Do you see what I see?
I was walking through our house the other day when I saw sunlight streaming in—through the bottom part of our door. Sure enough, there’s a big crack making it’s way right down the center of the wood. (It actually looks worse in person than in the picture.) Don’t you just love those house projects that come out of no where and “cut line” in front of the more fun projects (like having curtains made or buying a new rug)?
I know wood doors require a little maintenance, but truth be told, I hadn’t touched ours since we moved in 2 1/2 years ago. I never worried much about it since it was under cover. I had planned to re-stain it at some point this year, but I’m now front door shopping instead.
I don’t have much experience with picking out exterior doors, but quickly learned about the price difference between going with a metal door instead of another wood door. By the time I figured in installation costs and having to replace the sidelights (with the metal) or just the door itself (with the wood), the cost difference was nearly $1000. So, we’ll be going with another wood door, but I’m changing up the style. Something traditional and classic. Maybe with a big brass door knocker?
(Not sure of the source for this one. The color wouldn’t work for our house, of course, but I think the style and accessories are just about perfect.)
I’ve been having a lot of fun playing with the “augmented reality” feature available on The Home Depot app on my phone that lets you test out what different front doors would look like by pulling up specific doors on their site and holding your camera up to the front of your house.
It helps me see what styles might work and what totally won’t:
I’m also considering painting the door a color this time around. More on that soon. . .
Good choice. What color would you paint it?
I’ll be posting some possibilities soon. The pinkish brick makes it a little tricky, but I’m leaning toward a dark gray or a mossy green!
Our projects often cut line on us too :) We replaced our front door in the fall and it’s made a big difference for us. I love the design style you’re looking at and can’t wait to see how it comes together!
It’s always a bummer when you’re forced to update something before you want to, but I know this will make a big difference in the look of your entry and the exterior of your home. Hey, it’s better than having to replace the furnace or something, right? ;)
Yes!
I feel your pain. We were in the middle of our kitchen re-model (for which we saved & planned for 4 years!) when we discovered black mold in our downstairs bath. That project required a total gut & re-build. So… our kitchen is only halfway done. Who knows when it will be finished?!? Boo.
Hi Emily, what a cool app. I need to look into that. About your door, now that you are looking into a different style, you may be sold on the idea of a new door. But have you verified that it cannot be fixed? Especially since it is wood, i would think the crack could be filled, and you could paint it if the patch would show while stained. There are some wood putties that dry almost as hard as concrete and that can be sanded down to a fine finish. Even if a “patch job” only lasts 3 or 4 years, you can enjoy the new look it brings by painting the door, and then have a few years to work on other things before taking on the investment of a new door. You know much more than I do about the condition of the door and you may have already thought that through, but I’m just throwing it out there:)
Yes, The guy I spoke with at Home Depot did show me some putty options but I think we’re going to opt for more permanent solution. Great idea, though.
Hi Emily,
When we built our new house, right next door to our old one, we decided on a completely different style as well. Our previous door was beautiful with leaded glass in the top half and we were told the builder had spent a lot of money one it. We decided on one very similar to the orange door you showed. We painted it dark green and have never regretted it. We love the feel of the big, solid wood door and since there are sidelights we still have lots of light coming through. Good luck in your choice.
but your door is so pretty, I’m sure it would look great fixed and painted grey or mossy green :)
That Home Depot app looks interesting. I’ll have to check it out. Can’t wait to see what paint colors you are considering.
I really like your top pick as well and a mossy green with your brick and trim would be heaven! I can’t wait to see what you choose.
I found a beautiful wood door with a glass front at the Habitat Restore. ( on Wendover)
I did have to add the hardware, but since I only paid 50.00 for the door, it was worth it. Of course, shopping there is hit or miss.
I think the door you selected is perfect. I’ve never been a fan of the leaded glass doors they are too Victorian for most houses.
Honestly, me neither. That’s another reason we decided to not go with the less-permanent putty solution.
Love the one you said may be the winner! I’ve been wanting one like that for awhile, but since we don’t need a new one it’s pretty low on the list.
Our style is So similar! I have a striped entry and so many similar decor pieces. I am in love with your reading chair and master bedroom and the wall in your childs room!! On to the door….initially I thought the door should go. Dated lead glass… but then I read the comment about the green paint and LOVE that idea. It won’t take you long to do and if you don’t like it then you can go with your permanent idea…. just my two cents. Mostly I just want to see your door green so I can decide if I want to change mine hahaaha. Best wishes! O, Heather
We have had wood, steel, and now fiberglass. We live near the bay, so moisture issues led us to the fiberglass. Next time I will take it to an autobody shop and have them paint it before installing it. It took a lot of work to get it the color red we wanted it!
Enjoy your new door! Read about you at Marty’s. My dil has 5 little ones too! She was a lawyer and now a stay at home mom. Not that she is home very much! Between driving them to school, sports and medical appts. and vol work , shei is on the go constantly!
Hi Kathleen! Yes, I can relate. I spend many, many hours in my van :)
I didn’t read all of the comments or your posts. I love your blog, hate your front door. Oh, my word! I think doors should be plain, as are the ones you showed as a replacement. I know you will make the front entry perfect!
Well, no one can ever accuse you of being unopinionated :)
i like the choice you picked. It is hard to narrow down choices. I got several quotes from anderson, champion and conservation construction and it was a toss up on whether or not i wanted steel or fiberglass. In the end i went with steel because of it being so safe.