Eight. That’s how many times I’ve painted the front door in the past 5 years. It’s been black, several different shades of brown, gray and red. Needless to say, I didn’t like any of them. Rick says I have a disease because I’m always “changing” something around the house. If DIY is an illness than yes, I definitely have a DIY disorder. I can’t help it. I’m a tinkerer and multi-tasker which makes sitting around “doing nothing’ impossible for me. So, today, I painted the front door….again.
The Brick Dilemma – What Goes with Orange?
The reason I’ve painted the door so many times is because I haven’t found the perfect color that matches the style of the home, the existing brick and the porch decor (I decorate the porch seasonally throughout the year). I’m beginning to think there is no “perfect” color to paint the door that compliments the color of the house which is predominately red brick. The red brick has undertones of orange (YUCK) with wisps of cream, black, and even purple (yes purple) throughout. Can you understand why I’ve yet to find the right color for the front door? Also, the trim, garage, soffit, fascia and all the grout is light gray. I’m running out of colors on the color wheel here people!
The Color Dilemma – What Color This Time?
So what color this time? This time I’m choosing a classic color that is fun and fresh. Better yet, it goes with EVERYTHING. That is the color navy! Navy will match any brick color, even reddish orange brick that I’m dealing with and it will compliment the light gray trim.
The Navy Dilemma – Which Navy?
Now that I’ve chosen to go with navy for the front door, it’s time to choose what actual color of navy. As usual, there are several choices when it comes to navy blue paint. To choose the right one, I used this process of elimination.
- Visit a paint store and bring home several sample strips. I called Sherwin-Williams paint store by my house and they pulled all the paint samples I requested and brought them out to my car. Store locator HERE.
- Look at the paint samples outside at different times of day…because the light will change.
- Rule out the ones you don’t like.
- Consider all the colors of your house and whether door has sidelights. If it does, consider paint color for those too.
- Lastly, pick the color. If you paint and don’t like it, you can always paint it again!
The Side Light Dilemma – To Paint or Not to Paint?
What I’ve learned through my trials and tribulations of painting the door seven times in five years is I finally know what looks best to maximize curb appeal. If you have a front door with sidelights, it’s best to paint the sidelights a neutral color, and the door should be painted an accent color. Include any trim around the door as well. In my case, the sidelights were painted the same color as the door. I have updated them to light gray. The same color as the trim on the home with a navy blue front door.
The Navy I Selected
The navy blue that I chose for my front door is Benjamin Moore’s HALE NAVY. A very close second was Sherwin Williams color of the year NAVAL. I chose Hale Navy because it is a classic and traditional navy color. Here are my four top navy paint colors for my front door:
- Sherwin Williams super popular (and color of the year) Naval. Naval is a slightly cooler blue with gray undertones. It is a true navy. Would look great for a kitchen island too!
- Benjamin Moore’s timeless and classic navy color is Hale Navy. This will go with virtually everything because it has a perfect balance of warm and cool undertones. Another reason why I choose to go with this color for my front door!
- Sherwin Williams Cyberspace is a cozy and deep navy. Almost charcoal with a navy blue undercurrent. It’s a striking navy that is neither boring or typical.
- Benjamin Moore’s Newburyport Blue. This navy has a bit more gray in it and is slightly softer than Naval. It is subtle without being too strong.
No More Dilemma – I LOVE IT!
Eight times must be the magic number for FINALLY getting it right!
Shop the Post
12″ diameter blue ceramic planters also comes in 10″
Welcome Outdoor Door Mat, I purchased two of these for the front and side doors. Thick and sturdy and currently on sale!
Navy & White Green Decore Nirvana Stain Proof Reversible Rug, Comes in 14 other colors, this one is supposed to be navy but is more of a royal blue, lightweight and nice quality and durable. Other rug options I love and almost bought are HERE and HERE.
Triple Ball Boxwood Topiary in Pot, I buy faux plants because I do not have a green thumb or the time to water and maintain. I’ve purchased a fair share of faux plants that look cheap and fake. These are wonderfully lifelike, sturdy and worth every penny!
Butterfly and Dragonfly door decor is old and not sure where from. I plan to put a large wreath on the door once things open up and I can shop again!
