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Knock, Knock?

It goes without saying that first impressions are everything. I believe this is equally true of a home. When approaching a house with a ho-hum entry, all I can ever think is what a missed opportunity to wow visitors.
Grand doors may be expensive, and beautifully-staged landscape takes time to cultivate, but it takes little more than one's imagination and a fabulous paint color to create a memorable welcome via your front door.

In both of my previous neighborhoods, there were any number of homes with doors painted in colors that certainly reflected the owner's personality. Whenever I'd stalk walk by, I'd always wonder what the home's interior had to offer. Was it as interesting as the entry?

Don't you know the residents of this home are cheery and warm, perhaps willing to offer a stranger a cup of tea?

Or here, with this glossy black number, and the careful selection of hardware and potted plants. Surely this must be someone who dabbles in the creative world.
Justify FullShocking chartruese? Paired with indigo walls and kilim runner - they've definitely got me at Hello!
In case you doubt the power of a Red Door...
A painted door doesn't have to contrast to impress. This mossy-sage dutch door does a lovely job of becoming one with its surroundings.
Clearly, this owner understands the statement made by complementary colors. Deep violet against red brick, with lime green door decor. May I come in?
If you're in the market, it never hurts to have unbelievably gorgeous hardware, like Miles Redd.
I'm a pawn for all things hardware, and door knockers, kickplates, and house numbers are certainly no exception.
What does your front door say about you and your home? If it's an image you'd like to improve, I hope I've given you some food for thought - get thee to your paint store, and send before and after pics!

26 comments:

ms. less is always more said...

These are amazing pictures! We REALLY need to paint our exterior doors. But I am totally stumped - we have a newer construction home that doesn't have a ton of personality. The exterior is very "beige" - so what to do? I feel like I can't go too crazy with the color when the architecture (or lack of) doesn't support it. Thoughts?

my favorite and my best said...

LOVE the yellow door. i want one too. also i quite enjoy the idea of a deep jewel toned purple. and i have always been a fan of that chartreuse door against that dark wall and kilim rug. panting.
the first thing i am going to do when i buy my first house is paint the front door, as a sort of ceremonial rite of passage. have to find the house first then i will decide on color.

Karen@StrictlySimpleStyle said...

Our front door is painted black. Against our dark brick I think it is a very sophisticated look. I did overhear our builder say he thought it "reeked of Halloween", but I don't care, he doesn't live here.

Style Redux 2 said...

I did have fun with my brick garden shed door-I painted it in Farrow & Ball Chinese Blue and found a gorgeous antique dragon door knocker on eBay. Very Chinoiserie Chic!

Chic Coles (Cole Design) said...

My favorite type of front door is one that is painted in a lacquered paint. I like both colored doors and black and white. This is a great collection of front doors, thanks for sharing!

Morning T said...

Fabulous post Alison and you reminded me to follow up on the progress of having our front door repainted and the kick plate replaced. We are simple and stick with black, it matches our shutters and makes the red brick and white trim stand out.

marty39 said...

These doors are fabulous and mine certainly could use a little sprucing up. I so agree, it really catches the eye to have a color that shows your personality and says welcome. Hugs, Marty

JMW said...

Thank you for such beautiful photos! Right now, my front door says, "Work in progress." While our main door is traditional black featuring a stoneware plaque with fleu-de-lis and our family name, the storm door is broken. I'm desperately seeking a replacement that is in no way hum drum. Your post has been an inspiration indeed!

Sweet Nothings said...

i LOVE the idea of painting the door..how sweet would a dark navy almost black door look!

I wonder if i need to get that approved by the HOA?

Jocelyn said...

I LVOE the yellow door! And the rest too, but I can see my boring white door with a future of yellow! I will paint it this weekend in fact! Thank you you are too adorable~! I keep saying I am saving for a knotty alder wood door, but you have prmpted me to have a cheery welcoming door in the meantime. I will post a picture as soon as it is complete and totally credit YOU!

Minnie said...

What a great collection of images. I adore that bright and cheery yellow door in the first photo. sadly, i live in one of those communities where the color of your front door is regulated (homeowner's association) but these images are inspiration for other things i could do to make it personal and inviting.

sara said...

Hmmm....they are all beautiful, but I'm drawn to the first two. I would have never thought of glossy yellow for a front door, but that really works. All of these pictures reinforce the fact that my own front door desperately needs a facelift!

sarah @ realestatestyle said...

i love colored doors!

laurie @ bargain hunting said...

Oh yes, you've got me thinking! Thanks for the inspiration. laurie

LindsB said...

The Miles Redd door has got to be my favorite ever- love it!!

hmmm, I wonder how the landlord would take it if I just took a paint brush to my apartment door??

Yansy said...

I'm loving all of the doors but the yellow one is my favorite one. You don't get to see many yellow doors in Miami.

Under a Green Roof said...

that purple door is a.m.a.z.i.n.g. gah! love it!!!!

Tippyrich said...

love the red and VIOLET doors! very cool images. very! Remember, your front door is your home's lipstick. *kiss*

The Townhouselady said...

I always wanted a bright red one but apparently the means you've paid off your mortgage (and we haven't yet) and I don't think it would pop against our red brick.
The yellow door is my favorite! I've been trying to convince my husband to let me paint ours yellow but he hates the idea.

Averill said...

Our new front door has some nice ironwork, but I do wish the stain was a little darker/less red/less glossy. Ah well, always good to have a project. :)

I love the Miles Redd door. It's such a classic.

Katrina Chambers said...

I love the front doors. I pondered over my own for months. I now love them.... 2 of these in white (not red in the picture)

http://katrinachambers.blogspot.com/2009/01/door-has-been-decided.html

Any ideas as to what you think they say about me?? Haha!!

teaorwine said...

Love, love, love entrance detailing. I have featured on my blog collections of knockers, boot scrapers, garden ornamentation, and of course doors from historic areas on the east coast.

Best, teaorwine

teaorwine.blogspot.com

maureen @ The Inglenook Decor said...

these are adorable doors! love the fist one the best but all of them have so much character & personality!

maureen @ The Inglenook Decor said...

oh & in my previous home, i painted the door black & my brick white.took forever to do but i loved it, i have a pair of topiarie there, too.sigh! i miss it so much:(

maureen @ The Inglenook Decor said...

sorry, having problems with my buttons, i'm missing letters :)

paula said...

I just adore a pretty door.

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