Doors
Consider installing a large sliding barn door or two, to allow you the flexibility of having an open or closed kitchen. You can keep it open for everyday use — to enjoy the open, expansive feel and circulation of light — while having the option to shut those doors if you want to keep kids, pets or visitors out, or to hide the prep mess while entertaining.
The main front door opens into a foyer with an 8-foot-high ceiling. Architect Richard Long describes the entry sequence as a "palate cleanser between spaces" — you walk up from outdoors, arrive underneath a low copper roof, then enter through the front door into a more compressed space. This small hallway then leads you into a large open living room and kitchen space.
Added to talia_dechoros's ideas: ""In big English country houses, owners would routinely upholster doors leading to staff quarters to muffle the sound of the servants chattering," I upholstered mine in faux leather to keep it kid-friendly," — she has a young son — "and had it studded with brass nails and a vintage-inspired push plate."
Moving on to the lower guest level of the home, two queen beds with upholstered headboards and spring green walls create an inviting room for visiting grandchildren. The door, like all the other doors on this floor, has an inset covered with a crocodile-embossed vinyl wallpaper. "We looked at all kinds of very expensive leather-wrapped doors, but in the end we saved thousands of dollars by having these doors stained and finished to match this crocodile wall covering," says Hagen. (Minnetonka Lake home, MN..Eminent Interior Design)
As long as you have your black paint out for the door, why not apply it to some furniture in need of refurbishment? An old dresser takes on a contemporary look thanks to a coat of solid black paint. The black door, black dresser as console and black accessories in the form of boot tray and coat hook on a creamy beige background come together beautifully for a New Traditional look.
Barn door w. X's
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