability to complement various architectural styles. Advanced manufacturing techniques ensure their durability in different climates. Farmhouse-style doors, often made of wood with glass paneling or Dutch door designs, are presented as a way to add rustic charm. Industrial-style doors, typically darker and made from wood or metal, offer a sleek, modern aesthetic. Weather-tight options, such as fiberglass pre-hung doors, are crucial for preventing drafts and offering protection against air and water infiltration. Heritage finishes, including period-specific designs and durable paints, can restore historical properties. Contrasting finishes, such as a bold modern door against concrete and glass, can create a striking visual impact. High-security solutions, like laminated hardwood timber doors, prioritize safety without sacrificing style. The article also covers practical advice, such as determining the "handing" of a door (left-handed or right-handed) and distinguishing between pre-hung doors (door and frame) and slab doors (door only). Spritzer highlights popular styles like Craftsman, mid-century, and modern designs, noting the enduring appeal of steel for its durability and versatility. The importance of using high-quality materials like oak or accoya for timber doors, ensuring a solid-core construction of at least 44mm thickness for security and insulation, and fitting high-security deadlocks are emphasized. Budgeting for a new door is essential, with engineered wood options available for those for whom solid wood is out of budget, offering similar benefits at a potentially lower cost. #FrontDoorIdeas #CurbAppeal #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #ExteriorDoors #HomeRenovation #EnergyEfficiency #DoorMaterials #DesignTrends

The front door serves as a significant focal point for any home, offering an opportunity to express personal style and enhance curb appeal. This article presents 15 distinct front door color ideas, drawing inspiration from various ELLE DECOR archives, to help homeowners make a captivating entrance. The selection moves beyond traditional choices, encouraging readers to consider how color can interact with a home's existing architecture and surrounding landscape. The article begins by suggesting a classic cream color, exemplified by Michelle R. Smith’s New Orleans home. Here, Benjamin Moore’s Limestone provides a refined and timeless look, particularly effective against a brighter white exterior in urban settings. Following this, a forest green is introduced as a versatile option that adds color without being overly bold. Interior designer Eva Bradley's 123-year-old Victorian in San Francisco showcases Benjamin Moore’s Rainforest Foliage, which creates a striking contrast with the house's Cloud White finish. A unique touch includes a vizsla dog sculpture standing guard above the door, adding character. For those seeking more vibrant expressions, lavender is presented through Leah Ring's candy-colored houses near Joshua Tree National Park. This example illustrates how a purple door, adjacent to lime green and aqua tile work, can extend a home's colorful personality from the exterior to the interior. An olive green door, juxtaposed with a cotton-candy pink Georgian home decorated by Antony Todd, demonstrates how unexpected color pairings can create a youthful and fun balance in modern interior schemes. This combination offers a playful yet satisfying aesthetic. The discussion then turns to more sophisticated and dramatic options. A cocoa brown, featured in Elad Yifrach’s Lisbon mansion, highlights how a rich, dark hue can accentuate a grand entrance, especially when outlined with a lighter color. For boldness, red is presented with a Cape Cod cottage, where a vibrant red door complements red-cedar shingles and a coordinated garden with foxgloves and climbing roses. Gray, illustrated by an Italian tower, shows how a cool and calm entryway can lead to a surprisingly vibrant interior, suggesting that sophistication comes in various hues. Innovating beyond paint, the article explores a transparent entrance. A shou sugi ban residence features a commanding glass door flanked by limestone steps and steel planters, providing a minimalist yet impactful statement that integrates with its surroundings. Black is reaffirmed as a timeless choice for a high-contrast look, as seen on a Hollywood estate where a glossy black door provides an elegant and edgy touch against meticulously manicured gardens. Robin’s-egg blue offers a charming refresh for older homes, exemplified by Agnès b.’s 1710 house in Versailles, where it stands out against the natural signs of aging. Weathered wood presents an option for a natural, rustic aesthetic, exemplified by a concrete hacienda in Uruguay with a door made from recycled lapacho wood, seamlessly integrating with the rural landscape. Classic white is celebrated for its ability to invite light and airiness, suitable for both light and contrasting exterior themes, though it may require more frequent maintenance. Bold blue, seen on Minnie Driver’s Hollywood Hills house, provides a vibrant and welcoming touch, especially when paired with contrasting trim or a neutral exterior. A glossy black option is reiterated with an Arts and Crafts bungalow in Oakland, where Benjamin Moore’s Jet Black accentuates an Ashwood Moss exterior, proving that embracing darker tones can be an excellent design choice. Finally, a dark wood stain on an apartment building in New Delhi creates a delightful contrast with the redbrick facade, paying homage to the home's initial architecture. Each example provides a unique approach to enhancing a home's entrance, demonstrating the transformative power of a well-chosen front door color. #FrontDoorColors #HomeExterior #CurbAppeal #ArchitecturalFeatures #ColorPalette #HomeRenovation #DesignInspiration #ExteriorDesign #PaintIdeas

The front door serves as a crucial element in a home's exterior, offering an opportunity for an easy and relatively inexpensive stylistic update. The selection of the right front door color is essential for making a home stand out and creating an inviting entrance for residents and guests alike. This choice should align with the home's character, its existing color palette, and the homeowner's personal style, acting as an extension of the interior aesthetic. Experts emphasize the importance of choosing colors that resonate with the home's overall feel while also considering practical aspects like paint application during suitable weather conditions, such as spring or warmer dry months. A front door makeover is highlighted as an effective way to enhance curb appeal. The article outlines nine distinct color themes for front doors, each offering a unique mood and aesthetic. Rich jewel tones, including deep purples, olive hues like 'Constance Moss,' and velvety dark blues such as 'After Midnight,' are gaining popularity, reflecting current interior trends. A sapphire blue, noted for its vibrancy, is also presented as a sophisticated option. Timeless sage green, specifically shades like 'Wise Old Sage' and 'Fresh Sage,' is recommended for its classic appeal and potential to boost a home's value. This natural, gentle hue is ideal for homeowners seeking a harmonious connection with their surrounding environment. Sophisticated olive green, recognized for its grown-up elegance, is predicted to remain a long-term trend, providing a grounding effect. The discussion on red tones shifts from traditional fire-engine reds to richer, more nuanced shades like burgundy and terracotta. These 'reds with a twist,' including 'Baked Cherry,' align with emerging color trends and offer both playfulness and elegance. For those desiring a bolder statement, bright orange, exemplified by 'Charlotte's Locks,' is presented as a vivid option that can be balanced with white accents. Sunny yellow, such as Dulux's 'True Joy,' is suggested for its mood-lifting qualities, capable of creating a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere. Dark blues, including navy and royal blue, are recommended for adding depth and a regal touch, appealing to those who seek a statement without being overly conspicuous. These timeless shades, like Farrow & Ball's 'Blue Maize,' exude sophistication. Pink, particularly muted and pastel hues like Frenchic's 'Dusky Blush,' is gaining traction as a warm, friendly, and feminine choice, offering a soft pop of color that can brighten even dreary days. Finally, soft pastel blue, such as Farrow & Ball's 'Pale Powder,' is highlighted as a gentle, fresh, and calming option that blends seamlessly with the natural environment, akin to sky blue. When selecting a front door color, it is crucial to consider how the chosen shade will interact with the home's existing brick, stone, or render. Bold shades are advised for south-facing frontages to prevent them from appearing washed out by strong sunlight. The type of paint is also critical; exterior eggshell finishes are recommended for their durability, resistance to yellowing, and ability to flex with wood, making them suitable for areas exposed to harsh weather. Ultimately, the best front door color is one that expresses the homeowner's personality and brings joy, whether it's a classic black, a vibrant yellow, or any shade in between. #FrontDoorColor #HomeExterior #CurbAppeal #PaintTrends #HomeRenovation #ColorPsychology #ExteriorDesign #DIYHomeImprovement #HomeDecor

The article explores the growing trend of using wallpaper on doors, a design concept that transforms ordinary doors into aesthetic elements or helps to conceal storage and entryways, contributing to a more unified and thoughtfully designed space. This approach is gaining traction among designers who are leveraging it to integrate storage seamlessly into a room's decor, making functional elements disappear into a larger design scheme or mural. Instead of banks of uninspiring, blank facades, wallpapered doors can turn storage areas or multiple doors in a hallway into a beautiful, cohesive visual statement. Interior designers are using wallpapered doors to create a sense of unity and unexpected texture within a space. Marie Flanigan, a Houston-based interior designer, highlights that this method allows a door to become an integral part of the room's aesthetic rather than merely a functional component. Hanne Gathe, founder of Gathe + Gram, emphasizes the meticulous attention to detail required for such installations, particularly when aiming for a seamless, hidden look. Her firm collaborated with a joiner to create doors with nearly invisible frames, protected by slim metal edging, and utilized professional wallpaper hangers to achieve a flawless finish. Gideon Mendelson, founder of Mendelson Group, echoes this sentiment, noting that wallpapering a door can effectively hide it, preventing a contrasting paint color from drawing unwanted attention. This technique is applied to both storage doors and internal room doors, creating continuity in design, such as using a teal suede wall covering to make a formal space more approachable. When selecting wallpaper for doors, durability is a key consideration due to frequent interaction. Experts recommend textured wallpapers like grasscloth or vinyl for their strength, as standard paper wallpapers are more delicate. For paper wallpapers, applying a layer of matte lacquer can enhance durability. While wallpapered doors offer significant aesthetic benefits, including elevating a door's appearance, allowing for unique customization, and suiting various styles, they also present challenges. Marie Flanigan points out that wallpaper on doors is more susceptible to wear and tear and can be more difficult to clean and maintain compared to painted or solid surfaces. Achieving a smooth, wrinkle-free application, especially on doors with panels or intricate details, also requires expertise. Gideon Mendelson warns that improper installation can lead to the wallpaper rubbing against the door jamb and peeling off, underscoring the need for skilled wallpaper hangers, especially for concealed doors without casing. The most impactful applications often involve wall murals, which turn doors into captivating and bespoke visual statements. Murals require meticulous planning and execution, as they are typically customized to fit the exact dimensions of the doors to ensure perfect alignment and a continuous visual flow. This often involves custom printing and precise cutting. For a more accessible and renter-friendly DIY option, peel-and-stick wallpaper panels are available, providing an easier way to experiment with this trend. Examples of peel-and-stick options include scenic pastures murals, grasscloth removable wallpaper, and tweed-patterned rolls. Overall, wallpapered doors offer a creative solution for integrating functional elements into a broader design narrative, adding character and visual interest to a home. #WallpaperedDoors #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #StorageSolutions #WallMurals #HiddenDoors #DIYDecor #DesignInnovation #RenovationIdeas

The article offers nine creative and stylish alternatives to traditional wall painting for home renovators looking to refresh their interiors. It acknowledges the common dread associated with painting and proposes various methods to achieve a fresh and trendy look without a paintbrush. The first alternative discussed is using fabric, as demonstrated by Jesse and Mel on 'The Block,' who successfully covered a guest bedroom wall with velvet to create a luxurious feel and complement the room's color palette. This technique, though used alongside some painted walls, was praised by judges for adding balance. Venetian plaster is presented as a second option, offering a dramatic, old-world aesthetic. El'ise from 'The Block' used champagne-colored Venetian plaster in her formal living room, indicating that while professionals can apply it, even novices can participate in the technique. Wallpaper, though a common alternative, is highlighted for its diverse and often extraordinary modern designs, ranging from subtle patterns to bold prints. It can be used as a feature wall or throughout a room for a consistent look. Bringing the outdoors in, the article suggests using plants to cover a wall. This 'living wall' concept adds a fresh burst of life, with various plant options available, from climbing varieties to succulents, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right plants for the indoor environment. Tiles are also proposed as a unique wall covering beyond bathrooms and kitchen splashbacks, capable of creating distinctive feature walls if chosen thoughtfully. For those who prefer not to paint, art offers a ready-made solution. Large, striking prints or a collection of smaller pieces can establish a theme, with the added benefit of easy interchangeability for a refreshed look. Decals are presented as a renter-friendly option, being removable stickers that quickly enhance a wall with various designs like quotes, animals, or floral patterns, offering flexibility in decoration. A gallery wall of family photos provides a personal touch, allowing homeowners to proudly display cherished memories. This option is also noted as cost-effective depending on the sourcing of frames and photo printing. Finally, curtains are suggested as a versatile alternative, not just for windows, but for covering entire walls. Hanging stunning fabric with a curtain rod can introduce warmth and interest into a room and can be easily swapped out to change the decor. #WallDecor #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #WallCoverings #DIYHome #DecorativeWalls #HomeStyling #TheBlock