Welcome Home! Creating street-side charm with a front door makeover
Welcome Home!
Creating street-side charm with a front door makeover
By Michelle Mahoney
If you consider yourself a “house enthusiast,” chances are you’ve strolled through your neighbourhood on a fresh spring evening, brimming with admiration and ideas about the homes and gardens you encounter. Perhaps you’ve even discreetly snapped a photo of a particularly appealing style or made a new friend over a conversation about an interesting paint shade or flower variety. While many houses boast unique and inspiring features, there are those that elevate curb appeal to an entirely new level. These homes don’t just catch your eye – they have a wow factor that leaves a lasting impression!
A pop of personality
Nothing says “Welcome to my home” like an appealing front door. Whether you want to keep up with the trends, express your individuality or simply maximize curb appeal, giving your front door a fresh coat of paint is a worthwhile investment. With so many possibilities, selecting a colour can seem daunting, but there are tried and true guidelines to help you find the perfect shade.
When picking a colour, remember that the front door is more than an accent; it’s a gateway into your home, setting the tone and offering guests a glimpse of what lies beyond. In some cases, a lively flamingo pink might be just the right choice, while other situations require something more refined, like a deep blue or stately espresso tone.
Think harmony
As you look at the options, your existing exterior colour palette shouldn’t be ignored. Although the goal is to make the door a focal point, try to find a harmonious combination that adds visual interest without clashing or overwhelming the facade. Consider the aesthetic of your neighbourhood, think of the colours in the homes and gardens in the area and how you want your house to blend into the setting.
Attention should also be given to the architectural style of your house. A Victorian home, with its ornate and eclectic details, might be calling out for a vibrant and playful front door colour, but a Colonial design might be more suited to a deeper, more sophisticated hue. In general, traditional homes look gorgeous with the classics: deep reds, navy blues or lush greens. These colours offer a timeless elegance that will complement many brick or stone exteriors beautifully. In contrast, a modern house in a bustling community will stand out with a bold colour such as bright yellow or refreshing teal, providing the impression of individuality among similar homes. Of course, if you have an inspiration that breaks the rules, go for it – after all, it’s only paint!
Tip: Always view exterior colours in direct sunlight. What looks bright or bold inside will often appear washed out when viewed outdoors.
Front Door Paint Colour Inspiration
Sherwin Williams
- SW 6460 Kale Green
- SW 7048 Urban Bronze
Benjamin Moore
- 2002-10 Vermillion
- HC-10 Stuart Gold
- 2092-60 Georgia Pink
Farrow and Ball
- No. 296 Rangwali
- No. 299 De Nimes
A lesson in psychology
Colour psychology is a useful tool when searching for just the right colour, helping you find a shade that offers a warm greeting to visitors and positively impacts your own mood every time you see it. For example, blue, said to be the most popular “favourite colour” worldwide, evokes feelings of trust, comfort and security, while red is more energetic, representing the spirit of passion and adventure. Greens offer a feeling of peace and calm, and purples are considered mysterious and artistic. Bright yellow, a colour known to cause discomfort and irritability with prolonged exposure, is an excellent choice for a front door. This cheery and welcoming pop of colour is sure to bring a sense of optimism and enthusiasm as you enter your home.
Time for a refresh
Along with good bones and a well-planned colour scheme, the look of your home can be enlivened with some simple tweaks. Update your hardware, including doorknobs, house numbers and the mailbox for an instant refresh that will brighten up a tired looking exterior. While black, bronze and gold tones are currently on trend, there are a wide range of options out there, and if you want to make things exciting, you can even mix and match! Introducing new lighting fixtures that incorporate the style and colours of the hardware will further enhance the updated look – and when it comes to outdoor lighting, bigger is better.
For maximum curb appeal, tidy up the landscaping by trimming overgrown areas and adding fresh mulch to your gardens. Intentional planting of greenery and flowers that highlight the style and colours of your home will take it to the next level, amplifying your efforts. Large containers on either side of the front door, planted with tall grasses and flowers, will draw attention to this focal point and create the illusion of a larger entrance. Don’t forget to add landscape lighting, including solar, to keep the welcoming ambiance going into the evening and showcase architectural features and pathways.
Pressure washing areas like the driveway, sidewalks and siding removes the dirt and build up that contributes to a dull appearance, instantly rejuvenating the look of your home. To boost that well maintained image, clean and repair gutters and downspouts, touch up faded or peeling paint and wash your windows to add a subtle sparkle. Installing matching curtains or blinds on the front facing windows is also ideal to create a uniform look from the street.
Delight in the details
Finally, add extras like a complementary front door mat, chair cushions and colourful planters for that personal touch to bring together all of your other efforts. With a little research and a touch of your own unique taste and experience, you can create awe-inspiring curb appeal and make your property the talk of the neighbourhood!
