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How to choose the best internal doors for your home
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How do you transform your home into an aspirational living space? How do you create a striking interior aesthetic while making good use of natural lighting? We asked an expert.
When making plans for the interior design of your home, there are certain aspects that you simply cannot compromise on in the pursuit of luxury and quality. Interior doors are one of them. Connecting one crevice of your house to another, the perfect door allows light to enter while keeping draughts at bay, elevating the overall aesthetic while remaining functional and practical.
Enter Porta Steel Doors. An Irish luxury design brand based in Waterford that specialises in custom steel-framed doors and glass systems, created out of a passion for the beauty of glass and steel, and their ability to transform a space.
True masters of their craft, the team at Porta Steel Doors understand that the power of an added touch of excellence can create a unique and elevated space. Marrying functionality and noteworthy design, they can help transform your home or commercial area into a bright and harmonious one.
Catering to a clientele that values timeless elegance, durability, precision engineering and innovation, each Porta design is uniquely tailored to the individual space. Working closely with the customer, the team is dedicated to matching your vision, whether that be modern minimalism or classic elegance.
From design and supply to expert installation, their comprehensive, hands-on service ensures a seamless and stress-free experience. To help us gain a little more insight into the benefits of steel doors, the process from beginning to end, and how to select the right door for your home, we spoke with managing director of Porta Steel Doors, Shane Crowley.
Can you give us an introduction to the kinds of doors you make?
At Porta Steel Doors, we supply and install unique one-of-a-kind steel framed doors, including pocket doors, sliders, bi-folding doors, along with external doors. You’re not just getting a door; you’re getting a statement piece. Our pursuit of innovative designs ensures that your door will stand out, offering that added touch of distinction that sets your space apart. More than a functional element, our doors are unforgettable architectural features that redefine interiors, creating seamless transitions between spaces while maximising natural light.
What kinds of spaces do the doors work well in?
Whether it’s an office space, zoning off an open space, wine room, kitchen pantry or creating a statement entranceway, Porta Steel Doors transform homes into aspirational living spaces. Their functionality and aesthetic versatility make them a striking interior choice. Their sleek, slim frames are perfect for minimalist modern interiors, blending strength with clean lines complementing industrial or Scandinavian-inspired designs.
They also go beautifully with edgy interiors, striking against concrete walls and wood accents. They add a luxurious feel while maintaining functionality and the glass options (clear, frosted, reeded) allow the light to flow through rooms. Custom-finished, unique handles or more popular arched designs become the focal point of the space.
What are the benefits of the doors? What kinds of problems do they solve in people’s homes?
Porta Steel Doors offer several benefits in both residential and commercial projects, especially with homes and businesses investing more in sustainability.
Our doors are steel, manufactured to withstand any weather, and protect the interior while maintaining an industrial and modern style. Unlike other alternatives such as timber, steel doors are resistant to warping and wear, performing well in high-traffic areas. Wooden or aluminium may deteriorate over time, whereas steel ensures strength and durability and eliminates the risk of corrosion. They’re also 100% recyclable and require minimal upkeep.
We also offer doors for areas that require noise reductions or are thermally insulated, such as external or wine rooms. Their versatility in design is also a massive factor for clients, we can supply these in any design or style, customised to the client’s space, along with various glass panel options for aesthetics and natural light. Many other door types lack this flexibility, limiting what a client can do.
Whether it’s fire safety compliance or limited space, Porta Steel Doors can solve many problems. Not only do they give modern aesthetics, but they can solve issues with small spaces where swing doors aren’t practical — clients can opt for sliding or folding doors. In dark spaces, the glass panels allow light to flow through the rooms while also keeping privacy.
What kinds of styles do you offer? Are there any that are particularly popular at the moment?
As our doors are made to order, we can offer any style. Our doors are custom-made, one-of-a-kind designs that fit any space. Our stand-out design, now known as the ODKM design, is one that we did in collaboration with ODKM Architects back in 2022. It’s RAL black, has a steel kick plate and reeded glass, with our gold knurled handles. Recently we have had a lot of requests for a so-called “Cat N’ Kitten” style door where, if space is tight for double doors, you can have a fixed panel or narrower door on one side with a wider single-hinged door on the other. The larger door is the active door but it’s possible to open the pinlock on the smaller door if you wish to have the full width of the opening free for high footfall or moving large items in and out with ease.
We are seeing an increase in demand for warmer brushed bronze and brass finishes with matching handles, and arches are still an extremely popular choice. Our clients are opting for reeded glass, not only for extra privacy and added texture but it also works well with any colour and design. Glass dividing walls are increasing in popularity to create that extra space at work or home. There are no limits to the choice of colour as we can finish our doors in any RAL colour.
What is the process like when considering the doors? Can you offer advice on what will work best for a particular space?
Our process is quite simple from the time of initial contact. Our team will work with the client through the design stage, to supply and installation. Whether it’s working with an architect, interior designer, or private home, we pride ourselves on the 360 service we provide. For a homeowner without an architect or interior designer and just looking to upgrade their home, we know how hard it can be to bring their vision to reality, so we work through the process together and yes this includes giving advice on what would work best. Our team of experienced carpenters will carry out a site visit to minimise any issues during installation.
What should people do if they want to find out more?
You can visit portasteeldoors.com and fill in the contact form, uploading any images that you may have as a reference. You can also book a consultation online at a time that suits you. Email direct to info@portasteeldoors.com or phone 051 330030.
Pictured: Porta Reseller – Mooney Furniture & Design, CR Interiors & photography by Schokopic Photography
