I’ve always been fascinated by doorways and what they have to say. They can tell us so much about a building’s place in history and the people who live inside.

Throughout our sojourn in the Baltic States we hit the mother lode of intriguing portals. Some doors enticed us to enter with their shimmering glass panes and glimpses of life within. Others presented a fortress-like barrier to be breached only by invited guests.

No matter what their architectural style, the doors all shared many of these 5 traits:

Sense of Style
We saw no boring doors in the Baltic States. Seriously! Every door introduced new flourishes – graceful lines, intricate wood carvings, or elegant stonework. Even an old stable door had classy Gothic elements.

Ornately carved oak door, Tallinn, Estonia

Classy Gothic stable door. Tallinn, Estonia

Sense of Permanence
Baltic doorways are not only well-built and sturdy, they usually have a street number permanently carved or affixed to the entrance. The message is that these buildings are here to stay.

Sphinxes face off in this Helsinki, Finland doorway.

Sturdy Helsinki door with mythical creatures … or battling rams?

Sense of Nature
Organic elements combine to welcome people through the entrance. Most of the doors we saw were made of wood, embellished with metal and glass, and surrounded by stone. Often plants and animals played a major role in the design theme.

Whimsical flowers and metal details adorn this Helsinki doorway.

Helsinki’s Glo Hotel, a former castle, sports a mysterious metamorphosis motif.

Sense of Self-Importance
This door in Tallinn, Estonia belongs to the House of the Blackheads – an important guild of local unmarried merchants, professionals, ship owners and foreigners.  Their door was designed to convey exclusivity and status in the community.

House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads. Tallinn, Estonia

Sense of Humor
Our favorite was a short little door, just a hair over 5 feet tall. We loved its sense of humor, with two hands reaching down mischievously … perhaps to steal a hat from some unsuspecting visitor?

Compared to these fabulous doors, our front door at Basecamp Gallivance looks very plain and utilitarian. What about you? Do you have a fabulous front door?

Let me know,
Terri