First impressions Give your front door its own personal style
MAKE YOUR HOME FOREVER MEMORABLE WITH A FRONT DOOR THAT REFLECTS YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLE
THE FRONT DOOR is the very first thing visitors see, not to mention the one part of the home that, without fail, we interact with every day. Yet, it’s often the last thing we think about when buying or renovating our homes. “The front door creates a first impression aesthetically about the home and the people who live inside it,” says architect and managing director Matt Riley of Tonic Design. Choosing an entrance door is a delicate balance of style and practicality. Here are the materials and styles guaranteed to turn heads – plus the ideas and innovations to pay attention to in 2019.
Material choices
While solid timber remains the most popular type of front door, take a look at these other contenders on the market – particularly if your front door is exposed to the elements.
Powder-coated aluminium: A budget-friendly, low-maintenance choice, aluminium won’t absorb moisture or bow in the heat. However, you are limited in choice to the predetermined powder coat colours available on the market.
Steel: “Superior in strength and insulating value, a steel door is a clever way to give your home’s exterior an industrial look,” says director Daniel Mazzei of Mazzei Homes. Be mindful that steel will rust over a long period of time as its protective coating wears away.
Fibreglass: A hard-wearing surface, fibreglass resists dents and scratches and, unlike timber or steel, is impervious to rot and rust. It can be painted or stained to create a woodgrain or smooth-skin look. These doors are usually manufactured with the frame attached, so if your doorway isn’t a standard size, you may need the help of a fibreglass specialist.
Timber: “A solid timber door lends a classic, timeless look and can be easily customised,” says Daniel. “It also has great insulation and soundproofing. But these can be expensive to maintain, so avoid [timber] if your entrance isn’t covered by a verandah or portico.”
“We’re seeing more customers willing to take risks with the style and colour of their front door. They want it to stand out” ~ Daniel Mazzei, Mazzei Homes
Which style is right for you?
“The most common mistake I see is people choosing off-the-shelf front doors that don’t reflect the style of their home or neighbourhood,” says Matt Riley of Tonic Design. “You want the style of your front door to blend in with the home’s design and boost its appeal, not detract from it.” His advice is to pick a style that reflects the exterior, and make a statement with colour. Here are the top design options.
Solid panel: Characterised by raised or flat panels, usually in pairs of two, four or six, this style came of age in England during the Georgian era. It’s best suited to heritage homes, such as Victorian terraces and Art Deco and Federationstyle homes. These doors offer good insulation and soundproofing so are well-suited to homes on busy streets.
Glazed panel: Even the littlest window in your front door can work wonders, as it allows natural light into the hallway, especially useful if your entryway tends to get dark. Choose from clear, frosted or tinted glass – just make sure that it’s well-insulated and double-paned with good UV protection. Ecostar has a wide range of double-glazed doors.
Tongue and groove: Less ornate than a panel door, this design is ideal for newer homes built in the Hamptons style, plus weatherboards and cottages. “These are available in any material to suit your environment,” says Carver of Parkwood Doors. “They’re timeless yet modern, so will last the distance.”
Flush: Commonly used as interior doors, flush front doors have become increasingly popular in the last decade. Their smooth surface makes them ideal for contemporary homes with sleek architectural designs. Personalise this door type with statement hardware – angular metal handles or oversized door knobs are popular, or create contrast with something surprisingly ornate.