I have spent a few days working on the large front panel of my dollhouse. This has been a bit complicated because I am not following the box photo exactly. There are some minor differences that can affect how the panels move if not done correctly.
The windows fit into their openings easily, and the exterior trim goes around them to hide the seams. One of the main differences is the trim. I made most of the exterior trim different from the original kit design. I added white trim under the middle window that stretches across the front panel, which separates the different color schemes on top and bottom, similar to my real home's exterior. I also added white trim above the windows. I plan to add white trim above the bottom window as well, but the arch makes it tricky, so I will leave that for later.
I kept the front door true to the kit because it is a six-panel door like my own. However, I painted the top pediment white, inspired by my real home's pediment over the garage door, where my house numbers are displayed. Since this dollhouse doesn’t have a garage, I created a similar effect on the front door and added house numbers there. The house numbers are shiny gold, so if you want to paint them, you need to sand them lightly to create a rough surface before applying any color. Once dry, it’s a good idea to coat them with clear varnish to ensure the paint lasts over time, as touching up small numbers can be difficult once they are in place.
I chose not to use the "brick" look corner trims that came with the dollhouse. Instead, I used plain trim painted to match the dollhouse walls, splitting it in the middle with white trim. I had to add corner trim even though I initially wanted to omit it because three laminated wood pieces are needed for proper hinge installation. Using only two layers of wood would cause screws to break through the front of the wall. I made this trim as unobtrusive as possible to maintain a clean line with the white middle trim. I will need to apply a similar approach for the corner trim on the right side of the panel. Again, omitting it would allow the right panel to swing open since it lacks a magnet for support. This right trim will help hold that panel in place and cover any gaps where the two panels meet.
Installing the hinges is straightforward. First, dry fit your panel to ensure there is enough space at the top and bottom for it to swing without scraping anything. Mark where your hinges will go for an accurate fit. Dollhouses are rarely square, so you can't rely on surrounding walls for guidance; instead, dry fit and test how well the panel swings. For more detailed instructions on hinge placement, refer to more detailed photos here.
First, attach the hinges to the dollhouse and then to the panel, positioning them roughly in the center of each room. To start your screw holes, you can use a nail or a push pin. Always apply glue to the screw before inserting it. Make sure to dry fit the hinges first to ensure they are correctly placed, as you cannot easily unscrew and rescrew in the same spot on this wood without loosening it.
Once the panel is in place, determine where the magnet piece should go by holding it in position and closing the panel against it. This may require some adjustment, and it will be easier if the interior doors are not installed, allowing you to reach through. While holding the magnet, open the panel and mark the holes with a pencil. Create a starter hole and screw in the magnet. The screws for the magnet are longer and will go through the wood, but they will not be visible if you have positioned the magnet correctly; any protruding screw tips will be hidden behind the roof panel. This gap along the roofline will be covered when you add shingles later.
To attach the magnet plate to your front panel, stick it to the magnet to ensure it is straight. Close the front panel against it and reach inside to mark where the hole is. Remove it from the magnet and screw it onto your panel door at that mark. When you close your panel, it should align perfectly with the magnet, keeping it closed.
The exterior door does not have interior trim because the edge trim of the panels obstructs any potential trim. Additionally, the door consists of three laminated layers while the opening has only one layer, causing the door to protrude into the dollhouse. Since the panel itself opens, this door is designed to remain fixed.
The magnet is quite strong, which is necessary for holding both panels in place when closed. Despite treating these panels for warping, there may still be slight warping present. Adding trim can sometimes cause re-warping even if weights are applied while drying due to moisture from glue and paint. Therefore, expect some minimal warping after installation, but it should be mostly invisible.
