All about Doors

In the previous blog, we've discussed (in a nutshell) the main considerations when designing the main entry.
In this edition, we shall see the important features of the door itself to make your Front Entry, appealing, attractive and in well-working condition. I shall detail all the ins and outs of material, hardware and maintenance to make it last for a long time and also call to your mind and imagination those attractive features that add value to your home, make guests feel welcome and allot you the style and privacy level that suits your needs and liking.
It is a relatively easy task to select the right door, both for it's beauty, durability and purpose. Once the correct steps are pointed out, any home-owner can become his/her own design consultant and be a better informed patron when making purchases or executing the task. But there are a few steps to take. The primary is that forethought needs to be given to consider the functionality of the door, and not the aesthetics. The looks and appeal of any door, is of secondary importance compared to its daily use.
There are exceptions to every rule, provided that the appropriate function requires it.

Some may argue that a door is mainly to invite guests, I hold the premise that it should entirely suit the needs of the homeowner first and accomodate the less regular users to a comfortable level.
Personality profiling of course would make clear, the occupants needs and inclinations.

Design is a complex field that intertwines many disciplines, this blog is to touch base on the main issues and to give you useful tips for this project.
First of all, the door's function is transition from outside to inside, thus its purpose is to block off elements and define the limits of public and private, in short a psychological and physical boundary. This is easily expressed by contrasting colors, different styles and formality in transition and also accessories in different degrees of subtelty.

Let's now consider the steps toward door choices.

1 - DOOR TYPE
The first consideration about doors, is to make a distinction between Exterior and Interior doors. The make, materials and sturdiness are not of the same category. Exterior doors, need to withstand precipitation, sun and light, abbrassion of particles, temperatures, and the daily wear and tear.
The particular distinctions about doors, are combinations wood/glass - metal/wood - glass/metal. and in solid doors, the relief on it, from raised panels to intricate carvings.

Let us not ignore that a front door is to access your property and residence so safety standards and the locktypes preferred are according to zoning and personal standards. It is also the first impression of you, like the eyes and face, the first thing people notice and make their impressions. If pride of ownership is of any importance to you, the front entry is the place to start to give your home curb appeal and make a striking effect on visitors and passersby, not to mention realtors.

2- SIZE OF ENTRY WAY
Is a double or single entry desired? Not only the length but a sizeable area surrounding the immediate entry, inside and outside for safe and comfortable entry and exit and give the possibility for single or double doors either with or without side panels. All these should tie-in with the overall architectural dimensions of the complete structure. One can see in commercial projects how a greater space is required for trafficflow. Although in residential spaces there would not be the same volume of traffic, the immediately adjacent space does serve for the functionality of reception: like nooks and closets, coat- and maybe shoe-racks, umbrella, key-hides, letter mailers, storage and sometimes a chair for brief visitors or putting on or taking of shoes.
The doormate and the dustwiper is mostly found outdoors and rugs a less conspicuous one, serving as a welcome item that psychologically makes the transition from outdoors to indoors.

3- ENTRY AESTHETICS
Now we are ready to consider the beauty and personality of the entryway. Because it is so important that the design reflect the character of the occupants while at the same time blend in with the architecture of the residence, here is where aesthetic appeal becomes the focus of the design. Commence with the easy questions, Do you want a warm look with wood, or do you prefer a modern design with contemporary colors?  Would you like a themed entry that reflects you, travel a favorite place, or lasting memories.
We shall come back to aesthetics, when all the other considerations are discussed. Start with a list of likes and dislikes in color, bold or soft; in style, either modern or traditional. Do you like to attract attention? Like unusual things? Do you enjoy many small items of interest or a clean look? How friendly and considerate are you willing to be towards visitors? And,.. write these down.

4- MATERIAL SELECTION.
Is it preferable that the entryway have an open or closed view? Materials such as accrylic and glass provide an open view or partially blocked view, whereas, wood and metal do not, and give complete privacy by entirely blocking the entry view and sealing off temperature. Blocked views also give the psychological sense of safety and seclusion.
For those designs that include foyers, vestibules and veranda's, complete blocking of view may not not be essential and even a display view desireable. Additionally we must consider the look and finish of the material surface. It may not be necessary for the door to be mahogany wood, if it will be covered with bright yellow high gloss paint. Thus before selecting an expensive door, decide first if color is desired or the exposed natural character of the prime material. Durability: It is important to select a door that is made of sturdy durable materials that will stand the test of time.

Another note on materials is this. Wood communicates warmth and a natural feel, while glass gives a more modern and colder, thus more distant, feel. Metal, sends vibes of strength, stability and security, many times of light weight, but of course are temperature conductors. If polished, shiny surfaces of high luster send out a subtly message of delicate sophistication. While matte or opaque of closeness and friendliness.

5- FINISHING
In terms of finishings, the possibilities are quite varied. In color, they are limitless, but this factor is weighed in last. The color scheme harmonizes into to the existing design plan. When selecting strikingly contrasting color it is to emphasize the focal point, either the isolated door or the foyer. Finishes otherwise are to beautify and protect the natural material for durablity and ease of maintenance by reducing moisture, stains or damage or other factors of the elements. The exception to this rule are woodstains, that fulfill both of these functions, while maintaining a partially exposure of wood by covering the original color, but allowing the woodgrains to show. This technique offers flexibility when colorscheme is a predominant consideration but the warm texture of wood is desired.
One more note about finishings, Today there are beautiful metal paints, that can add allure to any door or doorframe.

In the case of glass, the finishings would be mostly films applied to the panels for safety to prevent shattered glass in case of accidents. In fact, these are required by law and incorporated in manufacturing and building codes. Another often overlooked possibility is colored glass and mirrors, also etched glass, frosted and patterned glass, that allow clear or color, partial or complete lightflooding while retaining some degree of privacy.
Choices for finishings are: highgloss, semi-gloss, sateen, eggshell and matte. For the type of covering: paint, lacquer, shellac, varnish, wax, and drying oils, with varying degrees of hardness and sheen on the finished surface for durability and ease of maintenance.

5- SAFETY & SECURITY.
Safety is accident prevention, while security calls into mind prevention of losses. Two things come into play here. First the crime rate in the zoning of your home and the valuables that need all time protection.
Consider good locks and bolts not only for your main entry, but for all exterior doors and windows. Here there is space to discuss only the locks and bolts for doors. New technologies that are popular nowadays are the keycode, since it needs no key, access can be granted over the phone, plus it can be easily changed when there's a breach of security, always retrievable if lost. Another is thumbprint a flipside is that any computerized mechanism are made with sensitive electronics. Although factory tested, it is a nuinsance not to have entry, even if once. Most modern locks have a dual system for access. If you are more comfortable with key, then only style is a consideration. About the makes, do not be intimidated by prices, the sturdier the material, the more expensive it tends to be. The cheaper, the more breakable, even for metal.

6-SAFETY
Accidents are always unintended, their prevention can be planned. With the door itself, whether glass, metal or wood. Make sure the hinges are sturdy and especially for families with small children, doorswings that hold off finger crushing closes. Clear glass panels are a delight to look at, to prevent collision and place some decorative decals to announce approximation.

7-FRAMES
Door frames in various widths and style can add character in the overall theme, and not always need to match the door color. The thinner, the more sophisticate and delicate, the thicker the more masculine and rustic. The best examples are greek pediments, but there are many different motifs and styles: romanesque keystones, corner embellishments, patterns and thickness. This is where a themed entryway becomes the easiest way to add visual interest, when there is otherwise a limited budget. 

8- DOORSTYLES
In terms of doorstyles, right choices are limited to two or three that qualify for Front Entrance. Excluded from this category are Dutch-doors. (no offense intended to my Dutch countrymen) For entrydoors triple or even quadruple doors are very appealing, making the front entry inviting. Most of the time, side panels allow at least partial view and fill light into the room. Single or double; swingdoors, sliding doors, French and Palladio style are all ok.

9- DOOR ORIENTATION.
Is there enough room for the door to swing in, out or sideways? Do you prefer for the door to open to the left or to the right? Front entry doors usually have marked frames designed for safety and restrict the door from opening to the opposite side. Naturally the hinges go on the opposite side and placement of other surrounding items are dependent of this simple matter. Note if home occupants are left- or right handed.

10-AESTHETIC APPEAL
Did you notice that some houses stand out from a distance? Can people easily find your house when directed? This is called Curb appeal, something realtor have known for a long time. You can achieve this by being bold in making an entry statement to your home, selecting a dazzling door, adding striking color, light effects, accessorize and give your main entry a stylish and a complete and finished look. More then getting the attention of the neighborhood, you are enhancing your home and increasing its value. 

11-CONVENIENCE ITEMS
Did you notice that the hardware is designed to enhance the appearance of the door. You may also want to decide in advance if you want a doorknocker, peepholes, mailslot, and openings or storage boxes for bulkier packages, doorbells, communication devices, signs and dogwarnings.

12-NIGHTLIGHTS
One more category is lighting. A overhanging general light, or ambiance light, the main features that need to be noticed at night, steps and changes in level and obstructions. Inevitably indoor light will bleed out to exterior, and enhance the view. Outdoor light aside from the entryway are to illuminate the core features, the pathway and vegetation.

13-ORNAMENTATION
Decorative items may be reduced when incorporated in embellishements in the architectural features themselves, such as the sidepanels, the frames, pediments and overhang. Or added as separate items,,to the outdoor or indoor space immediately adjacent to the main entry. Items such as pedestals, urns, plants and planters, flowering shrubs, sculptures and sentinels, statues or statuettes, message signs, mirrors, spheres. a focal item for added interest. Ornamentation is the main method of personalization, may be themed or abstract. can be clustered if smaller items, or may be one large scale item.

One last note, the beauty of the indoors, is extended and matched to the outdoor space. Entry way is the focal point of this transition, but a balanced interior / exterior in decor and weight are always desired.
Please log on to our next blog for expert tips, valuable advice and key points detailing design principles to make your home a success, and a Paradize.