Push & pull Beautiful internal doors are the key to a chic abobe – we show you how to select the right ones
THEY MIGHT NOT BE FRONT OF MIND (OR HOUSE), BUT BEAUTIFUL INTERNAL DOORS ARE KEY TO A STYLISH ABODE
Often overlooked, the internal doors of a home are much more than a simple exit or entrance. “People forget that doors can add texture and interest, tell a lovely story and enhance the overall interior scheme,” says interior designer Katie Sargent. The right door can frame a space, create a private retreat or conceal clutter, all while packing a dazzling design punch. So, where to start? “If the house has any heritage, then do some research into the doors of that period and stay as true to them as possible,” suggests Katie. Read on and discover our open-and-shut case on the hottest – and most enduring – styles to look out for.
ARCHED TIMBER
For a classic hinged entrance with a twist, go for an arched timber door. The unexpected curve softens a space, while the common material can be painted, stained or elevated with statement hardware. “An arched door generally needs to be taller, relating to the higher ceilings typical of period buildings,” says Broderick Ely, design director of BE Architecture. He recommends between 2400mm and 2700mm for the door height, custom-made by a timber craftsman. >
“Arched doors HAVE AN IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATION WITH A BYGONE ERA, WHEN THINGS WERE MADE BY HAND AND DECORATION WAS WORKED INTO THE architectural fabric OF THE HOUSE” ~ BRODERICK ELY, BE ARCHITECTURE
“THE interior doors OF A HOME CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL LOOK lift AND CAN REALLY A PROPERTY” ~ JOHN TERZIOVSKI, ZEN DOORS
CAVITY SLIDER
The perfect kitchen-to-butler’s pantry door, a cavity slider (above) saves essential space by travelling into a wall cavity rather than encroaching on the pantry. “You want to be using that pantry wall for hooks, cabinetry or storage,” says Katie Sargent. “You need to build a timber frame within the wall for the door to slide into, so the wall needs to be quite thick.” As this sleek door will endure frequent use – also faring well off a bathroom or laundry – try Hume Doors’ ‘Evolution’ cavity unit in steel for durability.
PIVOT
“Pivot doors have multiple aesthetic and functional benefits, from separating two areas to creating privacy and minimising sound travel,” says John Terziovski, founder of Zen Doors. He recommends 3000mm height by 1500mm width for this luxe door, which rotates on a pivot point. “While adding a touch of sophistication, they still allow an abundance of natural light to flow in,” says John. “With various configurations, designs, glass options and steel colours, the opportunities are endless.”
STEEL-FRAMED GLASS
Visually alluring, these majestic doors are built on a steel frame with beautiful, divided glass panels. Whether hinged, swing or folded, they are “mainly used in hallways, bathrooms, wine cellars, studies and living or dining areas as a single or double door”, explains Zen Doors’ John Terziovski. While the glass sheets are expensive and susceptible to dirty marks, they make up for the additional care and cost by filtering natural light and ensuring continuous connection between rooms. >
“STEEL glass doors CAN HAVE A HUGE DESIGN IMPACT ON ANY INTERIOR, BLENDING IN WITH CONTEMPORARY OR CLASSICAL timeless STYLES. THEY ARE AND CAN LAST A LIFETIME”
~ JOHN TERZIOVSKI, ZEN DOORS
BI-FOLD
The go-to choice for maximising space when cavity units aren’t an option, bi-fold doors (left) are a series of panels that fold back on themselves when pushed to both sides. Oh-so-easy to open, these versatile doors can even add value to your home by transforming individual rooms into covetable open-plan living. Available in an array of styles and finishes, the beauty of bi-fold doors is that they can blend seamlessly into the surrounding walls or joinery when dressed in the same shade – sophisticated olive greens and deep navy blues are having a style moment on doors du jour.
FRENCH
Classic French doors, a pair of symmetrical doors that meet in the middle when closed, are an ideal transition between spaces such as entertainment zones, due to their flexibility. While both doors are often swung open as a decorative feature, they don’t have to be. “Use one as a door and keep the other fixed in place,” says Broderick Ely of BE Architecture. “When the doors are not evenly divided, they add an interesting perspective to the traditional idea.” For European flair, consider teaming traditional timber-framed doors with frosted or clear glass panels and brass levers.
CEILING
Full-height doors extend vertically from floor to ceiling, creating a heightened sense of grandeur and space. “Floor-to-ceiling doors can make a strong statement,” says Broderick, although costs can climb due to the sturdy materials required. “They are generally made with a steel subframe and clad in timber, which stops the bowing and twisting that can happen with larger doors in heat, cold or humidity.” Lofty ceiling doors work really well in living areas, bedrooms and studies to help control noise and temperature. They also let in a lot more light.
“IF YOU HAVE open-plan LIVING, IT IS NICE TO HAVE DOORS TO SCREEN OFF separate zones” AND GIVE YOU
~ KATIE SARGENT, INTERIOR DESIGNER
“AN Art Deco door HAS TWO LONG PANELS AND A SQUARE PANEL AT THE TOP, AND AN
Edwardian ONE WILL BE DIFFERENT TO VICTORIAN. keeping IT’S ABOUT WITH A HOME’S ORIGINAL FEATURES” ~ KATIE SARGENT, INTERIOR DESIGNER
PANELLED
This style of hinged door has square or rectangular panels set into the surface to “give a bit more character to a home”, says Katie, who recommends scrolling through Pinterest or browsing door suppliers for panelling inspiration by period. “I like to make a panelled door a feature by painting it charcoal or grey, with the architrave around the door in a darker colour.” Katie suggests solid timber paired with bronzed handles and exposed hinges for wow-factor.
On a budget? Opt for engineered timber instead.