How to Modernize Interior Doors At Home

Interior doors give a clear impression as to a home’s style or vibe. Depending on the look, color, or style, modern, stylish interior doors set the stage for an aesthetically pleasing energy for both homeowners and guests.

Whether you plan on replacing existing doors or attempting a DIY project adding new hardware or paint, these ideas will take your interior doors from drab to fab.

New Doors

Outdated, damaged, or unstylish doors sometimes just need to be replaced. Replacing these interior doors can dramatically change the appearance of the home or room. Here are some modern door styles to consider.

Panel Door

A panel door is a door that is made with panels instead of one piece of wood. Panel doors come with a varying number of panels, ranging from two to six. For example, a four-panel door may have four rectangles or panels inset within the door slab. These shapes can be either raised or recessed in the door to showcase different styles.

Panel doors are usually a bit more of a classic look, but can be given a modern twist by going with simple designs and fewer panels. A panel door with just two horizontal panels can look modern while still offering depth and texture. Look for wood or MDF panel doors with clean lines and neutral paint tones like gray, white, or even black for a modern impression.

Concealed Barn Door or “Magic Door”

Barn doors are still in style, according to several expert interior designers. Some people prefer a more minimalist approach to hardware. That’s where magic doors really shine.

Magic doors or concealed barn doors hide the hardware on the back of the door so that they appear to be floating along the wall. These doors are ideal for any interior space and are sure to make an impression on your guests!

Flush Door

A flush door is a simple, modern option for an interior door upgrade. Because there are no raised or recessed panels, flush doors have a sleek, smooth look. Both sides of flush doors can have painted or veneered wood finishes.

This type of door can be a hollow core door or have a solid wood base. Flush doors are becoming popular in modern or contemporary settings, and come in a variety of styles including:

1. Polished wood flush doors
2. Natural textured flush doors
3. Colorful flush doors

Glass Panel Door

Glass panel doors allow light to pour between rooms while still creating a separation between areas. These doors can come with full glass panels or partial designs. Textured glass or even frosted options for privacy are available as well.

Frameless glass doors provide a seamless transition between rooms and allow the eye to easily see into the next area while providing a sound barrier. Wood, metal, and aluminum are some common options for the door frame.

How to Bring New Life to Old Interior Doors

Some working doors just need a little paint, new hardware, or stain to give them an updated look. There are several ways to bring old interior doors to life. With just a little elbow grease and time, a budget-friendly “new door” will appear. Oftentimes, a simple DIY interior door project can make a huge positive impact on the overall look of the home.

The following are a few popular options for updating an existing interior door.

Paint the Door

A fresh coat of paint is probably the simplest and most budget-friendly way to update an interior door. Modern, neutral colors like black, gray, or white can immediately change a dated door to a trendy option. Painted bold blues and forest greens add a touch of sophistication to any room.

Painting with semi-gloss or high-gloss paint are options that are durable and offer a polished, modern look. Be sure to use painter’s tape when tackling this project. Paint can be picked up at stores like Sherwin-Williams, Home Depot, or Lowes. The look of an entire room can be changed by a good coat and color of paint.

Change the Door Hardware

A great suggestion for a super easy interior door project is updating the door hardware. Door hardware like hinges, door knobs, or locks can be bought online, in-store, or even custom-made. Choose an updated design and finish to bring a fresh look to the home.

Some finishes to consider are matte black, brushed nickel, or polished chrome. Lever-style handles bring out an industrial or minimalist decor. Some hardware sets are customizable, so make sure to reach out to the supplier to understand your options.

Pro tip: Hollow core doors will require hardware specifically designed for hollow core doors. This usually means longer screws or special fixings to satisfy the lack of a solid core.

Add Molding or Trim

Adding trim or molding to flat doors can bring dimension and interest as well as update an otherwise boring door. For a relatively straightforward DIY project, simply add molding or trim in a rectangular or square frame pattern to the door. This will create the appearance of raised panels. When the trim or molding is installed, paint the door for a smooth, connected look.

Pro tip: If you plan on staining the trim or molding, be sure to apply stain before installation.

Replace or Install Glass Panels

Glass panels can be added to solid wood doors to allow more light to enter the room. This is a great idea for a door between a kitchen and a living room. Adding glass in this area will still allow separation, but not close off the rooms entirely.

Glass panels can be added to hollow core doors, but make sure to follow the instructions carefully. If your door already has glass panels but they are cracked or out of style, replace them for an easy update.

Add Decorative Features

Decorative options like geometric patterns, stencils, and wallpaper add a unique twist to an outdated door. Add wallpaper in bold patterns for a pop of personality, or a geometric pattern in contrasting colors for a contemporary style.

A hollow core door or a solid wood door can be used for this type of project. However, if the door has a glossy finish, be sure to lightly sand it before painting or wallpapering. If you don’t lightly sand, the paint or paper may not stick properly to the door.

Update Your Doors for a Modern Feel

Updating interior doors can drastically improve the overall look and feel of a home. You may choose to replace all of your existing doors with new hollow core doors or solid wood doors. You may want to add a “magic” concealed barn door for a floating appearance. Or, you may want to simply replace the hardware.

Take some time to consider your preferences, budget, home’s design, and functionality wish list and then you will be ready to jump in with updating your interior doors.