Fresh Start: Paint the Front Door
Go for it! Add instant curb appeal with a great coat of orange, blue, red, yellow, green, purple or black on the door
Are you bored with your exterior but don't have any budget for a remodel? Take a step back, stare at the front of your home, and consider a new color for the front door. Whether it's a new bold color you've always loved or a fresh coat of crisp black, a new door color can have a powerful impact on your home's facade. Such a move can make your home "new to you" for the cost of a can of paint. Here's a look at some colors to consider. Imagine them on your own home. Which one would you choose?
Orange: With Pantone naming Tangerine Tango the color of the year for 2012, it's never been a better time to think about a cheerful orange citrus shade. Consider adding a matching item, like the picnic table in this picture, by painting a rocking chair or your terracotta pots to match.
This more soothing orange hue looks beautiful inside and out.
Blue: Consider also transforming your entryway by painting the interior side of the door, too. This shade adds energy to this hallway.
A robin's-egg hue brings attention to this beautiful Craftsman-style door.
A deeper indigo adds to the cottage charm of this house, and keeps the door from visually receding beneath the overhang.
Red: A bold red door is a welcoming and fun choice for traditional home styles.
A red door lets visitors know they are in for a treat when they step inside this home.
Like orange, red also works well with contemporary and modern homes. Note how the oversized handle plate creates an interesting composition on the door itself.
This arched Dutch door with 9 panes is one of the most charming I've seen, and its glossy red paint job is like a fresh coat of lipstick for this home's face.
A golden shade of yellow works very well with traditional architecture. Even the strictest of preservation boards in New England will probably give thumbs up to a colonial golden yellow hue.
Green: This townhouse's lime door makes it a standout that will make it easy for your guests to find.
The color on the interior enlivens this spare and beautiful entryway. When you don't have much room for furniture or accessories in a tight foyer, a painted door can make a big statement that doesn't take up any space at all.
A softer shade of green can add to coastal appeal to a shingle-style home.
Purple: Make your neighborhood a little more eclectic with a Prince-ly purple door. Just make sure that pesky homeowners' association will allow it.
Black: Glossy black lets everyone know that this is not your average beach house. It accentuates all of the trim in an unexpected away, right down to the studded black doors.
See the rest of this home
See the rest of this home
Black provides crisp punctuation inside as well, drawing attention to the details of these unique doors and tying it to the banister.
Tell us: Are you thinking about updating your door? Scroll down to the Comments section and tell us what color you'd pick — or post a photo of your own beloved front door!
More: 7 Ways to Make the Front Entry Matter Again
Curb Appeal: The Front Door
How to Choose an Exterior Door
More front-door photos
Tell us: Are you thinking about updating your door? Scroll down to the Comments section and tell us what color you'd pick — or post a photo of your own beloved front door!
More: 7 Ways to Make the Front Entry Matter Again
Curb Appeal: The Front Door
How to Choose an Exterior Door
More front-door photos