Farmhouse Front Doors

This two-story cottage wins hearts with just a glance -- who can resist that cheery paint, metal roof, and trimmed-out gables? When painting a metal roof, consider the paint you're using; Using leftover paint from other areas of your home is risky on metal. Though it may cost extra, it is worth splurging on quality paint from the recommendation of your local hardware store. The front door wisely wears a more subdued hue but doesn't completely fade into the background, thanks to crisp white trim and casing.

Touches of red on the front door, vintage signs, pots of geraniums, and pillows on a front-porch glider awaken this farmhouse with a rosy glow. The red accents not only pop against the white-washed siding, but they also contrast deliciously with green window trim. A scalloped gable up top can give your home the same farmhouse style feel. 

Consider this a country take on the classic red, white, and blue color scheme: Conventional red brick and white trim receive a fresh update with chalky blue on the shutters and front door. Its subtle contrast might've been sparked by the gorgeous hue of blue hydrangeas. Installing shutters on an uneven surface, such as brick, may be difficult. When working with these conditions, it is best to use shutter fasteners for a strong hold. 

This wood-and-glass door nearly fades into the background as it's painted the same ivory hue as the rest of the house and could easily be mistaken for a window. But, wall-mounted lanterns and mammoth plant pots hint at the front door's location. Stained wood pillars give a color contrast to this farmhouse entrance without looking grandeaur. 

Iron strap hinges and tall escutcheons backing the doorknobs on a set of double doors imparts an old-fashioned, barn-like look to this front stoop. Hardware is often purposefully hidden, but doesn't it make a daring design statement when it's carefully considered and meant to be noticed? When selecting your iron strap hinges, be sure to check the packaging for weight restrictions. A door that exceeds the hinge's limit could break from its post. 

With such a cheery, sprawling exterior, the front door needs to draw attention -- and dark paint does the trick. This black door catches the eye, even when it rests in shadow from the portico overhead. Be sure to use durable exterior paint for this project. Even storm doors cannot protect interior paint from the damaging effects of thunderstorms and normal wear and tear. Slim-line, wall-mounted lanterns ensure that guests are bathed in warm light.

Double doors with a subtle arched top are a gracious entry to this brick home. They're painted just a shade darker than the surrounding facade for subtle definition; two copper lanterns flanking the doors give off warmth and sparkle. Find charming farmhouse light fixtures at a local thrift store and clean them up with a store-bought brass polish. A little bit of elbow grease can go a long way. 

Dark hues draw the eye, so they’re a good choice on a design element such as a front door that needs to be the focus of attention. These double doors are dressed in glossy black to match the mailbox and framed tile above, with just a crescent of glass at the top for relief. Continue the farmhouse style onto the porch with a reclaimed rocking chair in a striking color. Achieve the distressed look with thin layers of paint applied in uneven strokes. 

It doesn't get much more classic than black shutters on a white house, and a black-painted door rounds out the timeless scheme. Windows on the door allow sunlight to stream inside even when the door is closed. For curb appeal that's not too modern, stick with a matte paint instead of a glossy finish. 

Hugged by a pair of antique louver shutters, this vintage door has the aged appearance of a longtime household companion. We love the personal touches: a hand-painted vine unfurling on the siding overhead, lace curtains obscuring the view through the door, and a rusty wire mailbox awaiting the mail carrier’s daily delivery. Make a new door appear distressed by painting a thin layer of white over the existing color and then wiping the excess paint off with a rag or cheesecloth. The texture the cloth leaves behind is what gives this door a farmhouse feel. 

A double layer of doors offers options when the weather warms up or cools off. Here, a white, barn-style door opens to reveal a screen door -- all the better to admit air, the fragrance of flowers from the garden, and birdsongs. Make your open entrance even more welocming by laying stepping stones in the yard. Measure and cut shallow patches of grass out of your yard with a garden spade and the stones will fit right in. 

A gorgeous dusty blue -- the shade was plucked from the slate roofing tiles -- coats this home's front door. The hue wisely refuses to compete with the riotous country garden out front but rather contributes its own note of agreement: That this is one colorful place! Consider installing scalloped paneling to your front porch gable for a sweet, farmhouse style look to tie the whole threshold together. 

A pair of French doors huddle together at the front of this farmhouse, giving the impression of blurred lines between indoors and out. The doors and the transom above mirror the muntins in the windows on the rest of the house, effectively tying the design together. An unexpected splash of color comes from the porch floor in a dusty blue shade. Before laying the first coat of exterior floor or deck paint, be sure to sand the wood deck well to prevent bare feet from catching splinters.

During warm months, a wooden screen door with an X-motif is the only barrier between the house and the gorgeous front porch. A handsome picket fence and classic brick path create a warm invitation to the home's entry. If you love the look of a brick entrance, but don't love the cost of a professional to come do the job for you, know that this is one weekend project you can do. Check out our comprehensive guide on making a brick path for help.