When I’m designing a bath, kitchen or entertainment area, one of the many facets involved is seeking out focal points. Now in most designs, we can easily define the focal point around the cooking area or island. These are wonderful to have when we’re planning, and honestly, it’s an easy way to really make our creative skills shine. But today, I want to talk about adding interest beyond the cooking area or island – and the ways you can add “oh my gosh that’s beautiful” moments that make a design a bit more special.
Enter the topic of Accent Doors. Not only do they give you a way to take your design to the next level, but there are also so many options you simply can’t run out! Below, we’re breaking it down into several categories for you as a quick reference and refresher – and a remedy to avoid analysis paralysis!
Keep it Classy
Glass is the classic accent, but there are so many varieties to expand your horizons. Clear and beveled are the most traditional options and are best for featuring what’s on the inside.
Beyond clear glass lies the Art Glass category- with intricated patterned zinc caming and inlaid aged and colored glass. It’s reminiscent of historic Tiffany stained glass and Gilded Age manors. At first glance, you might think Art Glass is limited in application, but I would I would consider it not only for traditional designs but also as a dramatic contrast in Transitional designs.
Then nestled between the simplicity of clear glass and the intricacy of Art glass we have the Decorative glass category. This group has distinct, yet subtle patterns, that add a light amount of texture and interest without becoming “too much”. Matrix, Narrow Horizontal Reeded, or Narrow Vertical Reeded are my go-to’s in many designs. Meanwhile, more defined textured glass (like Seedy, Rain, Glacier, or Water glass) deliver more of an intentional focal point of the glass.
These textured glass accents are great for adding interest to the simplicity of painted cabinets and also pairs well with distressed finishes like the Appaloosa collection to play up that antique, weathered look.
Mirror, mirror on the wall cabinet
Mirror inserts catch the light and your eye to embellish a design. Of course, standard mirror inserts are highly versatile and can be used in design styles from traditional to contemporary. With more detailed delicate mullions or traditional door styles, a mirror insert can add luxe and glitz. In a contemporary space, with a simple door style or linear/geometric mullions, mirror accents look sleek and complement fixtures in polished metals.
On the other hand, mirror inserts like Epic, Patina, and Gunmetal have an antique and dimensional feeling. That look contrasts with cleaner contemporary designs or increases the rustic look of distressed cabinets. And it’s a great way to enhance the beauty of a bathroom!
Using mirror in place of glass allows you to add glam without the need for a matching interior!
Epic is subtle, mysterious, and a little iridescent, while gunmetal is smoky and edgy. Patina gives you the most antique look with flecks of silver and charcoal.
Design Tip!
For mitered door styles, adding a mirror accent in the linen door offers a great way to get a full-height dressing mirror:
Another way to make an impactful design statement is to combine both glass and mirror accents. In this workstation, we used patterned glass in the upper doors and a glam accent of a customized framed Epic mirror to connect the wall and base cabinetry.
Up and coming…
Glass and mirror inserts are just the beginning. Wire mesh inserts in a variety of patterns are taking off, especially with the popularity of Farmhouse styling, but they even cross over into high-end contemporary furniture as well. Adding interesting materials to cabinet interiors—from tile to fabric to contrasting finishes—is another way to make your design stand out. Remember you can always order a door frame without a center panel and have your installer use an insert material of your choice!
Stay tuned for a post with more tips on using metal accent doors, including Brava, Catania, and Bellagio!