One way to add a little character to your home without undertaking an expensive remodel is by installing decorative and functional sliding barn doors.
Not only can they be a beautiful addition to a room, they are also a wonderful solution when space is an issue because they don’t open into a room, eating up valuable floor space. They also work with just about any room, from laundry to dining rooms and offices to master bedrooms.
Alloy is the first modular development in Nashville Larry McCormack, [email protected]
But today’s barn doors aren’t limited to a rustic farmhouse feel. Many homeowners are getting creative and having custom doors built in a multitude of styles that fit the character of their house. Just because your home is sleek and modern doesn’t mean you can’t have a barn door.
Stephen Cork, owner of Tennessee Barn Doors in Franklin, said his company started building classic, rustic barn doors, but that now more than half of the doors they build and install involve glass, metal and other materials that allow the style of the door to better reflect the home.
“A rolling door saves a ton of space in laundry rooms, small half baths and master bedrooms,” Cork said. “Not everyone wants a true, rustic barn door anymore, but we are doing all kinds of doors that roll and offer the same beauty and functionality.”
Franklin builder James Carbine said his company continues to weave barn-wood doors into its homes in a variety of styles and finishes.
“We find using a sliding door on a flexible space, which doesn’t require a sound-proof door, is a great option,” Carbine said. “The door doesn’t break the wall space like a traditional door, and, in many cases, it becomes an artful addition.”
Realtor Monte Mohr with Exit Realty in Cool Springs said he agrees that barn doors are unique and often artistic, but that they don’t necessarily add value to a home.
“I think barn doors fall into the category of personal enjoyment,” Mohr said. “You have to be OK with enjoying them yourself, but I wouldn’t consider it an investment. I don’t think they will be like an avocado refrigerator, but I do think down the road they could look dated.”
Cork, whose business began as a remodel company, now does barn doors full time and is about to expand for a third time in less than a decade.
“I think barn doors started because of the look of them, but then people realized the great space savings,” Cork said. “We do a lot of doors for people converting their formal dining rooms into offices. French doors take up so much room. We can close off an office with a rolling door that is a functional solution that’s also beautiful.”
[“Source-tennessean”]
