Decorative door panels

Use these simple tricks and common decorative trims to add style to hollow-core doors.

Mimic the architectural elegance of an old-time panel door by adding narrow mouldings and a little paint to a nondescript door.

You will need:
2 complementary paint colours
Paintbrush
Pencil
Narrow trim molding in 2 widths and similar designs
Measuring tape
Mitre saw
Wood glue
Finishing nails
Hammer
Nail set
Putty


Here's how:
1. Paint the entire door a base colour.

2. Mark and paint the "panel" colour.

3. Measure placement and cut molding. Mitre-cut the first molding to create the outer border of the panels; cut the second molding to fit 5 cm inside the first.

4. Paint and attach molding. Paint all the pieces of molding, then glue and nail them in place. Because the door's wood is thin, nails alone aren't strong enough for everyday wear and tear. Wood glue actually holds the trim in place, but the nails keep things from shifting while the glue dries.

5. Finish. Fill the nail holes with putty and touch up the paint.

  source: meredith publishing