Hey there! If you’re thinking about sprucing up your Los Angeles apartment with a renovation, one of the easiest ways to transform any space is by replacing those tired old doors. I should know – I’ve helped tons of Angelenos overhaul their lackluster living spaces.

As an interior designer with Surfside Builders Group here in LA, I’ve seen it all when it comes to apartment renovations. And you wouldn’t believe the difference a simple door upgrade can make! Beyond just opening and closing, your doors also impact the aesthetics, functionality, and flow of your rooms.

So before you dive into a full redesign, let’s explore the interior door options for your LA apartment makeover. I’ll walk you through the most popular door styles, considerations for choosing new doors, and how Surfside Builders can help you install the perfect set during your renovation.

The 8 Most Popular Interior Door Styles for LA Apartments

When beginning any apartment redesign project, I always advise my clients to start with the doors. They make a huge visual impact without requiring major construction or alterations to your existing layout.

Here are the top door styles I recommend for LA apartments:

1. Standard Doors

This classic style with wood panels remains the most common choice for apartment interiors. Standard doors come in a range of materials like pine, oak, poplar, and maple. Their simplicity pairs well with any décor, from Farmhouse chic to sleek modern spaces. Standard doors also provide sound insulation and privacy.

2. French Doors

Nothing brightens up a room like lovely French doors! With large glass panes surrounded by a wood frame, these doors beautifully connect indoor and outdoor spaces. They’re perfect for letting sunlight pour into darker rooms or for extending sightlines. In apartments, French doors work nicely between living rooms and patios.

3. Sliding Doors

Ideal for small spaces, sliding doors save precious square footage by eliminating the door swing radius. Mounted on tracks, the panels simply glide side-to-side to open and close. Sliding doors help carve out discrete spaces too, like turning one large area into two rooms. For apartments, they’re great as closet doors or between kitchens and dining nooks.

4. Folding Doors

Yet another space-saving option, folding doors collapse accordion-style into compact sections when opened. Often made of materials like wood, glass, or mirrored panels, they create an elegant separation between rooms without dominating the floorplan. In apartments, folding doors help differentiate living room sitting areas or divide master bedrooms and baths.

5. Pocket Doors

Disappearing entirely into the walls, pocket doors maximize both function and aesthetics for apartment layouts. The door panels slide on a track and tuck completely into cavities flanking the doorway when open. The smooth transition between rooms makes interiors feel more expansive. Pocket doors work wonders between LA apartment bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets.

6. Barn Doors

Channeling an industrial chic look, barn doors use the same sliding mechanism as pocket doors. But instead of hiding inside the walls, they sit on an exposed roller track along the ceiling. When open, the rustic-looking panels stack at one end of the doorframe. Vintage spaces benefit from the weathered appeal of salvaged barn doors. New builds can mimic the style with faux treatments. They make fun features between LA apartment living rooms and offices.

7. Glass Doors

Nothing feels more refreshing than infusing any interior with ample sunlight and views. Glass doors do just that, whether clear or opaque, full sized or transom. Framed in wood, metal, or vinyl, they allow light to filter into darker rooms. Etched, stained, or frosted glass still permits light through while obscuring visibility. Perfect additions between LA apartments’ entryways, rooms, and patios or balconies.

8. Dutch Doors

Sometimes called stable doors, Dutch doors split horizontally into upper and lower halves operating independently. Nostalgic touches in cottages and farmhouse designs, Dutch doors add plenty of charm to LA apartments too. Each section latches separately, making them very versatile for indoor/outdoor rooms. They’re fantastic for letting breezes in while keeping pets or little ones safely enclosed.

Now that you know the most popular interior door options, how do you choose what’s right for your Los Angeles apartment? Here are my top five considerations when selecting doors:

5 Key Questions to Ask When Picking New Doors

Beyond just liking how a door looks, several functional factors impact which style ultimately works best. Before buying new doors, ask yourself these key questions:

1. What’s the Room’s Purpose?

Consider what you’ll use the space for, then match the door design accordingly. For example:

• Entertainment rooms need solid doors that block sound from disturbing other rooms.
• Bathrooms should have ventilation yet ensure privacy. Louvered or Dutch doors allow airflow while covering openings.
• Bright, cheerful rooms feel more welcoming with glass French or pocket doors that usher in natural light.

2. What Are the Space Limitations?

Pay attention to your apartment’s proportions, layout obstacles, and accessibility issues:

• Narrow hallways easily accommodate space-saving sliding or folding doors.
• Rooms with limited wall space for tracks suit hinged or freestanding doors.
• For wheelchair users, sliding doors offer better maneuverability than swinging doors in tight spaces.

3. Could the Door Serve Multiple Purposes?

With some creative thinking, doors can provide more than just an entryway:

• Turn flushed-mounted doors into message boards with chalkboard paint or displays with pegboard backing.
• Attach mirrors or artwork to blank surfaces for decorative touches.
• Opt for glass doors or cutouts to display collectibles or accent lighting.

4. Should It Include Hardware?

Some replacement doors come with the necessary fittings while other units leave the hardware decisions entirely up to you. Consider these factors:

• Reusing existing hardware maintains a cohesive look for matching interiors and saves money.
• Buying new hardware lets you change the style from traditional bronze knobs to modern lever handles, for example.
• Sourcing the door and hardware separately may offer more affordable pricing overall.

5. Is Refurbishing an Option?

Instead of purchasing brand new doors, reconditioning your current doors provides a budget-friendly update. With a little TLC, you can give worn doors renewed life:

• Replace outdated hinges with modern hardware like sleek tracks for sliding functionality
• Adjust standard door sizes for custom widths – expanding to double doors makes a dramatic statement!
• Add coordinating wood appliques, trim, handles, and paint or stains for completely redesigned looks

Now that you know about all the fabulous interior door options for LA apartments and what to consider when selecting them, let me tell you how Surfside Builders Group can expertly handle your renovation!

Transform Your Apartment with Surfside Builders Group

As a full-service interior remodeling firm, Surfside Builders Group loves revitalizing outdated Los Angeles apartments! We make the whole process easy and enjoyable, from design to construction.

Our door upgrades and apartment renovations include:

Custom Design Consultations
Collaborating closely with you, our interior designers create 3D renderings of your perfect space. We help you select beautiful, functional doors to match your needs, taste and budget.

Hassle-Free Construction
Leave the hard work to us! Surfside simplifies every step, securing building permits, sourcing high-quality materials like doors, and managing crews from demolition through cleanup.

Meticulous Craftsmanship
With over a decade of experience, Surfside’s carpenters, painters, and other tradesmen implement projects flawlessly. We also back all labor with a 10-year warranty for total peace of mind.

Let Surfside Builders Group makeover your LA apartment with gorgeous new doors and upgrades tailored to your lifestyle! We offer free in-home design consultations as well as visits to our Santa Monica showroom.

Give us a call today at 424-581-7150 or book your no-obligation appointment online. Here’s to a beautifully redesigned apartment!