Selection Series: Interior Doors

After helping more than 50 people selection finishes for their custom build or home renovation - I figure it is about time I share all the tips and tricks I have come across along the way. Each week I choose a common selection, share my knowledge on it, and open the floor to questions!

Interior Doors

Let’s start out with something some may find boring - but all find necessary!

Here are some examples of questions and considerations I share with my clients when it comes to choosing their interior doors.

Type - do you want your door to be solid or hollow core? Solid has a heavier feel, is a better sound barrier, can hold things such as robe hooks - but come at a higher price point than hollow. Many of my clients opt to put these on just bathrooms or also bedrooms if they have the budget.

Location and function - ideally it swings towards a blank wall with a light switch on the opposite wall, leading to a smooth entrance. Swinging into a room rather than out is better for privacy, but not always possible. If you are really tight on space, you could explore a pocket door - but it is important to evaluate what wall it is sliding into because not all are compatible, depending on space and what is in the actual wall, such as electrical. If it has to swing into the middle of a room, make sure the most frequently used part of the room is what you see first as you open the door

Aesthetic - you really want them to match the vibe of the rest of the home, there are so many styles within modern, transitional, farmhouse, traditional and everything in between! Consider your trim and cabinet door style when selecting to the style so all the selections flow throughout the home. Even when looking at a 2 panel door, the detail of the panel can go into the door at a 90 degree angle, 45 degree angle, or with a more traditional bevel. Every time a client wants that 90 degree shaker look anywhere in their home - I always make sure they consider cleaning! Those tight corners can be tough to dust ;)

Cutting - if renovating an old home, sometimes you will have to cut down a door to fit into an existing opening. If this is the case, keep in mind that door styles are often made with a standard height knob/lever location, so when you cut the door, that handle will no longer sit in that space. You can solve this by going with a single panel door or flat panel - which can still have some detail in them!

Sourcing - here is where I love to browse to shop interior doors.

Happy shopping

If you need help selecting finishes for your next renovation - fill out our contract form here and we will be in touch :)