Front Door Decor: How to Make an Entrance

Your front door decor deserves the same level of thoughtful consideration as any room in your home. Beyond being an entry point, it’s your abode’s first impression and a hint at the style inside. Here, Scouted designers share the essentials to create a stunning entrance with stop ’em in their tracks curb appeal.

Spark interest. With front door design, Susan Weiss, founder and principal of Emerson Bailey in Bozeman, Montana, Denver, Colorado, and Nyhamnslage, Sweden, explains that the goal is to evoke curiosity and intrigue about what awaits inside. She recommends gradually revealing the story of your home. “Approach it as a holistic experience, starting from the moment someone steps out of their car and moves towards the home. When a visitor approaches the door, the aim is to make them feel welcomed, comfortable, and intrigued,” she says

Clear the way for sunshine. The style of your house is obviously a consideration when choosing a door, but Lexi Lundberg, CEO and creative director of Lexi Grace Design in Greater Phoenix, Arizona, notes that bringing in more natural light should always be a consideration. If going the most transparent route, with an iron and glass door, is out of the question, she recommends opting for doors with multiple lites (a lite is a single pane of glass framed by wood), transoms, and sidelites (narrow vertical windows on either side of the door).

Make your door an integral part of design. Your front door decor sets the tone for your entire home and should not be an afterthought. “An exterior door significantly influences the external allure, potentially shaping the impressions of individuals who never actually enter the property,” Weiss says. When designing the front of a home her goal is to establish an expectation, making the landscaping, walkway, and actual front door all align with the interior design of the home.

Consider future upkeep. The aesthetic appeal of your front door is only as good as your ability to maintain it, Weiss stresses. Going with lots of glass? Plan to keep that glass cleaner at the ready. Over time, wood stains will lose their luster, especially in direct sunlight, so depending on your stain, you’ll need to re-varnish anywhere from annually to every three to four years. Paint can be more forgiving, but keep an eye out for fading and peeling. Weiss notes that a home’s well-maintained exterior signals the care and attention you can expect to find inside.

Draw on the style of your home. Choosing decorative elements for your front door decor can feel overwhelming, so Abigail Shelhamer, owner and head gardener at Abigail Gardens in Charlottesville, Virginia, advises her clients to let the style of their home guide their decision making. “A classic, brick home often calls for symmetry and simplicity, while a modern/contemporary home needs asymmetry and more easily gets away with unexpected elements such as tropical plants or bold colors,” she explains. 

Simplicity is key. When choosing plants for a front bed or planters, Shelhamer notes it’s easier to achieve a polished look by avoiding mixing too many colors. Let the hue of your front door guide you to plant colors that are complementary. “When in doubt, keep it simple. Colorblock your flowers or add a pair of big ferns on either side of your entryway for understanded elegance,” she says.

Planter perfection. Quality is paramount when thinking about objects that will be living outdoors, ensuring that they are sturdy enough to stand up to the elements. “When you purchase a quality container, you’re purchasing it for life, so make sure that you love it and it fits the aesthetic of your home,” Shelhamer says. It’s important to choose a vessel that’s proportional to the size of your door and porch. Shelhamer advises that small porches look best with dainty urns, and big front entryways and porches need weightier planters for balance.

Add personality with fixtures. For an additional pop of personality, consider adding or updating your exterior lighting. Lundberg loves the look of a sconce next to a front door or a chandelier above your exterior entryway. She encourages her clients to step out of their comfort zone by choosing an unexpected, bold statement piece. For more lighting advice read Time to Shine: Expert Advice on Lighting Your Home.

Mix old with new. There is no better way to ensure a unique setup setup than incorporating vintage pieces into your front door decor. “Consider scouting local thrift shops or flea markets for uncommon treasures—vintage lanterns, weathered crates, or aged planters can add character and a touch of nostalgia,” says Chloe Morgan, CEO of Bells and Baubles in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Not only does this lend a distinct personality to your space, but it also ensures that each season tells a story with pieces that stand the test of time. 

Hire a professional. If designing your front door decor feels stressful or doesn’t spark joy, Morgan recommends looking to the professionals. Whether you opt for a gardener, a designer or seasonal decor concierge, she notes that these professionals are able to bring a wealth of expertise to curate a look that aligns with your style. Consult The Scout Guide Directory to find the perfect expert to elevate your front door.

Emerson Bailey appears in The Scout Guide Bozeman. Lexi Grace Design appears in The Scout Guide Phoenix and Scottsdale. Abigail Gardens appears in The Scout Guide Charlottesville. Bells and Baubles appears in The Scout Guide Tulsa.