The color rule you need to know when painting your front door – and the colors to avoid
Science has the key to creating the right first impression – even before entering your home


Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.
Thank you for signing up to Homes & Gardens. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
The study of color psychology is responsible for shaping current interior design trends – but there is one exterior feature that should not be overlooked. Your front door has the power to set the tone for your home even before you step inside, so it is important that get this hue right.
‘Front doors are protectors against the weather and unwanted visitors, but they also reveal your lifestyle and personality,’ explains Holistic Interior Designer and Colour Consultant Suzy Chiazzari. The color guru is not wrong – your front door ideas not only foreshadow your home’s style – but also exhibit your personality to all guests and passers-by.
To ensure you choose the correct tone, H&G spoke to the experts who reveal the colors you should avoid – and what you should use instead.
What you need to remember when painting your front door – according to color psychology
According to Suzy, unsuitable colors are those that contrast with the building style and materials. ‘If you live in a traditional building or heritage area, it would be better to stay away from bright synthetics such as hot pink, orange, bright purple, or lime green,’ she explains.
Her paint ideas are reinforced by Lick’s Head of Color and Interiors Expert Natasha Bradley, who agrees that you should pick a color that compliments the other tones and materials of your home’s exterior. ‘Take into consideration the color of the brick, windows, shutters, and the overall style of the front door,’ Natasha says.
‘It’s important to make sure that the first glimpse of your home is one that fills you with joy. So choose a front door color that reflects your personality and greets you with a smile,’ she adds.
When looking at how to paint a front door, Suzy recommends choosing a hue that ‘reflects your personality and family ethos.’ These colors are welcoming and joyful for your guests – and set the impression you want to portray to the outside world.
‘Green, brown, or black would convey a home that was a quiet retreat or haven, while bright red or yellow would suggest that the occupants enjoyed a busy, active lifestyle,’ she says.
It is also vital to get your front porch ideas right – they will ensure that your home makes the perfect first impression – and set the tone for what lies behind your front door.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.

Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
-
-
How can I make my home cozy for Halloween? 5 tips to go from spooky to stylish
Interior designers share their tips for making a spooky scheme cozy for the Halloween period, with tips on creating a timeless scheme
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
The best outdoor Halloween lights – for eye-catching illumination and inviting seasonal character
Ensure your yard has both creepy and cozy curb appeal with our selection of the very best outdoor Halloween lights to buy right now
By Zara Stacey Published