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Young House Love » Our Third House » How To Pick A Color And Paint Your Front Door

| By Sherry Petersik | July 8, 2013 | 663 Comments

How To Pick A Color And Paint Your Front Door

“The door is the smile of the house.”

John likes to make strange declarations like that. For example, after talking about how both bacon and mustaches were trending, he once proclaimed that “the mustache is the bacon of the face, and bacon is the mustache of breakfast.” But back to the front door. Our first house had a red door. Our second house had a yellow door. And our new house has a….

Door12

Yup, it’s a happy little blue door. It’s sort of a peacock meets teal with enough gray to keep it from going neon when the sun hits it.

Door14

When it came to picking the shade, first we taped up a bunch of swatches in almost every color of the rainbow (we tried red again, some green tones, a bunch of blue options, and other colors like plum, orange, navy and charcoal). Then we stepped back about ten feet, took note of what we liked best, and stepped back a lot more – just to make sure we still felt the same way from further back. We did this a few times during the day and evening to make sure the colors we loved in direct sunlight didn’t look crazy or change a ton when the front door was in shade or lit up by the porch light at night.

Door1

Then I painted the cream sidelights white like the rest of the house’s trim. We really wanted the sidelights to be their permanent color before finalizing a front door hue, just in case the old creamy-yellow trim was throwing us off. So after rubbing them down with a magic eraser to get all of the bug guts off, I just used an angled brush to apply the same white exterior paint that the painters left behind (and later used a razor to scrape the excess off the glass panes).

Door4

That helped us to narrow it down to four contenders: Spirit In The Sky, Blue Lake, Peacock Blue, and Tranquil Blue (all by Benjamin Moore). We’re actually convinced any number of colors could have worked (nearly all of the swatches looked nice with the white trim and natural brick) so we just went with what we liked the best.

Door3

Then it was test swatch time. After the whole oops-we-picked-the-wrong-siding-color snafu, I didn’t trust swatches without putting a big ol’ rectangle of color right on the door. So here’s how things looked after I applied each of our four samples on four of the raised panels of the door, being sure to give them each nice thick coats so the true color was easy to see, but not goobery and drippy. Colors tend to darken as they dry, so we did that “live with them a hot minute and evaluate them throughout the day” thing. That’s Blue Lake in the top left, Spirit In The Sky in the top right, Tranquil Blue in the bottom left, and Peacock Blue in the bottom right.

Door5

And the winner is Blue Lake…

Door6

The others all looked either too dull or too neon in certain lighting situations throughout the day. Here she be, all glossy and gorge.

Door12

It only took about half a day to get it painted. As for the finish/type of paint, we used BM’s exterior paint that the guy at the desk recommended for doors called MooreGlo in Soft Gloss, which is their version of a semi-gloss finish (didn’t even need primer since it’s self-priming). We only needed to buy a quart, so this whole project was pretty darn cheap, which feels great after basically sweating money out of our pores for the last month or so on bigger inspection-item fixes that we needed to check off.

When it comes to painting doors, my favorite method is to start in the morning so the door can be open all day and has time to dry before you have to close and lock it at night. I like using an angled brush only – although John loves a foam roller, so it’s a different strokes for different folks thing. Literally.

Door10

I have a certain order that I swear by, so first I paint the frames of each raised rectangle, then I paint the insides of each of them as you see in the photo above. Then I paint the flat planks around them and between them, always going in the direction of that plank (I pull my brush from top to bottom to do the vertical plank down the middle, then I go from left to right to get all of the horizontal slats, and at the very end I drag from top to bottom to do those vertical parts on each side of the door).

Door11

I wait for that to dry about an hour (or two if it’s super humid) and then I do the whole thing again, in the same order. Then I just give it the rest of the day to dry and lock it up at night. Oh and we like to remove the hardware, so that’s why it’s off (we reattach that right before we lock the door in the evening).

We also updated both the door knocker and the doorbell, so we’ll be back with those details tomorrow (they involved a dremel and some paint as well as a bit of a manhunt).

Door21

Oh and I repainted the sides of the door but not the back, so that’s still a hazy dusty blue color like the rest of the trim in the foyer… but I’d love to paint the back of the door the same happy blue shade once we nix the blue trim and wallpaper going on in the foyer and get some nice white trim and sidelights in there as well.

Door17

So that’s how one quart of paint and one morning of work made our house smile. Not bad, right? It took me waaay longer to take pictures of the finished product than it did to actually do it (is it just me or has it been raining for 40 days and 40 nights?). Heck I think the little doorknocker and doorbell upgrades took longer than painting the door.

The lesson? If you’re putting off painting your door, jump on that pony. Then your house won’t be all “oh hi it’s you, whatevs” when you come home. It’ll be all “Hiiiiiiiiii! Welcome!!!! It’s so nice to see you!”

Porticobanda

It’s so funny to compare it to the portico as it looked back when we bought the house. Complete with a really old wreath on the broken slatted screen door (we took that down asap). And remember how green those front steps were before we power washed them?

Oh but one more thing. Remember that time a deer photobombed my front door photoshoot? Wait you don’t because I didn’t tell you about it yet. Allow me to paint you a picture. I’m snapping a few photos, and here comes my deer friend, stage right.

Door15

He saunters across the yard right in front of me and stops to chew on a few weeds by the door. Directly in front of my shot. I’m telling you, I never laughed so hard. Dude must have thought our yard looked extra welcoming, what with the smiling door and all. It certainly wasn’t a lush lawn that was drawing him in…

UPDATE: I quickly snapped this instagram picture on the way back from our evening walk, and it one captures the green undertone in our teal door so it finally looks like real life. Leave it to the ol’ cell phone to take a more accurate picture than the fancy camera. #nofilter #instagrambeatsDSLR

Exterior IG Shot

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Wendy @ New Moms TalkWendy @ New Moms Talk says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:31 am

    Gorgeous color! It makes me want to move even more quickly to where we are hoping (a small island).

    In the mean time, finishing up this baby (shower, random gift) wreath made me smile a ton-

    http://www.newmomstalk.com/2013/07/08/christmas-in-july-baby-wreath/

    Reply
  2. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:31 am

    Love it! It’s a happy little blue door that would make Bob Ross proud!

    -Katie at AdventuringAtHome

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Rebecca @This Nest is BestRebecca @This Nest is Best says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:31 am

    Ooooh, I love it! I would have never thought that an aqua/peacock would work with your brick but it totally does. Gorg!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:33 am

    LOVE it!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for LaurenLauren says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:34 am

    Lovely colour! So fresh and summery now, but the cool blue tone will fit in the winter too.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:34 am

    So happy! I love this color.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for jeannettejeannette says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:36 am

    absolutely gorgeous with the brick and the grey pediment. this really is outside the box, so glad to see it. rock on.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for AprilApril says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:37 am

    Deer freak me out, so the area ya’ll moved to would totally not be ideal. Do you have plans to do something to keep the deer out of your yard once you get grass and pretty plants that they’ll surely find tasty?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:39 am

      We’ve always lived in wooded areas with deer (I even had them in Jersey growing up) so we know the drill with planting deer resistant plants (there are tons of them so it’s not too bad). Clara loves watching them when they pop up, so we don’t have any plans to drive them off. I’m not sure anyone can keep deer out of their yard other than installing a giant 8 foot fence anyway :)

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for AnnieAnnie says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:41 am

      Did you know that hanging a little mesh bag of Irish Spring soap in your garden will keep deer away from your flowers and veggies (if you decide to plant veggies;). It doesn’t hurt them or scare them away but it keeps them from eating all your pretty stuff.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:44 am

      Oh yes thanks for the tip! We also hear hair works (but soap sounds less gross than sprinkling hair all around, haha!).

      xo
      s

  9. Avatar for briannebrianne says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:38 am

    The street view of your neighborhood is beautiful. What an amazing place to live!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:40 am

      Thanks Brianne! We feel the same way! We wake up and we’re like “we really live here?” We used to drive through this neighborhood all the time just to look around and pretend that we lived here, so it’s still hard to believe that we snuck in somehow! Haha!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for KathyKathy says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:32 pm

      I agree! That shot with you and the deer, Sherri, looks like you all live in a national park. Just a gorgeous setting!

  10. Avatar for JeriJeri says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:38 am

    LOVE IT!!! I just painted my door a bright happy blue (though a bit more aqua than yours) a few weeks ago, and it completely changed the feel of the front of my house. It’s definitely the biggest bang for small bucks transition. Life’s just too short to have a dull door.

    Reply
    • Avatar for KathrynKathryn says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:14 pm

      As a Southern girl transplant to Dublin, I have to agree. The famously grey weather isn’t nearly so bad with all the gorgeous doors about. (Seriously, google them. There are postcards, tours, just for the doors!)

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:31 pm

      Love that!

      xo
      s

  11. Avatar for rachaelrachael says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:38 am

    so pretty!!!!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for MarinMarin says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:38 am

    SO PRETTY!! That’s my favorite color right now!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for LizLiz says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:39 am

    Your street is a thing of dreams! Look at all those trees! I am super jealous. It looks all quiet and peaceful. I need to quit condo-living right now and buy a house – stat!

    By the way, I love the door colour. It’s so different and cheery. :)

    Reply
  14. Avatar for BriBri says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:40 am

    Love the blue lake color, you guys! It’s so cheery and fun. While we’re on the topic of paint, I have a question. You guys always paint your kitchen cabinets white, but what color would you use in the kitchen if you left the cabinets dark? I’m sure I’m not the only person with this burning question ;)
    Sending you guys love from Canada!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:43 am

      I love soft sagey wall colors with wooden cabinets. John’s mom used a super light greeny-golden tone with her oak cabinets in their last house and it was gorgeous!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for AimeeAimee says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:54 am

      Now I have a question for you too! I am just curious to know if you are planning to go with white cabinets in this house too, or are you planning on changing things up this time around. I know whatever you guys decide will look AMAZING. I love your design choices:)

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:13 am

      We have no idea! We definitely aren’t afraid to do a white kitchen again if it’s what we love the most of all the options (seems lame not to do what we love most just to “do something else for the blog”) but we also love the idea of a tuxedo kitchen or softly colored cabinets so who knows where we’ll end up!

      xo
      s

  15. Avatar for CindyCindy says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:40 am

    I just painted my front door orange. You are so right about it smiling at me EVERY time I come home!

    http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2013/07/orange-you-glad-i-didnt-say-banana.html

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:42 am

      SO much fun!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for KathrynKathryn says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:19 pm

      I adore this, Cindy!

  16. Avatar for Needle little BalanceNeedle little Balance says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:40 am

    Nice!!!
    I´m thinking of painting our front door aqua or a teal, too. Have you considered to paint the white sides of the door as well or would that be too much IRL?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:42 am

      I think we like those white just so it’s not too bold (in all of the photos of bold doors that we looked at online with sidelights, the ones we loved best had white trim/sidelights with just the color on the door).

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for HeatherBHeatherB says

      July 8, 2013 at 2:11 pm

      Thanks for this. Our front door has sidelights, and I don’t know why, but it never occurred to me to paint them the white trim color and paint just the door my chosen blue (darker than yours, more like a blueberry color).

      Based on your above post, I decided to scroll through pictures online, and I agree–I think I like the sidelights white better. Seems to make a clean statement, and yet almost makes the door pop even more. I think I will do it this way when we paint in the fall.

      Thanks for the idea!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:03 pm

      So glad! Good luck Heather!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Jess @ Crunchy Hot MamaJess @ Crunchy Hot Mama says

      July 9, 2013 at 3:42 pm

      I’m with HeatherB. I never thought to paint the sidelights (nor knew their name) til I saw this post. Now I need to get on that. I did paint our door a light green but cannot tear my eyes away from that blue! Nicely done, Sherry :)

      What more could you ask for, a happy door, deer frolicking in your yard, and a beautiful view! Great house choice…can I come stay ;)

  17. Avatar for Felie HempflingFelie Hempfling says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:41 am

    Love the Blue! I think it’s great that you guys have changed things up between all three houses, you know taking chances trying new things! Belated 6 year anniversary! My husband and I were also married on 7.7.07!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:45 am

      Thanks Felie!

      xo
      s

  18. Avatar for ChelseaChelsea says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:42 am

    Hey guys! This is wayyyyyyyy too funny. We literally just painted our front door to our brick house a bright blue as well (it was red), but we did ours on Friday/Saturday…copy cats ;) Take a look, y’alls is a bit darker than ours though!

    http://roamourhome.blogspot.com/2013/07/i-thought-i-loved-you-then.html

    Great minds think alike! Have a good one!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:47 am

      Love that color! So sweet!

      xo
      s

  19. Avatar for SusanSusan says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:42 am

    LOVE the door. I’m trying to convince my husband to paint our front door a nice happy color. But my MIL insists that A. it will look like a clown door (buzz kill) or B. it will be too much up keep. Do you find that you have to re-paint the door every year? What kid of things to do you do keep it looking nice? Thanks, my MIL loves your book, so maybe if I show her your doors she will change her mind…

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:50 am

      We paint them once with high quality paint (well two coats, but just one time) and it stays. Then you can wipe it down with a magic eraser or just a wet cloth if bugs get on it and you’re good. We never repainted our red or yellow door and those both lasted for years. We hope this blue guy does the same thing!

      xo
      s

  20. Avatar for Amy E.Amy E. says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:42 am

    like the color, but i’m more intrigued by the deer. i wonder if the previous homeowners fed them; that could explain why they keep getting so close to your home and to you! even with your home being in a wooded area, i can’t imagine a deer being that fearless unless it was accustomed to humans feeding it.

    anyways, good color! and a great update for just a quart of paint! it’s amazing what a little brush work can do!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:46 am

      Our house was actually uninhabited for almost a year before we got it, so we know no one at our house was feeding them since it was empty. We think the deer just like our street because it’s a cul de sac with a woodsy area behind it (more private than some of the busier streets).

      xo
      s

  21. Avatar for TijanaTijana says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:42 am

    Love the door!!! I was wondering what colour you would pick this time. I’m moving to a new house in 9 days and much like yours it’s got great bones but lots of old & dated stuff (carpet in the master ensuite! yay!). Can’t wait to start ripping it all up.

    I’m still in awe of how beautiful every neighbourhood you’ve lived in is! Here (Toronto), it’s really rare to find neighbourhoods where you get so much privacy & where it feels like you’re living in the middle of a forest. Let’s not even talk about suburbs – those houses are like sardines on top of each other.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:48 am

      Aw thanks Tijana! We feel so lucky to have finally found a house in our budget in this neighborhood. This little fixer upper is the only reason we could squeak in here after 7 years of drooling :)

      xo
      s

  22. Avatar for AlisonAlison says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:42 am

    That’s funny :) here you are trying to get rid of blue trim and doors and you paint something blue.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:44 am

      Oh yes, some blues are more our style than others for sure!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for GeGe says

      July 10, 2013 at 12:14 pm

      Haha! I was just thinking that, one day*, this blue door will be a nice reminder of the blue trim, where your started, the labor of love involved, and so forth :)

      * you know, this future future day. The one you’ll be laughing about the blue trim instead of making nightmares because of it!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 10, 2013 at 12:31 pm

      I. Can’t. Wait. For. That. Day.

      xo
      s

  23. Avatar for PallaviPallavi says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:42 am

    Love that color! I was eagerly waiting to see what color you would paint your front door. And I must say it is an awesome color. Good choice!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for MishellieMishellie says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:43 am

    I TOTALLY called it!!!

    I thought (quietly to myself) “ohhhh a teal would be fun” when you mentioned that you were considering all different colors. I may be biased though, because teal is one of my two favorite colors (the other being lush/royal purple)

    It looks great!

    Its amazing what these little changes are doing to the overall feel of your house. A little goes a long, long way!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 9, 2013 at 7:29 am

      Thanks Mishellie!

      xo
      s

  25. Avatar for AnneAnne says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Looks great! Love the cheerful color. My husband makes similar declarations. The other day he said that “ginger ale is the vegetable of sodas.”

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:43 am

      Spot on. I agree wholeheartedly.

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for HeatherBHeatherB says

      July 8, 2013 at 2:03 pm

      Ha! Maybe John needs a Canada Dry shirt to add to his collection in your hubby’s honor, Anne :)

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 2:04 pm

      Haha, I think he does!

      xo
      s

  26. Avatar for Julia Kent @ The Domestic BlondeJulia Kent @ The Domestic Blonde says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Oh dear. Sherry, I can honestly say I LOVE everything you guys do…. but this just doesn’t work for me!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Julia Kent @ The Domestic BlondeJulia Kent @ The Domestic Blonde says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:45 am

      Glad you guys love it, though, obviously. And all the other comments seem to be pro-blue door too… so maybe I’m out to lunch!

    • Avatar for MaryMary says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:05 am

      I’m with you, not loving it.

    • Avatar for AlisonAlison says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:20 am

      I agree..

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:22 am

      No worries at all! We certainly didn’t pick this color or share the photos thinking everyone would love it! Bright doors are such a personal preference thing. Which is awesome since it would be nuts for the whole world to have the same front door color anyway :)

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for SarahSarah says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:21 am

      Ditto here. To me it stands out too much.

    • Avatar for AngelaAngela says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:21 am

      Not feeling the blue. Go back to red!

    • Avatar for foobellafoobella says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:25 am

      I loved it in the up close picture, but when you step back, it seems there is something not quite right for me. I just can’t put my finger on it. I think maybe once they have some landscaping and a lawn (ha. no rush, guys!) it will look better.

    • Avatar for AnnieAnnie says

      July 8, 2013 at 12:01 pm

      Love the color. Love it for a door. Hate it on your house. Sorry guys but I don’t think it works at all with your brick roof color or shutters. Other than the grellow color you originally put in the kitchen I think you are normally great with your work. Oh well maybe the door will go the same way as the grellow!

    • Avatar for Marissa cMarissa c says

      July 8, 2013 at 12:14 pm

      Yeah, add me in. Just too bright for such a traditional looking house. Maybe if the blue had more gray or you paint the shutters. Maybe because there is very little white? It looks out of place

    • Avatar for LizLiz says

      July 8, 2013 at 12:16 pm

      I agree. It looked great close up, but terrible with the rest of the house.

    • Avatar for CourtneyCourtney says

      July 8, 2013 at 12:38 pm

      I have to agree I LOVE it up close, but when I scrolled down and saw it on the house as a whole it doesn’t look right with the brick to me.

    • Avatar for LOLO says

      July 8, 2013 at 12:40 pm

      Eek! No like, but to each his own.

    • Avatar for KatherineKatherine says

      July 8, 2013 at 1:19 pm

      +1, I like the color but NOT on the house. The house is way too traditional and already has too many shades of neutral for that color to work. It would look great in a warmer climate or on a less formal house, but not in this case.

    • Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

      July 8, 2013 at 1:25 pm

      Ditto! Love your blog and so excited for your new house, just not digging this color. I would have loved a rich emerald or navy.

      Then again, not my house, not my jam :)

    • Avatar for JennaJenna says

      July 8, 2013 at 1:50 pm

      agreed. I’m not too keen on this for your house but as long as you guys like it.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 1:56 pm

      Thanks guys! We love it, and sometimes photos and certain monitors can get a little wonky when compared to real life (so it might just not be “translating” as well on screen as it does in person). I propose that you all come over and hang out on our front porch with us. Haha! But really, no worries if it doesn’t float your boat – that’s completely cool. I think 100 people would pick 100 different door colors, so it’s just like expecting everyone to love the same food or the same bands. To each his own! :)

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for decoraticadecoratica says

      July 8, 2013 at 1:56 pm

      I agree too. At least in the photos appears as too light. But of course it is your choice and it’s great as long as you love it :)
      Xo

    • Avatar for ShellShell says

      July 8, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      I think the issue may be that the color is not picking up any other colors from your house. The blue is directly contrasting the house, as opposed to complementing it?

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 4:47 pm

      That could totally be it! We’re only 1% done with landscaping, so we’d love to bring in blue hydrangeas and blue planters among other landscaping that should make more sense of things. There are other colonials with blue doors and more landscaping that we love, so we can’t wait to see it come together. We’ve only been here around a month, so we’re just getting started :)

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for allialli says

      July 8, 2013 at 5:02 pm

      Agreed on the white shutters — it would really make that blue pop! Beautiful color! Love watching the house progress as it unfolds…

    • Avatar for Moriah JovanMoriah Jovan says

      July 8, 2013 at 5:41 pm

      I love the blue door, but the problem is it clashes with the gray on the face of the portico. Paint that white, and it’ll be fine.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 5:51 pm

      Oh yes, in person we love that siding color up there, but it probably reads differently on every monitor. We also have plans to frame that out more thickly (there will be more white) and possibly slat the front part so it looks more like slatted siding. We’ve seen other brick colonials in our neighborhood with that going on (slatted siding up there with white trim and a bold door) and we’ve loved the look!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for JennJenn says

      July 8, 2013 at 6:21 pm

      I agree :/ I was realllly hoping for a beautiful emerald color. I was also hoping that blue color would be left at the last house lol but if it makes them happy, that’s all that matters!

    • Avatar for SerenaSerena says

      July 9, 2013 at 11:39 am

      Completely agree with everyone above. The blue is beautiful–such a great color for a door–but I don’t love it with your brick or something. It’s almost jarring to me. But maybe with more landscaping or something. I love pretty much everything you do, so maybe this will work out eventually.

  27. Avatar for Jen.Jen. says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Love the door!

    My little guy and I ate at Bob Evans last night. When he ordered his pancakes (laid out as an owl with whipped-cream eyes and a bacon eyebrow), he told the waitress, “But I don’t need the eyebrow.” :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:59 am

      Hilarious!

      xo
      s

  28. Avatar for NicoleNicole says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Love the new door color! Do you worry at all about deer ticks and Lyme disease? I am from an area of New York where Lyme is prevalent.. is it also a big concern in Richmond?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:00 am

      It doesn’t seem to be very prevalent although of course we do tick checks on ourselves and Burger. Burgs even has a lyme vaccine but in all of his vet’s years of experience (over 20) she said she’s never seen a single case of an animal getting Lyme’s Disease in Richmond or the surrounding area. I couldn’t believe it when I heard it, but it was definitely comforting!

      xo
      s

  29. Avatar for DianeDiane says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:45 am

    It’s beautiful Sherry! :) You are such an inspiration to me! Now excuse me while I go paint the front door before breakfast . . .

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:01 am

      Haha, thanks Diane! Get ‘er done!

      xo
      s

  30. Avatar for TraciTraci says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:45 am

    I can’t believe you went with blue after all the blue that’s inside the house! I’d most likely swear off whatever color covered 90% of the woodwork – so props to you for not holding a grudge :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:58 am

      Haha! I think there will always be blues we love and blues we…. never want to see again!

      xo
      s

  31. Avatar for JoyJoy says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:46 am

    ACK! I love it!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Auntie AllynAuntie Allyn says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Nice choice of color . . . didn’t expect a blue door, but it really looks good. I’m curious about one thing . . . do you find that sample pots of paint really match the final product? I’ve found that some samples don’t always match the paint that I end up buying.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:58 am

      Oh yes, in our case they’ve always been identical. If they’re mixed wrong I’d go back and ask for a refund/new batch!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for HeatherBHeatherB says

      July 8, 2013 at 2:25 pm

      I’ve had that problem with the Valspar samples at Lowes, more than once. The sample pots aren’t a true round bucket, and while their shape is cool looking, the paint doesn’t mix well. I can always see white streaks, even after they’ve mixed. I’ve tried stirring at home and still it doesn’t match the chip–it’s always slightly off. So if your problems were with Valspar, that may be why.

      I’ve often done sample pots from Behr and have never had a probelm with the color match there. When I was selling my house after 8 years, I went back to Home Depot and got a sample pot to do some wall touch-up and it was dead on…couldn’t believe the match!

      Also heard somewhere that the darker the color, the more likely a problem matching, but I’ve never had that happen.

  33. Avatar for CaitieCaitie says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Love the color you guys picked out! An unexpected one, but it looks so pretty!

    Has Clara named any of your deer friends yet? How neat for them to come so close!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:01 am

      She calls them all Bambi or Big Burger, which cracks us up!

      xo
      s

  34. Avatar for DeeDee says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Your new house looks a lot like the house John grew up in that his parents sold a few years ago (you posted about that and getting a painting done?).

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:56 am

      So funny! You think? Here it is: https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/06/the-cat-house/

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for DeeDee says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:01 am

      Yes just rearranged differently, like lego lol.

  35. Avatar for Teresa @ wherelovemeetslifeTeresa @ wherelovemeetslife says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:47 am

    I love the color you chose! Very nice! Things are coming along nicely.
    It appears that your friendly neighborhood deer is going to be a regular. Time to name her :)

    Reply
  36. Avatar for KaelyKaely says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:47 am

    I love the color. Something wasn’t working for me when I first looked at the pictures, but I figured out what was bothering me. You need some blue hydrangeas to go with it. :) Well, really just something else blue to tie the color in. Maybe some pretty planters or something?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:57 am

      Oh yes, we have a lot more plans for planters and landscaping and grass and garden beds out there. I’d say we’re 1% done with the landscaping ;)

      xo
      s

  37. Avatar for VickiVicki says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:48 am

    The door looks amazing! You’re really giving me inspiration to jazz up our plain white front door. Our local toy shop has Fairy Doors and they have a blue one that matches your front door – so cute for a little girl ;)

    http://www.littlefairydoor.com/shop/23–lil-fairy-door-pink.html

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:01 am

      So sweet!

      xo
      s

  38. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:48 am

    Love the new door color, not to mention the very handsome door knocker! Is the lock and door handle new, as well?

    I have to say, “Spirit in the Sky” is my favorite color *name* of the bunch, if not the best color for the actual door. Now that song will be in my head all day, accompanied by strange cravings to play Rock Band! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:55 am

      Haha, now it’s in my head! John will be going into the door knocker and doorbell details tomorrow, and the door handle is about 6 months old (we switched them all out for new ones right when we bought the house so there were new locks and we didn’t have to worry about anyone having the keys to our house from the previous owners).

      xo
      s

  39. Avatar for Kimberly @ Turning It HomeKimberly @ Turning It Home says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:48 am

    Wow, it looks great! I dream of the day I have a front door of my own to paint. Seriously though, I do… is that weird?

    Also, that deer in hilarious. Clara better watch out, she has a photo-bombing competitor!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:51 am

      Haha, and Burger too! The funny thing is the fawns look like Burger. I think he might be convinced he’s half deer, and they might just think he’s one of them…

      xo
      s

  40. Avatar for Gabby @ Cookiecutterunique.comGabby @ Cookiecutterunique.com says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:49 am

    Love the color; I would have never thought of that for a front door, but it works.

    Reply
  41. Avatar for StefanieStefanie says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:49 am

    Love this color, especially with the white around it. I can’t help but think that the black shutters look a little out of place now…but that could most certainly just be me. Any plans on changing their color?

    It’s amazing how such simple upgrades can make such an impact. =)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:52 am

      We love the black shutters with the charcoal roof in person, although sometimes photos (or different monitors) don’t always paint the most accurate picture like seeing them in real life :)

      xo
      s

  42. Avatar for GracieGracie says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Question….what color are your shudders? They look black in most pics, but then every now and then you’ll post a pic and they almost look Royal Blue. Trying to figure out what all of your exterior colors are. Thx!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:50 am

      Oh yes, they’re black shutters with putty colored brown-gray siding, white trim, and a charcoal roof.

      xo
      s

  43. Avatar for Ana SilvaAna Silva says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:50 am

    OOOHHHH I love it! What a great color. I would like that color for my back door. My two front doors are the happiest yellow and I love them!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for Rene @thedomesticladyRene @thedomesticlady says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Love the front door color. We just painted ours too.

    http://thedomesticlady.com/2013/05/27/home-improvement-our-little-front-porch-makeover/

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:14 am

      So charming!

      xo
      s

  45. Avatar for LibbyLibby says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:50 am

    I’ve heard that in Amish country, they paint their door blue if they have a daughter of marriage-able age. So if a young man in a straw hat and a horse drawn buggy pulls up to your door asking for Clara, you may want to rethink the color! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:13 am

      Oh my gosh, that’s awesome!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for sarasara says

      July 8, 2013 at 12:50 pm

      Our Amish neighbors use blue curtains hung a particular way in their windows to signify that they have unwed daughters.

    • Avatar for ErinErin says

      July 8, 2013 at 9:01 pm

      how random! I love little tidbits like this!

    • Avatar for BaileyBailey says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:32 pm

      I just died laughing at this comment!!!

      xox
      Bailey
      http://akabailey.blogspot.com

  46. Avatar for Lisa ELisa E says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Love it! I recently painted my front door a bright blue as well. Mine is a deeper blue, however. The previous owners had both the front door and the sidelights painted hunter green. I, too, painted my sidelights to match the trim, but all of our trim and windows are a tannish finish. I thought of using white, but since it wouldn’t match anything else, it would stand out like a soar thumb. We then bought a storm door that matches the sidelights, color is sandstone. We have a brick front facade, but it’s the lighter faded looking brick. I kept looking at houses every time I was in the car or online and noticed that it’s kind of split how people paint them. Well, at least around here it is. Some paint the sidelights the same color, others do as you and I did. Most of the entrances online I did notice, as well, paint the sidelights the trim color and I believe that’s how I made the decision. I like the door to stand out. Since I now have a storm door for ventilation, the added brightness of the blue helps to see it better.

    Reply
  47. Avatar for JenBJenB says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:50 am

    I love, love it! We painted our front door this weekend, too! Last weekend, we bought a quart of a lovely, botanical green (real color name) and we were very excited about painting the door. That is until our 3 year old pulled the bag off of the dining room table and the quart of green paint exploded on the dining room floor! So this weekend, we bought an 8X10 rug to cover the green monster and then we painted the door. I was able to scrape enough paint off of the floor and put it back in the can to use on the door later. Unfortunately, this kind of thing is not uncommon for us when we attempt DIY projects!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 8, 2013 at 11:18 am

      OH NO! So sorry Jen! Sounds like you hid the stain and got the door done though, so congrats!

      xo
      s

  48. Avatar for MorgenMorgen says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:51 am

    We used to live in a brick colonial. We had a red door and I wanted to paint the front door that same color (or at least a very close cousin to that color). Unfortunately we moved before I got a chance to paint it. I’m so glad to see it on your house. It looks great! You guys have great taste!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for Cara DCara D says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:51 am

    I am getting ready to paint ours a nice teal! Hope it turns out as well as yours.

    Reply
  50. Avatar for Sarah S.Sarah S. says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:52 am

    It looks beautiful!! I love the color.

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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