6 Easy Steps To Style Your Front Door Like a Pro
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Time to read 4 min
Have you always wondered how some homes have gorgeous front doors, with perfectly selected color and balance?
Is it time to take your front door look from basic to beautiful?
It's easy with these 6 simple steps borrowed from professional designers who know how to create a front door that stands out in any neighborhood!
Step #1: Use your front door to create contrast with the rest of your home.
Professional designers use this trick all of the time; update your front door color to a hue that contrasts with the overall color of your home. You’ll be amazed at the transformation.
Contrasting colors capture people’s eye and draw them in.
What does contrasting color mean? It's all about creating a striking color scheme using the color wheel. Start by finding a color close to your home's exterior on the wheel. Then, look for its complementary color directly opposite it.
I love getting color story inspiration from this free tool from Sessions College for Professional Design. Canva also has an easy to use color inspo tool.
Now let’s look at some classic door color choices:
Black & Charcoal
The rich saturation of black and charcoal colors creates a stunning contrast against light siding on a home.
It's the drama we are looking for.
It's a safe choice, too, because black and charcoal doors work on almost all architectural styles and designs. In fact, a recent study by Zillow found that houses with black front doors actually raised a home’s value.
Navy
Blue is one of the most popular colors for front doors, and navy blue especially adds sophistication. Finding the right navy, however, can be a bit difficult since the color changes too much in light.
Here are our top choices for a stunning navy front door:
A Pop of Red
If you have a deeply saturated home exterior, try to create some bright intensity with warm red tones.
A red door always catches people's attention. Check out our top red paint color recommendations for your front door:
Fresh Pastels
A wash of soft pastel at your front door creates a beautiful contrast with dark siding:
For the Adventurous
Feeling like going all the way? These trending front door colors are bold choices that tell the world you're not afraid to stand out!
Step #2: Create warm layers of lighting.
Beautiful lighting at your front door will not only boost your curb appeal, but also create a warm, inviting welcome to your guests.
The fastest way to achieve this is by mixing and matching task, ambient, and accent lighting to create a balanced effect.
Task lighting is well-placed ground lighting that illuminates your walkway and stairs.
Ambient lighting is your overall lighting and probably what you already have in place now - usually sconces or overhead lights. Avoid overly bright or harsh glares by using a low-wattage bulb.
Accent lights are usually spotlights that add drama and visual interest. Uplighting is the most common form of accent light and is used to highlight architectural details (like columns) as well as shrubs and trees.
You can also use accent lanterns, LED lighting, or even string lights to create a warm glow.
Step #3: Update your door handle, knocker and house numbers.
Door hardware may not be the first thing you notice, but a refresh of this often-overlooked style element can breathe new life into your home, creating a cohesive look.
Oversized characters is a growing trend, turning house numbers into artwork.
Step # 4: Tie it all together with the right outdoor doormat.
The first rule in choosing the best outdoor doormat is to find one that is weatherproof.
A soggy outdoor mat makes a terrible first impression (and it can harbor odors - a definite no-no!)
You want an outdoor doormat to last for years, not just a season.
Natural fiber or coir welcome mats that can break down in water are best used indoors.
Synthetic rope doormats, like our Lobster Rope Doormats, are designed to stay fresh and bright in all weather. That means swapping out natural fiber or coir mats and investing in one outdoor doormat that projects your impeccable style.
Outdoor Doormat Sizing
One of the most common front door sizes is 36”, although some can be as narrow as 30”. Choose an outdoor doormat that is close to the width of your door. Standard-size front door mats are 18" x 30" and 24" x 36".
Try Layering
A big trend today is to layer a textured doormat on top of a flat weave rug. This adds lots of dimension. Just be sure both are suitable for outdoor use.
Complement An Existing Color
You've already picked a front door color that is a striking contrast against your home. Now, go ahead and choose an outdoor mat that contrasts with your front door color to bring everything together.
Step #5: Create balance with planters.
Because it is so pleasing to the eye, designers use symmetry all of the time. At your front door, it's as simple as finding planters that work together.
Use The Power of 3
The simplest way to create symmetry is to find 2 identical planters, but if you want more interest at your front door, try mixing 3 different shaped planters at each side. A collection of 3 is also extremely pleasing to the eye.
Don't Get Caught Short
A good rule of thumb is to select planters that are at least 35-40% of the door’s height. This helps create vertical balance.
Double Down
If you already have gorgeous contrast from siding to trim, double down by matching your planters to the trim.
Have A Seat
Balance out a unique planter with a chair.
Step #6: Take advantage of vertical space.
While most people stop at planters and door wreaths, professional stagers create the extra wow factor by using all available vertical space.
Try ladders, climbing vines, welcome signs and garlands to achieve new heights.
Thank you for reading! I hope these steps have helped inspire you to create your own bold, beautiful front door.
When you get to step 4, head over to our Wicked Good Doormats to shop our colorful line of weatherproof nautical rope doormats. You're sure to find a Lobster Rope Doormat that works beautifully with your own pretty front door.
