Doors That Don’t Clash, Bang or Block the Light

Doors don’t usually make it onto mood boards, yet they’re among the most influential design elements in a home. Not because of their looks, but because of the chain reaction they cause when planned badly.

A misplaced hinge, switch, or frame can turn an elegant layout into an everyday irritation.

This isn’t about picking the perfect panel or handle — it’s about thinking through the small practicalities that separate a home that flows from one that fights you.

The Switch Behind the Door

The classic mistake. You open the door, step into a dark room, and then have to fumble behind it to find the light switch. Always plan electrics and door swings together. The rule of thumb: when you enter, the switch should sit naturally under the hand you use to open the door.

When Electrics and Doors Don’t Get Along

Pocket doors, sliding systems, and flush walls look wonderful — until you realise there’s nowhere left for your wiring. You can’t run cables, sockets, or switches inside a pocket cavity.

Before finalising your electrical plan, confirm where each door sits inside the wall. It’s a five-minute check that prevents expensive rework later.

Load-Bearing Surprises

Shifting a doorway might seem simple on paper, but if it sits in a load-bearing wall, things get complicated fast. Moving it without proper support can cause cracks or sagging.

Always check before cutting, and involve a structural engineer if there’s any doubt. The boring bits of design usually save you the most money.

Handle vs Wall (and Everyone Loses)

Few things age a home faster than chipped plaster behind a door handle. If your layout is tight, add a wall stop, a soft-close hinge, or just adjust the swing direction.

It’s the design equivalent of thinking before you open your mouth — stops a lot of damage.

Doors and Furniture: A Constant Tug of War

When planning your furniture, don’t just measure the room — measure the movement. Visualise every door’s swing so it doesn’t block wardrobes, drawers, or bedside tables.

If a door conflicts with key furniture, rethink the layout rather than forcing the room to fit.

Sound, Privacy and Common Sense

A lightweight hollow-core door is fine for a wardrobe, not for a bathroom. Likewise, pocket doors may look clean but don’t seal properly, which means sound (and smell) travel freely.

Match the door type to the job — sometimes practicality really is more elegant than aesthetics.

Thresholds and Floor Levels

A beautiful door loses all grace if it scrapes along the floor. When changing flooring materials or heights, check clearances under doors.

A small difference in tile or wood thickness can make a big difference once the hinges are in.

The Quiet Details That Matter

A home that feels easy to live in usually comes down to the things no one notices — light switches, handles, clearances, door stops. Get those right, and the design feels effortless.

Doors, in the end, aren’t just for moving between rooms. They dictate how you move through life at home.