Front Door Fix-up
Seven simple ways to give your front entry a makeover
You may have heard that windows are the soul of your home (of course, we ARE biased), and we agree—a fenestrational freshen-up is an excellent way to change the look of your home! But when it comes to fast fixups, making an impression, and boosting curb appeal, don’t forget about your front door and entryway.
Often overlooked in favor of more expansive projects like new siding or windows, sprucing up your front entryway can have a major impact—with minimal effort! This month, we’ve got a variety of tips on how to design your front door for maximum curb appeal.
Count On It
Want instant eye-catching entry appeal…with a minimal amount of effort? You would be surprised how much porch panache a new set of house numbers can bring. It seems like a small change, but the effect can be large. House numbers can be a striking standout accent, or a subtle complement to the design theme. decorating and landscaping tips, will up your home's curb appeal for a more inviting appearance.
Want to try a vintage/throwback look? Swap house numbers for letters, spelling out your address if space allows. It’s elegant and classic and really lets you showcase a favorite font.
Pro tip: Make sure your numbers are at least 4 inches tall so you can see them from the street.
Changing the style of your house numbers can help reinforce the design theme. These clean numerals add a bit of mid-century modern flair. House numbers written out in text make for a striking statement. Bright red numbers are both aesthetic and informative! Décor Dazzle
When it comes to your front entry, a little can go a long way—meaning a few quality pieces can really set the tone. Choose a few attention-grabbing elements—stylish lighting or sconces, new hardware on your door, or tiles inset into your steps can all add bling without breaking the budget.
Add a few architectural details such as decorative brackets, moldings, columns, and trim for an extra pop. Already have them, and like what you’ve got? Give them a boost with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Choosing a contrasting color for the trim can make these architectural details really pop.
Speaking of painting—you can also paint your concrete steps for a custom look. Just make sure to use a concrete-sealing primer, as well as non-skid concrete paint. Freehand fashion a faux stair runner, use a stencil to create a tile-like pattern, or simply add a splash of solid color.
The right accents can make all the difference. This moody black gets just the right bit of bling with new brass light fixtures and door hardware. The navy pops against the grey on its own; add in some bright yellow and it is like a ray of sunshine taking it to the next level. The accents here are simple, but their cohesiveness make a big impact. The black in the door hardware is reflected in the wall sconces, ceiling fixtures, doorbell, post box, and even the little succulent planter. Painted concrete steps are a great way to add a pop of color and design--and unlike a rug, no need to worry about vacuuming or washing it! Light It Up
Outdoor lighting elements can be the workhorses of your front porch perk-up. Not only can you use the fixtures as décor elements, they can also enhance convenience and safety.
Motion-sensing lights near the front door are an energy-conscious way to add a bit of security. Use low-voltage solar lights to illuminate pathways without impacting your energy bill—they come in myriad styles, colors, and designs to match just about any look.
String lights are another popular trend in exterior lighting—they can mark walkways or add a bit of welcoming warmth to a front porch seating area.
The strong vertical lines of these light fixtures emphasize the clean modern lines of the home, the windows, and the entryway. Cute solar lights that match the street lights line the sidewalk, providing a gentle glow to mark the path to the door. The delicate lines in this porch lantern play off the grilles in the door and window, adding farmhouse flair. All in the (Color) Family
For a quick coordinated refresh, accessorize your front stoop with colorful accents made up of analogous colors. An analogous color scheme is one made up of colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, and it is great for adding energy to your entryway. Put pops of color into planters and pots, patio furniture, throw pillows, welcome mats, and more. All are easily swapped out if you decide to try a different color palette next year.
Side-by-side colors make for an energetic color scheme. Image from Cottage and Bungalow (blog.cottageandbungalow.com) Color Me Inspired
If you’re not afraid of color, and want to try something a little more permanent than accent pieces, give that old front door new life with a coat of paint (or three). Painting a front door is not difficult to do—although you should be sure to follow all of the steps in the process to ensure the best results…the cleaning and prep, the necessary number of coats with appropriate dry time, and the working when temperatures are in the appropriate window. Check out Real Simple’s guide for tips on how to get started. https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/painting/how-to-paint-front-door
Which color to choose? Neutrals are timeless—shades of black, white, grey, brown, or navy can be found for virtually any home style. But if you feel adventurous… a bright paint color can make the whole front of your home pop, while a darker shade can help the exterior feel elegant and sophisticated.
Red is never boring—and somehow manages to be both timeless and modern. It adds energy and a welcoming air.
Try a tangerine orange to convey fun, joy, and playfulness. It’s a great pop of color, especially for an otherwise neutral home. It pairs well with sage greens for an understated look, but can also go with bright pastels for a beachy vibe.
The inherent energy of yellow means it is perfect for a welcoming front entry. It’s a ray of sunshine in your day, and can give you a little pick me up when you return home after a long day.
Blues and greens run the gamut from the calming and serene—think blue-grey or sage—to the invigorating and exciting of such colors as turquoise or lime.
Red adds energy and a welcoming feel. Tangerine is a surprsingly versatile color--dress up neutrals, pair with blues and greens for a beachy vibe, and more. Whether it's diffuse or dramatic, buttercup or bold gold, a sunny yellow door is always a cheery, welcoming sight. Not all farmhouses need black accents and trim. Blue is the color of calm, serenity, and peace--it makes a lovely front door color. Sit, Stay
Nothing creates a warm welcome like a cute and comfy spot to sit and read a book, chat with neighbors, or relax with a glass of iced tea on a hot day. A swing or glider on a covered porch is as relaxing as it sounds.
If you have the space, a weather-resistant patio furniture set—loveseat and/or chairs plus a coffee table—can define an outdoor room and make a great place for hanging with the neighbors for happy hour.
Short on space? A bistro set is a compact addition that can fit on many porches and is a perfect spot to relax outdoors with a cup of coffee or to sit and play a few hands of cards as you watch the world go by. You can also do a bench with comfy pillows or a couple of overstuffed poufs for seating, as well.
Tie it all together with a fun rug or a painted floor, and a few accent pieces like side tables or patio pots.
Adding a porch swing ups the classic charm factor instantly. Turn your front porch into usable outdoor living space with a seating nook. Green Thumbs Up
Like our friend and designer Laurie March always says, plants are one of the easiest ways to change your décor. Your front landscaping can go a long way in freshening your façade.
Cut back overgrown plantings that block views of the front door, impede access to walkways, or cover up your windows.
Your walkway adds character and charm—so showcase it with a border of mulch and shrubs, flowers, or decorative grasses.
Placing containers of flowers near the front entry is an easy and inexpensive way to add a dose of eye-catching color. Vary the size and shape of containers to add interest. Check out our article on container gardening for some inspiration. Pro tip: don’t forget to consider the light levels—if you have a covered porch or front entry that is shielded from much of the daytime sun, be sure to choose flowers that do well in the shade.
For another budget-friendly front entry idea with a lower maintenance level, densely plant garden beds with a combination of perennials. Select varieties that have different bloom times and you can have color and visual interest throughout the growing season.
Nothing says the sidewalk has to be boring. This meandering pathway adds visual interest and guides the eye to the front door. Neatly trimmed grass and hedges accent the walkway--not obscure it. This homeowner uses container plants right at the door to echo the uniquely shaped hedges and bushes in the front yard. Low maintenance; high impact. Densely planted front perennial beds mean less weeding for you. Choose the right array of plants, and you will have blooms of color from spring to frost. Door Dash
It’s an investment—but one that can pay dividends. Probably the most surefire way to dramatically change the look of the front of your home is with a new front door. Make a bold statement with solid wood; let the view go both ways with an all-glass door; make it modern, rustic, or traditional by changing the detailing.
Open up your front entry with full-length windows called sidelights on one or both sides of your door. It makes your front door pop, and will bring additional light into your home, making your entry seem larger. Use grille styles to underscore your design style.
Swap out your traditional solid-panel door for all-glass in-swing doors, and flood your home with light. Add in custom grilles and make it truly unique to you! Designer, TV personality, and RbA ambassador John Colaneri did a brand new entry door and sidelight when he redid all of his windows. We think the whole place looks great, John, and were happy to help! For more on John's project, visit GetInspiredWithJohn.com 