Internal doors can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of a new house. PHPD visited wooden door specialists JB Kind to discover the latest trends in design and the options available.
Irrespective of the size of the property internal doors play a huge part of everyday life. Doors are constantly on view – far more so then chosen pieces of art or curtains – and they are constantly in use. It is of little surprise therefore that door suppliers often such wide ranges to suit all styles and budgets.
Based in Swadlincote in Derbyshire, JB Kind has been designing and distributing wooden doors for the UK market for over 30 years and has over 200 designs within its portfolio. Options include primed, unfinished or pre-finished, real veneers or painted and a variety of door cores – along with a bespoke design service – to ensure it can satisfy all market demands. So, who better to ask about the options and design trends for these vital products within the home?
First impressions
When a prospective buyer enters a new home the initial impression is key. Internal doors play a significant role in this as not only do they take-up a large area within the walls – but they are also interactive. Not only will buyers or homeowners look at internal doors, they will also interact with them throughout the day. Therefore form and function are of equal importance.
On-trend door designs using desirable materials and featuring eye-catching details can quickly impress a buyer before they enter the key selling spaces of the kitchen and bathroom. Equally the feel of a door plays an important role too. Although well hung doors have little weight doors which are solid, or come with semi-solid cores, often feel more robust and durable.
On trend
A variety of timber that is synonymous with strength and durability Oak is also one of the materials that JB Kind has seen growing in popularity for new homes. Its range includes more traditional panelled doors, through to cottage styled doors and more modern options with a subtle grooved panel design. Called ‘River Oak Tigris’ the door is well suited to modern or classic interiors and is proving very popular at the moment.
Simon Johnson, Sales Director at JB Kind noted, “If you’re looking for tried and tested doors designs, then one of the favourite ranges is our stylish and contemporary River Oak Modern, with the Tigris being the most purchased design. The real oak veneer and solid core construction illustrate quality to the customer and the cost effective price means builders and developers don’t have to break the bank.”
Another on-trend material is Walnut. With a darker appearance than Oak it is well suited for stylish applications or in modern rooms requiring a sleek, eye-catching door.
And for those wanting to capture the mood of the moment Nuance door range can be supplied in neutral tones or a shade of grey which complements its timber graining effect and grooved pattern.
Painted finish
While most of JB Kind’s doors feature real veneers – and therefore offer the individual character created by veneers – another option is a contemporary painted finish. Using the latest paint technology doors can be painted that include a graining effect allowing a finish that appears like a real veneer, but at a lower cost.
Another benefit is the consistent uniformity that is created in the painting process which lends itself to matching purposes in double door sets. JB Kind calls this range Eco Colours and it is available in a large number of options, including glazed variations, and with a fire rating of FD30.
In your pocket
One specific area in which the company has witnessed rising interest from housebuilders is Pocket Door Systems. These solutions enable a door to slide into the wall cavity – saving considerable space. Especially handy for doors to en-suites or for wardrobe doors, these solutions are also finding their way into other areas of a home – such as between two rooms, like a lounge/diner.
JB Kind supplies the pre-assembled rigid galvanised steel cassette frames in a variety of sizes for easy installation, along with a range of accessories. Sales Director Simon Johnson at JB Kind noted, “Pocket door systems are a win, win for Housebuilders and Property Developers. Not only do they save space, they are cost effective and a design feature in their own right. JB Kind’s pocket system is pre-assembled, so you win again.”
