The Sunday Mail
READY for a front door refresh but not sure where to start? Look to these expert colour tips and discover the perfect hue for your home. The front entry should serve as a welcoming beacon to greet guests. Follow these dos and don’ts for choosing the perfect front door colour.
Do: stick with the classics
Use a neutral hue such as brown, black or grey for a look that will withstand the test of time. Even deep reds and navy blues are classic front door colors that act as neutrals. If your style changes or you alter your home’s exterior later, neutral hues will adapt with you. Another neutral option is to stain your door instead of painting it. A wood stain will emphasise the door’s natural material or grain pattern.
Don’t: be afraid of colour
Some people are nervous about using bright colours in their decor, but a door is a smaller commitment than painting an entire house or room.
Why not experiment? If you have a hue that really speaks to you, try it out! A splash of orange, yellow or lime green makes a bold statement on your front door. If brights are too daunting, try a dark version of a colour, such as burgundy, forest green or eggplant.
Do: purchase the
right paint
Since your door will be exposed to outside elements, it is essential to use the proper paint to prevent peeling and fading later. Latex exterior paints provide weather-resistant coverage. If your door is metal, look for one with built-in rust protection. No matter what you choose, you will need to go over the door with an exterior primer first. Door-friendly exterior paints are available in a variety of finishes, including matte, semi-gloss and glossy.
Don’t: neglect your screen door
If your front door features a storm door or screen door, you can paint its frame a contrasting hue for a second punch of colour. This charming cottage home uses cool-tone pastels to its advantage. The cheery pale blue of the screen door gets a repeat appearance on the window frames and as a step riser accent.
Do: speak to your home’s style
Your home’s overall style can help you pick out a front door colour. A bold, unusual hue like the lime green on this home is a nod to its modern exterior. Do not be afraid to break the rules though. Using an unexpected colour can add personality and liven up a traditional facade.
Do: consider your surroundings
If you are stumped on a colour for your front door, look to your home’s natural surroundings for inspiration. Greens, blues, browns and other tones that appear together in nature will also work well on your house.
Using natural colours has the added bonus of making your home look like it belongs in the landscape.
Don’t: pick a paint colour indoors
To fully understand how a paint colour will look, you need to see it in its planned environment. Colours can look very different in different lighting conditions. Tape paint swatches to an exterior door and observe the colour throughout the day. If you want to get an even better idea of how it will look, paint a small swatch directly on the door.
Do: make it monochrome
If you have a small house, this trick is for you. Visually expand your home by painting the door, trim, window frames and exterior the same colour. A monochromatic colour scheme also provides a neutral backdrop for accessories to shine, such as the planters and sconces around this farmhouse front door. Use colour to highlight other architectural details, too. Here, columns painted in a darker shade frame the front door.
Don’t: ignore the trim
Your front door trim is also a candidate for painting. White is classic, but another option is to make the door pop with contrasting trim. Rich brown tones, for example, can warm up a cool-coloured door. — bhg.com
