Every home has its design challenges, and for us, the threshold leading into our library was one of them. This seemingly small detail played a significant role in connecting multiple spaces within our house. It’s a spot where the character of the elegant library we completed this year meets the warmth of the wooden staircase we also tackled recently. We needed a transition that didn’t just connect these areas physically but also made sense visually. Enter Retique It Liquid Wood—a solution that transformed this tricky space into a beautiful and now more cohesive design element.

The Challenge: A High-Traffic Design Crossroads

Our entryway threshold serves as a crossroads for several key areas in our home. On one side, we have the rich soft white, inviting tones of our newly finished library, a project that was a labor of love and reiteration. The library boasts unique built-ins and refined trim details, setting the tone for elegance and warmth. Adjacent to this space is the staircase, another major renovation where we replaced the carpet with wooden treads to create a warm, natural feel that runs throughout the library.

The threshold itself was large (15 feet across to be exact)—much more substantial than the average “doorway”—making it a prominent feature that couldn’t simply blend into the background. The original library finish with Hague Blue and loud wallpaper clashed with both the staircase and the main areas of our home, creating a visual disconnect in an area meant to unite the home. We needed a solution that could handle high foot traffic while also bringing harmony to these design elements.

The Solution: Retique It Liquid Wood

After researching several options, we decided to use Retique It Liquid Wood Finisher, a revolutionary product that gives surfaces the look and feel of real wood without needing to replace them. Its versatility made it perfect for our large threshold, allowing us to achieve a wood-tone finish that complemented both the staircase and the library.

The application process was surprisingly simple. Retique It is applied as a liquid wood coating, which can then be stained and sealed like traditional wood. We chose a custom wood stain that echoed the darker, rich tones of our library shelves while also nodding to the natural warmth of the staircase. The result was a seamless transition—a finish that felt like it had always belonged there.

Why Retique It Was the Perfect Choice

1. Versatility: Retique It adhered beautifully to the threshold, which saved us the hassle of replacing it entirely. We were able to transform the existing surface rather than rip it out and start from scratch.
2. Customizable Finish: With Retique It, we could stain and seal the surface to match our existing wood tones perfectly. This was crucial in creating a cohesive look between the library and staircase.
3. Durability: Given the high traffic this threshold sees, we needed something tough. Retique It not only looks great but also stands up to daily wear and tear.
4. Cost-Effective: Compared to replacing the threshold with real wood, Retique It was an affordable alternative that delivered a high-end look.

The Finished Look: A Seamless Connection

Now, as you step from the staircase into the library, the threshold feels like a natural bridge between the two spaces. The rich wood tone ties together the elegance of the library and the warmth of the staircase, creating a flow that feels intentional and polished. What once felt like a design hurdle is now a highlight, adding character and continuity to our home.

Reflecting on the End Result

If there’s one thing we’ve learned during our home projects, it’s that the details matter. Small design choices—like the finish of a threshold—can have a significant impact on how a home feels. Retique It gave us the freedom to make a challenging space functional and beautiful, proving that even the toughest design problems have creative and inexpensive solutions.

Whether you’re tackling a tricky threshold or refreshing an old piece of furniture, Retique It is a product we’d wholeheartedly recommend. It transformed our entryway and helped us create a home that feels unified and uniquely ours.