Stencils, wallpaper can add interest to door

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/05/2003 (8200 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR Debbie — I have two boring sliding doors at the end of my hallway. What can I do to improve their appearance and that of the hallway? Should I paint them white, stencil a pattern, put up wallpaper … . Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

–Francine Y.

DEAR Francine — Doors never need to be boring. As a rule they are not meant to be a focal point and are painted either the same colour as the walls if you want them to disappear, or all the interior doors are painted a fresh white. But because these doors are at the end of a hallway, why not make a bold statement? Choose a mix of accent colours that are found in your other rooms, either in fabrics or accessories, to paint or stencil a design. The painted doors will link your décor. The cupboard doors shown here were each painted a different shade of green, and then a diamond pattern was stamped on using the alternate green. The door trim was highlighted with red, blue and yellow — all colours picked up from neighbouring furnishings. This will certainly give the eyes a site that’s fun to explore.

Wallpaper can also be used for a cool contemporary look, applied the same way as to a wall. Look for today’s oversized prints — they’re expensive, but you’ll require very little. Or what about photocopies of your favourite image?

DEAR Debbie — I’m painting my living room sage green with a white ceiling and I want to put up a crown moulding. Should I paint the molding white like the ceiling, or sage green like the walls or a contrasting colour to the sage? I was also thinking of staining the molding but that might be too much contrast. Thank you for your consideration.

— Richard P.

DEAR Richard — For a classic look it is generally preferable to paint the crown mouldings the same as the ceiling. Use flat white for the ceiling and then paint the mouldings in either a satin or semi-gloss sheen of the same white. I agree that the stain would be too much.

DEAR Debbie — I would appreciate some suggestions for making a headboard for my king-size bed. I presume I start with plywood and then work from there. I’ll try to match the material for the headboard with my duvet and drapes. Thank you for any help.

— Pat T.

DEAR Pat — There are so many ways to fashion a headboard. From what you have said, I think you want it padded and covered with a fabric that complements the duvet and drapes already purchased. Cut the plywood to the size you want. Headboards are bigger in contemporary spaces and you’ll want it to balance the proportions of your king-size bed. The board need only go to just below the top of the mattress. For the padding, use several layers of fiberfill. Use a little glue to adhere it to the plywood so that it won’t shift. Wrap your chosen fabric over the fiberfill and staple it to the back of the board, pulling it taut, but not too tight or the sides will pucker. For a tufted look, hammer in upholstery tacks at even intervals, or use nails or screws and glue on buttons to cover the heads. Hang the headboard on the wall or you can build legs to hold it up at the right height.

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Ask Debbie is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to askdebbie@painted-house.com. Check out Debbie’s website www.painted-house.com. and watch Debbie Travis’ Painted House on W, and Debbie Travis’ Facelift on HGTV. For more ideas look for Debbie’s newest books, Kids’ Rooms and Bedrooms.