Gorgeous Space Saving Doors

Do you live in a home that’s a little tight, compartmentalized and short on floor space? Compared to an open and more free flowing floor plan, compartmentalized homes tend to have a myriad of doors that swing in to one space and out from another – wasting some valuable floor space.  Typically a standard door occupies anywhere from 7.5 – 9 square feet of floor space – and upwards of 18 square feet of clearance needed for a French door application.  Door swings can inhibit traffic flow and often times impede on the placement of furniture. Don’t get me wrong. Privacy is a necessity – particularly in bedrooms – baths – and offices.  Incorporating pocket doors into your plans would do the trick, but some demo and construction is required to re-frame of a portion of the wall to accommodate the concealed pocket door itself. Sliding doors or barn doors are a great way to grab some extra square footage, and at the same time instantly infuse character into your home.  No construction is necessary. They are hung on a surface mounted rail system above the original opening (can be exposed or concealed behind a valence) and slides to one side leaving the entryway free and clear.   The best part is it’s only a few inches thick and every inch counts. You may even want to take the time to enlarge the opening of your space slightly to improve traffic flow and increase the convenience from room to room – as the doors can be manufactured in custom sizes. These sliders can be re-claimed, rustic, contemporary or custom.  They can be installed in hallways, kitchens, baths, family rooms, bedrooms and closets – anywhere! Create a beautiful detail and focal point to your space. Here are just a few fabulous ideas.

These custom floor-ceiling sliding doors cleverly conceal the washer and dryer in the kitchen.  They provide such great texture to this space.

With two different entry points into this sunken living room space, the barn doors close off the corner in a very clean and unobtrusive way.  Doors swinging into the space would be very inefficient – particularly when floating off the floor.  A great solution!

This reclaimed door closing off the pantry in this kitchen is a perfect example of infusing “instant” character into a space!  Particularly with the chalkboard painted walls.  How fun.

A more contemporary door design in a loft-like space provides an interesting juxtaposition between the materials.  A crisp and clean finish – don’t you think?

This serene bedroom utilizes the sliding louvered doors to create a sense of separation and privacy between the sleep and lounge area of the space and conceals the rail system beneath a custom valence.

How great is this?  This antique barn door has found the perfect place to rest – transitioning the bedroom to the bath. What do you think? Stay Inspired! I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.