Deuren’s Ian Chubb shares how specifying doors early unlocks better design choices, avoids compromise and keeps your self-build ambitions on track.
From structural planning and detailed budgeting to sourcing materials and managing timelines, building or renovating your dream home is a delicate balancing act that can bring a multitude of headaches. But it can feel incredibly rewarding too. Years of careful planning and hands-on effort come together, culminating in a home that’s truly your own. Every detail effortlessly reflects the design intent and lifestyle you’ve spent so long defining. And as stunning focal points that greet guests at every avenue, your front, internal and garage doors contribute greatly to this picture.
If it’s your first time undertaking a self-build project, you might presume doors are simply an aesthetic detail to be decided on later. Yet their role extends far beyond appearance alone. Shaping how your space performs as much as how it looks, they can define floorplans, manage thresholds, support acoustic and thermal performance, enhance security, and even influence how light moves through the home. And with careful planning early on, you can unlock their full potential in your build with ease.
CONFIGURATION COMES FIRST
When specifying your doors, their configuration is the most crucial consideration of all. More than a stylistic choice, it plays a defining role in shaping your home’s architectural narrative and directly influences how you move through and experience each space. From flexible bifolds that offer privacy without breaking flow, to full-height doors that create awe-inspiring grandeur, each choice impacts the flow and feel of your home.
For self-builders, these decisions need to take place early on, as architects, builders and interior designers must consider your chosen configurations in structural plans and construction processes. If they’re not considered up front, you risk having to compromise later, whether that’s losing out on a desired design feature or facing costly reworks. You only get one chance to build the structure that supports the impact you’re aiming for.
Pocket doors are a prime example. Thanks to their striking aesthetics, clever functionality and space-saving benefits, gaining you an average of 10 ft2 of additional floor space compared to traditional hinged doors, they’re a firm favourite. However, because they slide into a concealed cavity within the wall, the surrounding structure needs to be carefully designed to accommodate them from the outset. While they can be installed within stud walls as the build progresses, necessary allowances need to be made long before those walls are constructed.
The same goes for extra wide doors. These can create a striking sense of flow and openness, making spaces feel more generous and connected. But retrofitting wider spans isn’t always possible once the framework is in place, so if adequate structural openings haven’t been factored in early on, your options will be limited later. Early planning is therefore key if you want full creative freedom.
SHAPING STYLES & MATERIALS
Materials are expressive choices that connect architectural narratives and breathe true-to-you character throughout every corner of your home. And after putting so much thought into the rest of your build, it makes sense to choose doors that are equally considered – not standard or made-to-measure add-ons, but beautifully bespoke and aligned with your architectural vision.
A minimalist interior might call for flush doors in rich, dark veneers or striking full-height designs that mirror wall panelling. Alternatively, natural oak or walnut – warm, tactile and timeless – can bring an understated luxury to both classic and contemporary spaces. If eccentricity is more your forte, mesmerising metallics, luxury leathers and bold designer fabrics could be the perfect touch to add dimension and personality.
Early planning invites the most creative freedom, ensuring your doors seamlessly elevate your design rather than work around it. That said, even if decisions come later in the process, bespoke options still provide plenty of scope to create something uniquely yours.
FINISHING TOUCHES WITH FIXTURES & FITTINGS
While fixtures and fittings are often treated as an afterthought, these components are integral to the door’s overall performance, design cohesion and user experience. From handles to hinges to latches, they should be part of the planning process too.
Thoughtfully selected hardware can heighten the luxury of any door, turning a simple mechanism into an exquisite design statement. A matte black lever on a walnut leaf, brushed brass detailing paired with a soft neutral finish, or a minimalist recessed pull on a sliding system – each combination contributes to the home’s overall tone. But it’s not just about looks. Innovative hardware – such as concealed hinges, magnetic catches and factory-routed latch keeps – enhances both function and form, keeping lines clean and performance high in every detail.
LEVERAGE EXPERTISE TO ELEVATE
With so many moving parts to navigate, collaborating with trusted specialists pays dividends throughout the self-build process. Your chosen partner shouldn’t only be confident in delivering a technically exceptional, aesthetically peerless and flawlessly functioning product. They should understand your project inside out and be able to integrate effortlessly into your team too.
By bringing this seasoned expertise and unwavering commitment, they can help guide your vision and prevent costly and restrictive oversights from diminishing the potential of your project. This is the kind of investment that turns ambition into achievement, and takes your self-build to heights you never thought possible.
Ian Chubb is managing director at Deuren