Designer Shapshot: Dutch Treat

By Paula M. Bodah

Providence designer Kate Jackson, whose fun ideas for a sunroom graced the pages of our March/April issue, says she’s been obsessing about Dutch doors lately. “Maybe it’s because I’m pining for  tulips,†she says, “but Dutch doors–specifically opened Dutch doors–are a sure sign of warmer weather, so I’m ready to fling open the top half to welcome springtime.â€

She’s in the process of converting the 100-year-old door of her house into a Dutch door. “I’m positively smitten with the idea of looking onto my front porch through a half-open lipstick-red door while corralling my two year old twin boys inside the house,†she says.

Here are some doors she’s seen lately that have inspired her.

“This cottage-style door brings the color and lushness of an outdoor garden inside.â€

Photograph by Alex Bandon, courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com

“I’ve read that the original purpose of a Dutch door was to keep animals out of the farmhouse while letting in the light and air. Nowadays, they’re more likely to be used to keep our pets in.â€

Photograph by Joetta Moulden for Country Home magazine

“Painted black, doorknob and all, this door is one of my favorites because of its juxtapositions: an old-fashioned door painted a contemporary shade is played against modern paneling on the horizontal and grounded with rustic brick tiles and an antique bench. I’m in love.â€

Courtesy of willowdecor.blogspot, attributed to Traditional Home magazine