MINDFUL INTERIOR DESIGN:

We call them barn doors because originally that’s how they were used—to open and close an entrance to a barn.

In recent years, they have been used as a door that enhances rustic decor.

Today, we see many different styles that are far removed from the barn and are perfect for today’s modern interior design.

They provide function as well. You may have a space where a swinging door impedes the flow of the room. Or, a space where a pocket door would be difficult or impossible to install.

This week’s article is from Freshome.com and shows many different examples of how a barn door may be used. You may decide it would be the ideal way to freshen up a room in your home.

1. Rustic Barn Doors

Take rustic wood and create barn doors with a nod to their origins. The look is most effective in minimalist, contemporary spaces where the color white and concrete materials dominate. Rustic barn doors add texture and warm up the space, as in the art studio above.

2. Chalkboard Barn Doors

Add function and a bit of whimsy to your barn door by painting the surface with chalkboard paint. The multitasking door will hide what’s behind it beautifully while serving as a communications center.

3. Colorful Barn Doors

To give barn doors a modern look, consider painting them in a bright, bold color. Go with high-sheen paints or lacquers that add gloss and richness to the color you choose. Try orange, lime green, turquoise or bright red.

4. Contemporary Barn Doors

Bring your barn doors into the 21st century by selecting materials with a luxe, contemporary edge. The mirrored black surface of this barn door is the opposite of what comes to mind when most people think about barn doors.

5. Barn Doors as Art

A door does not have to be purely utilitarian. Why not mount barn doors that have an artistic quality to them? They will hide or divide what you need them to, in a beautiful, wall-art sort of way.

6. Recycled Barn Doors

Get creative with the materials for your barn doors. The chic one above may look like it cost a pretty penny, but it’s actually a salvaged old door. New hardware and a fresh coat of stain brought it back to life.

7. Repurposed Mirror Barn Doors

This homeowner went with the multifunctional aspect of a barn door by using a large mirror as the door itself. Mirrors have several advantages: They can reflect light and good views, serve as part of the dressing process and hide whatever is behind them.

8. Modern Classic Barn Doors

For those who love the cross wood and paneling effect of classic barn doors, mount a pair and simply update them by painting them a modern yet classic color such as gray, white or black. The effect is understated but elegant.

9. Alcove or Cabinet Barn Doors

Give a pre-fab home a custom look by adding barn doors to hide an alcove, media wall or built-in shelving. Select barn door materials that update the wall; some good examples are acrylic, glass, mirror or exotic wood.

10. Frosted Glass Barn Doors

If the section that you’re considering mounting a barn door to has a special feature — such as a bright, sunny area on the other side — or you simply want to divide the area without blocking it off with something large and heavy-looking, frosted glass may be the perfect solution for your barn doors. The frost effect conceals what’s on the other side just enough while letting light in, and the overall effect is open and airy.

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