8 Ways To Transform Your Front Door

Your front door isn't only the main portal to your home. It's also responsible for your visitors' first impressions. It creates a sense of anticipation and sets the mood for the rest of your home. In other words, your front door is a key element of curb appeal. If you’re ready to update your entryway, here are a few ideas for a front door transformation.

1. Replace Old Hardware

Hardware, such as door knockers, mail slots, kickplates, handles, knobs, and house numbers, could easily get refreshed. Replacing them with new ones is an inexpensive, quick, and satisfying fix. Whether they're outdated, tarnished, rusty, or just not the right style, it may be time to consider a change. In just a few hours, you can completely transform your front door's looks with nickel baubles, rubbed bronze, or new brass.

2. Add a Pop of Bold, Bright Color

Wondering how to upgrade your front door without spending much money? Painting your front door with a new color can make a big impact. While you can certainly take cues from the exterior color palette of your home, many homeowners prefer to go bold with their color choice by choosing a swatch that's bright and eye-catching. This has long been a front door design trend as it gives you a chance to add some style that reflects your personality.

3. Update the Trim

Paint isn't the only way to add a flourish to your front door. Consider installing trim to update your front entry with architectural detail. This curb appeal project works especially well with flat doors. You can add basic picture molding or plywood paneling for a DIY paneled makeover.

4. Install Lighting

Front door lighting isn't only important for safety's sake but also for curb appeal. If your front door has an overhead bulb or single sconce, you can flank the door with matching sconces. This will improve your entry's look, and the extra illumination will provide additional front door security and safety. Consider choosing from thousands of wall-mounted fixtures, or if your house has a covered porch, you can replace your overhead light with a flush-mounted fixture or a pendant light.

5. Style Your Front Door With Decors

You can style your front door with decors, such as wreaths, mats, and signs. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Use the space and steps on your front porch to decorate around the door. Make sure your decors don't create clutter or cover up your entry door. Decorating from the bottom up can draw the eyes up toward your lovely front door and create a welcoming walkway for guests.

Be sure to choose front porch decors that accentuate your entry door color. Pick out cushions, furniture, or pots that are in the same shade or complementary colors. For lettering, signs, wreaths, and even mats, choose contrasting colors. Decors in hues too close to your front door color will get lost. It may even make your front door look messy from a distance.

6. Create a Cozy Seating Area

Consider adding a place to sit and read or chat with neighbors to create a warm, inviting feel for your front door. You can add a front porch swing or a bench with pillows if you have room. If not, you can add a colorful garden stool or a few chairs that invite guests to sit and relax.

7. Add Beautiful Plants

Adding flowers, shrubs, and other kinds of greenery can be a great way to add liveliness to your porch. Consider adding topiaries on either side of your front door, including flower pots on the steps leading up to your front door, or hanging planter boxes with ferns, herbs, or flowers. You can also incorporate plants that look great during the whole year or switch flowers seasonally, such as adding poinsettias into your décor for the Christmas season or lilies in your porch design in spring.

8. Get a New Door

If your front door is beyond repair or you just can't stand its look any longer, getting a new door may be your best bet. Choose a door that's not only durable and sturdy but also protects your loved ones from intruders and looks good at the same time. Aluminum, steel, fiberglass, and wood are the main material options for exterior doors. Beyond that, you can choose from a range of styles and other options, such as sidelights, glass inserts, and storm or screen doors.