The Front Door Welcome

Welcome! That is exactly the word and feeling your front door should emanate, it should give a hug to everyone as they approach your home. Whether you invite this guest “in” or just visit on the door step, it should feel warm, good, and represent you and your home.

Red front doors just might be my favorite, and it may be because of this photo that I love so much of Byron and Cooper on our front steps on Farm Road. Don’t they just look regal in front of that rich red door?

The bottom line is that front doors are the that first impression of our home. They are what welcome guests into your home for holidays, they are what delivery drivers see, they are what your neighbors walk past, and talk about curb appeal - they are THE THING for upping your home’s curb appeal. Whenever we travel to different cities I often find myself walking through neighborhoods and noticing the front doors whether it’s the grand antebellum estates of Charleston, SC or the colorful row houses in London. Front doors are a nod to history, architectural design, and the uniqueness of place.

So, how do you want your home to be seen? Are you traditional? Whimsical? A minimalist? A maximalist? Modern?

The black front door may seem less exciting but don’t forget sometimes a classic and beautiful black door is just the touch you need. But the best tip - HIGH Gloss. A glossy door is easier to keep clean and looks fresh, never worn. So whatever you color you choose, you know I root for GLOSS!

When choosing your color, think about your shutters. I am not a proponent of matching your door to your shutters! Shutters should be black, preferably wood and allow the front door to be the focus.

Hardware choices are important as well - your door handle, your knocker, your lighting. Choosing between brass, black, brushed nickel, or chrome - it depends on your preference, paint color and overall look. We all love the security and ease of the wifi enabled Ring doorbells but please don’t forgo the knocker, it is a lovely piece of jewelry for your door and another place to share your personality!

So when you are ready to add this punch of personality … here are my favorites!!