A previous post by Cindy offered 10 steps for creating a welcoming entry and today we take a closer look at greeting your guests before they event step into your home – with a colorful painted front door.

Painted Entry Doors

Painted doors really announce an entry; they offer a dose of color, style and a way to show your individuality.  A painted front door helps set your home apart from your neighbors.

 

Whether used outside or inside, red is by far the strongest door color and will make your house stand out.  Painted doors work with any home style and as shown by these doors, red is just as comfortable welcoming you to a country style bungalow (top pic) or an apartment (looks English I believe) or a modern urban home.  Black front doors are also quite dramatic but conservative.

You can certainly go bolder like the interesting houses below. 

 

 

More conservative colors probably suit most of us and a quiet Wedgewood blue on a traditional home or a warm green is stylish but less in-your-face.

 

 

Picking Your Color and Painting Tips

When picking the perfect color for your front door be sure to consider the color of the house, the trim and even the roof.  Your door needs to work with all of them.  In some instances you may even need to consider the colors in your landscaping.  If you’re living in an older home look for historicaly correct colors.  Consider the front door color of the homes around you – no need to look like everyone else – pick something that sets you apart.  Lots to consider – but the results will be worth the bother.

Whatever color you choose, if you’re going to take the time to paint the door, take the time to do it right - sand, prime, tape and paint very carefully, seal (you really want it to stand up to the weather).   Painting a front door needs to be done perfectly because it’s the first thing guests will see about your home when they arrive. 

Many front doors include multiple panels.  The video below provides step-by-step instructions for painting a paneled entry door.  Although demonstrating on a steel door, the instructions provided are applicable to techniques you would use on a wooden panel door too.

 

After adding some color to the entry door, don’t forget to pay attention to the rest of the porch area. Put the other nine entry tips to work for your home.

Standout Entries

If you want your home to be a standout in the neighborhood, give some thought to the details of the exterior, just like you do on the inside.  Curb appeal is important and more than just what plants you have in your yard.  The details of door color, door hardware, lighting, patio furniture or plantings, deck railing style, house numbers, etc. all contribute to setting a tone and creating a welcoming appeal. 

 Tell us about your entry door.  Is it painted?  Have you considered painting it?  Leave a note by clicking the Comment link at the end of this post or by email us at solutions@yourdecoratinghotline.com.