Beautiful wrapping on a gift heightens the excitement of what’s inside. The same is true for your front door as it is the first point of entry to the interior of your home. Making a great first impression sets the tone for a positive visual experience outside and inside.
A fresh coat of paint or stain is one of the least expensive things you can do for the most impact. Here are a few things to consider when you are deciding what color or stain to use.
LOOK AT THE NATURAL AND STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS AROUND THE DOOR
This takes into account the landscaping, surrounding grounds and other houses nearby, the exterior color of the house, (siding, brick, wood) and features like fencing, walkways, lighting fixtures, etc. If your house is brick, for example, it’s good to use an earthy tone for the front door to coordinate with the natural colors of the brick. Some suggestions are gray, brown, taupe, deep earthy greens, blues and reds. Black is also a stunning color with brick.
If your house has colored siding or paint, it’s very important to tie the door color in with the existing colors. That doesn’t mean that you have to go with the same tones, though. You can paint the door an eye-catching accent color that will complement your existing color scheme. For example, a rich, red door gives a pop of color that makes everything else look spectacular.
HOW TO PAINT THE DOOR
Since the door will take a lot of wear from general use and weather, it’s best to use a paint designed to be used outdoors. Some paints can be used both indoors and outdoors and will say that on the label. Here are the steps to painting the door.
- Clean the door thoroughly
- remove hardware or tape over the hardware
- If the door is bare wood or has existing paint, apply a coat of primer to seal the surface.
- Use a good quality brush
- If the door has panels, do these sections first working from top to bottom. Start by painting the inside moldings then paint the interior areas using up and down brush strokes. Paint the rest of the door finishing with the outer edges.
- Before applying a second coat, wait the recommended time listed on the paint can.
TAKING CUES FROM FENG SHUI
This ancient practice is based on harmony created through the elements of fire, earth, water, metal and wood. Since the front door is considered the mouth of Chi or universal energy entering the house, there are some basic principles that will help you strike balance with your living spaces and the natural world. For more information, check out this article from thespruce.com https://www.thespruce.com/pick-your-perfect-front-door-color-1274393