The front door sets the stage for visitors and gives them a hint as to what they’ll find inside.
“People underestimate how important their entryway is,” says David Lesser, principal of Windstar Homes. “Since the door is the first impression people have of your home, everything around it is important.”
Lesser says that huge, massive doors are certain to impress guests. “Some of our recent homes have doors that are 4 to 5 feet wide and 9 to 10 feet tall.” Because of the way they open, pivot doors are a good choice for this grand scale. They can be larger and heavier than your typical door and can be built out of almost any material. If that size doesn’t work with your house, there are plenty of other ways to give your entryway personal pizazz.
Raw Chic Design owner Allison Gillman has helped many Tampa homeowners turn their entrance from blah to beautiful. One of the first things she takes into consideration is the color of the door.
“A lot of my clients think they hate the curb appeal of their home, when in reality, the exterior just needs a face lift that can be achieved by using paint alone,” she says. “Whether the home is modern or traditional, a slight step outside of the predictable ‘color wheel’ can make a huge impact. A bold bright door against very deep paint colors adds a sense of unexpected elegance and drama to any facade.”
If you can see daylight around your door or you’ve never liked the way the door looks, it might be time for a new one. If that’s the case, Chris Rosende, president of TMD Windows and Doors, suggests taking the time to consider the material of the new one.
“Wood cracks and rots in Florida if it’s not taken care of properly,” he says. “Fiberglass and aluminum are impervious to water, so they will last longer, and there are fiberglass doors that look exactly like wood.”
Many homeowners may find themselves overwhelmed with all the different options, but Gillman offers a few tips to help your decision easier.
“Try looking at the overall shape of your home,” she suggests. “If the lines are more geometric, try sticking to square glass panels and a door with clean lines. If your home has a lot of soft lines and arches, try a more traditional door with elegant details and arches to match the overall feel. Use the bones of the home to guide you in which direction to go when choosing a door.”
