theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 40 Fair Street Interiors fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com 908-334-1953 Design for Interiors & Home Modifications ne of the big decisions homeowners make is regarding the style and color of their front door. After all, the front entry door of a home is a first impression, which can suggest status, comfort or hospitality. The door should blend with and complement the style of the home. Color is usually a considered decision…sunny yellow conveys cheer, whereas sleek black suggests sophistication. In Savannah, Georgia, a red door used to indicate that the mortgage on the home was paid in full, showing financial status and prestige. Doors originally covered openings in shelters and caves to provide security and protection and were made of stone, wood or animal skins. There are numerous biblical references to doors, and they were described in Homer’s work. The earliest evidence of timber doors was found near Zurich, Switzerland, and dates back to 3000 BC. The early Egyptians and Mesopotamians used solid wood and granite to craft doors, often intricately carved. The enormous, bejeweled, gold-plated doors found in Egypt’s tombs were created to usher souls into the afterlife. Not surprisingly, the ingenious Greeks and Romans built doors in wood, iron and bronze and engineered the first double doors, folding doors and sliding doors crafted on pivot hinges, which could be easily opened by one person. The massive, matched and keyed pair of bronze doors of the Pantheon were erected in 126 AD and are 24 feet high and 8.5 tons each. They’ve been in continuous operation for over 2000 years. Quite a feat of engineering! Medieval doors date from the 5th to 15th century and were made of solid timber, reinforced with iron and had early hinges and bolts; their purposes being for protection and intimidation. These are believed to be the earliest “board and batten” doors, comprised of vertical wood planks with horizontal reinforcements. These barrier doors were found on churches and castles and were so enormous that wicket doors were commonly added-smaller doors within the barrier door for men and livestock to pass through. During the Renaissance, doors, usually in pairs on magnificent cathedrals and churches, were commissioned to prominent artists and prized for their classical Greek symmetry and religious depictions, inspiring awe and power. As in ancient Egypt, these doors were both functional and symbolic-being a gateway from the mortal to the immortal world. The Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century brought mass production of doors and the technology to produce glass and revolving doors. Victorian doors were made of oak and pine and were highly decorated with glass and intricate ironwork. Today, many exterior doors are made of fiberglass or steel because they offer energy efficiency and are easier to maintain than wood. However, wood is timeless and many homeowners still prefer wood doors. Oversized pivot doors, which rotate, rather than hinge, are prominent in more contemporary designs. The popularity of the modern farmhouse style has brought back Dutch doors, in which the top and bottom halves of the door operate independently, allowing air flow but keeping pets and children inside. Regardless of door style, the color of the door is almost always a major decision for homeowners I work with. I suggest my clients take into account the style of their home and what the facade is: stone, siding, stucco, brick and find something that complements. Dark colors: navy, spruce green, charcoal gray are always classic. Bright yellow, red or a beautiful shade of blue will enliven the entry and add interest. If you need inspiration, I’d love to help! Gail Bicknell-Fair Street Interiors fairstreetinteriors.squarespace.com HINTS HOME FOR THE A Word About Doors By Gail Bicknell, ASID, CAPS O
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