design obsession: barn doors

sorry for my brief absence--i was busy planning a commencement celebration for about 10,000 of my closest friends. :)

but i'm back! and with one of my favorite design obsessions to date.
barn doors.
i could go on and on.

before my husband and i purchased our little cottage, we put several offers in on the most fabulous loft spaces. i had BIG plans for incorporating some barn doors into our space but, alas, 'twas not meant to be. SO, here is a sneak peak at my inspiration photos.

i love them for the following reasons:
1. they are more interesting than your average door.
2. they are practical: now you see it, now you don't---with no bulkiness invading your living space when they are open.
3. they can go rustic OR modern.
4. they just look fabulous.

...happy sophisticating...

gorgeous.

these make such a beautiful design statement, while being so practical. i LOVE the whitewashing.

yellow! what a fun way to infuse the room with color. and that track is a work of art in its own right.
photo courtesy of modernfurnitureideas.net

such a fabulous, space-saving idea for an itty bitty bathroom. love the vintage, claw foot tub with the modern spout, and more modern barn doors.
design by max levy.

what a clever way to close off an indoor/outdoor space. perfectly weathered to match the decor.
photo courtesy of southern living.

what a way to jazz up a pocket door!
photo courtesy of sunset magazine.

made from oak wine barrels. wow.

a new way to hide kitchen clutter during a dinner party. LOVE that modern aesthetic.

i love that this warm wood is one of the only shots of color in the room. stark and industrial meets rich and organic. brilliant.
photo courtesy of house beautiful.

probably my favorite hardware of all time. so fresh and clean!
photo courtesy of house beautiful.

love love love this neutral aesthetic and love the wood detailing on the door! it looks like a union jack flag!
photo courtesy of habitat girl.

so fresh and modern!
by feldman architecture.

another shot of yellow. gorgeous!

i love how the blue is picked up by that artwork above the drafting table. love this color palate and love that hardware!

glossy red = fabulous!
photo courtesy of bestor architecture.

a more modern take---check out that hardware!
courtesy of bartels usa.

so rustic. so fabulous.
photo courtesy of design sponge.

this might be my favorite. the neutral aesthetic of the room is so serene---but what a brilliant way to handle two doors in a corner! gorgeous.
by darryl carter.