Doors are extremely important architectural features of the house. They serve as enticing entryways so it is no surprise that a door is trea...
Doors are extremely important architectural features of the house. They serve as enticing entryways so it is no surprise that a door is treated with an eye for decor value. Each and every element is selected with an idea of contributing to the decor and the ambience. Glazing is ornamental, door knob is gold polished, and the frame is imposing. Another element that can contribute to the looks is the door surround. This is an element that can be spruced up in such a manner that the entire door will stand out. Door surrounds make grand statements. An exterior door can be literally showcased with an elaborate surround. In some cases, the front door may be slightly inset. Then the surround can be along the alcove flanking the door. A door surround is differentiated from the rest of the walls by a contrasting material as well as colour.
Exteriors
A grand door surround usually goes well with ornate materials and design detailing. Such surrounds usually consist of two pilasters, rounded or otherwise, flanking the door, and a header. The header is sometimes arched to create an imposing elevation. Embellishments like keystones or medallions are used for the header. The pilasters can be detailed with traditional motifs that usually adorn a column. For an exterior door, the surround is generally made of stone, masonry or concrete. The pattern of the door surround is generally seen along the windows too for the sake of uniformity. Exquisitely coloured marble is a striking material that can be used to create an ornamental look. Add inlay work and the surround becomes a work of art. Decorative millwork using random rubble can appear as flat panels around the door frame. In such a case, pilasters are dispensed off entirely. The panels are flat but the rubble stones offer considerable texture to the ambience. Brick and mortar surrounds can be simple and contemporary. In most cases, the house has matching quoins to complete the effect. Sometimes, the door surrounds makes use of corbels to support a gabled canopy right over the door. Here, you can see the use of concrete or stone for the surrounds as well as the corbels and tiles like Mangalore tiles for the canopy. For a cost-effective solution, concrete can be used to create a door surround. By incorporating fine details, it can be made to look grand and stylish. For instance, a mosaic of colourful tiles can be incorporated into the concrete facade for an artistic look.
Interiors
Interior doors can take other styles depending on the overall decor. From traditional carvings of stone or wood to contemporary wood panelling, the surround becomes an attractive addition around the door. Simple mouldings of wood can flank the door to create an unobtrusive yet stylish door surround. The overhead can be more elaborate with rosettes or decorative inserts like swag patterns, fan details, or plume motif adornments. You can also have corner blocks that are equally decorative. A simple trellis of wood carvings is an elegant addition over the door that goes well with a rich decor. Grand door surrounds can be fashioned out of Plaster of Paris also. Elaborate and unique designs can be fashioned with this pliant material. Grander designs may have gilded or painted accents. A contemporary setup may require the use of materials like metal or glass. A door surround fashioned entirely out of glass blocks or panels is not uncommon in such a decor theme. A combination of metal, glass, or wood rules the roost here.
