Kay wrote in with a great question and said, “…You guys put a lot of details into your spaces. I’m kind of curious. What would you say is the most over-looked item or element in a renovation?…”
This is a great question! I honestly think that a lot of things are usually left out of a design, for many reasons. It can happen when people aren’t thinking clearly, worried about the budget, or exhausted at the end of the project or all of the above. We get it because we’re not only the Hair Club presidents, but we’re also clients. In other words, for those of you who aren’t old enough to get that reference… we’ve been there in our own homes, too. I guess you could say that’s why we’re a little biased toward hiring our company for your design and renovation needs so that we can help you anticipate costs, and assist with product selection as well. That way, you get the BEEESSST OF BOTH WORLDS with the design and execution of said design. But enough with the multigenerational television references.
I covered this specific topic a little earlier this summer with 7 smart upgrades for the home, because I do think it’s hard to pick just one. But if I had to pick just one thing… when it comes to something that is overlooked but also the most versatile, it would be doors.
I know. It sounds kind of silly and trivial. Which is why I think people ignore the topic. Doors are easy to upgrade in an affordable way, but on the other end of the spectrum, you can also splurge big time. The good news with doors is that a lot of times, you can add or upgrade them after the fact. It just takes a little planning ahead. Here are some of our favorite upgrades we’ve done for clients’ homes…and in our own, to get those wheels turning. Because we’re big fans when it comes to all the ideas.
Hanging Art: Yes, I’d go so far as to say as much. And if you’ve been reading for a while, you know I had to put my all-time faves, first. Let’s start with the most impractical use, first. But also the prettiest idea. Doors can be functional artwork all on their own. I loved creating these for our primary suite. And if you’ve seen our kitchen, we utilized these sister windows in our daughter’s closet space for a doorway to separate the spaces, as well.
before – we knocked all the walls out and brought the bathroom forward a little, giving it all more space and offering a larger closet in the process.
One of a kind: Make a statement with doors! We loved designing these with Rustica for a one-of-a-kind look in our own basement. I wanted to share these as an option because I know not everyone is willing to dedicate the time to stained glass and a hand-constructed door. These are made to order and cleverly divide the space into my office, {and now the storage area- another glimpse at that below} while also maintaining the main living area. Winning.
Dividing Spaces: This kitchen got a major upgrade when it comes to all things additions. The classic iron and glass addition did so much for the space. The new doorway helped add separation between what was once a dining-room-turned office and the kitchen. Major bonus points for attractiveness.
Storage: In little ways, when it comes to storage, because this is an example of how it doesn’t have to be expensive. Instead of one door, we went for two on our latest closet downstairs. Since this little closet addition now faces the side entry, I wanted not one door, but two. It made for easier access in our basement, and there’s something about double that just looks better.
Bonus: just add color + a new doorknob for a simple basic door upgrade.
Sound Barriers: Yes, this one has glass, but you’d be surprised at how much they offer when it comes to shutting off the sound to a space. We use this one in between the great room + our own pool room. It helps to cordon off the space when there are kids, a party, and more.
This is one of my own personal favorites as well, in the pool room. When we added our {second} addition on to our home, we knew that we needed a door to allow plenty of light and flow, but we also wanted it to give us a little privacy when we wanted to divide the space. From using this room as my studio with painting and stained glass to movie nights with the family or entertaining at night… the door is perfect, and I’m obsessed.
A great example of this is our client space, where we divided up an old living room situation, and made it all about an at-home office.
When our clients needed to divide a traditionally {and unnecessarily long} living room into a modern-day study… we knew just the solution. These doors added so much to divide the space and allow for privacy, but also create an openness without closing off the house. They’re soft close, so they’re perfect for little fingers as well. My one regret? Not styling this skeleton with a flower crown on reveal day.
Let the light in, but this time with privacy: Our laundry room and butler’s pantry are coming soon! Here’s a little peek. And I love the option of letting light flow in day {and night!} while also shutting the door when it’s a little messier than what I prefer.
Stylish everyday take on storage: This door in our cabana was a game changer for hiding all the unsightly stuff. But we really use it to harbor pool storage, chemicals, and more. May as well make it attractive!
Space savers: Pocket doors are always a great solution as space savers throughout a home. They make great alternatives to the classic barn door {which will never go out of style if used in fun ways, in case you’re worried}. They just require a little more planning ahead. Here, we utilized this for our primary build, where the hallway meets the bedroom. This way, the door doesn’t have to open up into our space, saving that wall.
We used it again in the entry to our basement since a swinging door would have severely limited access to the rest of the room. It’s all in how creative you can be with all things doors.
And even though I used the laundry entry as an example of privacy but with light… same here, too.
What are some of your favorite uses of doors that you’ve seen in a home? We’d love to see. Have an inspired day!
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