One way to add a little interest to a room or passageway is to change the door. You can paint it, cover it with cork, decoupage it, or change it out completely with a French door. We did this in the cave-like entrance to our newly finished basement and love the way it turned out. (I stole borrowed this idea from my friend Kim S.–Thanks, Kim!) It adds some light to an otherwise drab space. It is also somewhat unexpected, and we think it adds a little charm to the newish, suburban, not-so-special house.
This is a fairly easy do-it-yourself project but takes a little time–since it isn’t something you do every day. We purchased our door from Lowe’s for a little over $100. We reused the old door knob and hinges and used paint we had on hand, so our only cost was the door and our time. We removed the old six-panel door and removed the hinge plates from it. We used it as a template for cutting the new door to the correct size and positioning the hinges. Check out This Old House for an excellent ‘how to’ article on replacing a door. If you follow their instructions, then paint the door as desired, you will be delighted with the outcome!
HEY JAMES!
Do you know of a location/place or have a suggestion where I could order a custom sized french door?
I LOVE this idea – - loved it when I first saw it at your house.
I’d like to put one between my laundry room and my kitchen. Two fold purpose: yet another layer of closing off the laundry – and more importantly, my laundry room is SUPER cold (inefficient). You know, I hung the thermal curtains, and cannot believe the difference just THAT has made in the temperature of the rest of the whole house! BUT, still, there’s about an inch gap at the bottom where the cold creates a giant draft. Keeps our feet eternally cold.
Problem is, I know it’s an odd sized doorway. Is there someplace that might do custom, single, un-framed doors that you know of?
Meredith
Hello, Sister!
What is the measurement? A good handyman/carpenter should be able to shave off a bit, if it’s too tight…It all depends on the amount. Check salvage places. Remember that cool place in Louisville? You never know what you’ll find. Also, Lowes might special order. Of course, then you’re talking more bucks.
Measure first! You just never know.
J.