Selecting a Front Door Color
It appears I’m in a bit of a painting frenzy. Not the artwork kind of painting, but the “what needs painting next” kind of painting. Paint is one of those home improvement items that is rather affordable, easy to use and makes a significant impact.
Since the front porch is looking a bit tired, I am pondering ways to make some affordable improvements. I do believe it is time to re-think the color of the front door. Red seems appropriate as it is the complement to the dark green house trim. But it is time for something different.
Selecting Colors with Web Technology
Sherwin Williams has a color technology section on their website which allows you to “paint” different colors into your own photo. I uploaded a picture of the front door and began experimenting with different colors. How cool is this! It is ColorSnap Visualizer for the web and you can do an interior room or the exterior of your home.
With an icon, you “paint” the area you are interested in. You can choose up to 8 colors from the color charts on their website and create “My Color Palette”.
At the bar on the bottom of the screen, you can see the colors I selected to try~~black, dark green (like the trim), cayenne, sage, and two shades of blue.
I have always loved a high gloss black door with beautiful brass hardware. You see many of these in London. However, when I tried it on this software, the front door almost looks like a big black hole. And would the black be too dark against the green?
What if I were to paint the door the same as the trim color?
Sage green almost always looks so beautiful on doors, but not so sure on mine. Sorry for the blurry photo as I was taking pictures of my computer screen with my phone.
Several years ago I did have a French Blue door. I loved it! I was into all things French back then. Not sure I want to repeat it?
Here is the ColorSnap Visualizer with a few different shades of blue.
What if I just need a different color red?
Since our home is historical, I am pre-disposed to doing a color that will be appropriate for the age. Or do I? Should I consider a stain?
My confidence level is fairly low on selecting colors, so I would appreciate ANY feedback on this. I know many of your have a great eye for these things.
Our local Sherwin Williams has curbside pick up during the quarantine so I may start painting a few color patches and see what happens.
Have a beautiful Tuesday!
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With the dark green trim and stucco color I like red. It just has to be the right red not too red.
The right red is important. This morning I was playing around with various shades from coral to pink…..I just need to pick a few colors and paint the door and then stand back and decide! Thanks for your comment!
Mary, what a fun post and amazing tool!! I love so many of the choices! I wish I could come over and help you decide. I’m thinking about my favorite! I’ll message you when I decide.
Ooh tough decision! I’m partial to black too, even though that particular tool maybe didn’t portray it in the best way. Good luck – can’t wait to see what you come up with! 😉
Hi Mary,
Love the red but it has to be the “right red.” But…we live in a warm climate and I like the relaxing feel of French Moire or Powder Blue. On your Christmas wreath, you could change the red balls and ribbon to gold or silver to blend with the green trim and the blue door.
You continue to amaze me with all your projects for your lovely home and surrounding property!!! I really enjoy reading your blog and my comments below are regarding past posts.
Love, love the purple iris and red tulip area in your yard and your well house took me back to my childhood milk house and well house.
A sewing tip…my sister and I used elastic cording from jackets and sweat pants in lieu of elastic for face masks. It was fun to match the cording colors with the fabrics!
When we built our home, I thought an open plan was the answer but as construction progressed, I needed two wall areas to separate the great room from the kitchen and dining room so I guess our home is semi-open and that works best for us.
Your blog and your home are very special and I thank you for all your effort and the time you take to share your information.
Louise, Thank you so much for the thoughtful and detailed comment. I would love to see a picture of your milk and well house sometime! I wish I thought about using elastic from other items as I waited nearly 3 weeks to get the roll of elastic for masks. Regarding the open plan, since I’ve seen your beautiful new home, it felt warm and private vs. an open warehouse. You still experience the beauty of all the windows and view, but I certainly didn’t feel “lost” or disoriented. You and Steve did such an incredible job on the design! Thank you for following me….means a great deal, my friend!
I love the white.
Thanks for weighing in. I’m going back to the website and try all these different colors!
What about a darker red, not a bright shade? I like the red with your green trim, but a toned down shade, (not too burgundy) would look really good. I love reading your renovation stories, nothing like a good before and after!
Getting the right shade is so important! I can’t wait to go back and try different ones! Thank you~~I agree, I love Before and Afters!
I say either try the white trim color or the color of the roof tiles or keep the red!
Janie, Since you are such a fine artist and know color, I always appreciate your opinion! It will be fun to put some different colors up!
Hi Mary,
As you know, mustard yellow is very “New England.” You might have to rethink Christmas decorations, though.
I almost wish I could paint the doors with the seasons! Pumpkin color for autumn, something pastel for Spring, etc. Mustard Yellow would certainly make a statement. I can’t wait to try all these different suggestions!
The red looks good, but I am partial to the blues, too, because that is the color of my door! Good luck on your decision!
Chloe,
Thank you! I know! I loved it when I had the French blue on it. I am now really re-thinking the color of the plants, etc. This porch update may take longer and be more involved than I planned!
Hi Mary – I’m so partial to your current red still! Maybe the real red new paint shown last. The nice thing about a door color is – repaint if you don’t like it!
Debbie,
So good to hear from you! Thank you for weighing in on the color. There are so many different shades of red, too. I was even wondering if I should strip it to it’s original mahogany wood and just varnish, but I can’t imagine that would last long in our heat. Looking forward to trying different colors!
What a delightful opportunity to think about the impact of color. The Clary Sage and Powder Blue both are open, welcoming colors, perfect for a front door.
Flo,
Thank you for your suggestions! I am going to try to put up some different colors and stand back and look. Being such a visual person, I think I will know the right color once it is applied. If not, I’m calling you over for a consultation!!!
What a neat tool that is. I like the Cayenne, it really pops, however I don’t think Christmas colors/decor would look good (i.e. wreath).
I would go with the Sage, it will match whatever you put on the door for all seasons and it’s a soothing color.
Karen,
Great points! Since I do put up a different wreath each season, I want a background color that will work with all of them….that’s the challenge. Would love a pumpkin color in autumn, a red at Christmas, pastel in the Spring and a fun juicy color for the summer. Why hasn’t someone invented door covers???? Thanks for your thoughts.
I once saw a simple one story house that did not have any architectural details. However, the front door made all the difference. The stucco part of the house was a light gray. They painted the front door bright orchid. All across the front of the house purple Lantana was in full glory. Such a pretty display. Together, the Lantana and the same color for the door made the ordinary house a show stopper! Paint does wonders. Linda
Linda,
You have really given me much to think about. I haven’t considered the plants and their colors around the door. I can visualize the house you described and it sounds lovely. I am excited to play with the ColorSnap technology to add more colors. Thank you so much for your comments!