As a designer, I’m constantly looking for opportunities to bring intention and artistry into the everyday moments of a home. Two of the most overlooked—but surprisingly impactful—places to do this are the kitchen pantry and the powder room. These spaces may be small, but they carry incredible design potential. By introducing bold pantry doors and dramatic carved powder room doors, we can transform these functional areas into expressive design features.

Bold Pantry Doors: A New Focal Point in the Kitchen

The pantry is often tucked behind a standard door, yet it's one of the most frequently used spaces in the home. So why not make it beautiful?

A bold kitchen pantry door adds instant character and becomes a conversation piece. Whether it’s a hand-carved wood door, a vintage architectural salvage piece, or a custom-painted design in deep, moody tones, it offers a textural and visual contrast that anchors your kitchen design.

Designer Tips:

For a modern rustic kitchen, try a dark-stained reclaimed wood door with clean metal hardware.

In a farmhouse or boho setting, a whitewashed carved pantry door with floral or geometric detailing adds warmth and artistry.

For more contemporary homes, opt for a solid door with bold color blocking or arched inset panels to maintain sleek lines while still making a statement.

Pro Tip: Use the pantry door to reinforce the room’s material palette. If you’re using natural wood beams, aged brass, or handmade tile, echo those tones and finishes in the door.

Dramatic Powder Room Doors: A Grand Entrance to a Petite Space

The powder room is one of my favorite places to go bold—it’s compact, often used by guests, and doesn’t need to conform to the design rules of the rest of the home. That freedom opens the door (literally) to more adventurous choices.

A dramatic carved powder room door sets the stage before anyone even steps inside. Whether you opt for a hand-carved antique door, a vibrantly painted wood door, or a door with global or architectural detail, this is a moment to showcase your personality and creativity.

Styling Concepts:

Global Bohemian: Incorporate a Moroccan or Indian carved door with ornate patterns and weathered patina.

Old-World Luxury: Choose a dark walnut or mahogany door with baroque carvings and burnished brass hardware.

Modern Eclectic: Use a bold color—like emerald green or matte black—with a minimal carved inlay for a dramatic, contemporary effect.

Designer Detail: Powder rooms benefit from mood lighting and luxe materials. Complement your dramatic door with brass sconces, a stone sink basin, or a patterned wallpaper to finish the story.

Why Hand-Carved Wood Doors Work So Well

One of the best things about incorporating hand-carved doors—especially in transitional spaces—is their artisanal quality. They bring in texture, soul, and a sense of history, all while enhancing the home’s function. These doors are not just entry points; they are art pieces in their own right.

Whether salvaged, custom-built, or globally sourced, a carved wood door adds a tactile richness that can’t be mimicked with factory finishes.