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I’m sharing 5 easy ways to refresh your front door that are DIY and budget friendly! Includes tips for accessories, adding curb appeal, planter ideas, and more.
One of the things that is personally important to me as a homeowner is curb appeal. If you ask my family, they will say that it borders on being an obsession. I love it when my yard is freshly mowed, mulch is neatly laid, and the front porch is fluffed. All of those factors contribute to curb appeal, but the most important thing, in my opinion, is the front door.
Just ask yourself…when you are walking or driving down a street, as you pass the houses, where does your eye go first? Mine goes straight for the front door, and I bet yours does too. The 5 easy ways to refresh your front door that I’m sharing below are guaranteed to impress your guests…and you will love them too.
1. Update your door color.
I’ve said this before, but it is worth repeating…nothing gives you more bang for your buck than paint. One quart is all it takes to paint a door. It’s definitely something that can be done in a day, and it can change the entire appearance of your porch, and in turn, the front of your home. Choose a color that you love, or be bold and choose something out of your comfort zone. When you choose a color just a little out of the ordinary, it will definitely up your curb appeal factor. Don’t be afraid to try something new, because even if you make a mistake, it’s an easy fix. After all, it’s only paint. Learn more about my blue front door.
2. Add trim around your door.
Many years ago when we bought this house, it had double front doors that had seen better days. They were inefficient and unattractive. As soon as possible, we replaced those doors with the one we have now. It was purchased at a local Home Depot that is no longer in business. Their team installed it, but no trim or finish work was included in the deal. I tried to live with it, but it looked so unfinished that we hired a carpenter to add molding all around the door. I roughly drew it out for him, and he made it happen.
If you have access to free labor, or a handy relative, a project like this would be super budget-friendly. Even though we had to pay for our labor, it was so worth it because it made such a difference in the appearance of the door area. This one simple project gave us the finished and cohesive look we wanted.
3. Refresh your front door area with pots of greenery and flowers.
Unless you have the tiniest of porches, I would bet that you have room for at least one or two pots by your front door. They don’t have to be big or expensive. Basic terra cotta pots from a discount store will do the trick. Our porch is not large, and it’s very simple, but the addition of planters flanking the door adds the most amazing curb appeal and interest. Our porch planters have changed over the years, but they always include greenery and occasionally flowers. My favorite look is twin planters filled with ferns. Last year, I filled the planters with ivy, sweet potato vine, and white impatiens. Plants like ferns and ivy seem to thrive with very little care, so they are super easy to maintain.
4. Update house numbers, mailbox, door hardware, and lights.
After we installed the new front door, we slowly updated all the other elements on the porch. We replaced old brass lights, the mailbox, and the house numbers. In the picture above you can see that all those elements coordinate with the door hardware. Keeping your metals in the same tone gives your door area a very cohesive look.
Take Your Time
No where is it written that your list of updates has to be tackled all at once. Porch elements can definitely be replaced or refurbished a little at a time. When we were updating our porch, we began with the door. The next year, we added the trim around the door. The summer after that, we installed new lights. Last but not least, we updated the mailbox, and hung a new address plaque. Taking the project slowly allows you to be sure of your choices. It also provides you with time to save money, so you can get exactly what you want.
5. Replace your doormat and wreath.
I adore doormats…almost as much as I adore wreaths! I change both of these things out when the seasons change. Even if you have a covered porch like I do, doormats get dirty and they fade. Starting a new season with a fresh and clean doormat, along with a charming wreath, can totally breathe new life into a tired front door area.
SHOP + SOURCE
Click the links below to be taken directly to the product listing. Every effort has been made to provide sources for the items found in this post. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
*Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- faux galvanized planters
- hello doormat
- blue and white checked rug
- door hardware
- address plaque
- door color
- white berry wreath
- porch lights
- mailbox
- round white planters (size small: need to drill holes in the bottom)
- door basket
- hello sunshine doormat
- black and white checked rug
- Welcome Home doormat
- black striped rug
The one thing we have not accomplished, and that needs attention immediately, is making our front porch railing maintenance-free. It’s currently made of wood and is in sad condition. It’s rotting in some areas and the paint is peeling. I have that on my list for this summer, so I’ll report back when the project gets started!
Author’s Note: I never got the chance to fix the front porch railing because we moved! Read our moving story HERE.
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You’re so right, Ann, about the power of the front door. When we moved here, our front door was forest green. The house looked sleepy. We painted the door red, and suddenly the house looked alive!
I have those planters too and just love them !!! I always add creeping Jenny from my yard !
Do you happen to have full before and after pics of your front door? I also have a double front door and would like to replace with one door. My husband needs to see examples before he is on board!
Thanks so much for your blog. I love your content. And I lost my best friend, my dog Molly, 2 years ago. I cried when I read your post.
I love what you do every season. I have a question. Do you wish you had a storm door? I am redoing my whole front porch out of necessity but I no longer want a storm door. My door is wood frame with glass but getting new door is not in the budget. I live in cold PA. While it will seem strange not having a barrier when I open the door, I live alone, I am tired of how it looks. Will appreciate your opinion. Thanks😻
No…I have never wanted a storm door. I just don’t like the look from the street, and it’s difficult to add a wreath. I have not missed a barrier…but I do understand your point. I’m not sure if this would work, but can you try removing the storm door and see what you think. Good luck!
Thank you for agreeing with me lol. That’s all I needed to take it down. Blessings Ann😻
I have a glass front door and use suction hooks to hang wreaths.
I never thought about changing the hardware around the front door! What a great idea! Your porch is lovely! Thanks for the inspiration, Ann!
Good Morning Ann, I have a question for you about your galvanized planters from Hobby Lobby. Did you drill holes in the bottom for drainage or put a false bottom in them? They are beautiful, but I’m guessing they hold quite a bit of potting soil. Thank you for inspiring us with your beautiful seasonal front porch ideas! Happy Easter! 🌷🐣
Hi Sally…all the information about the planters is in this post: https://www.onsuttonplace.com/black-and-white-on-the-front-porch/ Thank you!
Your front porch is always so inviting! I have added faux silk flowers to my clematis vine next to my front door and faux flowers to pots not in bloom yet! I shop after holidays to get door mats and door decor on clearance to cut costs.
Ann, your front porch always looks so beautiful — no matter what season it is! You always give us such great ideas and this makes it so easy to make our porches look nice. Thanks, too, for giving us all the sources for purchasing the items. You spend so much time putting your posts together and we sure appreciate you doing this. Bless you!
Excellent ideas for a front door. I love the blue you are using on your front door. Blue is my favorite color anyway. Thank you for sharing. Jean
Not much refreshing going on here in Michigan in January! Below 30 degrees
All so pretty. Are your doormats fir outdoor use only? I never can find pretty ones like yours.
Beautiful front porch. Can you tell me if doors are painted with a flat, satin, or gloss paint?
The front door paint is a satin finish. Thank you!
Love your front porch ideas irsso cold right now but i cant wait until it warms up . I too would love an idea for our concrete porch i usually buy outside rugs. Have any thoughts or blogs for decks love to hear some of your ideas. Looking forward to seeing your next blog. Robin
Your front entrance ALWAYS looks so pretty. I would stop by happily, for sure. Very welcoming.
Hi Ann!
Your pitches are always welcoming and lovely! Your link however to Amazon is. It working. Just wanted to let you know ! Thanks for all your inspiration.
Hi Joann…thank you so much for taking the time to let me know. I so appreciate it! I fixed the link. You’re the best. :)
Just have about finished my front porch spring clean up.Got rid of the dirt and cobwebs Bought the ferns for the urns,hung up the windchimes put a new spring flower wreath on the front door, but best of all added two new rocking chairs to the area. Love to have a place for my husband and I to have our coffee in the morning and watch the birds and breath in the spring air. Thank you so much for your wonderful blog.
Sounds like a little slice of heaven. Enjoy!
Great ideas! Love it.
You’re right, curb appeal is very important – not for others, but it’s nice to come home and have it look nice from the outside. Thanks for all the tips!
The eight foot deep, 44 foot wide front porch in the home we bought in 2013 is turning out to be our favorite room. (Given the changes and improvements we’ve made, it’s also turning out to be one of the more expensive ones.) Because it faces west, by 2 p.m. on a June afternoon we pretty much need those goggles that tanning salons provide. I wandered around the Internet looking for shade ideas and wound up using 12 sheer curtains left over from the sunroom in our former home. If you spend as much time on your porch as we do and need sun protection, check out “outdoor curtains” on Pinterest.
Fun fact: My husband like this porch so much I bought him a twin size heated blanket to extend his lounging time by several months.
So many great tips, Ann and there is nothing like creating a great first impression. I just painted my double front doors that were always a neutral color a Charleston black green to match the shutters and I love the new look – fresh and inviting. Yours is so welcoming in every image!
Hi Ann,
Love you porch rule printable. I have a deck, do you think I can get a deck rule printable. Thanks so much….
To have house painted this summer/white farm house with forest green trim beneath windows,Any ideas for my front door/which is plain white at present??? Love your ideas Thanks
1
Outdoor tile looks very nice on a porch. Just make sure it’s outdoor tile or you’ll be shelling out on an insurance deductible in wet weather.
I would love to paint my door…not afraid of the paint, but the drying! How do you deal with no door for a while.. any suggestions?
The fascia on our house is hunter green as is our front door, gutters are white, and the front of the house is gray stone. I would like to change the color of the door but not sure if we can because of the fascia. Thoughts?
Lots of good ideas here. Our new/old 1927 house has a side entry. It provides a particular challenge as the door is not really visible from the street, though a bit of the porch is.
It is SO elegant! Beautiful front entry.
I will repaint our front door and I like your blue door a lot.
You have the most charming front porch! We had our concrete porch stained about 7 years ago…it gave it new life without having to replace it. I’m pretty sure you can diy it too. Thanks for all the inspiring pics! ;)
Absolutely love painted front doors~yours is stunning! Our HOA…Homeowners Association, does not allow any of us to paint our front doors. We are of course ‘allowed’ to add plants, wreaths and seasonal lighting. (briefly) I believe I may be a rebel & put in my request to paint my door RED. Love your blog! Thank you for sharing your creativity.
Marcy,
And that is why I live in the countryside… so HOAs cannot dictate personal style. Love Ann’s door and style in everything she does.
Happy Spring everyone,
Judith
These are some great ideas to put a fresh look to your door and porch scape. I really like your wreaths and mats also. The galvanized tubs are wonderful, I really like the feel they give off.
Refreshing my front porch has been on my list for a couple weeks now. Love all the ideas and the added nudge by seeing yours looking so spiffy for so many seasons. I think I will start by painting my park bench that sits by the door. And I do love plants of any sort so that is a must too.
Love the ideas Ann! I so need to repainted my door, trim and columns this year. I believe 10 years is long enough, and waaaay overdue! Lol!
Hi Ann, I like how you said it takes time to get the look you want and it looks very welcoming. Hope your dad is recovering well. Kathleen in Az
Okay, i know i have got to paint my front door,another thing for my list. Your home is so pretty, thanks and have a great day.
Those are all lovely ideas, Ann. I really love the boots and those planters are gorgeous! xoDiana
Have you thought about painting and stenciiling your concrete porch.?
Glenda, Yes, I’m in the process of having my front porch sandblasted and staining it. Then adding a small amount of stenciling!
Great. Keep us posted. I intend stenciling my bedroomfloor.( (20squares).wish me luck!.looking for a la ce stencil here in south africa but can’t find it here.to pricy to order from abroad. Have a great day, god bless!
If you have steps, consider putting a pattern at the edge to highlight where it is.
My entry way has a series of small steps with with walking space in between – a gradual rise, in other words. In certain light and shadow situations, it could be difficult to see the step rise. When my mom lived with me, I put a pretty design on the edges so she could see where they were. As I am getting older, I realize that I need to redo the designs so I can see the steps clearly.
Ann…….love all your posts….just my style. Where could I locate a rug similar to one just inside tour front door..with script. Love it. ML
Hi Mary Lou! I got that mat from Decor Steals. It’s called the Typography Bamboo mat. If you subscribe to their emails you will be notified when they offer it again. Thanks!
Usually love whatever you do and your front porch is again a winner!!!
Hi ANN, So glad you posted the color of your front door. Love it with the trim you chose. Do you have shutters? If so what color are they? Love the boots with the Pussy Willows.Thanks for all the great ideas. Happy Easter
Loved seeing all the different looks of your front door Ann :) I wish we had just a door but we also have a screen door and it always distracts from the curb appeal. I always think theres no reason to have a pretty colored door when no one can see it.
I look forward to your “site”, Ann! Your ideas, recipes and general “talk” are priceless! Thank you for all of it! and
Happy Easter!
Pink Hugs,
Dee
I have a concrete front porch. About 20 years ago, I had a terracotta finish applied (can’t remember company name right now). The created 12 inch tile squares on the porch and a regular brick look on the step. It has worn perfectly and I have been very please with the look and the durability.
Your front porch and door always look welcoming. Some great tips here!
You have a very pretty front porch.
I love the pussy willows in the rain boots!
Ann – I too am waiting for spring to settle in and can’t wait to get outside again! Our small, sunny, covered front porch does need a refresh and your post today has got me thinking (thanks!). If you refurbish your concrete floor – please post about it because I am interested on how it will be done. Our little porch floor could benefit from a refurbish.
Have a great day!
Heather B. in Ontario
Hi Heather! I have no idea what to do with that porch floor. It’s got some stains and water marks that won’t come off. If I figure something out I will be sure to write about it. Thank you so much for your comment!
Hey Ann, your home always feels so inviting due to the focus you spend on the continuity of all elements. Would love to sit on your front porch and watch the neighborhood float by. Trust you and your parents are holding strong.