There are changes happening in our home that are making me feel downright giddy! The major one, so far, is the installation and ongoing painting of our interior doors. Previously, we had builder’s grade doors for what seemed a lifetime and have now decided to upgrade to paneled solid-core wood doors. The doors all have three panels with the exception of the bedroom and entryway closet doors, which are mirrored.
For the pantry doors, we’re going to put a stain finish on them. Color to be decided. We still need to find a way to get the doors to fit properly into the imperfectly angled frame before we start the staining.
My husband Christopher is the designated DIY painter for the doors. I wanted the doors to have two colors to make them a little more interesting. We tested a few paints from various companies and our final decision was to use ones from Sherwin Williams. The colors we chose were Medici Ivory and Irish Cream. Because Christopher is a scientist, he approached this project as he does most things: researching the subject. So he browsed the web to find the best ways to paint interior doors. Most painting instructors on the web recommend using brushes instead of rollers, especially for paneled doors. Painting doors with brushes simulates the texture of the wood. Also the variations in the texture left from the brush strokes give the door character. After doing his research, Christopher took his paints, tape and brushes to go to tackle his first door, the one for the linen hall closet.
As the day went on, progress was being made. You can see how painting the panel frames a different color gives the bi-fold door some extra pizazz. But it takes a lot more work, since a considerable amount of painter’s tape needs to be applied before the frames can be painted.
And, here’s the finished door. It’s got such a rich look to it!
After successfully completing door #1, we went on to door #2, the powder room on the main level. For this door, I wanted the paint colors to be reversed. My reason for this was that the hallway walls have a mocha color and I wanted a door color that complemented the wall color. We chose Irish Cream. The panel frames were painted in Westhighland White. The picture isn’t doing it justice.
I am happy to report that Christopher is almost finished with the bedroom-level doors. We have 3 more doors on this level to paint: the master-bedroom bathroom door and two walk-in closet doors. We’re expecting to breeze through those because they’ll all be one color (white). Christopher’s final duty on this level will be to paint the door frames in ultra-pure white. After that, he’s only got one more level to go! Here’s a close up of one of the bedroom doors.
I must say I’m so proud of my husband! His homework paid off: the doors look fantastic and the bedroom level hallway has richness and pizazz. I think he’s done a marvelous job, don’t you?
Simone