I love decorating with a touch of drama.  That doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be bold, just something that catches your eye and makes a statement.  I try to add something interesting to every room in my home, which I think is why my front door has always bothered me.  It’s rather….well…plain!  Years ago when the house was painted, the door was painted to match the trim.  Simple?  Yes.  But interesting? No.  See what I mean?!

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Front-Door-BEFORE

 

So, it’s time for the front door to get a mini-makeover.  To start, it needs a fresh coat of paint.  I’ve thought about using a beautiful color but truthfully, I want something that is a bit more timeless and classic in keeping with the rest of my home’s exterior and so I’ve decided to go with classic black.  I love how a black door makes a statement without overpowering the space.

Black Front Door with Lanterns

 

I think black doors are particularly stunning when they tie in with the trim or other accents on the house.

{via For the Love of a House}
{via For the Love of a House}

 

My home, however, doesn’t have shutters and I can’t afford to paint any other part of the house at this time, so the black door will be standalone, much like these:

{via Blink of My Eye}
{via Blink of My Eye}
{via Pinterest}
{via Pinterest}

 

While oil rubbed bronze hardware doesn’t really show up on a black door {and truthfully, brass on a black door is my favorite}, I’m not currently in a position where I want to change it or paint it, so I’m going to leave it as-is and live with the look for a while.  I do think that our plain paneled door needs a bit more detail, though, and so plan to add a door knocker and some house numbers.

 

One of my favorite door knockers is actually on Etsy, but I’m not sure about the color and I don’t know that I want to spray it to match my existing door hardware.  What I love about this brass beauty, though, is that it features a classic lion head design but is framed in a beautifully detailed oval shape.

{via JoeBlake on Etsy}
{via JoeBlake on Etsy}

 

Instead, I might just go with a simple design like this one from Lowes.

{via Lowes}
{via Lowes}

 

 

Given that I live in a tract home and all of the houses on my street look the same, people sometimes get confused and show up at the wrong house {even though there are house numbers on the mailbox}.  So, I thought adding the house number to the front door might clear things up a bit!  I don’t really want to add anything three dimensional and so am looking instead at some vinyl decals like this one from Etsy.

{via Welcoming Walls on Etsy}
{via Welcoming Walls on Etsy}

 

 

Just to make sure I’d like the look before I start painting, I did a little mockup in Photoshop.  {Please forgive the appearance – I really only know the basics in Photoshop and so did my best!}  As you can see, I changed the door to black, added a knocker, and added some vinyl house numbers.  I might also paint my existing planter and move it from the far side of the porch to be near the door and help tie the look together.  It looks better already!

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Front-Door-SAMPLE-MOCKUP

 

Provided that the weather holds and that the kids are occupied, this is what I’ll be doing this weekend!  Somehow, I think Photoshopping it will be easier than actually painting it, but I’m going to give it my best.  :)

 

Tidbits&Twine - Signature
 
 
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28 Comments

  1. Hi Kim, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your guest bathroom makeover. I love it so much I actually dream about it. Would you be offended if I copied it for my bathroom? My bath seems to be the exact same layout as yours, plus my Aunt gave me a piece of furniture that is quite similar to yours for thee vanity. Could you tell me the measurements of the bathroom. Also how many single rolls of wallpaper did you use or how many double rolls. I would greatly appreciate your help. Thanx, Gail

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Gail – I would be honored! Thank you! I’ll measure the bathroom for you and I’ll have to look up how many rolls I ordered because I can’t remember off the top of my head, but I’ll get back to you!

  2. I love the idea of painting the door black. I generally love either black or red doors for a pop of color, plus in Asian cultures red means abundance and happiness. :)
    I love the lion knocker you have picked and as a fan of gold and brass I would totally pick that one and would spray paint all other details as needed.
    I like that you would add the additional house number on the door. I think it’s a pretty way to make your home more inviting to visitors and add a pretty detail to the door.

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you, Christine! It’s half painted….taking so many more coats than I thought! I hope to share soon!

  3. So charming! Look forward to seeing the real thing- will make a beautiful difference!
    xo. Leslie
    Segreto Finishes

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Leslie!!! :) I’m about halfway done painting it (it’s taking a few coats) and I already love the look. Why didn’t I do this sooner?! Lol!

  4. Your idea looks great! I’m sure the end result will be fabulous! I have painted several exterior doors and it isn’t that hard! It will be worth it too.

  5. BTW, don’t forget to use a GOOD brush (my preference, Purdy) and a 4″ sponge roller…and use an additive depending on the type of paint you use! It will make a HUGE difference! IMO, more important than the brand of paint!

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Yes, I had them add an additive when the paint was mixed because I’m a really slow painter and need the extra time. I do have Purdy brushes but I actually prefer the Sherwin Williams brand of brushes, so that’s what I’ve been using on the door. I’ve been painting in sections and am about halfway done but love it already!

  6. Kim,
    I love a black door. I also love the lion door knocker…does it have to match the oil rubbed bronze? After all the darker hardware won’t show up that much therefore it won’t compete with the brass. The brass knocker looks antique, further giving it leeway to not match the rest of the hardware…just my 2 cents. I love the idea of the address on the middle panel. Good luck with the project and don’t forget to share once you finish. :-)
    Karen

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Karen! I actually broke down earlier today and purchased that lion head door knocker. I just couldn’t resist! I hope I love it in person as much as I do in the picture. :) I’ll hopefully post photos soon! :) Kim

  7. Love the front door Kim.
    Question for you, I always admire the paint color in your living room. Would you mind sharing?
    Thank you so much.

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Cassandra – Thank you so much! I painted it about 9 years ago and it was a custom color based on a Benjamin Moore color. I can’t find the paint chip at the moment but I know I still have the paint can somewhere so I’ll look for it and get back to you! :)

      1. Thank you SO much!
        Really enjoy following all of your projects!

  8. I have a step by step tutorial on my blog for painting your front door…super simple if you do it “right.” And it does make a HUGE difference.
    Also, go with the lion knocker…you can never go wrong with “different” and it is a beautiful piece.
    I was going to do the vinyl lettering from Etsy…but my neighbor actually traced and hand painted hers and I love it…so that is what I am going to do…someday…when I have time…hahahahahaha!

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you for sharing! Painting isn’t really my “thing” so I’ll take all the help I can get. I just stopped over and took a look at your door and it’s beautiful. :) And I did end up purchasing the lion knocker because….well…. I loved it! Cross your fingers and all goes well so I can share the makeover soon!

      1. It will be beautiful…looking forward to seeing the transformation! This is such a great time of the year to mix it up on the front porch! One suggestion, try to find a flush mount, lantern type light fixture. I know it might seem like an expense, but I found my exterior lights at a garage sale for $5…three exactly what I needed, but kind of a mess…a little primer, a little paint and new glass and I LOVE them! I think I featured that project as well and new fixtures are super simple to wire and mount…bible! I sure wish I had a bigger front porch…to me it is the MOST important part of your home…like I have said, not many see your bath or y our laundry room, but everyone sees your front porch and door ;)

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you, Michelle!!!! ;)

  9. You’ll love it! We had a black front door at our last house and it just felt so classic and pretty. Also, about every other year I just slapped another coat of paint on it to keep it fresh. Easy peasy.

    We used Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black. It’s gorgeous!

    1. We use Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black too! Isn’t it just the most gorgeous color of black ever! It is so perfect! I used it on my French dining table legs! Stunning! We get so many compliments on this color! :)

      1. Tidbits&Twine says:

        Good to know, Tami! When I went to the paint store, I thought I’d just ask for black. Ha! Who knew there were so many different blacks available? But I too loved the look of Tricorn. :)

    2. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Stacey! I will be using Tricorn Black as well but am curious what sheen you ended up going with for your door. I like the look of the glossier finishes but am worried about brush marks showing since I am really not that great of a painter… ;) {Don’t tell, but I might just roll it and call it a day!} Please let me know what sheen you used!

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you, Marty! Fingers crossed that it all goes well so I can share pics soon. And I ended up buying the lion door knocker…I just couldn’t resist!

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