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.
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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)
- 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.
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.