White Exterior Door Design

They say "it's what's on the inside that counts", but as any opener of gifts will tell you, proper packaging never hurts. The same holds true for exterior doors. Not only are they a guest's first impression of your home, but they help set the tone for what lies beyond.

So it pays to put some time and thought into matching your exterior doors with your interior motif, whether that be bold and brash or subtle and sublime.

For those who favor a traditional, elegant look, the options abound.

Go for the Green

At first glance, green and "elegant" may seem like a mismatch for exterior doors. But dig a bit deeper and they could make the perfect couple.

On a traditional white house trimmed in black, avocado green that's slightly lighter than the adjacent shrubs and bushes can strike a delicate balance: Catching the eye without making it roll.

Often times, your own success may have sprung from mastering the fundamentals and then knowing when to stray from them, and exterior doors are no different. Pair a "safe" background with slightly daring exterior doors, choose the right shade and you'll have it made.

Belt out the Blues

When it comes to hatching a novel approach to exterior doors, it's hard to beat robin's-egg blue. It's different enough to make you stand out but sufficiently muted to leave you sitting pretty. By adding traditional elements such as sidelights and columns, you still blend nicely with the neighbors while making your own statement: "We're proud and confident, but still approachable".

So now that you recognize the power and potential of robin's-egg blue exterior doors, what are you waiting for? Get cracking.

Try Red Instead

Okay, it's less subtle than light green or blue, yet sometimes bold is better in choosing your exterior doors. Red conveys power and energy like few other colors can, but like a thoroughbred racehorse; the key is how you harness it. Use too much, or an overbearing shade, and you'll move from attracting to repelling before you can say "what were we thinking?"

Instead, surround it with off-white accents and trim and a sophisticated red brick exterior. Before you know it, you'll be the talk of the block and make "seeing red" a good thing.

Go Big AND Go Home

Sometimes, we get so caught up in choosing colors and styles and accents that we forget about the equally important element of size. A large house with comparably small exterior doors is like the bodybuilder with pencil-thin legs: More laughable than laudable (just don't do it to his face).

So be sure to complement a grandiose home with exterior doors that really do it justice, perhaps incorporating sidelights and a semicircle window above to enhance the effect. And if you feel the need to justify your choice of a massive mansion and daunting doors, the simplest explanation is often the best one: Because you can.

Ready for Recess

Sure, you can achieve a majestic look with bold colors or big elements, but if you prefer a more subtle approach to exterior doors, understated is highly underrated. In addition to offering shelter from the elements, a recessed entry can guard your reputation for quiet dignity. You can still shine a light on the area with generous sidelights and windows, while matching gray paint on the door and nearby bench complete the look.

It's the perfect way to grab attention while making it seem effortless. And really, isn't that what subtle is all about?

Choosing the colour of your exterior door can be very daunting. There are many theories out there that suggest one colour to another and many things to consider when making your choice. So, how do you choose the right colour for your exterior door? Here are some tips to help you in your decision making:

The front of your house, is the first thing people see. Your exterior door is a reflection of you. It is the "opening" of your home, the place where people enter your home.