Front Door Makeover Ideas

Hue

• A fresh coat of paint can give a door a whole new look. The endless paint colors available mean that you have a vast selection to choose from. Try a bold black, creamy beige, bright red, pale yellow or whatever strikes your fancy. You could paint a picture on the door, such as a flower, animal or musical instrument, or even a mural. Be sure the color or paint technique complements the home or building’s other exterior colors.

Switch

• If you have the budget, replacing the front door entirely is the most dramatic way to make it over. For maximum impact, select a door that looks nothing like the one it is replacing. If you had a plain door, swap it out for an ornate art deco one. Replace a windowless door with a new one that has a glass panel or two. If you had a boring metal door, try a six-paneled wooden Georgian door.

Artistry

• Get hands-on and try a craft technique to make over the door. Nail on brightly painted pieces of wood in a pattern. Create a mosaic by gluing on items that can stand up to the elements: beads, pennies, arrowheads or broken pieces of pottery or tile. If the door has glass panels, use a kit to frost the glass — the entire panel, or areas here and there. If the door is wooden, carve a design into it; if it’s metal, etch a design into it.

Accessories

• Replacing or improving elements of or areas around the front door is another good way to make it over. Hang a pretty wreath on the door; switch it out to celebrate every holiday. Install more modern, brighter front porch lights and hang a wind chime. Set matching topiaries on either side of the door or set a planter beside the door and fill with flowers. Install new door locks and handles and a fancy door knocker. Buy a nice-looking doormat and nail trend house numbers above the door.