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kirsten_devlin

Front Door Dilemma

2 years ago

What should I do with this door to update it? The rest of the house is white trim and the stairs will be too. (Ignore the deadbolt, it will be black. We are mid project)

stain the door a darker color
replace the door
nothing
other- please comment your idea
paint the trim white only
paint the whole door white

Comments (18)

  • 2 years ago

    What doe it look like from the exterior? Why do you feel it needs updating? What color are the balance of the interior doors? What else are you planning to update?

  • 2 years ago

    What do you mean when you say the stairs will be white? Are you planning on painting the handrail and spindles white? I don't think all white will look good with the foyer floor. If you're planning on changing the staircase, please post a picture of it from the front door and a more thorough explanation of what your plans are. Doors are pretty expensive - does the look of it work for you on the exterior?

  • 2 years ago

    I would paint it all white OR a colour so it stands out, This will update it. A door can be different on the inside and the outside so if the door is in good shape why replace it? IMHO that is.

  • 2 years ago

    Thanks everyone. I’m at work right now and will send more pics later. I was going to do spindles white and change the handrail a deeper color. I’ll post more later.

  • 2 years ago

    Please provide a photo of the staircase side and the wall opposite the room on the left. It's important to take in the ENTIRE SPACE when asking a Design Dilemma so everything relates. I agree with kendrewspa that white door will clash with the ivory/black floors. You could paint spindles only, but again they should be ivory not white with your flooring. Best, easiest option, let it be.


    I voted Do Nothing. Why? The door and staircase already "talk" to each other and make a an elegant statement.


    Here's how to upgrade:


    --Take down fake plant thing and little picture. Add a great vertical mirror instead.


    --Change out rug to something larger--or get larger version of what you have. Here's one from Perigold. However, without seeing staircase, it's hard to know if this would work in case you have a runner on the staircase or plan to get one.





    You could do spinles but leave wood balusters, steps, etc. But they would have to be IVORY to echo your floor. IMO, leave the wood staircase.

    Custom Home Annapolis · More Info




  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    If you'd like to update your entry, I'd get a bigger rug and hang some nice art where the faux plants are hanging. Eye level and a lot bigger than the plants. (Which was mentioned right above me. I did not see it while I was composing my comment!)

  • 2 years ago

    How about painting it and the trim Black to relate to your floors.

    Governor's House · More Info


  • 2 years ago

    Paint black and complement when updating the staircase. Be sure to also update accessories, as it’s important to consider the entire foyer vs just the door.




  • 2 years ago

    Door is fine as is. The thing I would want to change is the floor. Definitely do change the floor mat.

  • 2 years ago

    Without more photos, from outside the front door, the right side of the space , and the staircase, i.e. ALL FOUR SIDES OF THE SPACE!!!!! this Design Dilemma is so frustrating. We only see two sides of the space. Basically, the OP is asking us to judge the space while wearing blinders. Would also like to know if flooring is tile. Time for Design Dilemma Boot Camp.

    https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6417709/unofficial-design-dilemma-boot-camp


  • 2 years ago

    Sorry, folks. I should have known better. Here are some more photos. I love so many of your ideas.

  • 2 years ago

    These are actually green, which makes it worse. Changing the floors wasn’t really in our budget right now, but I do agree it’s the biggest flaw.

  • 2 years ago

    The plan with the stairs is like many of the commenters. White spindles with dark and rail.

  • 2 years ago

    I do not love the outside either.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    To help with the exterior, remove kick plate, choose the same metal for handle/lock if possible, paint trim the same as door, so it’s not as broken up and consider a larger mat. Test different colors to see what complements the siding.


    Maybe just restain the interior door and staircase, given the busy floor. If you want more of a change, add a neutral stair runner that works with the floor. On another note to help, consider your accessories.






  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Thank you for the photos. Your foyer is very nice as is, honestly. Here are some affordable, low hassle things you can do to upgrade the space.

    --Look for a great round rug that complements the tile and the painting I suggest you move from stairwell to wall where mirror is all by its lonesome.

    --Check the overhead lightbulbs to make sure you have warm lighting, which will cut down the greenish tone you don't like (not showing up on my monitor.)

    --Remove your mirror where you have it and put it over your console.

    --Put biggest painting where the mirror was. Choose a rug with some of those colors that also looks great against the ivory/black floor tiles.

    --You could paint your spindles same color as the wall but leave all the rest of the wood trim since your door is great and the staircase will still echo that door.

    --Have a carpenter change your exterior door trim to match the wood door. You'll be much more satisfied. Inside and outside will connect.


  • 2 years ago

    Thank you so much for the ideas. Much appreciated!

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Paint at least the interior of the door black.