Leading from the front
SHARON DALE The mode for modernisation has transformed our interiors, but outside it's a different story.
Designer Oliver Heath believes that, although our indoors have been given a modern makeover, exteriors have been forgotten.
His observation led to a series on UKTV entitled Front of House and a book of the same title, in which he explores possibilities for change.
For those on a budget, who want to rid themselves of their bog standard uPVC door, he suggests cladding it in a thin sheet of external grade plywood which can be scored with lines and painted.
A wooden door opens up endless possibilities for individuality, according to Oliver: "It can be treated as a canvas to be painted and treated in various ways. You can score the wood, paint stripes, layer stains and add glazed areas or use coloured perspex instead of glass."
Reclamation yards are also a good hunting ground for doors, though they won't come in standard sizes and you must ensure that they aren't warped.
Once a door is warped it won't fit the frame snugly and can be susceptible to leaks and draughts.
Finding a new, contemporary-style door remains a challenge and you certainly won't find them in DIY stores.
You either have to go bespoke and have one made by a good joiner or you have to find a specialist supplier.
When Nabil and Elizabeth Asaf failed to find an appropriate new door for their 1960s house, they designed their own.
"Passers-by asked where we got it from and we realised there was a niche in the market," says Elizabeth. The Asafs set up Urban Front just over a year ago and business is brisk for their modern solid wood doors, which range from 1,000 to 2,800.
"The market was crying out for contemporary doors and
we fulfilled that need," she adds.
The company also sells hip fittings including pull handles and letter boxes.
Leeds-based Doorhaus specialises in modern interior doors and has a small range of exterior ones.
David Robinson, marketing manager, says: "The importance of an exterior door is great, as it is the first thing you see and touch when you enter a house, and first impressions are important."
Front of House by Oliver Heath and Lisa Buckland (Cassell Illustrated, 14.99). To buy a copy from the Yorkshire Post Bookshop call free on 0800 0153232. Postage and packing costs 1.95. Order on-line at www.yorkshirepostbookshop.co.uk
Contacts
Urban Front: Tel 0870 609 1525, www.urbanfront.co.uk
Doorhaus: Tel 0870 1650 425,
www.doorhaus.co.uk
De-signage, modern perspex house plaques from 19.99, tel 01709 700 309, www.de-signage.com
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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