Behind Door Number One
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| Location: Jaffa, Israel. Image: Donna Levi via Pinterest. |
There is something mysterious and meaningful about a beautiful door. For instance, just look at the door above. It has an inventive use of metal, iron and wood aged into a striking patina, similar to an abstract work of art.
I recently came upon some unique images of old and new doors from all over the world--Russia, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Israel, to name a few countries. I found myself drawn to the older, more distressed and ornate doors, hand-carved wooden church doors and those colorful European iron doors framed by bright, elaborate exteriors. The more surprising the better.
Many people in the world have a fascination with doors as they are symbolic of many things. They can be shut to create privacy from the outside world. They can be seen as an entry into a new world or new phase in one's life. They can be locked and perceived as a barrier. The phrase "Having an Open Door Policy" is wonderful in that it means there are no secrets and all are welcome. I personally love the saying, "When one door closes another one opens", meaning there are unlimited opportunities which are inevitable and forthcoming.
Here are 20 stunning doors that I found to have an inspirational feel and are creatively designed. I love gazing at their artistry. Some are surrounded by unconventional facades, some are crazy and colorful, and some are just plain gorgeous in their simplicity.
Feel free to step right in, and let me know which doors inspire you and which are your favorites. Enjoy!
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| This door is almost the smallest part of the design but it is beautifully carved and incorporated into an unusual facade. Stained glass elements throughout. Perhaps this unique design was inspired from mathematical or astronomical drawings? |
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| From Spain (perhaps Barcelona?). Gorgeous stone facade with Art Nouveau swirls and a bit of Gaudi inspiration. Image: Donna Levi, Pinterest.com |
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| I believe this may not actually open to a room as there seems to be a wall behind it. Looks like somebody saved this door. Lovely workmanship even in it's distressed state. Love the color. From goingglamwithgigi.blogspot |
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| Turquoise painted, a Floral Sunburst wooden door that was obviously hand carved. My guess is that this is from India. Image: Terri Hall, Pinterest |
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| Russian Golden Doors, Cathedral of the Nativity, Suzdal, Russia. Numerous religious scenes carved into brass on huge doors of the Cathedral in Russia. So much detail and each scene is framed. Image: WikiMedia.org |
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| One of my favorite doors. I believe it is wooden designed with many rivets. The unexpected wild purple color and coral facade around it makes it such a happy door to someone's Villa. Would love to know where this is! Any ideas? image found at beautifulportals.tumblr.com |
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| Door #74, Portuguese, from Alcacer do Sal. Image from Pinterest.com |
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| St. Isaacs Cathedral, Royal Doors, Russian, image: wiki media.org |
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| Iron Door in Neveh Tzedek, Tel Aviv, from Etsy.com |
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| Russian Church of the Theotokos of Vladimir (Mavrino) 11, from wikimedia.org |
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| Witches House Door from: latimes.com |
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| Art Noveau Machine Shop Door, from: havedegreewilltravel blog...I really love this entrance design and door. |
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| Lovely blue door with gorgeous contrast of rusty-coral facade, in Munster, Ireland. From: Dan Heller.com.. obviously.. |
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| Love the carved stone elements around this turquoise wooden church door, as well as the shape of the door and heavy lock. From: Rachel Follett via Pinterest |
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| Ornate flying cupids in concrete decorate above the door. Deep blood orange facade, from: inspireddecorating.blogspot.com |
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| Painted floral wonder door from: designspongeonline.com |
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| Open arch that highlights a Venice, Italy doorway... From: Sharon Shannon via Pinterest |
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| I love the color green and this door has all my favorite hues and a beautiful distressed finish. From: Josephine Holmboe via Pinterest |
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| Love Gustavian grey doors, and this is such an unusual shape. From: linenandlavender.blogspot.com |
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| I ended this post with a bright orange door, unknown origin. It just makes me happy. I am guessing England or Ireland,but I could be way off. Have any ideas? From: Zvile Virkutyte via Pinterest |
This is my first time here, and I enjoyed my visit. I like the purple door and the Gustavian grey the best.
ReplyDeleteJoan; what a lovely post. I enjoyed the collection of beautiful doors.
ReplyDeleteThank you Scribbler! Those are 2 of my favorites as well. @leviheart, thank you for stopping by and I appreciate your comments.
ReplyDeleteJoanie, the doors are beautiful! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the painted floral door, and esp. also the arched turquoise and yellow door - as you said, the palette is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anonymous! This was a joy to write :)
ReplyDeleteI was researching for a door project for my students in interior architecture in Paris when I found this,Fantastic!!!Unfortunately it's too strong and inspiring to show them until they've finished, (they'd be too tempted to just copy as opposed to designing).
ReplyDeleteDear Susie, you made my day. Thank you for your comments. Perhaps your students will surprise you! Also, thank you for introducing me to your unique and well written blog. Here it is folks: http://architectstables.com/ This blog is about the beauty & integrity of "the table." As I am an obsessed person in love with French tablecloths (and Paris--so glad to hear you live there), I am especially intrigued! So glad to make this connection with you.
ReplyDeleteWarm Regards,
Joanie
What a wonderful culling of images, thank you! My eyes feel as though they have been to Laduree in a good way! Have you any idea who created that "P" shaped door? Exquisite!
ReplyDeleteHello Anonymous, I have not yet found the designer/architect of that door, which I can't help but think was inspired by astronomy. I am awaiting the answer to this mystery. Thank you very much for your comments.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanie, the P shaped Art Deco Door is in Brussels by an Architect called Ernest Delune
ReplyDeletehttp://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atelier_du_maître-verrier_Sterner
Wonderful post, was bought here by the turquoise door via pinterest :)
Dear Anna, many, many thanks for posting the answer to the "mystery door"! Thank you also for the link to all of the information about this fabulous door design. See you again on Pinterest! :)
ReplyDeletehi I love your photos there Amazing!! I am doing this school project where I am investigating what doors represent and symbolize in different countries and community's around the world.I saw your photos and I was wondering if you could answer some questions for me they are:
ReplyDelete1)what made you so interested in doors
2)What do the doors where you are from represent or symbolize in your country and community (not just for opening and letting people in)
3)what are some factors(eg there appearance eg grungy old looking ) give evidence to your answer in question one
It would mean so much if you could help me out thank you
Hello Demmi123, I am happy to assist you. As your questions require more in-depth answers than could be posted here, please feel free to contact me at joan@rhbllard.com. I will do my best! Warm Regards, Joanie
ReplyDeletei tryed emailing you but it doesn't seem to be picking up your email address joan@rhbllard.com.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry about that, I just noticed that the second "a" is missing in the address above. Please email me at joan@rhballard.com.
ReplyDeletestunning..
ReplyDeleteastonishing collection !!!
ReplyDeleteOMG...I love these photos of doors!
ReplyDelete...very inspiring! Thank you!
Wonderful post. thanks for sharing with us
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ReplyDeleteThe designs that you had shared are really interesting and looks amazing. You can also get help from the large Aluminum door handles that goes well with these wooden doors. Hope you like them as well. They will enhance the overall look of anyone's property.
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