Unlock a Whole New Look for Your Home
When was the last time you gave your doors a second thought? If you’re like me, it’s probably been a while. We get so caught up in the fun stuff – picking out paint colors, choosing furniture, and styling all the little details. But the doors? Those often get overlooked, relegated to the background as mere functional elements.
Well, my friends, it’s time to shift your perspective. Because your doors – and the hardware that adorns them – have the power to completely transform the look and feel of your home. Think of them as the jewelry that adds the final touch of sophistication and personality.
I learned this firsthand when my family and I took on the renovation of our Riverside Retreat. The existing doors were a mismatched hodgepodge, some original to the 1940s home and others haphazardly added over the decades. They were functional, sure, but hardly doing the space any favors.
As I shared on my blog, we decided to replace all the swing doors with matching replicas, preserving the classic two-panel style. We also got creative with other door styles, incorporating custom sliding doors in the living room and charming cafe doors in the kitchen.
But the real transformation came when we turned our attention to the door hardware. By carefully selecting the right knobs, handles, and deadbolts, we were able to tie the entire look of the home together – and I’m telling you, the difference is night and day.
Choosing the Right Door Style
Before you even think about hardware, you need to nail down the door style that best suits your home. And let me tell you, the options are endless these days.
The standard swing door is, well, standard in most homes. But if you’re looking to get a little more creative, there are plenty of other directions you can go. Bi-fold doors are great space-savers for closets, while pocket doors are perfect when you don’t have room for a swinging door. And don’t even get me started on the drama of barn doors or the elegance of French doors.
At the Riverside Retreat, we even incorporated a set of cafe doors in the kitchen – a fun, unexpected choice that adds a ton of character.
The key is to choose a style that complements the architecture and overall aesthetic of your home. Personally, I’m a big fan of sticking to a cohesive look throughout, with the exception of any “feature” doors like exteriors or specialty spaces.
Perfecting the Paint and Finish
Of course, the door style is just the beginning. Once you’ve got that nailed down, it’s time to focus on the paint and finish.
Now, I know white doors and trim are the default in a lot of homes. But let me encourage you to think outside the box! Paint is an easy way to make your doors so much more than just functional elements.
At the Riverside Retreat, we went with a warm, neutral beige called Sherwin Williams Loggia. It provides the perfect backdrop for the rest of the home’s color palette, while still allowing the doors to shine.
And when it comes to the finish, I’m a big fan of semi-gloss. It’s durable, easy to clean, and provides a subtle sheen that really makes the paint pop. But if you prefer a moodier, more matte look, satin is a great alternative.
The key is to make sure all the doors and trim within the main living areas match. Then you can get a little more playful with the individual rooms, experimenting with different colors or even wood tones on “feature” doors.
Selecting the Perfect Hardware
Ah, the fun part – hardware! This is where you can really let your personal style shine.
When it comes to knobs versus levers, it’s mostly a matter of personal preference. But there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. For example, I learned the hard way that levers can be a magnet for curious pets (our cat figured out she could easily open them). So if you’ve got furry friends, knobs might be the way to go.
And don’t forget about functionality – you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right hardware for each door’s purpose. Privacy doors need locksets, while passage doors can get away with simple knobs or levers.
At the Riverside Retreat, we went with classic matte black plates and vintage-inspired glass knobs. The look is perfectly in line with the home’s traditional vibe. But if your style leans more modern, you could try sleek, minimalist levers in a brushed nickel or brass finish.
And speaking of finishes, that’s another important consideration. As a general rule, I like to choose hardware that provides a nice contrast to the door color. So if you’ve got dark doors, lighter hardware tends to work best. And vice versa.
The Cherry on Top: Keyless Entry
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Doors and hardware, really? That’s where you’re going to splurge your time and money?” But hear me out.
Your doors and the hardware that adorns them are some of the most frequently used elements in your home. Think about it – how many times a day do you pass through those entryways? And when you do, don’t you want the experience to be seamless and, dare I say, even a little luxurious?
That’s why one of my must-have door upgrades is a keyless entry system. At the Riverside Retreat, we installed the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt with programmable codes on both the front and back doors. No more fumbling for keys, no more cutting extras for guests – just a simple tap of the touchpad and you’re in.
It’s a small change that makes a big difference, both in terms of convenience and security. And let’s be real, it just adds a touch of high-tech sophistication that really elevates the whole experience.
A Transformation Worth the Investment
I know what you might be thinking – “But Jenna, doors and hardware? That seems like such a small, insignificant detail. Is it really worth the time and money?”
Trust me, I get it. When you’re in the midst of a big renovation, it’s easy to get tunnel vision and focus only on the “big” stuff. But I’m here to tell you that those little details – the ones that might seem like afterthoughts – can actually make a world of difference.
At ABC Home & Renovation, we firmly believe that no element of your home should be overlooked. Because it’s the perfect blend of form and function, the cohesive look and feel, that turns a house into a true sanctuary.
And your doors – along with the hardware that adorns them – are a crucial part of that equation. Think about it – you use them multiple times a day, every single day. Shouldn’t they not only be fully functional, but also a reflection of your personal style?
That’s why I encourage you to really dive in and explore all the possibilities. Experiment with different door styles, play with paint colors and finishes, and have fun selecting the perfect hardware. It may seem like a small change, but I promise, the impact will be anything but.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to give your doors the attention they deserve and unlock a whole new look for your home. Trust me, your future self (and all your future guests) will thank you.
