People invest alot of time choosing the right front door to make a statement and create a lasting impression. More often this is down to the colour, sometimes the size and increasingly how it swings open or is locked. And thats where the door journey ends for many. Very little thought goes into the doors throughout the house. Frequently a cart blanche approach is adopted and, on the whole, the selection very safe. But what about being bold and making a statement with internal doors?
Statement front doors are very common. Image Source Pixabay
Doors are an essential part of architecture, and have a long and varied history that stretches back thousands of years. These ubiquitous features of buildings serve not only as functional barriers and entryways that provide privacy and zoning, but can also be canvases for artistic and decorative expression and a opportunity for skilled craftsman to showcase their artisan skills.
The earliest doors were simple barriers made from materials at hand, such as animal hides, woven reeds, or wooden planks which were hung or propped into position. In ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, doors began to take on more structured forms, crafted from wood and hung on hinges. These early doors provided security and insulation from the elements, as well as demarcating private and communal spaces.
Homes had fabric or animal hide doors and screens to create privacy. image source - own
In ancient Greece and Rome, doors became more sophisticated, featuring intricate designs and robust construction. The Romans, in particular, are credited with innovations such as the double door and the sliding door. Decorative elements also began to appear more prominently, with motifs including gods, mythological scenes, and geometric patterns carved into the wood or stone.
Decorative solid timber doors found in castles and elaborate homes in Romania. Image Source - Own
Then during the medieval period, doors were vital for defense. Castles and fortresses featured heavy, reinforced doors with iron studs and bands to resist sieges. However, even in this era of defense, decoration was not entirely forgotten. Cathedrals and churches boasted grand entrance doors adorned with religious symbols, with elaborate carvings and metalwork.
Painted and carved doors with very ornate handles in homes in Romania. Image Source - Own
This decorative focussed continued during the Renaissance period with elaborate doors crafted by master artisans featuring complex carvings, inlays, and artistic flourishes that reflected the wealth and taste of their owners. Early 20th Century brought a new wave of decorative door designs, characterized by fluid lines, geometric shapes, and the incorporation of stained glass and diversification of materials with other being used such as steel, glass, and synthetic composites.
Bohemian doors - none two the same all in one very colourful home. Vibrant. Yes. Image Source - Own.
Today, doors are highly functional and customizable architectural elements, available in a wide range of styles, materials, and designs to suit various aesthetic preferences and practical needs. Despite numerous functional advancements, such as advanced smart locks and automated opening systems, the decorative aspect of doors has largely been neglected. In our quest for practicality, efficiency, and consistency, interior door design has prioritized function over form, often resulting in plain, uniform designs throughout a home. Much like our neutral-colored walls, doors have become blank canvases. But as our walls remain unadorned, is it time for our doors to stand out again? While modern doors feature impressive technological innovations and complex mechanisms, their external appearance often lacks the intricate and decorative elements that once defined historical designs. What is lovely about doors is the opportunity they provide to incorporate natural timber, adding warmth and character and depth to your home.
Natural warmth can be brought into your home with timber doors. Image Source - Canva
Perhaps it’s time to embrace a more carefree and imaginative approach to our doors and actively decorate them. This aligns perfectly with a low-waste decorating strategy, focusing on repairing, redecorating, and refitting our existing doors rather than purchasing new ones. By using what you already have and following a few simple steps, you can completely transform the look of your door. Sand them down, give them a fresh coat of VOC-free paint, experiment with paint effects like crackling, replace the hardware with new or upcycled pieces, or add some profiling to the door or surrounding frame. The possibilities are vast, so it’s easy to get carried away. The best approach is to ensure your design complements the period of the house or creates something entirely unique and timeless.
Antiquated door in an antiquated stair well. Oh the intrique! Image source - Canva
I don’t know about you but I get very excited when confronted with an interesting looking door. It sparks the imagination on what lies on the other side and raises a smile and skip in my heart.