Your Style Guide to Front Doors

Welcome to your comprehensive style guide to front doors. These essential elements not only secure your home but also set the tone for your property’s aesthetic appeal. In this guide, we’re covering all things front doors. From popular styles to colours, décor, and hardware, this guide will be your go-to for your next design project. We’ll even give you a few entryway suggestions that will suit your new front door. So, if you’re ready to make a gorgeous first impression and enhance your kerb appeal, let’s dive in.

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Image credit: @talm.beachhouse | Teresa from Muse Photography  

Choosing the Right Style for Your Front Door

First things first, choosing the right style for your front door will entirely depend on your architecture and interiors. Your front door is a part of the first impression of your home. Along with your cladding, roofing, windows, and gardens, it’s an introduction to your personal style. So, let’s get into some popular styles and how you can match your front door.

Image credit: @mulberry_manor | Villa Styling  

Image credit: @mulberry_manor | Villa Styling  

Modern Style Homes

Characterised by sleek lines, minimalistic designs, and often incorporating materials like glass and metal, modern homes are incredibly popular. Lucky for this style of home, a lot of front doors perfectly suit these facades and interiors. Whether you’re opting for large chic double doors in a fresh white or a sophisticated black door with plenty of windows, your modern front door works as a simple, yet interesting addition to your facade.

Image credit: @our.next.project | Villa Styling 

Image credit: @our.next.project | Villa Styling 

Coastal Style Homes

Coastal style homes are known for their weatherboard cladding, fresh palettes, and soft architectural features. But a coastal style front door is about so much more than it’s aesthetics or security, it’s about creating a breezy, light-hearted entrance. Think large timber pivot doors with horizontal details or soft, neutral-toned front doors that feel fresh and inviting. 

If you’re looking for more tips on how to create a coastal style home, we’ve put together a complete guide covering all the important elements.

Image credit: Hennessy Building Projects | Kristian Van Der Beek 

Contemporary Style Homes

Contemporary homes are often characterised by their striking architectural elements and strong features, setting them apart from modern style homes. Contemporary front doors often make a powerful statement and can consist of materials such as glass and timber. Contemporary front doors also are synonymous with the latest technology, but more on that later.

Image credit: Alison Lewis Interiors | BuildHer Collective | Dylan James   

Traditional Style Homes

If your home is a little more classic, such as a Victorian or Queenslander style, than a traditional style front door may best suit your facade. Think wood finishes, stained glass, and even ornate detailing can add to the charm and character of your home.

Discover 10 types of exterior wall cladding for your next design project.

Image credit: Heartly | Dylan James 

Image credit: Heartly | Dylan James 

The Impact of Colour on Your Front Door

The colour of your front door can really make or break your facade. But in saying this, the correct colour or tone of your front door is really down to just what suits your style best. However, the most popular colours currently include:

Image credit: Hemma Interiors | Nat Spada

Soft and Neutrally Coloured Front Doors: Soft hues like grey, sage, or off white can complement a wide range of exterior colours and styles, offering a timeless appeal.

Image credit: Studio Haus Co | Villa Styling 

Dark and Dramatic Coloured Front Doors: Black, dark grey, or deep blue doors suggest sophistication and can make a powerful statement, especially on modern and contemporary-style homes.

Image credit: @renovatingmates | Kristian Van Der Beek 

Bold and Bright Coloured Front Doors: A brightly coloured door, such as red, green or yellow, can add a vibrant and welcoming touch to your home. These doors are best suited to interior design and architectural styles such as Palm Springs and maximalism.

Discover why Palm Springs style will forever be iconic in the interior design industry,

When we sat down with James Hardie to discover Designer Tips for Creating Your Dream Facade, we got some incredible insight from designers, such as Maria Cerne from Studio Black Interiors. 

Maria says, "First impressions and kerb appeal are super important when thinking about the exterior building materials for your home. What your home looks like on the outside is often a reflection of what it’s like on the inside, so it’s really important to set the right tone. Mood boards are a great way to visually show how you want the exterior of your home to look.” 

And we couldn’t agree more! Create your dream front door and facade using our mood board tool.

Mood board created by Studio Black Interiors on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Front Door Décor: Personalising Your Entrance

Décor for your front door is the perfect way to personalise your entrance, making it feel welcoming. For your exterior front door, consider wreaths, statement door knockers, and even stylish house numbers. Planters on either side of your door can also add a warm touch of nature to your entrance. 

For your internal entryway, depending on your space you could add a hallway table with a mirror, a bench seat, or even more décor such as pots and vases. Don’t forget, these spaces are often one of the first things your visitors will see when entering your home, so it’s best not to clutter the space and take a functional design approach. 

Image credit: Lumière Collective | Nat Spada

Image credit: Lumière Collective | Nat Spada

Door Handle Ideas to Complete the Look

The right door handle not only serves a practical function but also complements the overall style of your door. We’ve put together a few of our favourite ideas below: 

Image credit: @smout_property | Brock Beazley Photography 

Modern and Contemporary Homes: Opt for sleek, stainless-steel handles or matte black finishes for a contemporary look.

Image credit: Kat Fola Design | Jack Gibson 

Coastal and Hamptons Styles: Brass, bronze or timber handles can add a touch of warmth and elegance, perfectly complementing these styles.

Image credit: Nat Spada

Traditional Homes: Antique or ornate handles in brass or copper finishes can enhance the classic look of traditional doors.

Additional Considerations for Your Front Door

Lighting and Accessories

Proper lighting can enhance the beauty and functionality of your front door area. Consider stylish sconce lighting or pendant lights to illuminate your entrance. Door mats and external furniture can also add to the overall welcoming atmosphere.

Image credit: HAAUS. | Villa Styling  

Security Features and Technology

While aesthetics is important, the security of your front door should not be overlooked. There are so many high-quality locks on the market, including innovative technology options such as keypad features and fingerprint recognition. 

Image credit: Blue Water Motel | Victoria Aguirre 

Image credit: Blue Water Motel | Victoria Aguirre 

Your front door is so much more than just an entryway; it’s an expression of your home and your personal style. So, whether you prefer the sleek lines of a modern design, the airy feel of a coastal entrance, the striking appeal of a contemporary home, or the classic addition of a traditional door, there’s a world of options to explore. By considering the style, colour, décor, and hardware of your front door, you can transform your entry into a welcoming space.

Mood board by @by_pana on Style Sourcebook. View mood board.

Mood board by liz.hore on Style Sourcebook. View mood board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best option for a front door?

The best option for your front door entirely depends on your home’s architectural style, your personal taste, and practical considerations such as security and maintenance. A solid wood front door is classic and offers natural beauty, an aluminium door can be durable, energy-efficient, and sophisticated, and glass doors provide light and aesthetic appeal. 

Ultimately, the best option balances both style and functionality to suit your specific needs.

How can I make my front door look nice?

To enhance the appearance of your front door, consider the following tips:

Paint: A fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the look of your door. Choose a colour that complements your home's exterior while expressing your architectural style.

Hardware: Update the door handle, knocker, and hinges to add character. Choose finishes that complement the door's colour and your home's aesthetic

Lighting: Install sconce lighting on either side of the door or a statement overhead light to illuminate the entrance.

Décor: Add seasonal wreaths, a stylish doormat, and potted plants or flowers to create a welcoming vibe.

House Numbers: Install new, easy-to-read house numbers that match the style of your door and home.

Should the front door be lighter or darker than the house?

Choosing between a front door that is either darker or lighter than your home’s exterior entirely depends on your desired visual outcome. A darker front door works to add a send of depth and elegance to your facade, making it a focal point. Whereas a lighter door can brighten the entrance and create a welcoming, open feel. 

To choose which works best, consider the overall colour scheme of your home, its architectural style, and your chosen aesthetic. Both options can work beautifully if they complement the overall look of your facade.

What to look for when buying a new front door?

When purchasing a new front door, there are a few things to consider:

Material: Evaluate the pros and cons of wood, aluminium, and steel doors in terms of durability, maintenance, and insulation.

Security: Look for doors with strong, secure locks and consider additional features like smart locks or reinforced frames.

Energy Efficiency: Check for doors with good insulation properties to help reduce energy costs. 

Style and Colour: Choose a door that complements the architectural style of your home and your personal aesthetic preferences.

Budget: Consider the cost of the door itself along with installation and any additional features like handles and lights.

What is the trend in front doors for 2024?

While trends can vary based on your location, in 2024, front door trends are leaning towards bold and personalised options that reflect homeowners' unique styles. This includes:

Bold Colors: Vibrant hues like deep blues, greens, and even pink are becoming popular for making a statement.

Natural Materials: There's a growing preference for natural wood finishes, particularly in sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

Smart Security: Incorporating smart locks and video doorbells for enhanced security and convenience.

Minimalist Designs: Simple, sleek designs with clean lines, especially in modern and contemporary homes.

Decorative Glass: Doors with decorative or stained glass panels add a touch of elegance and bring natural light into the entryway.