More and more people are using their front door as a statement piece. A pop of colour can do wonders to make your house stand out from the rest of the neighbourhood. However, one should know when to pull back and go for a neutral.

Changing up the front door is an excellent way to add curb appeal—even if your entrance isn’t visible from the road. Picking a colour and style that makes you happy is all that matters. If the front door is where guests will enter, then it is a great first impression to your home and sets the tone for the rest of the house.

There are many things to consider when choosing a colour for your front door:

1. What is the style or theme of your home? 

2. What is the colour of your house and its trim?

3. Does it have architectural details like stonework or post-and-beams? 

4. Is your door a solid slab or does it come with windows, a doggie door, or decorative elements like knockers, peepholes, and sconces? 

5. How will your door look during different times of day? 

6. Does your porch light set the mood or is the lighting more of an afterthought? 

Maybe you can’t change the colour of your front door. Whether it's due to a picky Home Owner’s Association or the fact that you’re only renting the home, you may be able to get away with painting the interior of your front door. The colour doesn’t have to be the same on both sides. 

Black

For 2022, Homes and Garden named black as the most popular front door colour. Black goes with nearly every style: it pops on modern houses, accents traditional homes, and with the influx of farmhouse design, black doors deal a tremendous impact. One thing to remember about black doors is that while they require less cleaning, they will still fade from the sun and other external factors.

A black door is especially effective for double doors or doors with large integrated windows. The windows (i.e. glazing) act as the focal point and the black perfectly complements it as a frame.

White

Along with black, white has always been a classic choice. It will need to be touched up as time goes on, but it is the perfect canvas for your home.  A new coat of fresh paint can do wonders to refresh your entry.

Based on the rest of your home, a white door can either bring a nice contrast or act as a quiet backdrop so other elements may step forward. If you have a penchant for lots of plants and flowers, or your porch is already adequately decorated, a white door may be best as a background piece.

Go Natural

Maybe all you need is a new stain to revamp your entryway. While steel doors can’t be stained to look like wood, you can stain wood and fiberglass doors easily. Natural wood doors are timeless and perfect for rustic and traditional styles. Depending on your door’s style, it can be the perfect choice for modern and contemporary doors as well.

Colour Pop

Find the right amount of contrast. Keep undertones in mind; what is the colour of your siding, roof, the landscaping around the porch. Complementary colours, such as red and green, can be a straightforward jumping-off point to finding the best colour for your front door.

To make a lasting impression, an impactful colour is an easy way to add personality to your home. When done well, it can accent your house’s character without looking gaudy.

Feng Shui

Overwhelmed by choices? Let the direction of your door choose for you! The colour of your door and the direction it faces determines what energy gets channeled into your home.

• A North facing door is best painted blue or white;

• West and Northwest should be white or brown;

• Southwest can be brown or red;

• South is red or green; 

• Southeast and East are best in green and blue

Jamie’s Choice

You don’t need to go with a wild colour to make your door radiate good design. Muted colours can enhance your door against the typical house colours, such as white or black. A stone house already has textural elements going for it and may do better with a smoother, modern door to procure a nice contrast.

Matching the colour or the undertone of the millwork or window trim can bring a sense of cohesion to your front entrance.

p.s. Don’t Neglect the Design

A door is so much more than a slab of wood. Think of the hardware, the windows (if there are any), and if your door has any unique lines or panels. A door can be completely transformed just by changing the handle.

For the Marvel Street Project, Jamie personally designed the front door. While painted matte black, its geometric 3-dimensional pattern stands out as a focal point both outside and in the entryway.