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How to Use Black Doors in Your Home

Thursday, September 30th, 2021

If you have a contemporary home, nothing matches better than black doors. They’re not only uber-sophisticated but they’re on trend right now for black and dark interior doors. Heck, they’re great for exterior doors too. You can either swap out your existing doors for black ones or simply paint the ones you have. Whatever you choose, you’ll be updating the vibe for your interior space exponentially.

Adding that wow factor to your space is as easy as following these tips for inspiration when it comes to your custom interior doors.

Monochrome Hues

The classic monochrome is a simple yet elegant way to effortlessly make your space pop. Bonus: monochrome really never goes out of style, so you won’t be updating again in a few years. Black paneled doors work well in particular with stark white walls and cupboards. Add black tables and chairs to complement the look, and add black hinges and handles to the doors themselves. This way, you don’t have any distracting colors or metal to detract from the monochrome look.

Light

If you’ve been staying away from black doors because you think they will darken your rooms, think again. You can actually make very good use of the light you have with black doors, no different than other colors. One way to encourage the infiltration of natural light is to install doors with clear glass panels.

Dark on Dark 

You may steer clear of adding dark on dark colors, such as pairing dark gray with black. Paneling is trendy right now because it adds visual interest that helps to break up the darkness. You can even pair black doors with dark blue paneled headboards as well as in subtle details on your bedside tables for a sophisticated look.

Division of Space

A black door can divide a space in a way that no other color can. Use a glazed design and mix up styles from various design periods too. For example, you can blend a Victorian style with a door featuring strong art deco lines. And what about the ceiling? Who says ceilings have to be white? Another way to balance a black door is to paint the ceiling and trim black as well. This works best in small rooms with stark white walls, such as a guest room or bathroom.

Make a Bold Statement

When adding a black door to your interior, consider not only the color of your walls but also the flooring type too. For instance, hard wood floors pair well with black. 

Contact Dallas Door Designs

If you’re ready to go bold and add black interior doors to your home or office, contact us for a free quote at 214-973-0373. Feel free to browse our door collections and if there’s something you don’t see, you can always ask our design consultants. Keep in mind, one of our services includes creating custom interior doors.

The Best Front Doors For Dallas Homes

Saturday, July 31st, 2021

When it’s time to install a new front door on your Dallas home, there are many considerations in regards to the best material. Curb appeal is important, but so is durability – especially in the face of the hot weather we experience here in Dallas. You have to balance aesthetics with durability and function, which means you have to think about how the climate will affect your new front door.

Weather is perhaps the biggest consideration. For example, an entry door that does well in snowy, cold climates, may not fare as well as that same door in dry heat and direct sun all year long.

Overall, there are three main materials to choose from: steel, wood or fiberglass. What’s best for your Dallas home?

Direct Sun

Most front doors in Dallas and surrounding areas are exposed to extreme heat and direct sunlight for much of the year. A steel door would not be the best choice due to its ability to retain heat. This would make it hot to the touch and not very safe. By the same token, metal doors are able to hold their shape even under the hottest of temperatures without deformation.

Wood doors, while they look beautiful and traditional, tend to warp, delaminate and crack in direct sunlight. Because wood doors are made from natural fibers, they warp a little every time the temperature, air pressure, or humidity changes. You can add a special finish that will combat the effects of direct exposure to UV light.  

That’s why fiberglass doors are often the best choice for Dallas homes. Not only are they tough, they are fairly maintenance free, plus they resemble the look of authentic wood without the warping and rotting.

Most modern front doors these days are composites.

Color

Some colors are more susceptible to sunlight than others. In general, light colors will repel sunlight while darker colors retain heat. Just use the analogy of a dark interior of a car – it will be very hot to sit on after it’s been sitting in the sun for the day.

Materials

There are many benefits to installing a fiberglass entry door for your Dallas home, such as:

  • Insulating foam has 5x the five insulating properties of other materials.
  • They are scratch, peel and warp resistant, faring better in harsh environments.
  • They are available in many colors and styles that you can customize to your home.
  • They’re easy to install in any size opening
  • You get more security and protection against intruders thanks to double or triple pane glass that won’t easily shatter.

There are many benefits to installing steel entry doors on your Dallas home, too, not the least of which is the security and durability they afford you for peace of mind. Wood doors give you the aesthetics you want but they don’t last for long under the beating sun.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

Can’t decide which material would be best for your Dallas home? Contact us at 214-973-0373 for a free estimate and consultation with our design team.

Glass Options For Your New Front Door

Monday, June 28th, 2021

If you are thinking about installing a new front door, you may not be satisfied with a solid door with no accents. If you really want your entry door to pop, you will want to explore glass options. No matter what door style you choose, from iron to wood, glass accents can improve your home’s curb appeal more than you realize.

Glass adds depth and dimension, allows natural light to flood the entryway and provides an aesthetic appeal to guests, especially if you opt for etched glass or coloring. You have many glass options available to you, such as:

Clear Glass

This classic exterior choice allows you to see through the door in both directions. You will likely need window coverings if privacy is an issue for you. Good news is, window coverings can easily be switched out to complement seasonal changes or colors and textures within the home. Clear glass allows you to see who is knocking on your door so you can decide whether or not to provide access. Of course, by the same token, anyone can peer into your home from your front porch and see what you are doing. You can’t hide with glass!

Gray Tint

This casts a slight dark tint to your window to add an element of privacy. You may still need window coverings, though. During a sunny day, such tint will prevent outside people from looking in. But if your porch isn’t well lit, you may have difficulty looking from the inside out to see who is there.

Brown Tint

This is similar to gray tint but offers a warmer tone and generally matches best with most homes.

Flemish

This classic design simulates hand blown glass, but it doesn’t feature the air pockets or bubbles that are common to this look. Light and vision can be a bit distorted but is enough for you to discern fuzzy shapes and people.

Water Cubic

If you’re looking for more privacy inside, this is a great choice because it offers extra distortion. You can detect movement but anyone standing outside won’t be able to see detail of what’s inside the door. Water cubic is different from traditional block windows in that it has more random shapes than simple squares.

Rain

Featuring depressions on one side from the top down, this design simulates the appearance of rain flowing down the glass.

Pear

These feature small indentions that can disrupt vision through the glass while allowing light to still get through.

Sandblasted

Sandblasted glass has finer indentations, leading to a more sleek and sheer appearance. It’s similar to pear, but it’s more formal.

How to Choose

In the end, it all comes down to personal style. You will also want to consider your location and privacy concerns, then evaluate the amount of light you need in the immediate entryway. Sometimes you don’t even know what you want, which is where a professional design team can help.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

We would be happy to show you our front door glass designs and then install the model of your choosing. Contact us at 214-973-0373 for a free estimate today.

What to Know Before Investing in a New Front Door

Tuesday, June 1st, 2021

Installing the perfect entry door does so much more than allow entry to and exit from your house. It improves the curb appeal of your property, as well as its value and functionality. It even impacts its energy efficiency. A lot is riding on which type of front entry door you choose. But the decision doesn’t have to be hard.

Here’s what to know before investing in a new front door.

Materials

There’s no cookie-cutter solution to which front door to choose. It will depend a lot on your personal style and budget. Different materials come with different price tags, plus they achieve different looks and functions. The most common entry doors include wood, iron, fiberglass and steel. 

Fiberglass doors tend to be more affordable, energy-efficient, and lower in maintenance, and come in a wide spectrum of pre-finished colors and wood finishes that you don’t have to re-stain or paint again. If you like the authentic look of real wood, you can achieve a gorgeous rich walnut or rustic mahogany for an elegant look with excellent functionality. As a natural material, wood will expand or contract a bit with the seasons, so you’ll have to perform some maintenance here and there to ensure it stays looking good and operating well.

Steel and iron doors are very durable and go a long way in terms of strength and security, standing up to the elements with availability in many colors and finishes.

Styles

Wood and fiberglass entry doors generally come in more style choices than steel or iron. Matching your home’s architectural style, such as a Craftsman-style entry door, fiberglass and wood, are great choices. If you have a Spanish-style home, ornate iron doors may be better. And if you have a contemporary home, go with sleek steel doors that come with raised or flush panels.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is always a main concern for many homeowners when installing entry doors. Look for a door that bears the ENERGY STAR® certification seal. You want a material that is a natural insulator with low conductivity.

Customizations

There are many choices when it comes to personalizing your entry door to suit your unique needs. You may want to go with a distinctive color choice, or perhaps try some bold hardware choices or even decorative etched glass. The possibilities are endless.

Speaking of glass, adding visual interest to your door is easy with decorative glass elements. Glass serves many purposes. For one, it adds contrast and character to your door. For another, it breaks up large solid door panels to provide a focal point. And finally, it welcomes natural light to stream into your home.

With so many ways to spruce up the exterior of your home and welcome guests, it’s easier than ever to invest in a new front door.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

Our professionals can help match you with the right front door today. We make the process easy! Just contact us in Dallas at 214-973-0373.

Upgrading Your Patio Doors This Spring

Friday, April 2nd, 2021

This spring is the perfect time to finally update your patio doors, or install some where there were none previously. Patio doors are special because they act as a gateway between the outdoors and indoors, complementing the interior décor of your home and blending it with the exterior space.

They also flood your home with natural light, increase ventilation, and make it easy to enter and exit the residence. Outdated patio doors decrease the value, function and comfort of your home due to their unsightly and dysfunctional nature. Upgrading these doors is a wise decision you won’t regret.

Variety of Options

There is a wide spectrum of patio door options to choose from. Here are just a few ideas:

  • Hinged: If you get a lot of foot traffic in your home, you will want to go with a hinged patio door because they easily swing open and closed. They are often referred to as French doors and can feature grids for a touch of elegance.
  • Sliding: The most functional and space saving, this style needs just one sliding sash on a track, great for areas that don’t have a lot of extra wiggle room. Most sliding patio doors are comprised of two large panes of glass, which you can add screens to in the summer time. This is the most common type of patio door.
  • Multi-Slide: For those who want more than a single sliding patio door, multi-slide patio doors can give you up to 10 different panels opening from the middle or side. Offering the greatest design flexibility, the panel doors can stack or slide into a wall pocket.
  • Bifold: One of the more unique styles, bi-folds are also known as accordion-style doors. They feature two glass panels on hinges that fold up to save on space. You get a wide opening for the most natural light and ventilation possible.

Considerations

When thinking about upgrading your patio doors, think about your budget first and foremost. If you’re going to spend the money to enhance your home, you should go for a quality door that will last the test of time. Once you know what you can spend, you can narrow down your style choice from there.

Another thing to consider is security. Most patio doors have built-in locks but if you’re extra worried about security threats in your neighborhood, you can install an additional security system to complement your patio and other doors.

Finally, patio door material is yet another consideration. You can choose from a variety of materials, such as vinyl, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, steel, and regular glass. Your budget will come into play here again, but it’s also important to partner with a reputable patio door installation company who can advise you on the right material for your needs.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

If you need advice on which patio doors to get for your home, contact us in Dallas at 214-973-0373.

5 Ways to Repurpose an Old Barn Door

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021

Do you have an old barn door that you don’t know what to do with? Maybe you upgraded to a new barn door for the holidays or a recent remodel has provided you with an extra one. Whatever the case, it’s easy to repurpose old barn doors with a little ingenuity and creativity. From shabby chic and weathered to new and sleek, check out these ways you can breathe new life into your old barn doors.

1.    Craft a Table

For a functional touch that you can use again and again, convert your old barn door into a unique table. These are ideal for kitchen tables or countertops because they are stylish and sturdy. You can leave the current finish or restore and refresh it. Either way, it will liven up any space and pull double duty as a surface to place your coffee cups and books on.

2.    Create a Headboard

The size of most barn doors makes them a great candidate for a rustic headboard in the bedroom.  You can either paint or stain this unique statement piece, then add mounting hardware and accessories for a quick, easy headboard conversion project.

3.    Convert into Shutters

Who says your old barn door has to stay in one piece? Cut it up into a set of interior shutters, using hinges and even some decorative cutouts to result in a beautiful window covering that is sure to spark conversation. Paint or stain them in any color or pattern, use stenciling to showcase your personality, and hang them with pride.

4.    Showcase Wall Art

Gallery walls are all the rage right now, so if you want to display your love of the eclectic and unique, hang a barn door as wall art. They make a statement, to be sure, but they aren’t visually distracting like complex artwork or clusters of photographs. They’re simple, easy to hang, and easy to take with you if you move.

5.    Make a Room Divider  

Open floor plans are great and all, but sometimes you want a little bit of a cozier feel for some privacy. Install sliding barn doors to instantly divide your living space without compromising the airy, open feeling. When you want wider space, slide the doors open. When you want a more intimate cozy feeling, slide them shut. You can also use them to save space in narrow hallways.

If you’re ready to convert that old barn door into a beautiful complementary addition to your home, we can help.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

If you need more inspiration, take a look at our selection of barn doors. Then contact us in Dallas at 214-973-0373 for more information or a free estimate.

2021 Exterior Home Design Trends

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021

Thinking about sprucing up your home’s exterior this year? From paint colors and natural wood accents to new windows and doors, there are plenty of ways you can upgrade the look of your property while staying on trend for 2021.

Go the Extra Mile on Windows

This year, bright and airy interiors are very in. To that end, you can add in extra exterior windows in an effort to modernize your space and encourage more natural light. Just make sure they complement your home’s original architecture for a classic yet trendy look.

Creamy, Dreamy White Paint

You may cringe at the thought of white paint, but we’re not talking bright in any way. Rather, go with a creamy white that will lend itself to a timeless yet updated look. Once you have that base white, there’s no end to the possibilities of what you can do with trim, accent and door colors. Actually, white paired with a beautiful new wood door would be so 2021.

Add Contrast to Your Garage Doors

Celebrate your garage doors that feature architectural details such as unique windows and paneling. The best way to highlight these features is to employ the use of a contrasting color to complement the overall appearance.

Try a Pergola

Spice things up with a shady pergola. Don’t have a covered porch? A pergola is an easy solution because it’s a slatted complement that provides plenty of both sun and shade. Add some comfy seating underneath and you can enjoy a warm summer day watching life go by, while adding curb appeal to your property.

Paint Your Brick

Some people think it’s a sin to paint over natural red brick, but this year it will be all the rage. Nothing changes the look and feel of your exterior than a pop of color and coat of paint to modernize your property.

Add Natural Wood Accents

In 2021, the trend will shift from light-colored siding to natural or composite wood. Whether you have a farmhouse style or a contemporary, you can’t go wrong with wood accents. That’s not to say you have to cover your whole home in wood accents; you can do it in select places such as on columns, the front door, a fence, soffits, or your garage door.

Add Visually Stimulating Architectural Doors

Your front door says a lot about you. This year, bright paint colors will still dominate the front door trend, but that trend will start to move toward neutral-color doors in wood tones or unique wrought iron patterns. Many homeowners are also going for wider doors and larger sidelights.

This year is projected to be one of visually stimulating trends when it comes to home exteriors! We can help you achieve your home design renovation dreams.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

For help with augmenting your exteriors this year with eye-catching windows and doors, contact us in Dallas at 214-973-0373.

How to Secure a Double Front Door

Tuesday, January 5th, 2021

Your front doors are a great way to make a solid first impression for guests, vastly increasing your curb appeal. This is the main reason why so many homeowners take that extra step and install double front doors for a majestic statement. However, your front door is not just there for appearance sake. It should be the first line of defense for your home against burglars. A secure front door equals a safer home.

Are Double Front Doors More Secure?

You may wonder if double front doors are more or less secure than traditional single doors. While they certainly make a dramatic statement, are great for large homes or those with wide entryways, and can be more convenient and accessible, these qualities lead some homeowners to fear that their double front doors are not quite as secure as single ones. Because the opening is in the center, is it easier for burglars to kick down one of the doors and gain entry?

This is a myth. If your double door is installed professionally, with the right materials and the strongest locking mechanisms, double front doors are just as secure – even more so — than their single counterparts.

The Issue With Poor Installation

Double front doors are very secure, but just like with most things in life, it all boils down to the installation. When installed incorrectly, doors in general are easy to kick in. Perhaps the door frame or hinges aren’t secure enough, or maybe the doors are sized incorrectly for the opening. Or perhaps the door has become worn down from exposure to the elements, which over time can make the door more vulnerable to being kicked in.

An expert will make sure the door is installed correctly for a precise fit, ensuring the hinges are secure and that the door as a whole is durable.

Why Choose Fiberglass Double Doors?

The material you select will make a big difference in regards to securing your doors from burglars. Steel is considered one of the most durable materials. And while steel is stronger than wood, fiberglass doors have been making big strides in security and strength to rival that of steel. They can mimic the look of wood or steel doors, but they don’t dent, a factor that could eventually wear even a steel door down. Fiberglass comes with much lower maintenance requirements so it will protect your home for as long as possible.

Locking Systems

No matter what material you choose, though, the door is only as good as the locking system you put on it. In addition to the standard locks that come with the door, you may want to consider triple locking systems or even smart locks that can be unlocked by your smartphone. These are good options for homeowners who worry about the safety and security of their double front doors.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

To browse our selection of beautiful and secure double front entry doors, check us out online or contact us with inquiries at 214-973-0373.

5 Signs That Your Current Windows Should be Replaced

Monday, November 30th, 2020

From sticking frames to rattling panes, there are several things that can cause annoyance and frustration with your existing windows. But in addition to the inconvenience or annoyance, these problems must be addressed immediately so as not to result in further damage or cause your energy bills to creep up.

Check out these five signs that your current windows should be replaced:

  1. Loose or sticking frames: If it’s getting hard to open and close your windows, this may signal warping frames. Don’t worry, most times this is normal and occurs naturally over time, especially if your windows were low in quality to begin with or weren’t installed by a qualified professional. It’s normal for windows to stick a bit when it’s humid outside. But if this goes on all year round, under normal circumstances, there’s a bigger problem at play here, possibly affecting balance. This situation can leak energy, of course, but it can also be unsafe if the window fails to stay open on its own and slams shuts when you walk away.
  2. Rattling panes: In this case, your window no longer fits correctly. Maybe it was not installed properly in the first place. Or perhaps it’s lost its seals and weatherstripping over the years, which has led to frame degradation. Because rattling panes don’t ensure a precise fit, you will lose energy.
  3. Frost or condensation in glass: This often happens when indoor air cools down against a cold window pane, robbing it of its ability to hold moisture. The water then builds up and eventually encourages mold growth. Are your windows “sweating” a lot? Does condensation constantly cloud the two panes of glass? You could have a broken seal. In this case, window replacement is your only realistic option.
  4. Furnace or AC kicks on a lot: If you notice your energy bills are getting higher than usual and can’t determine any other source, it could be that your furnace or AC is cycling on and off too often. This, in turn, means your windows are doing a less than stellar job of insulating the house. These drafts are making you lose precious cold air and heat, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime just to keep you at the same level of comfort.
  5. Cracked frames: If there are cracks developing in your window frames, these fractures can indicate safety issues. Not only can the jagged edges cut fingers as people open and close the windows, cracks can also lead to complete window failure as the cracks worsen to the point where you can’t open the window at all.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

Got failing windows, low comfort levels or high energy bills? This is the perfect time to outfit your home with beautiful replacement windows. Contact Dallas Door Designs today at 214-973-0373.

Caring for Your Wood Doors in Dallas

Friday, October 30th, 2020

Dallas entry door design

Many homeowners prefer the look of wood doors for their entryways. Not only are they beautiful, they bring a natural, timeless appeal to any home. From traditional oak and mahogany to a more rustic knotty pine or alder, wood doors can complement just about any style of architecture, marked by durability, insulation, security, and noise reduction.

However, wood doors do require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best and functioning the way they should. Check out these tips on how to properly care for your wood door in Dallas:

1.  Seal Your Doors

You should always seal your wood doors before or immediately after they are installed. This will keep them protected from the elements; plus, a properly maintained wood door increases curb appeal and market value.

2.  Clean Your Doors Regularly

Once a season, clean your stained wood front door. You should:

  • Brush off the surfaces with a dry rag or dust brush.
  • Use a wood polish (for stained doors) to bring out the glow. Never use acidic products like lemon oil.
  • Use a glass cleaner or mixture of water and vinegar to clean any glass areas.
  • Clean the hardware using warm water, mild soap solution and a cloth.
  • Dust away cobwebs on a weekly basis to keep it looking good and to keep spiders from nesting.
  • Do some touch-ups where paint has chipped or faded.

3.  Look Out For Issues

While inspecting your door, you may come across some troubling issues, such as:

  • Raised wood grain: This is a sign that the finish is failing.
  • Discoloration: This is a sign that moisture is getting in.
  • Cracks in the surface: Damage has occurred, compromising the energy efficiency and security of your door.
  • Peeling paint or top coat: You may need to do some restoration work.
  • Dry or rough finish: Your door may need to be sanded and refinished. You can remedy this by sanding it down with a 120, 150, or higher grit sandpaper.
  • Light haze to the finish: Humidity can cause some clear finishes to blush, caused by moisture trapped under the finish.

4.  Perform Wood Door Restoration If Needed

If you have to restore your door, you will have to remove it from the frame first. Here are the basic steps:

  • Strip old finish with chemical stripper.
  • Sand the door with a 220 grit sandpaper to remove surface imperfections and marks.
  • Wipe down the surface to remove all dust.
  • Apply stain with a brush; let dry.
  • Apply three coats of exterior polyurethane or spar varnish with a UV inhibitor.

Of course, at some point, your existing wood door will fall victim to time, age, and the elements. In the event you need a new wood door for your Dallas home, enlist the help of professionals who can help you choose the perfect style. Contact us today at 214-973-0373.

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Phone: 214-973-0373
Email: sales@dallasdoordesigns.com

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