Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Fancy Doors



I have just found the latest thing that I want to try: an upholstered door like that designed above Suzanne Rheinstein (if you can make it out in the blurriness!). Rheinstein took red baize (the same type fabric as is usually found on pool tables) with some batting underneath, and then outlined the door's panels with nickel nail heads. How chic is that?

I know that this idea is nothing new. In fact, Rheinstein explains in the current issue of Domino that many grand English homes had baize backed doors in their kitchens as a way to keep sound and smells contained in the kitchen. Many times, the baize covered door (usually covered in green baize) was the dividing line between the servants' area and the main house.

Of course, one is not limited to baize (just look at the various fabrics below which Miles Redd used in his own home), but I think that Rheinstein's choice is just so snappy and English. And according to Rheinstein, her daughter is covering her own kitchen door in patent leather. I'd love to see that!



This satin tufted door in the bedroom of Miles Redd screams glamour- very 1930s!


A zebra print covered door with nails head trim outlining the door panels in the living room of Miles Redd. Is this typical Redd or what?


The Paris bedroom of the incomparable Helena Rubenstein, designed by Maison Jansen, 1937. Not only is the door covered in satin, but so is the entire bed and the niche. The diamond pattern tufting is rather different and really creates an interesting pattern to the room.

17 comments:

  1. Oh yes, I want to see that patent door! Absolutely love Rheinstein's red. I can't believe that door has not been highlighted before in books and past magazine features on her home!

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  2. Courtney- I agree! I'm glad we finally got to see it b/c it's so fantastic!

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  3. Padded doors and nail heads, two of my fav things. Love Helena Rubenstein's room! Tres chic.

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  4. yes, I saw that too and turned green with envy. J'dor le door!

    where would you put it? Her's looks so perfectly placed -- it would be a great door to the bar, or the powder room. I don't think I know anyone who could actually execute this so perfectly like Suzanne's. Wonderful post - as always you take one picture and find others to go with it so quickly! How do you DO that? :)
    Joni

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  5. We upholstered the back of my boss' front door in black patent leather. It looks really cool. I'll try to find a photo.

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  6. This was one of my favorite pictures in Domino (which I finally got last night). I think the history of the upholstered door is interesting--something I had never thought about before.

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  7. Love the idea! We just finished upholstering the doors to the elevators on all three levels in a home in Santa Barbara. It is amazing how far some inexpensive fabric and a few nail heads will go!

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  8. Interesting in Rheinstein's case a bit affected in Miles' no? I think the center doorknob on the Jansen door is fun. For those of you who want the satin bedcover, head over to Leontyne Linens at Bergdorfs--Jane Scott makes the best ones.

    PS Could baize be the new burlap?

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  9. Joni- I think it would look great leading into a Butler's Pantry!

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  10. Hab. Chic- That sounds amazing!!!

    Brilliant- I like how something so practical can look so great!

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  11. Mark- That sounds fun :)

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  12. Mister- I'm with you on that center doorknob- looks great on an upholstered door or a plain one. And yes, you are so right about her satin bedcovers! They are divine- I'm dying for the chocolate brown one.
    Oh, and interesting point about baize!

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  13. Great idea, although I think I like the idea of a satin covered door - or zebra - rather than baize. But then anything Miles Redd does looks amazing.

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  14. Love the zebra door! I've used ultra suede and faux snakeskin on doors but never patent leather. How fun!
    Jackie

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  15. Anonymous11:53 PM

    that photo was the best thing in the issue!

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  16. Anonymous12:22 AM

    How, oh how does Helena Rubinstein sleep? Let alone maintain her sanity!!

    The Miles Redd would have to be my favourite.

    And I wonder if the typical green-baize backed doors of England were what gave rise to the phrase 'Behind the green door'?

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