Wrought iron look for warm and modern appearance

Interior design trends find their way to exterior doors

"We are going back to basics," says Franck De Munster, general manager of Harinck. "We notice that there is a need for front doors made of natural and sustainable materials. In addition, the choice of materials is often extended from the inside to the outside."

A dozen new doors were ready just in time for Architect@Work. "Here we were also standing with our Frager Facade concept for facade cladding, but of course the Frager doors could not be missing," Franck said. "For the development of new models, we always look at trends. I noticed that there has been a new style trend for some time. People are again choosing classic materials, such as wood, marble, copper, bronze and wrought iron. They are not only classic, but also durable. In addition, these materials exude tranquility."

Steellook from the inside out

Franck already signaled this trend by the popularity of steellook interior doors. "Very fine steel frames are still very popular. These are often aluminum, with a steel look. We are extending this trend to exterior doors. This is a logical step, because trends often start in the interior and then move outside. In addition, the fact that the line between inside and outside is blurring is a trend in itself. For example, we see wood on interior walls being extended to the terrace via the window, or the sliding door. Especially in Italy this is visible."

How does Harinck translate these trends into new front doors? "Natural colored wood is very much in demand, so we work with an oak veneer in black aluminum frames. This looks warm and modern at the same time. The craftsmen of the past are no longer around, so we do not work with the classic wrought iron, but with aluminum in this look. The models with a window have a "wrought iron" frame and other details, such as door closers are also made in this material. This has created a chic collection, with an industrial touch."

Durability through longevity

So the materials may not be as natural as they exude. Still, sustainability is a high priority at Harinck. "Sustainability is also about materials that last a long time and then are easy to recycle. This is certainly the case with aluminum. Unlike plastic, this material is very well reusable." 

Franck has high hopes for the new collection. "The Netherlands and Belgium are the fastest followers when it comes to design, so I think they are definitely open to this style." Of course, the doors also combine well with the Frager Facade concept. "The facade cladding can nicely match the style of the door, but this atmosphere can even be extended inside by choosing the same material here."