Karl Lohnes: What is your front door this autumn?

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The front door is the first impression many people get when they visit the house. I have to admit that the massive black door at the front of my townhouse looks a bit solemn, but is actually the typical style of historic Victorian houses. The Victorians also had a thing for dark front doors – so it feels right to follow suit.

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Are you looking for a contemporary door for your home? Or maybe you are just looking for a new look for your entrance area or your renovation is almost complete and you need the finishing touches. I got you covered. How to make an entrance!

Stage with color

The color of your front door should set the door apart from all other features on the front of your home. The biggest mistake people make is painting the garage and front doors the same color – that’s a no-go! Your front door should stand out and be clearly defined by its color.

Wondering the easiest way to choose a color? Decide on a color that is opposite the dominant color of the facade on the color wheel. For example, if your house is made of red brick, a green, blue, or teal door would stand out. Do you have a white house? Any primary color (red, yellow, or blue) is a winner.

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Note that your garage door should either be a shade darker than the color of your home or a shade lighter than the color of your driveway. The hottest door colors are very dark gray, blue-green or barn red (a shade of red based on brown).

Introduce star accessories

Adding a new door lock, letter slot, or step plate is an easy way to create a custom look and add functionality to even the simplest of front doors. With accessories you can easily bring trendy styles and finishes into the entrance area.

I love the custom Schlage handle program that you can use to customize your front door handle. Choose the backplate, lever and knob that fit your style, all with six finishes to choose from (the aged bronze finish is beautiful and it’s also an up and coming trend color for interior door hardware) for a front door lock that fits your needs and style.

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Once you’ve decided on the handle, you should opt for other accessories like a kickplate peephole and mail slot – they should match the finish you chose for the handle. And don’t forget about the hinges, which like the rest of the door hardware, must match the finish.

Bring the supporting cast

Once the job of painting the door and installing new hardware is complete, it’s time for the equipping. A new doormat and a new wreath are often the simplest and most seasonally interchangeable accessories.

When choosing floor mats, first consider practicality. If you live in a humid climate, a non-slip rubber or a heavily textured coconut fiber works well. In drier climates or seasons, flat woven mats are a great way to catch dust and dirt from shoes before it gets into your home.

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To get the right proportions, choose a doormat that is at least 80 percent the width of the door. Make sure that the mat is a different color or tone than the outer platforms so that it is noticeable – this will keep it visible and avoid tripping hazards.

Are you a wreath person or not? I tend to always have something on the outside of my door, be it a decorated Christmas wreath for the holidays or something as simple as a few sprigs of rosemary in the spring. I find it a nice way to add variety to the front door and welcome the seasons.

Fine tuning

Do you rent or live in a condominium? Your options for a stylish front door may be limited, but not impossible.

Do you have a decor dilemma or would you like to provide feedback? You can contact Karl on Instagram at Karl Lohnes.