Podcast Summary: Dear Alice | Interior Design

Episode: Doors Part 2 | Best Advice for Interior Doors

Release Date: December 26, 2024
Hosts: Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall
Description: In this second installment of their Doors series, Jessica and Suzanne delve deep into the nuances of interior door design. From color choices to hardware selections, they provide expert advice to elevate the aesthetic and functionality of your home's doors.

1. Introduction and Holiday Cheer (00:12 - 05:44)

The episode begins with the hosts sharing their recent Christmas experiences and favorite holiday movies. While this section predominantly serves as a warm-up, it sets a friendly and engaging tone for the episode. Notable quotes include:

• Jessica (00:22): "Those of you celebrating Christmas, I hope you had a very merry one yesterday."
• Suzanne (02:22): "To me, that movie, I haven't seen it." (Referring to "The Family Stone")

While this segment provides a glimpse into the hosts' personalities and interests, it transitions smoothly into the main topic of discussion.

2. Transition to Main Topic: Interior Doors (05:44 - 12:18)

The primary focus shifts to interior doors, marking the beginning of a detailed exploration of best practices in door design.

• Jessica (05:51): "Today's Doors Part 2. We had a long one last week."
• Suzanne (06:05): Introduces the episode's main question about painting interior doors black or taupe and its current relevance in interior design.

3. Painting Interior Doors: Trends and Recommendations (06:41 - 12:18)

Is Painting Interior Doors Black or Taupe Outdated?

The hosts address Sophia's question on whether painting interior doors black or taupe is considered outdated.

• Suzanne (06:41): "My answer is no. We're not painting your interior doors black anymore. I think that kind of went away with the farmhouse."

They explain that while black doors were once trendy, especially in farmhouse styles, this trend has diminished. However, they acknowledge exceptions:

• Suzanne (07:21): "I've seen some really beautiful interior hallways with a light taupe door and white casings. That again, is the exception to the rule."

Color Coordination and Sheen Recommendations

Emphasizing the importance of neutral colors for interior doors to serve as a backdrop rather than the focal point:

• Jessica (07:26): "Match their casing because you're going to have fun with the wall colors."

They recommend neutral wall colors like satin finishes, allowing doors to blend seamlessly with the overall room design.

• Suzanne (10:22): "Your interior doors are going to stay white."

4. Favorite Front Door Colors (12:18 - 22:59)

The conversation shifts to exterior front doors, where the hosts share their favorite colors and design tips.

Top Front Door Colors:

1. Warmed Cognac by Benjamin Moore (07:21 - 24:20):

   • Suzanne (18:03): "I really love that."
   • A rich, dark orange shade that stood out as Suzanne courageously painted her door against popular suggestions.

2. Caulk Green by Farrow & Ball (24:01 - 25:43):

   • Jessica (24:09): "I love green."
   • A historic, leafy green perfect for those seeking a stately yet vibrant entrance.

3. Pool House by Sherwin Williams (26:38 - 26:56):

   • Jessica (26:38): "It's bright enough, but it's neutral enough."
   • A balanced blue suitable for French-style homes.

4. Incarnadine by Benjamin Moore (27:24 - 28:14):

   • Suzanne (27:34): "Incarnadine is the best red door color."
   • A classic red with warm undertones, ideal for traditional aesthetics.

5. Off Black by Pharaoh & Ball (28:14 - 29:56):

   • Suzanne (28:37): "It's warm enough too, that it's not going to feel like Hot Topic."
   • A deep, soft black that exudes sophistication without appearing harsh.

6. Hague Blue by Pharaoh & Ball (32:19 - 32:24):

   • Jessica (32:19): "It's the perfect stew of a peacock."
   • A complex blue-green shade that adds intrigue and elegance.

Notable Insights:

• Jessica (24:20): "Did you do some samples, like in the sunlight of your front door? Did you do that with yours?"
• Emphasizing the importance of testing paint samples in natural light to ensure color accuracy and satisfaction.

5. Hardware Selection: Knobs vs. Levers (33:08 - 35:33)

Choosing Between Knobs and Levers:

The hosts discuss the functional and aesthetic considerations when selecting door hardware.

• Suzanne (34:29): "I'm a lever."
• Jessica (34:30): "I'm a knob."

They highlight the practicality of levers for ease of use, especially for households with children or older adults, while knobs offer a more traditional and stylish appearance.

• Suzanne (34:39): "If you're going to do it, do it like."
• Jessica (35:33): "I love the shape of a knob. It's kind of that eggnog."

Key Recommendations:

• Jessica (34:23): "If you can only afford to do Classic Brass or Rocky Mountain on the front door, do it on the front door."
• Prioritizing high-quality hardware for the front door to make a lasting first impression.

6. Hardware Recommendations and Brands (35:43 - 43:28)

Top Hardware Brands:

1. Classic Brass:

   • Jessica (33:08): "Classic Brass is not a finish but a brand name for door sets."
   • Offers a wide range of finishes and styles suitable for various home aesthetics.

2. Rocky Mountain Hardware:

   • Jessica (40:31): "Their finishes are beautiful."
   • Known for artisan-crafted hardware with a stately and timeless appeal.

3. Signature Hardware & Van Dykes:

   • Suzanne (43:28): "They do a really great job at still really good hardware that's a little bit more novelty."
   • Ideal for homeowners seeking unique and whimsical hardware options.

4. M Tech Line (Under M Tech):

   • Suzanne (37:04): "M Tech has a line within M Tech that does sand casting."
   • A budget-friendly option without compromising on style and quality.

Hardware Styles:

• Backplates: Preference for rectangular backplates to align with door styles.

  • Jessica (36:16): "I'm an elongated little rectangle behind it. Not a rosette round."

• Knobs vs. Levers: Emphasis on ergonomics and design aesthetics.

  • Suzanne (35:27): "It's a knob."

Notable Quotes:

• Suzanne (36:33): "These are like available in 37 standard finishes."
• Highlighting the extensive variety available to cater to different design preferences.

7. Materials for Custom Front Doors (43:28 - 47:29)

Best Materials for Front Doors:

• Solid Wood: Offers a classic and authentic look but is prone to cracking and warping, especially in climates with fluctuating temperatures.

  • Jessica (44:42): "I have a solid wood door. It faces east."
  • Suzanne (45:45): "It's been great."

• Fiberglass Resin: Recommended for durability and minimal maintenance.

  • Suzanne (46:10): "True Style has some good looking front doors."

• Metal Doors: Provide robustness and a modern aesthetic, suitable for high-traffic areas.

  • Suzanne (47:25): "Custom metal doors, actually."

Protective Finishes:

• Conversion Varnish: Enhances durability and protects against environmental factors.

  • Suzanne (44:55): "It's going to protect it for probably like five to seven years."

• High Gloss Paints: Repel sunlight and facilitate easier cleaning.

  • Jessica (11:34): "I love a satin ceiling."

Notable Insights:

• Corey (44:53): "True style makes sense."
• Emphasizing the importance of selecting materials that align with both aesthetic and practical needs.

8. Special Door Styles: Dutch Doors (29:56 - 31:36)

The hosts highlight the charm and functionality of Dutch doors as excellent options for exterior back doors.

• Definition: "A Dutch door is a door that's been cut in half and then the top part swings independently from the bottom part." (29:32 - 29:38)

• Advantages:

  • Functionality: Allows ventilation while keeping pets or children safely inside.

    • Suzanne (31:00): "Just feels like you're maximizing your investment in your property."

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a quaint and practical element to the home's design.

    • Jessica (31:28): "You swing that open, and you hear birds chirping because they are migrated back."

• Design Examples:

  • Iron Dutch Door: Showcased in their Texas project with integrated features like a mail slot.
  • French Door Style Dutch Door: Combines elegance with functionality, perfect for stylish homes.

9. Conclusion and Future Plans (43:28 - 49:06)

In the concluding segments, the hosts reflect on the episode's discussions and share insights into upcoming projects and offerings.

• Promotions:

  • Cozy Earth Collaboration: Introducing bamboo sheet sets and pajama sets as luxury holiday gifts.
    • Suzanne (18:03): "Sheet sets are the ultimate gift this holiday season."

• Future Launches:

  • New Products for 2025: Excitement about launching 50 new products in Q1.
    • Suzanne (48:52): "We have a huge year coming up."

• Calls to Action:

  • Encouraging listeners to visit their website, AliceLaneHome.com, and follow their Instagram accounts for more design inspiration and updates.
  • Jessica (48:53): "If you can rate and review us, that helps other people find us and helps the podcast grow."

Key Takeaways

1. Interior Door Colors: Neutral colors like white or light taupe remain timeless for interior doors, serving as a subtle backdrop that allows other design elements to shine.

2. Exterior Front Doors: Bold colors such as dark orange (Warmed Cognac), leafy green (Caulk Green), and rich blues offer a striking first impression. It's essential to test paint samples in natural light to ensure color harmony.

3. Hardware Selection: High-quality hardware can significantly enhance a door's appearance. Brands like Classic Brass and Rocky Mountain Hardware offer diverse styles to match various design preferences.

4. Material Choices: While solid wood doors offer classic appeal, materials like fiberglass resin and metal provide durability and low maintenance, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.

5. Specialized Door Styles: Dutch doors add charm and functionality, especially for back entrances, allowing homeowners to enjoy fresh air while maintaining safety.

6. Consistency and Detailing: Matching hardware styles and finishes across the home's doors and windows create a cohesive and polished look. Attention to details like backplates and door knockers can elevate the overall aesthetic.

Notable Quotes

• Suzanne (06:05): "Is painting interior doors black or taupe now considered outdated?"
• Suzanne (07:21): "We're not painting your interior doors black anymore. I think that kind of went away with the farmhouse."
• Jessica (24:09): "I love green."
• Suzanne (28:37): "It's warm enough too, that it's not going to feel like Hot Topic."
• Jessica (35:07): "And levers are just like, I think it's the equal opportunity of, like, entrances to a."
• Suzanne (43:28): "Signature Hardware & Van Dykes have some type of door knocker, but they'll just be a little more stately."

Conclusion

In "Doors Part 2 | Best Advice for Interior Doors," Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall provide a comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect interior and exterior doors. From color palettes that reflect current trends to hardware selections that balance functionality with style, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed design decisions. Their blend of expertise and relatable conversation ensures that both seasoned designers and homeowners alike can find valuable insights to enhance their living spaces.

For more design tips and exclusive product launches, visit AliceLaneHome.com and follow the hosts on Instagram @AliceLaneHome and @AliceLaneInteriors.