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Doors Around the World

I love doors and have taken photos of doors from all over the world!

“We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

– Walt Disney

Every door gives rise to a new adventure. Do you take a look and wonder what lies behind? Do you have the courage to open and see for yourself or are you content with just passing by? I find doors incredibly fascinating and find myself photographing the many doors I encounter around the world.

Wood Doors

Wood doors are sturdy and the most common. However, this does not make them dull. Many different types of wood in the world give way to many different types of wood doors. From the unique grain to the variety of stains, the possibilities are endless. Different designs can also be incorporated into wood doors, such as carvings, panels, geometry, and fresh paint.

Door Hardware

My favorite door hardware is the door knockers. They are so fun and are not very abundant so when I spot one, I have to check it out! Door knockers can vary from a simple ring to an animal to an intricate design. I’ve also scoured doors around the world for beautiful handles, striking hinges, and the occasional mail drop.

Famous Doors Around the World

Columbus Doors – Right in our own community are the Columbus doors at the US Capitol building in Washington DC. These doors are made of bronze with different scenes from the life of Christopher Columbus.

Holy Door – The Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica is only opened during a holy year which occur every 25 years. St. Peter’s Basilica website states, “On the first day of the Holy Year the Pope strikes the brick wall with a hammer, and so opens the door to let in the pilgrims who come to make the most of the indulgence. It will be closed by the Pope himself at the end of the Holy Year. The Holy Door represents Jesus, the Good Shepherd and the gate of the sheep pen: ‘I am the gate. Whoever enters through me, will be safe. He will go in and out, and find pasture’ (Jn 10:9).”

Portal of the Last Judgment – Located at the main entrance to Notre Dame Cathedral is the Portal of the Last Judgment. Honestly, all three doors located on the west facade are brilliant with their carvings depicting the Virgin Mary, astrological calendar, Christ, the apostles, resurrection of the dead, and judgment day. Above the three doors are 28 statues of the Kings of Israel.

The Golden Gates of Dar El Makhzen – Although you are not allowed to enter the Royal Palace of Fez, you most certainly can admire its seven opulent golden gates.

May your adventures lead you through new doors and take you back through your favorites! Please share any door photos or special doors that have brought meaning to you, I would love to hear about and see them.

Design by Kelley Astore Interiors

At Kelley Astore Interiors, we provide a full range of renovation and design services to bring our clients’ designs to fruition, while overseeing and managing the entire remodeling and decorating process. We have ongoing relationships with a range of licensed contractors and skilled craftsmen who work under our supervision on all of our projects; they include cabinetmakers, tile setters, upholsterers, furniture makers, carpenters, electricians, and a drapery workroom. My team and I have been working in interior design and home remodels for over 25 years and our work has been featured on HGTV and in various home design publications; continue reading to find out how we can help you transform your living space into the home of your dreams!

Kitchen Design

Kitchen Design

Kitchens are one of my favorite spots in the house to renovate because they are the heart of a house. Pictured above is a kitchen renovation that I did in Great Falls, VA. Custom cabinetry is a key feature in maximizing the storage in a kitchen. They are customized to fit precisely in the room which doesn’t occur with standard cabinetry; plus, they last longer and retain their value. For this project, we chose a gorgeous marble to accent the custom kitchen island and a neutral color palette to complement it. The final touches included all new stainless steel kitchen appliances, hardware, and accent lighting.

Bathroom Renovation & Remodeling

Bathroom Renovation & Remodeling

I am excited to share this bathroom with you because it is the bathroom of MY dreams… welcome to my master bathroom. When designing my bathroom, I wanted to create a space that felt bright, open, and, most importantly, clean. Therefore, I decided to opt for a simplistic and neutral color scheme, which would also help me create a sense of luxury in my bathroom. To kickstart this color scheme and design, I opted for patterned marble flooring from Marble Systems. Here, the mix of grey and white is nicely complemented by a snow-white border and marble baseboard – giving the space a distinctive, luxury feel. Since I chose statement flooring, I went for simple walls. I designed my own custom vanity so that I could have the exact storage space that I needed and my shower giving it a rainfall showerhead, a main showerhead, and another handheld unit. The last must-have for me was a large tub… what’s the use in your dream bathroom without a large tub to relax and enjoy it in?!

Custom Furniture Reupholstery

Custom Furniture Reupholstery

We have our own upholsterers and they are the best upholstery makers in the DMV area. We have worked with them for many years and this long-standing relationship allows us to produce pieces with amazing quality while adhering to deadlines and budget requirements. That means assisting with sourcing distinctive materials, creating renditions of the final piece, and execution to turn your vision into a reality.

Custom Closets

Custom Closets

Having a beautifully designed and smartly organized closet is key to stress-free mornings. There is nothing worse than your closet being full of dirty and disorganized laundry when you need to get ready quickly or you have a busy day ahead. You should be able to walk into your closet and know exactly where everything is. That’s why customizing your closet to be organized in a way that makes sense for you is so important!

Built-in Bookcases

Built-in Bookcases

Unlike a regular bookcase that you might purchase from a furniture store and have moved into a room, built-in bookcases present a variety of creative opportunities and will pave the way for a more seamless design. They are the ultimate storage solution, turning storage into beautiful decor – the marriage between beauty and function. Whether you’re interested in a built-in bookcase with a hidden desk, or a case framing a window with a little place to sit, we’ve got you covered!

Window Treatments

Window Treatments

Make your house uniquely your own with custom-made draperies and shades made in our workroom. Choosing from a multitude of styles and fabrics, custom window treatments will add color, texture, and style to any room. From measuring the windows to designing the window treatments to the installation, we are truly a one-stop-shop. The trained artisans in our workroom convert each bolt of fabric into custom-made window treatments.

Custom Painting

Custom Painting

New paint has the power to self-express and energize moods. Applying fresh paint inside your home gives it a fresh look. We will talk with you to help you decide which paint color to choose by discovering the ambiance you want for each particular room in your home.

To learn more about our interior design process from start to finish, click here. We look forward to working with you and making your design dreams come to life!

Luxury Hotels, Vienna

With the exquisite architecture found throughout Vienna, it’s no secret that you’ll find magnificent luxury hotels sprinkled throughout the city. Many with a history dating back to the 1800s.

Hotel Sacher

Hotel Sacher… and to think that it all began with dessert! In 1832, Prince von Metternich asked his apprentice, Franz Sacher, to construct a special dessert. The outcome was a masterful mix of chocolate, apricot jam, and whipped cream and is known around the world as the Original Sacher-Torte. Forty-four years later, Franz’s son, Eduard, opens a luxury hotel in the heart of Vienna, rightfully taking on the family surname, Sacher. Shortly after the last of the Sachers died in 1930, the Gürtler and Siller families took over and restored the beautiful hotel to its original glory. Throughout WWII, the hotel is taken over by different countries and finally lands back in the hands of its rightful owners. In 1962, the last Siller died which left the Gürtler family in complete control to the present day.

“The Sacher Hotel has long been a place where artists, politicians, and personalities meet and mingle. Celebrities from all over the world have been welcomed at the Sacher from its inception until this very day.”

– Georg Gürtler, Owner

It has been a treasured meeting place for many throughout the years such as U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Anna Netrebko, Queen Elizabeth II of England, Sharon Stone, Justin Bieber or Naomi Campbell. I felt prestigious walking along the same corridors and sipping champagne in the same bars as some of the world’s most renowned!

Hotel Bristol

Another amazing hotel filled with Viennese charm is Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel and party of Marriott Bonvoy. With its prime real estate next to the Vienna State Opera on Ring Boulevard since 1892, it is a great central location for all the sights Vienna has to offer. Additionally, its rooms offer some of the best views in Vienna and the rooms are quite the spectacle themselves with their beautiful antiques and modern amenities.

Within Hotel Bristol is one of my favorite bars in Vienna, The Bristol Bar. It is the first “American Bar” in Vienna and I love it for its cozy atmosphere (fireplace included) and decor. The amazing architect, Pierre-Yvess Rochon, stylishly designed the space with chic leopard patterned carpet, friendly wood-paneled walls, and a gentle cognac-colored ceiling while incorporating the Art Deco style of the hotel. I am not the only person to become infatuated with this watering hole; the walls bear autographed photos of Richard Strauss, Leonard Bernstein, Herbert von Karajan, Rose Kennedy, and Enrico Caruso.

Hotel Imperial

A place designed for a prince, this hotel is dazzling in decor from its immaculate marble to the dangling chandeliers dotting the royal staircase. It was converted into a hotel in 1873 for Vienna’s World’s Fair. One must try the incredible torte that was created for Emperor Franz Josef, hence the name of the hotel, Imperial. It’s a secret concoction of marzipan, oranges, and raspberries. You can find beautiful oil paintings of Franz Josef throughout the hotel.

When visiting Vienna, if you don’t have the luxury to stay in one of these fabulous hotels, at least pop in to marvel at the gorgeous decor and maybe sip on a cocktail. Cheers to your trip to Vienna!

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