The Interesting Material Bobby Berk Loves For Opening Up Interior Spaces

Oct 28, 2023

If your home isn't as big or open as you'd like, you don't always have to look at sledgehammers and demo plans for a solution. In fact, your space might not be able to accommodate having walls knocked out, especially if they are load-bearing or integral to the structure. If renovating isn't an option, Bobby Berk has a trick that will not only expand your interior, but make it feel more light, bright, and inviting. The best part is, it's only a matter of swapping out your standard doors for clear versions to bring more natural light in. He tells Elle Decor, "If you have a home that's cut up into many small rooms, replacing doors with see-through alternatives can instantly open up the space."

Using natural light to open up a room is no secret, but choosing alternative-style doors over plain, solid builds will create an entirely new vibe throughout the entire dwelling. Privacy won't be lost if you opt for frosted glass, which still allows sun through but keeps modesty protected. While mirrors have always been one of Bobby Berk's tricks for making spaces more open, this tip takes natural lighting to a new level. If you've been looking for a way to fake a larger abode without hiring a remodeling contractor, try this clever upgrade instead.

The great news when it comes to switching your solid doors for see-through options is you have a variety of styles to choose from. Depending on your interior themes, you can install a large glass door with a frosted finish, or opt for paneled selections that let light flow through while still feeling more discreet. Some rooms can even feature half-solid, half-paneled designs, especially bathrooms or kitchen doors — just add an opaque window to produce an air of privacy on the former.

Frosted glass, which is still light-penetrable but opaque enough for bedrooms and bathrooms, is more expensive than standard glass, which is something to keep in mind. Gusto Emergency Glass Replacement notes it is around 50% higher in cost, but the end results are truly worth the splurge if it's in your budget. Another idea is to look at frosted alternatives, like wired, fluted, or mirrored/reflective glass, the last of which will still prevent people from seeing into a room but give the open feeling this hack is meant for.

To really take advantage of Bobby Berk's trick, you'll want to swap as many solid doors as possible, especially those with larger or numerous windows inside the room. Tight or narrow hallways don't have the best access to light, but by putting some in these spaces, they will seem instantly bigger. You can also add more lighting fixtures around rooms and hallways to open them up once the sun sets. Wall lights, in particular, illuminate corners or divided stretches, which typically make an area appear smaller. No matter the size of your home, lighting can help and won't leave you with an extensive renovation bill.

If you're considering DIYing, try thrifting a two-panel door and sawing off the top panel. When tackling this task, it's best to leave some molding on one side of the door to keep the glass inside the panel section you are filling. You can also have it done professionally, and this might even be advisable if you plan to swap out more than one door. Note that door replacements can cost anywhere between $159 to $798, depending on how many you plan to change out and the style you choose.