This Designer-Approved DIY Detail Adds a Shockingly Luxe Look to Any Doorway
William Hutton knows how to add luxury and style to spaces as an interior designer. As a Los Angeles-based design expert, he creates “visually interesting spaces using refined finishes and furniture that create comfort and a sense of layered collection,” according to his company’s website. When it came to tackling the design challenges of the rental home he shares with his husband, Kevan Loney, and their pets (dog, Finnegan, and cat, Sage) he did so beautifully.
“We were drawn to the character of the 100-year-old bungalow — huge fireplace, built-ins, original kitchen, barreled ceiling, and windows on every wall,” William described in their house tour, explaining that he tried to create “a high-end look on a low-end budget while dealing with renter-friendly solutions.” He and Kevan were able to accomplish this with lots of thrifting from flea markets, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist, but also with lots of creativity.
There are tons of smart, stylish details in their 540-square-foot space worth borrowing — from the two cleverly carved-out workspaces to the way William blended thrifted finds with existing furniture pieces. But there’s one tiny and unexpected detail in the home’s doorways that really stood out to me; something affordable, renter-friendly, and that adds a surprising touch of luxury.
William explains that while subtle, “the gold leaf peel-and-stick wallpaper we applied to the thresholds” is his favorite element in their rental home. The peel-and-stick gold leaf wallpaper on the thresholds adds “a little shine and detail” to the home, according to William, and I agree. The pattern and color are not so bold that the wallpaper would steal attention from the rest of the room, but the addition of some shimmer creates luxury when you’re not expecting it.
At under $40 for a large roll on Amazon, you could likely wallpaper most of your doorways with one roll. And the fact that it’s peel-and-stick means you won’t have to worry about losing your security deposit if you’re renting your home!
For more inspiration from William and Kevan’s home, see their full house tour.