I thought I was over dark front doors, but the unusual paint strategy on Elizabeth Taylor's '70s home changed my mind – it's so innovative but classic

I must confess, I have developed a case of black front door fatigue. Although I believe in the timeless power of the dark color, I've grown a bit bored of seeing it on the home of every celebrity I write about. Every celebrity, that is, except Elizabeth Taylor.

I uncovered an archival image of her terraced home in Hamstead Heath, London from 1973, showcasing the house Taylor purchased for herself (on the left), and the house she purchased for her son (on the right). Liz's front door is an enticing mix of dark and light front door colors. It features a deeply toned base, with bright white accents on the panelling.

Though the black and white of the photograph makes it difficult to tell the exact shade of paint on Elizabeth's home, it's easy to imagine that it is something like a black, navy, or deep green. Together with the linear bursts of white, it creates one of the most welcoming front doors I've ever seen.

Shop the Front Door Edit

So, what works so well about Elizabeth Taylor's front door idea? In addition to the contrast of colors, I love the contrasting lines of her home. The angular rectangles and squares of the white detail on her door are the perfect complement to the curved window above the door, and a difference from the circular window to the right.

Furthermore, the detail of the centered doorknob on the front door design makes the design feel grounded and classic. Though the unusual paint choice might feel a bit too avant-garde without a hint of tradition, the antique-style layout gives it an air of old-world luxury. The window above the door has this same effect.

Aside from the actual features on the door, the surrounding layout helps to make a classic design feel more interesting. For instance, an intricate gate welcomes visitors into the home, providing a double entryway in addition to the door. Evergreen trees in black plants positioned around the door provide an extra dose of texture, and another element to draw the eye in and create interest.

Though a black front door is a classic choice, there is no harm in adding some interest via a splash of another color. Elizabeth Taylor's 70s home is the perfect inspiration.