DEAR READERS:
See these weather-beaten, 1960s or 1970s vintage doors?
I'm selecting a new door to replace the wooden entry door on the right. Once the new door is installed, I'll choose a storm door.
I am ashamed to admit that these are the front doors on my house.
No one would argue that they need replacing. My husband and I are in the process of selecting new doors. We’ve chosen the brand and are working with John from a local lumberyard.
John is a patient man. But today I sensed that he is becoming impatient with me when I told him, once again, that I’m not quite ready to order the entry door. (We haven’t even discussed storm doors.) I can’t decide whether I want a single window, windows or no windows in the door.
My biggest dilemma, however, lies in choosing colors for the door, which will be factory-painted. My husband insists on this.
Do I choose one paint color for both sides of the steel-clad entry door? Or, do I select different colors? What color/colors are your door?
My friend Mike, who is a designer, suggested that we choose white for the exterior-facing side since the trim on our new windows will be white. He mentioned to me, however, how he dislikes the white door in his living room. Would I like a white door in my beige living room? I plan to eventually repaint that room.
So, readers, what would you do? I welcome any advice you can offer me on door colors and door windows (or not). And, as long as we’re on the topic of doors, what would you choose in hardware? A knob, handle, pull?
Please hurry with your answers. John from the lumber yard is waiting.
Audrey
© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Well, I would agree with the white outside, but make the inside a bold statement. A wine color or deep red or green. I have always liked the fancy handles with the push lever on the top. And as far as windows go, what kind of choices do you have? If there is a window, is it just a dumb plain window, or is it decorative? If it is decorative, I would do a window because I like the natural light. If you can’t customize the window, I would go with out!!! I hope I helped!
Thanks for your input, Amy. I had a decorative window all picked out. But wouldn’t you know, the mission style door window was the most costly at some $262. Yikes! Back to the catalog. I’m leaning toward a window of some sort because I like natural light streaming in and I may want to see who’s at the door before I open it.
I love green and have been thinking hunter green for the inside of the door. All you decorating types out there, would that be a good choice? Or how about a deep, dark chocolate?
White on the outside. Get the fancy window you want, you probably won’t ever buy another door. Going with a color like red, burgandy or green limits your decorating colors. BUT…. I know you love green so pick more of a dark sage green, hunter green is so 90’s. Personally I would go with a tan or lite brown. When you have the window you can always put up a curtain to help break up the big door. I do love color as you know, but think yearssssss and what you can put up with.
Thanks for the suggestions. A sage green isn’t among the color options. Guess the door company is still in the 90s with their hunter/forest greens. Your comment about limiting decorating color schemes with a bold door is a concern of mine. You know how good I am about making choices (yellow dress with daisies).
I like your idea of a curtain on the door. Do you have a window in your door or just have a curtain there to make it look like you have a window?
White is in the majority right now for the exterior side of the door.
Readers, keep sending your comments and ideas so I can figure out this door thing SOON.
I would go with a white outside door and probably a dark brown door, chances are you would paint the living room something like light brown and that would be easy to match.
I would be horrible with a new house and all the choices…but to your dilemma…I would choose the white or off white for the outside…but, depending on the color of your house…maybe a color would/could be a choice. As far as the inside goes…the big color in blogland seems to be neutral grays, so you might want to stick with off-white/white for both sides and go with a neutral for the walls…so there you go…I will be moving to Montevideo next year sometime and will have to put my touch on decorating/painting a house/home…it will be exciting but stressful too. Good luck with your choices and have fun with it…
Bernie, I would be horrible, too, at choices for a new house or a full-scale remodel. I can’t even decide on a door, for gosh sakes.
I appreciate all of the input I’m getting from readers. It does help me consider many facets of this decision. I’m keeping a tally to guide me. Please keep sending me your thoughts on this door situation. I’m counting on you.
Go for a neutral tone that isn’t likely to look atrocious a few years from now. You’ve been around long enough to know that whatever color is in vogue now won’t be in a few years. A neutral tone door will go with a variety of wall colors. This is why so many people go with white or off-white (be sure to steer clear of anything that will yellow with age).
As another thought, considering that the current door has probably been there for about 30 or 40 years, if you really love the mission style door window, then why not splurge a little if it will provide you with many years of enjoyment and natural light? Tell your hubby that it’ll be your Christmas gift for this year. Not having to go Christmas shopping – priceless!
You’re right, neutral makes sense. As far as that mission style door, I have a hard time justifying the extra cost. I suppose your brother would appreciate Christmas gift idea since it would not involve shopping…