Before friends and family enjoy the hospitality of your home, the front door beckons them inside. Here are a few ideas to add charm and character to your front door!

Choosing a Front Door Colour

There are 2 schools of thought on this – make it blend or make it bold!

If you decide to make your door blend in with the front of your house, choose the same or a complementary colour to the trim on your windows or garage door or within your brickwork/grout.

If you choose bold, the door stands alone, making a strong statement. Choose a colour you love – some popular choices are red, orange, sunny yellow, aubergine or emerald green. I also love black in a high gloss finish – always classic. Keep in mind that a paint colour in the store will look duller outside. Choose a saturated, vivid shade that won’t look washed out.

Door Handles and Accessories

Go as high end as you can on the door handle. Not only will it last longer, it is literally the first thing a guest touches in your home and it should be quality.  Brass, antiqued brass, nickel, chrome or solid black are standard choices. A kick plate adds a look of prestige as does a door knocker. There is a huge selection of door knockers available – classic choices but also some with old world charm like a gargoyle. I also love a letter slot. Many of us no longer have home mail delivery, but it lends an air of timeless grace. Be sure all your accessories work together in style and match in finish.

Door Art

Many people choose to decorate their front door. Wreathes are always a beautiful choice and can be changed up for the seasons or special holidays. Of course, there are lots of alternatives to wreathes. How about an umbrella filled with branches or flowers? Or a pretty tote bag or wicker basket with colourful posies? Another great idea is a wooden initial monogram of your family name painted and decorated. I’ve also seen a round ceiling medallion (that goes around a light fixture base) painted and hug with ribbon.

Framing around the Door

Nothing is more beautiful than flowers in front of a front door, as long as the season will allow. If you choose to paint your door a bright colour, why not plant to match? Picture sunflowers or yellow daylilies growing merrily on either side of a yellow front door. Imagine lilacs, irises or purple rhododendron near a bright amethyst door.  When the cold weather comes, switch up with evergreens, but perhaps paint the planters in the amethyst shade.

Symmetry works well for a traditional look. Planters or benches (plain black benches are perfect!) or whatever you choose, frame the door when matched. For a more laid back look, choose an asymmetrical set up – perhaps a rocker or antique chair on one side and a tall evergreen on the other.

Adding Architecture

Some homes simply don’t have room to expand around the door frame, but if yours does, consider adding architectural detail – mouldings and frames can be bought in many shapes; try adding scrolls or rosettes or whatever suits your home. It adds elegance. Another option is to add a window if possible, above or beside the door. Stained glass is a gorgeous, luxury choice – or perhaps stencil on a word. Isn’t this pink door with “love” overhead beautiful?!

And who said moulding had to be white? What about a light blue trim around an orange door, or black around a bright green door? Call in your imagination!

Yes, the front door is open to a world of decorating opportunities! Make your updates now before the cold weather comes and say “welcome” in a special way!