How Halle Berry’s Choice of a Black Front Door Transforms Her White Home Into a Chic, Statement-Making Entrance That Always Inspires

The Catwoman star’s front door proves how a simple color choice can create a grand, design-forward statement at first glance

Halle Berry
(Image credit: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival)

We often concentrate on interior paint colors, but a frequently overlooked (yet vital) painted element of a home is the front door – something visitors see immediately. Not only can it enhance a property's market value, but it also offers a preview of the style choices inside.

Consider Halle Berry's decision to pair a black-painted door with her white home exterior – the contrast makes the Catwoman star's grand entryway feel even more chic due to the dark shade's sophistication against the home's stone walls.

Shop the black curb appeal edit

'Dark paint may seem intimidating, as it can create quite a moody feel in a space,' says Homes & Gardens' editor Jennifer Ebert.

'It's important to remember that black is still part of the neutral family and can be utilized accordingly, whether you want to elevate a space or make it feel cozy.' Regarding front door colors specifically, the advantages of black paint lie in its enduring appeal.

'Black pairs well with any color and texture, so it's a very safe bet in the sense that it will match your home's existing exterior, but it still possesses the bold quality that makes it pop,' Ebert states.

'Choosing a dramatic color like black, in turn, makes a front door a focal point for a home.' Suitable for both modern and traditional houses, black paint looks especially elegant with a glossy finish. 'Glossy paint gives the doorway a subtle shine, but due to its neutrality, it's not too overpowering,' Ebert explains.

'Alternatively, a matte finish is becoming an increasing favorite for a reason – they offer an excellent depth of color. More and more, matte blacks are also celebrated for their ability to cover imperfections in surface and application, making it a perfect choice for every kind of decorator, and every type of home.'

Black also complements exteriors beyond the door – Berry's black sconces (similar to these on Amazon) and overhead accents introduce high drama to offset the surrounding, lush greenery and stone steps, which look particularly striking as the seasons change, perhaps offering a warm welcome in the cooler fall or winter months, or contrasting beautifully against spring blooms or summer sunshine.

For color recommendations from us at Homes & Gardens, we highly suggest Backdrop's classic black Dark Arts. It's an eternal classic.


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.