Doors have been on my mind of late. As a Realtor and Interior Designer I see a lot of doors as I visit homes throughout Arizona. It goes without saying that a door is an important part of your home. For the practical reasons of providing security or helping to control the temperature. But doors also play a big part in the overall look of your home.
Your front door is one of the first things people notice when coming to your home, and the state that your door is in can have a noticeable impact on the impression people have of your house and property.
Ask yourself, what sort of a message is your front door sending?
Didn’t like your response? Don’t worry, there are a few different types of updates you can give to your door depending on what you want and your budget. Here are a few things to think about while trying to decide if you’re ready to update your door or not.
Does Your Door Need an Update?
The first thing you should think about is whether your door actually needs updating. While you are at it, think about the other doors in your home also. While the front door is the one that gets the most attention, your interior doors and back doors could use some love now and then. If they’re damaged or otherwise out of style then you might consider making some changes there also.
Take a look at the physical condition of your doors. Is there any visible damage, weathering, or warping? Do the doors stick or scrape when opening or closing, even after tightening hinge screws or making other adjustments? Think about how they look and how well they match the surrounding walls or other fixtures like shutters. Do their colors and styles cause them to blend in, stand out, or contrast? Is that a good thing? What about features such as windows or other design work in the doors? Do they match what you envision for your home? You want to consider both the look and the functionality of your doors when trying to decide whether to update or if it’s time to replace them.
Door Upgrade Options
Now that you’ve spent some time considering either your front door or other doors in your house and maybe found them in need of change, it’s time to think about what that change looks like. Is it something subtle, or more significant?
Regardless of how you’d like to change the look and feel of your home, there are likely some door updates and upgrades that can help you achieve it.
One of the most basic updates you can make to your door is to change its color with a fresh coat of paint. This can be especially useful if you just want your door to stand out more and appear more welcoming. If you want a larger color impact, paint the door as well as paint or replace your window shutters to match or contrast. Windows or other door inlays can be installed into some doors, though it’s more likely that you’ll buy a new door to accomplish this major change in look. There are a few other reasons to buy a new door as well, especially if you’re looking at damage or warping. There are both wood and metal doors available, so be sure to shop around to find the perfect doors for your home.
Getting the Door of Your Dreams
Whether you want a new paint job, a brand-new door, or large-scale updates to your doors and other features of your home, unless you have a clear vision, find a pro to help you.