Six ways to use doors in interior design

1. Adding colour or contrast. The classic ‘adding a pop of colour’ not only makes an interior door a design feature but can be used in commercial settings to indicate where exits and entrances are for the visually impaired. In addition, a seamless transition between coloured wall panelling and a matching coloured door is fantastic in masking back of house workings or areas closed off to the public such as pot wash areas and stock rooms. The new Formica Door Collection used in conjunction with the Formica Laminate collection can achieve this with a multitude of matching colours. 

2. Setting expectations. As you’re entering a space, doors are great for giving a user an overall impression of the room ahead. A woodgrain door, for example, might lead you to prepare yourself for a neutral, calm and natural feeling space. A bright colour could suggest a strong, upbeat environment. Good door design prepares a visitor before they set foot in the room. 

3. A multitude of textures. Texture is paramount to the way in which a space feels and a variety of options when guiding clients through the design process is a must. Offering up three different textures the Formica Door Collection creates depth and challenges preconceived ideas that laminate is only flat. Keeping a natural essence to the collection, textures include Naturelle, Linewood and Matte 58. The newly added Naturelle texture, which is available in four different colours, gives a beautiful impression of painted wood. 

4. Linking your space seamlessly. For environments making use of subtle trend tones, a well-designed door can act almost as an oversized accessory. By being intelligent with colour choices, a door can seamlessly tie in with the soft furnishings or other accessories to bring a sense of coherence, calmness, and overall a charming aesthetic. 

5. Strengthening brand identity. Aligning colours to a clients brand identity can be a good way to underline your understanding of their business and the design brief.  The subtly of a door in an on brand colour can create a space that feels unique to the client. With this in mind the Formica Door Collection features 188 laminates in a selection of eye-catching colours, nature inspired woodgrain and perfect patterns. 

6. Shape play. Pushing the boundaries by playing with the shape of a door is an unexpected design feature. A rectangular door is what most people would be expecting to see. When exploring the shapes of doors, Formica Group refer to having seen a rise in popularity with doors that are rounded at the top. Nina Bailey, European Design Lead comments “People link more organic, scallop shapes with a sense of relaxation and a calming atmosphere. Something as subtle as softening off the corners can really emphasise a space.”