Gemma Lomas Jones
mid-century modern-inspired front door

Gemma Lomas Jones is an interior stylist, artist and lifestyle content creator, and has more than 20 years of experience across interior design and fashion. She’s also a mum of three, balancing family life with her creative projects and home renovation.

Gemma’s home is a one-of-a-kind architect-designed property built in 1962. Set within an acre of land, she was drawn to its exceptional space and natural light. Over the past three years, the property has undergone a renovation. While most elements have been modernised, there are key original features, such as the wood-panelled ceiling in the living room, that have been preserved as a nod to the home’s heritage.

The overall aesthetic and style of the home blends mid-century modern architecture with ‘organic minimalism’ – a softer, more welcoming interpretation of minimal design, incorporating warm tones and natural materials such as wood, stone and marble.

When Gemma moved into the property three years ago, it still had many of the original features.

“It still had the same front door that was fitted when it was first built,” explains Gemma. “It had single-glazed glass, and the door was letting in the draught. It was also very narrow, making it impractical for our home”.

Before the door installation, Gemma moved the door forward and incorporated the porch space into the home. This allowed her to create a more practical entrance and to install a larger, more impactful front door that better suits the property.

The overall style of the house presented Gemma with a unique challenge.

“The first challenge when finding a door for our home was that we needed it to suit the distinctive character of the property. Unlike period homes or ultra-modern builds, mid-century houses sit in a difficult middle ground, making it harder to find designs that feel appropriate.”

In terms of style, she wanted to ensure the door complemented the architectural era, felt cohesive with the overall design of her home, and enhanced the appearance of the home’s exterior.

Her top priorities when choosing a door were style, warmth and security.

Gemma chose the Flint Solid to add an understated but modern touch to her home. She also explored a variety of colour options, including Pebble Grey and Cream, after eventually falling in love with Irish Oak.

“It connects with the natural materials used throughout the home while bringing warmth and texture to the exterior. It is timeless,” says Gemma. Other design details included an “old school” architectural letterplate, which, in Gemma’s words, gives a nice nod to the era of the house.

To help bring her vision to life, Gemma visited the Derwent Windows showroom in Nottingham to see the Solidor colours and styles in person:

“I had a great experience with Derwent Windows. I visited their showroom in Nottingham to see the colours and door styles in person, which really helped. The team were knowledgeable and gave me clear guidance but still allowed me the freedom to make my own design decisions.”

To make sure the door design would work in the space, Derwent Windows carried out a survey prior to installation. “During the initial survey, they offered practical advice, especially around the structural changes. The installation itself was very quick and straightforward. The team arrived on time, worked neatly, and left everything clean and tidy.”

The new door has transformed the home’s exterior, and the entrance has now become a defining feature of the property.

Gemma says, “It’s so warm in the hallway now. It’s made such a difference, not just to the temperature but to the whole look and feel of the house. Everyone can’t believe how much it’s transformed our home.”

The door creates a natural connection between the home’s architectural past and its carefully curated interior, bringing together style, warmth and practicality.

Gemma has also shared her new entrance with her online community, where the new door has received strong engagement and positive feedback.