TRICKS OF THE TRADE: POCKET DOORS

POCKET DOORS create magic by disappearing into walls and economizing space.  They save on space because the extra clearance space that a regular door requires is here not necessary.  Adding an average of ten square feet of floor space, these doors are perfect for a small apartment or room. In addition, POCKET DOORS allow for the use of some interesting and beautiful hardware, as they require an ingenious flat pull.

Doors define spaces; they separate and distinguish one from another.  They divide the exterior from its interior, and one room from another.  In this sense, they function as moveable walls which are hinged, tracked, concealed, divided, and applied with as many types of materials as the imagination can divine.

Great for saving space while dividing one room from another, POCKET DOORS disappear and reappear when needed.  They are magical!

{Abby’s Footnotes}

Although pocket doors are hidden in a wall, they can provide an opportunity to create an interesting focal point. I really adore these arched pocket doors. It’s a great way to maintain the beauty of an arch while creating privacy with a door. Also, different materials can be used on pocket doors. Glass, wood and metal are great options. Be creative when designing your door. The possibilities are endless.

TRICKS OF THE TRADE: ANTECHAMBERS

ANTECHAMBERS are transition spaces leading up to and just prior to a room’s entry.  These subtle areas bridge one larger space to another.  They are most effectively defined by creating an element of surprise when walking through its passageway.  Usually the antechamber will have a dropped ceiling thereby creating a heightened effect when entering the main room to which it is annexed.  Designed to create suspense for what is to come, these ancillary rooms are like poetic caesurae, a breathing area eliding space to space. 

{Abby's Footnotes}

What’s cool about an antechamber is that you can play with the shape of the ceiling and elements in the room. Help add to the drama of an entrance with an interesting ceiling detail or as seen in the pic, draw the eyes upwards with dramatic columns. When decorating this area try not to overload it with too much decorations and accessories. Keep the focus on the architecture and the lighting.