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cindinfocus

vote for front door please!

13 years ago
My ranch house has a displeasing door. I'd like to see if you like some options. It opens to a 7x18 foyer with no light so I'd like a door with glass, but not the fancy cut glass doors available new. I am posting 4 options. Option #1 is paint the existing door. #2 is the black door...it could be painted also. #3 is the brown wood with the fancy carving. #4 is the 8 light door from Lowes. I have doors 1-3 so I don't have to spend $800! A big plus since we have so many other things to do. I sm also posting a picture of the front of the house!

Comments (51)

  • 13 years ago
    Oops the other two doors didn't load up. Here they are.
  • 13 years ago
    Hi - I had two front doors with sidelights that had yellow bottle glass. I found a local place that cut the glass out and replaced the entire panel with leaded glass. There isn't too much of a selection on what kind of glass I could pick because I needed it to be clear and opaque. I would recommend you googling local places in your area. Try glass door inserts, stain glass replacement, etc. In essence they buy 'kits' and assemble them and place them into your door. I had so many project to do and my doors were in good shape, they were just dated. I found the cost to be reasonable and I love my entry now! I have attached a photo of my old doors and now my new ones.
    cindinfocus thanked cathyjoco
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I like the 4th door for your house, (but I do like the "fancy" door.) I guess that would be the black door by your description?
    cindinfocus thanked handymam
  • 13 years ago
    HI -- Your house looks like a mid century style ranch , so have a look at --- Crestviewdoors.com
    cindinfocus thanked lefty47
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Handy mam! The black door has a big beaded edge around the window that I like. I'm confused about which door you like. The black or the brown fancy carved door. Either one could be painted any color. I'm thinking about painting the shutters too, I just don't like the black, I'm not that formal. If you click on the small pictures you can see the whole doors. Thank you all for your opinions and help!
  • 13 years ago
    Lefty47, the house was built in 1975, it doesn't speak any style to me! I've seen a few done ultramodern which is beautiful but out of my budget. I lean toward shaker style stuff. This house won't go barnstormin country, but it won't go modern either.
  • 13 years ago
    Sorry to be so confusing! I like the black door! It is neither modern nor plain. It is a nice compromise.
    cindinfocus thanked handymam
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I think the black door would look the best, the 4th picture.
    cindinfocus thanked Kiss Painting
  • 13 years ago
    I'm liking it handymam! Thank you! So that's two for the black door so far...and two " other".
  • 13 years ago
    I like your current door. I would just paint it all white or all black. It looks more secure than some of the selections posted.
    cindinfocus thanked User
  • 13 years ago
    Does anyone have suggestions on what to put in the glass area? Should it be double panes. Should it be etched? Should it be safety glass or is there anything that's hard to break into?
  • 13 years ago
    How about reeded glass.
  • 13 years ago
    Is it a high crime area? If not, you could use a frosted glass if you want some privacy, and it would still let light in.
  • 13 years ago
    You could also etch half inch or so the entire glass except for a strip in from the edge and you could use it to peek out.
    cindinfocus thanked handymam
  • 13 years ago
    It is in a very small farming community, low crime area. Margo, is reeded glass the vertical texture I've seen? I think that could be cool. Or what about frosting the center and leaving a 1 inch "bevel" of clear glass around the edge?
  • 13 years ago
    Handymam you read my mind!
  • 13 years ago
    I like the beaded door as well, now that I've seen it.
    cindinfocus thanked houssaon
  • 13 years ago
    Great minds...
    cindinfocus thanked handymam
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    cindinfocus- reeded glass is ribbed glass. I was trying to take this country style door and give it some edge. Reeded glass, paint the door steel gray and brushed nickel hardware would give it a more updated look without breaking the bank ;)
    cindinfocus thanked User
  • 13 years ago
    I think your door should be a color that you love.
    cindinfocus thanked handymam
  • 13 years ago
    Cathyjoco, your doors are beautiful! Totally out of my budget, though, and I will be going for something simpler. Thanks!
  • 13 years ago
    Wow! Margo, you are speaking my language!
  • 13 years ago
    The area rug that will be inside is a blue/grey with camel, rust and navy oriental. The steel grey could lean towards the blue?
  • 13 years ago
    That would look great! Now get that door painted, put on and show us pics when you are done, lol.
    cindinfocus thanked handymam
  • 13 years ago
    When you are all done with the door, we can talk about the shutters, the wood post in front of the door, the light fixture above the door, and taking out those hedges. A lot can be done without spending a lot of $ :)
    cindinfocus thanked User
  • 13 years ago
    We are closing tomorrow! Want to do the door first thing! We'll have to change the door frame as to how the door opens.
  • 13 years ago
    Margo, would you paint or remove the shutters completely?
    cindinfocus thanked handymam
  • 13 years ago
    Best wishes to you cindinfocus! A new house is an exciting time!
    cindinfocus thanked handymam
  • 13 years ago
    Handymam- the trouble I find with recommending removing the shutters is that people are afraid of doing it. When you buy a house with shutters or love shutters it is a battle to convince someone, especially with strangers on the internet. To answer your question, I would remove them :) Now let's see what cindinfocus has in mind. How about you?
  • 13 years ago
    Gotta go get the certified check, I'll check in later. Thank you all so much, I am stoked and excited now.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Ok I am leaving now! Had to take a picture of the 6x8 foyer rug...this is just 1/2 of it.
  • 13 years ago
    I agree with you that people are reluctant. I think if an updated look is desired, they should be removed. If a traditional look, then keep them. But there are situations where they just really don't belong, and never belonged, lol. This house could go either way, keeping or not as it could be a good look either way.
  • 13 years ago
    Okay I know you are more worried about the aesthetics, but security (Handymam's comment) and energy efficiency are always my two main concerns about doors. So I would buy a new contemporary looking door. But to answer your question - I don't like any of the replacement choices, so I'd paint your current door and replace the glass panels with leaded glass.
    cindinfocus thanked Catherine
  • 13 years ago
    JackiM- I live in an almost identical house! All the trim, shutters and front door were painted white when we bought it. I hated it. First thing I did was paint the shutters a blue gray and the trim on the door (like yours). Then we started on the interior. Finally, after 4 years, I looked again at the outside. We had to replace the roof, vinyl siding below the roof, gutters and downspouts after a severe hail storm. We decided to replace all the windows at the same time. The old ones were drafty and the thermo pane glass had leaks, so they looked cloudy all the time. UGH! The trim remains white to compliment the new window frames and the garage door. I chose a cream colored vinyl siding, painted the shutters a warm cream and did a deep camel on the door, eliminating the contrasting trim. Our door has two side light windows for light into the foyer.Some day we will replace the door but for now this works. We just bought a winter vacation home in FL, so I'm turning my decorating sense to that. Love the challenge! Good luck. By the way, I like the black door or the carved door. Both have interesting texture. Either can be painted in a pop of color!
    cindinfocus thanked jackim7
  • 13 years ago
    The black door is timeless. Works with the house updates with out look modern or dated
    cindinfocus thanked Sheila
  • 13 years ago
    I hate to say it but any one ofthe choices would be better than the door you have...:( The black door has lots of character but the 8 light would add what appears to be some much need light in the entry hall.......good luck!
    cindinfocus thanked sullenbj
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks all! I took some pictures of a neighborhood in my "old" city. Some interesting colors...
  • 13 years ago
    I'd pick the black door style, but paint it red, which allows some pop of color on the otherwise plain palette of color of the home. I'd also cover the glass pane with a frosted film that is an easy DIY project. Just peel and stick and can be purchased at Lowes or Home Depot. I did it on my patio door and allowed a one inch reveal along the outer edges, which adds a modern touch along with privacy and would look good on your door also. Add updated hardware and your good to go.
    cindinfocus thanked interiorgirl
  • 13 years ago
    Love the what looks to be a celery green. Makes the house look current. Stay away from dark colors - no pizzaz. Follow current color trends and add some much needed color to your landscaping and your house will look great for a minimal cost...........pick a door color that you are drawn to and you will love it........
    cindinfocus thanked sullenbj
  • 13 years ago
    First, I would paint the existing and seek out a glass substitute. But I really like the black door the best. I like the black but would agree that a bolt of color would be cool. Flanked with potted plants or trees in black pots would complete the welcome.?
    cindinfocus thanked sstgermaine
  • 13 years ago
    I like the last door. The older one that comes of gray in the picture. The panels and the window area are perfect for that house!!
    cindinfocus thanked mtoilar
  • 13 years ago
    Also, updating the brass knob with and adding side shutters could make a big difference with your existing door.
    cindinfocus thanked sstgermaine
  • 13 years ago
    I would pick the black door. Then paint it either white or red. White for a clean, traditional look and red because it would add some pop. I would keep the shutters black so they help show off the nice brick. Very classic. If you want to soften the "formal" look, then use the landscape - via in-ground plants or potted plants at the entrance. They can easily change the look and feel of your home. regarding the door, I would suggest replacing the clear glass with some form of screening glass - you get the light but a visitor doesn't see you walking around in your PJs. Here is a website that I used when looking for glass for our kitchen cabinets. You can order some samples and try them out then either order directly from the company or see if you can get your local glass supplier to find something similar. www.bendheimcabinetglass.com I won't say they are the cheapest but they have a pretty broad selection and will cut to your exact size. Good luck!
    cindinfocus thanked monjav (Northern VA)
  • 13 years ago
    Thank you monjav! I will check out this glass company! Great ideas everyone. I'm taking some color swatches with me today to hang in the door way so I can get an idea...what to paint.
  • 13 years ago
    I like the black door but paint it red as monjav here suggested. You can also accessorize, perhaps a unique door knocker and address plaque to go with your new door.
  • 13 years ago
    Weathervanes, I like the door treatments, I have used the plaque at our other farm and love it! (Different style). I am thinking of flanking the door with two short benches facing each other. Simple unpainted 4' church benches with open backs. I also have a variety of potted planters in a rustic rounded mottled chinese green.
  • 13 years ago
    Wow. That company has a HUGE assortment of glass!
  • 13 years ago
    I like your idea of using potted planters but i'm partial to copper planters at my home. :)
    cindinfocus thanked weathervanes
  • 13 years ago
    Do you need armed guards? ;)