Tradition and craftsmanship are making a welcome resurgence in decor trends — especially with front entry doors. Here’s what popular with homeowners this year.
“The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.”
-Flora Whittemore
In general, there is renewed interest in custom wood doors. In recent months, owners are looking to the beauty of real wood instead of plain box store options and imitations.
Mahogany is hot
Solid woods are seeing an increase in popularity — especially mahogany. Known for durability and stability, this heavy hardwood is also one of the most attractive.
Its ribbon-like grain works well with a variety of design styles: from traditional to contemporary. Other popular hardwoods include white oak and walnut.
Size matters
Larger, wider doors are more popular than ever. A large door not only feels more secure, it makes a bold design statement.
Benefits of a larger door:
- Provides greater sturdiness and durability
- Heaviness is safer and more secure
- Creates a sense of spaciousness and openness in the entryway
- Feels more substantial when you open it — a pleasure to handle
- Custom sizes can create a unique look for your overall design vision
Related: What’s hot in home décor this year
Craftsman architecture
This year designers and homeowners are turning toward craftsman architecture and the richness and elegance it evokes. But it’s not just about a tradition. Designers are adding modern touches and contemporary looks, while retaining the beauty and natural appeal of real wood.
There is also a higher demand for round top doors — which add a welcoming style and evokes visions of castles and churches.
Colour statements
Current trends in door finishes and stains are moving back into black, dark browns, and bold colours. Deeper and richer colours give a welcoming look to your doors, and colours can be picked to best accentuate the other materials your home is made of — whether it is red brick, stucco, stone, or cedar siding.
With wood there are many ways to achieve the look you want, especially with coloured stains that can give you a myriad colour palette while still preserving the natural beauty of the wood grain.
As human beings we associate emotions with colours whether we realize it or not, and your choice should be guided by the first impression you want to make: deep reds for energy and passion; green tones for serenity; dark browns for stability and natural strength.
Classic glass and lighting
Stained and etched glass are seeing a resurgence in popularity. Patterns are moving away from the traditional to more contemporary modern designs; however now with greater opacity for more privacy.
There is also increased interest in custom transoms and side lights. These pretty architectural features work to elegantly frame a custom wood door, while allowing light into and out of the home.
Recent trends show that designers and homeowners are choosing doors that recall an era of quality and craftmanship — but with contemporary design and flair. With innovations in materials and tools, it is possible to create the custom door you’ve always dreamed about.
Whether you are designing or renovating the home of your dreams, or simply updating your getaway cottage by the lake; the doors you choose have the power to create a completely new architectural look. It’s worth your time to get exactly what you want, for they will be used and loved every day for the rest of your life.
“Ideas can be life-changing. Sometimes all you need to open the door is just one more good idea.”
– Jim Rohn
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