When One Door Closes... Beautiful Doors From Around the World

Behind Door Number One

 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!

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?

From Spain (perhaps Barcelona?). Gorgeous stone facade with Art Nouveau swirls and a bit of Gaudi inspiration. Image: Donna Levi, Pinterest.com

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

Turquoise painted, a Floral Sunburst wooden door that was obviously hand carved. My guess is that this is from India. Image: Terri Hall, Pinterest

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

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

Door #74, Portuguese, from Alcacer do Sal. Image from Pinterest.com

St. Isaacs Cathedral, Royal Doors, Russian, image: wiki media.org

Iron Door in Neveh Tzedek, Tel Aviv, from Etsy.com

Russian Church of the Theotokos of Vladimir (Mavrino) 11,  from wikimedia.org

Witches House Door from: latimes.com

Art Noveau Machine Shop Door, from: havedegreewilltravel blog...I really love this entrance design and door.

Lovely blue door with gorgeous contrast of rusty-coral facade, in Munster, Ireland. From: Dan Heller.com.. obviously..

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

Ornate flying cupids in concrete decorate above the door. Deep blood orange facade, from: inspireddecorating.blogspot.com

Painted floral wonder door from: designspongeonline.com

Open arch that highlights a Venice, Italy doorway... From: Sharon Shannon via Pinterest

I love the color green and this door has all my favorite hues and a beautiful distressed finish. From: Josephine Holmboe via Pinterest

Love Gustavian grey doors, and this is such an unusual shape. From: linenandlavender.blogspot.com

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