Yesterday, I shared the steps leading into our garage that I recently repainted, giving them a fresh new look. While I was at it, I decided to add a little extra detail to the door leading into the house. The entryway had always felt a bit plain, and I knew a small project could make a significant impact.
Looking back at the photo from our home inspection, the door in question was originally a solid wood-paneled door. However, the previous owners had covered it with a sheet of metal, likely as an extra layer of insulation to keep out the bitter cold during our harsh winters. Around here, that’s a pretty common solution for battling extreme temperatures, and I do appreciate the added warmth it provides.
A few years ago, when I repainted the mudroom area, I decided to add a pop of color to the metal sheet covering the door. It was a quick fix to make it look a bit more appealing. But recently, while refreshing our mudroom space, I was inspired by Kris’ beautifully trimmed-out closet doors in her daughter’s room and thought—why not bring a paneled look back to this entry door? It seemed like the perfect way to enhance the space and make the garage entry feel more connected to the rest of our home.
So yes, to recap: it was a paneled door, then it became a sheet metal-covered door, and now it’s a sheet metal door with faux paneling. The journey of this door has been quite an evolution!
Getting Started with the Paneling
To begin, I used the facing door in the mudroom as a reference. Since it was already paneled, I measured the placement of its panels and drew corresponding lines on the garage entry door. This step ensured that both doors had a uniform, cohesive look.
Next, I selected molding to create the faux paneling. To attach the pieces, I miter-cut the trim and secured it using Liquid Nails. If you don’t own a miter saw, don’t worry—you can use a simple miter box and a hand saw, just like Kris did when she tackled her closet door project. The molding is relatively easy to cut through, but fair warning—there are a lot of cuts involved. This particular door required 24 cuts!
Finishing Touches
Once the Liquid Nails had fully dried, I moved on to finishing the details. First, I used wood filler to patch up any gaps where the corners met. After letting it dry, I gave those areas a light sanding to ensure a smooth, seamless finish. With the prep work done, I primed the raw wood and then painted the entire door.
The transformation was incredible! A simple addition of molding made a world of difference. Now, our garage entry door looks and feels like an integral part of our home rather than just a functional, forgotten entrance. I no longer cringe when guests enter through the garage something that used to bother me quite a bit.
Addressing the Hardware Dilemma
While I’m thrilled with how the door turned out, the hardware situation remains a bit of a mess. Right now, we have a mix of finishes some pieces in nickel, some in brass, and even some brass that was spray-painted nickel at some point. The inconsistency is a bit of an eyesore, and ideally, I’d love to replace everything to match. However, let’s be honest my attention span for a single project only lasts so long! So, for now, the hardware remains a mix-and-match assortment, and I’m learning to live with it.
That said, if you’re considering updating your own door hardware, a cohesive finish can really tie the look together. Whether you prefer matte black, polished chrome, or antique brass, selecting matching handles, locks, and hinges will instantly elevate the appearance of your door.
A Pop of Color from the Family Room
One unexpected bonus of this project is the way the door adds a delightful pop of color when viewed from the family room. The fresh paint choice for the mudroom complements the adjacent spaces beautifully, and I love how it ties everything together.
Speaking of inspiration, did you catch Kris’ amazing door makeover at Driven By Decor last spring? As part of her One Room Challenge, she completely transformed her daughter’s flat, hollow closet doors into a stylish and sophisticated feature using simple molding. It’s proof that a little bit of trim can go a long way in elevating a space. If you’re curious about the details, be sure to check out Kris’ post—it’s packed with great ideas!
{photo shamelessly stolen from Driven By Decor}
{photo shamelessly stolen from Driven By Decor}
Next Steps in the Mudroom Refresh
Now that the door project is complete, my attention is turning to the next area in need of an update—the ceiling. Right now, it’s an eyesore with exposed insulation and hanging wires, making the space feel unfinished. I have a few ideas for how to clean it up and give it a polished look, so stay tuned for that transformation!
Overall, I’m thrilled with how this simple garage entry update turned out. Adding trim to the door was an easy and affordable way to bring character and cohesion to the space. If you have a plain or uninspiring door in your home, I highly recommend giving it a similar treatment. Whether you choose to use molding for a paneled effect or opt for an entirely new paint color, small details can make a big impact.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you’re having a fantastic day!
