Have an open mind on door design

Homeowners, interior designers and architects all agree that doors are more than just a commodity, they are central to the character of any home. James Dean, head of marketing for Todd Doors, explores further.

A front door is the first thing anyone sees when approaching a property and is a good reason to spend  .that little bit extra to create a positive impression. Spring is an ideal and popular time of year to undertake home renovations. Setting out a detailed specification for which doors to include should be made early on in the planning stage to ensure that the desired outcome for the look and feel of the property is achieved. Before renovation begins, stop and think about what you are trying to achieve with each room, as the right choice of door can make a big difference. Luckily, trends in interior fashions move a little slower compared to trends in the fashion industry, but each year key colours and themes push through. The hottest door trends for 2016 are inspirational and all about statement making and bold colours. But how do you open a home to the latest looks?

Doors don’t need to be boring

When it comes to door colour trends, 2016 is a year thatcelebrates expressions of personality and individual style through the use of bold colours such as purple, green, yellow or blue. However, lovers of classic white doors shouldn’t be worried as white is undoubtedly the hottest colour trend in 2016. Besides, it’s always worth emphasising that having a strong foundation of white doors in a home allows greater opportunity for regular updates, dipping into decorating trends as they come and go. Simplicity means versatility –  a new look can always be created around a few timeless pieces.

Light up your home

Glazed doors are becoming increasingly popular and are expected to become even more so thanks to their beautiful design and extra light permeability. A big contribution to this trend over the last few years is the improved insulation qualities of the glass being used and the inclusion of materials that provide protection against fire. Making the most of the natural light in a room not only makes the room feel brighter and more airy but can also have a positive emotional impact. There are many glazed door options to choose from, adding as much or as little light as you want. Bright, well-lit rooms will help to create an amazing look; giving any home an elegant, yet fresh, spring atmosphere!

The sky is the limit when it comes to design

Bespoke doors are one of the biggest emerging trends in interior design. Working with door companies at the design stage of a project will ensure that you can get exactly what you want. The use of beautiful and unique interior doors is a fantastic way to complement the character and feel of a home. Transforming interiors is all about adding an individual’s stamp and style into their home and there is no reason why this can’t be done with internal doors too.  Just let your creative juices flow and order or design specific doors for each project you work on.

The bigger the better

The bigger the door, the better – oversized doors are among a few designs that have been attracting a lot of attention lately. Doors with extra width or height are becoming a big trend in decor. They come in innovative shapes and sizes, designed to fit the most unusual door frames. This works particularly well in old houses with high ceilings and it doesn’t need to be a mansion! If your aim is to achieve a dramatic look and an impressive focal point, oversized doors are perfect for the job.

Stylish and environmentally friendly

Responsible sourcing is a very current topic of conversation around those who regularly purchase timber or timber products and of course timber doors fall clearly into this category. There are an ever increasing number of eco-build projects under way and specifiers need to be assured of the provenance of the timber products they purchase. Consumers too are becoming more aware of the need to protect the planet and its resources and this is reflected in buying choices for home interiors. One way to help this plight is to only buy timber doors from

companies who demonstrate a dedicated obligation to protect the environment. All companies who purchase timber products must comply with European Union Timber Regulations which make it illegal to source any timber products from factories that are not able to prove the origin of their timber. But it’s worth looking out for those companies who have sought and gained certification under the stringent rules of the Forest Steward Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These certificates symbolise sustainable forest management, environmentally friendly

material sourcing and socially beneficial forest management. The companies are out there if you look for them and it will not limit your choice of door style or finish as there is a huge range available to suit all budgets.