Often overlooked as simply a functional feature, interior doors can make a striking design statement that completely transforms a space. 

Just a few small changes can make a big impact. Here’s how to give them a fresh new look.

1. True Colours

A fresh coat of paint remains the easiest and most budget-friendly way to give a door a dramatic new look. So, why not let your creativity shine with a splash of colour? (Bonus points if you use paint left over from a previous project.) Shades like deep black, navy blue, rich purple and elegant greens are having a moment. Keep it simple and paint just the door, or go all out by painting both the door and its frame for more impact. Feeling adventurous? Embrace the two-tone trend for a look that truly stands out.

Frame work

Simply sprucing up the door frame in a contrasting colour can change a door’s look thanks to a hit of the unexpected. Go as bold or as subtle as you like. For a more dramatic effect, consider painting the frame a deep, moody hue or even black. This little detail injects a modern edge to any interior, making the door frame a focal point.

Mod squad

For a modern home, add interest with geometric patterns on the door itself. Dare to extend these shapes onto the frame and walls, turning the door into a bespoke work of art.

Cutting edge

A quick swipe of a vibrant shade along the door’s edge – think bold hues like bright orange, canary yellow or bottle green – provides a surprising pop of colour, a cheap ’n’ cheerful detail that never fails to impress.

2. Main character

Affordable and easy to work with, wooden battens are a stylish solution for adding texture and personality to a door that lacks character. If you choose wooden strips, before applying them, paint the door in a deep, dark hue, which will make the battens pop. For a seamless design, MDF strips can be painted in the same colour as the door. Using a simple template when applying the strips will ensure consistent spacing. For a modern touch, installing the battens vertically creates a clean, sophisticated look. Or if you’re open to a more daring design, experiment with different angles and shapes to craft a statement piece. This is an ideal project for doors without frames or mouldings, offering endless options for elevating any interior.

3. Stick 'Em Up

Photography by Living4Media (left); Leroy Merlin (right)

Wallpaper is one of the chicest ways to bring personality to a door, transforming it into a design feature. It’s also a quick and effective trick for concealing a damaged door. For doors with mouldings, it’s best to apply the wallpaper on the panels, creating the appearance of framed pieces of artwork, while covering the entire surface lends a uniform look to flat-panel doors. Or make a major style statement by extending the pattern onto the wall for a stunning trompe l’oeil effect.

For a less permanent option, consider self-adhesive vinyl. Many designs are specifically made for interior doors, offering an easy-to-apply solution. Simply order the size that fits your door, and you’re good to go! To help maintain visual balance, opt for a harmonious pattern, especially if the door leads into a hallway. You can, however, still get creative on the inside face of the door for a surprising touch.

Or. add a dash of fun with a chalkboard coating! Let the artist within unleash its creativity for a door that evolves day by day...and with each drawing.

4. Slideshow 

Photography by Stocksy (left); Living4Media (right)

Converting a classic hinged door into a sliding “barn” door is a highly effective trick for renovating your space without breaking the bank. Not only does this solution introduce a modern, industrial style, but it also optimizes flow and functionality within the room.

5. Frame story

Photography by Adobe Stock

Something as simple as adding a few mouldings to a plain builder-basic door can create a custom look that enhances the architecture of the room. For a modern home, use mouldings to make four horizontal rectangles along the door’s surface; for a traditional style, choose a large vertical rectangle. Once the mouldings are in place, fill in any gaps in between the trim and the door with acrylic latex sealant for a flawless finish. Keep the design cohesive by painting the mouldings the same colour as the door.

Pro tip: There are rolls of adhesive moulding that can be cut with scissors – for those who have neither the skill, nor the tools! 

6. Revive the past

Breathing new life into an antique door is a lovely DIY project that requires some effort but delivers a one-of-a-kind result. If you love to hunt through flea markets or scout online marketplaces, instead of buying a brand-new door, why not give a secondhand one a second life? Depending on its condition, it may require some initial sanding or stripping to remove old layers of paint. But if you’d like to avoid doing extensive work, you can simply paint over it; decorative details like mouldings will still show through the paint, providing an elegant touch. Opt for a subtle shade like soft green to brighten up your space.

7. Switch hitter

Sometimes, switching out a single piece of hardware can completely change the feel of a room. If your door handles are worn or outdated, it’s time to upgrade them for a fresh look!

8. Mirror image

Mirrored doors, once popular a few decades ago, can now give a dated feel to a bedroom or entryway. Fortunately, there are budget-friendly ways to give them a brand-new look. Our favourite trick to instantly lend a room a more current vibe? Cover one of the two doors with black, white or even wood-look adhesive film. Then, for a fun twist, cut out rectangles from the film and apply them to the other door, leaving a sleek strip of mirror exposed between each shape. Prefer a more refined style? Covering only the lower third of the door with an opaque film creates a sophisticated, understated effect. Or consider covering only the top half for a softer, subdued look.

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