Halle Berry's front door color makes a moody contrast that elegantly elevates her home from the outside

We so often focus on paint color choices for interiors, but an at-times neglected (yet crucial) painted feature of a home is none other than an aspect we see at first glance: the front door. Not only can it boost a home's market value, but it can also be a good indication of what style choices are to come inside.

Take Halle Berry's choice to pair a black-painted door with her white home exterior: the contrast makes the Catwoman star's grand entryway feel even more chic thanks to the sophistication of the dark shade alongside the home's stone walls.

A classic for a reason, dark paint is bold yet versatile, seamlessly fitting into a variety of interior trends, from organic modern to quiet luxury. Adding it to a door ensures that visitors know the home they are visiting is stylish and trend-forward. 

'Black 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.'

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is Deputy Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens online. Before starting this position, she had completed various courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer. When the opportunity to work on such a prestigious, influential brand came up, Jen says just couldn't pass up on the offer. 

When it comes to front door colors specifically, the benefits of black paint are seen in its timeless 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.'

A fit in modern and traditional homes alike, black paint looks particularly elegant in 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 looks great on exteriors beyond the door – Berry's black sconces and overhead accents add some high-drama to complement the surrounding, lush greenery and stone steps.

When it comes to color recommendations from us at H&G, we can't help but shout out Backdrop's classic black Dark Arts. We can pick up a sample below.