Accessorize a front door to look more elegant.
Your home's front door is the first thing your guests see, so if you have a less expensive door, several techniques exist to help make it look more elegant and inviting. Decorate a cheap door to add visual interest, and then place items around it to further draw your visitor's attention to the work you've done. The finished result will look comparable to a more expensive door, and no one has to know how much money you've saved.
Instructions
1. Update a wooden or steel door with a new coat of paint. Choose a dramatic color such as red, black, blue or green to draw attention to it. Darker colors will also not show dirt as much as lighter colors.
2. Add wood trim to the door for visual interest, especially if you have a cheap wooden one. Paint your wood trim white, and attach it in a square pattern on the front of the door. Alternatively, create several small boxes on the door or just one large box. Attach the trim using a hammer and wood nails. Use a level so each trim piece is straight.
3. Attach a door knocker to immediately draw the eye to it. Find a knocker that is made of wrought iron, brass or copper, as these metals will hold up to outside elements. You can find door knockers at antique or local home improvement stores. Use the mounting kit supplied with the knocker, and hang it in the exact center of the door, below eye level.
4. Place dramatic-looking potted plants around the door or on either side of the door. The color of the pots should contrast with the color of the door. For example, if your door is blue, choose terracotta pots. If the door is painted red, choose cobalt blue pots.
5. Put a welcome mat at the front of the door. This will help finish off the visual frame you started with the potted plants. Pick a mat that reflects your personal style. For example, if you like whimsical patterns, choose a fun mat with bright colors. If you prefer understated elegance, pick a mat with a subtle pattern and calligraphy script of the word "Welcome."
Tags: front door, door visual, door visual interest, expensive door, look more, look more elegant
