Have you spent a lot of time watching expert interior designers transform homes on some of the shows on HGTV?  Thousands of Americans have become very interested in home décor after watching these shows, yet the lack the time and money to make major renovations to their homes.  With shoji door kits, it is possible to get started on your home makeover without taking out a second mortgage.  It may be a small step, but it can make a huge difference in your home interior.

A recent article published by Chopa.com, entitled “Five Ways to Transform Your Living Space with Shoji Door Kits,” the author discusses the prevalence of shoji screens in Western culture, even in homes that use no Zen design elements.  But be careful not to confuse shoji door kits with traditional shoji screens.  A shoji door is not designed to stand on its own as a folding room divider.  It may appear to be a Shoji screen in every other way, with “panes” of rice paper stretched across a dark wood frame, but Shoji door kits are normally installed to separate two rooms.  Similar to a double door closet, Shoji doors rest on a track that allows them to slide from left to right.

Why would one choose a Shoji door kit over a traditional room divider?

One of the best reasons to use a Shoji door treatment over a solid door is light.  Zen designers like to use rice paper screens in room dividers because they allow for privacy without shutting out natural light.  Most of these kits use a vellum form of rice paper, which is more durable than untreated rice paper.

Where are Shoji door kits used in a traditional home?

Perhaps the most common place to install a Shoji door kit is in between the kitchen and the dining room.  This allows guests to enjoy a private dinner in the dining room without the clutter and noise of the adjacent kitchen.  Some homeowners choose to use Shoji doors in place of traditional closets because they lend a designer look to any room. But the home isn’t the only place where these doors are typically used.  They can also work well in an office setting or as the coat closet in a reception area.

Need inspiration?  For the best selection of Shoji door kits and other Zen home furnishings, visit Chopa.com.