Grand openings: a profusion of wood species, architectural panel styles, and glass panels dress up lackluster interior doors

Prosales, Nov, 2003 by Stephani L. Miller

Homeowners and builders looking to differentiate their homes are on watch for interior fixtures that are not only functional, but also are an extension of the home's decor, and interior doors are now playing a larger part in adorning interior spaces and maintaining a continuous architectural style. Many manufacturers of interior doors are following trends in wood cabinetry to draw inspiration for their door designs, and traditional four- and six-panel looks are now making way for more architectural styles.

"The standard four- and six-panel style ... is going to the wayside," says Scott Honey, door products coordinator for Kolbe & Kolbe (circle 101). "Two-panel and arch top-panel style doors are becoming more popular, as well as flat-panel."

Architectural doors, such as CMI's CraftMaster two-panel, arch-top Caiman Smooth door design (circle 102) and Masonite's two-panel, arch-top Palazzo Series doors (circle 103), are ideal complements to some of the architectural styles now regaining popularity in homes across the country.

A wide variety of wood species are being tapped by manufacturers, as well. Mahogany, cherry, and fir are particularly popular in many regions, although the Western and Southwestern regions show a preference for more rustic woods, such as knotty alder or knotty pine. "People are looking for more exotic or different wood species, because the standard species have flooded the market over the past few years, and they want to try something a little different," says Honey.

While mahogany and cherry are familiar species, they are still relatively new choices for interior doors. But even then, "as 'exotic' wood species and hardware [options] become more popular and readily available, customers are going to want even more exotic choices," says Pete Lenar, marketing manager for Hurd Windows, whose patio doors can be used as interior French doors (circle 104).

Homeowners seeking to spread more natural light throughout their homes are opting to upgrade to glass-panel doors. "There is now a greater popularity for using doors with glass panels on the inside of a home," says Bob Ormond, director of sales and marketing for Signamark.

No longer reserved for showcase rooms, decorative glass-panel doors-such as Forms Surfaces Wood Stile & Rail doors (circle 105), IWP's Custom Wood French doors (circle 106), Signamark's 8-foot-tall Grandeur series (circle 107), or Simpson Door's Pantry Door Collection (circle 108)--are now being speced for many interior rooms. Manufacturers note that frosted, etched, or textured glass styles are favored over clear glass to maintain privacy while still allowing light to pass through.

"The biggest change over the last 10 years in door designs and species is that the homeowners are making the decision now," says Jim Daniels, sales manager for Heritage Veneered Products, maker of Woodport doors (circle 109). "They are much more sophisticated in regards to the elements that go into their house."

"This phenomenon of personalization and customization of homes is going to continue and grow even more," says Kelly Reynolds, product manager for Jeld-Wen's interior door marketing (circle 110). Subsequently, builders, contractors, and ultimately dealers will have to keep up with what homeowners are looking for.