We often concentrate on interior paint colors, but a frequently overlooked (yet vital) painted element of a home is the front door – something visitors see immediately. Not only can it enhance a property's market value, but it also offers a preview of the style choices inside.
Consider Halle Berry's decision to pair a black-painted door with her white home exterior – the contrast makes the Catwoman star's grand entryway feel even more chic due to the dark shade's sophistication against the home's stone walls.
A classic choice for good reason, Halle Berry's black front door color is both bold and versatile, fitting seamlessly with various interior trends, from organic modern to quiet luxury. Adding it to a door signals to visitors that the home is stylish and on-trend.
Shop the black curb appeal edit
If you prefer a more traditional look, this set of three matte flower pots is the perfect place to start. They sit at different heights, welcoming the eye in.
Brighten your doorway with this stylish light sconce. It's made of rubbed bronze and textured glass for a visually interesting and retro feel.
This stunning square plant pot is ideal for placing a few small trees by the side of your door. It's the perfect spot to grow ivy, if you want to emulate Halle's look.
'Dark paint may seem intimidating, as it can create quite a moody feel in a space,' says Homes & Gardens' editor Jennifer Ebert.
'It's important to remember that black is still part of the neutral family and can be utilized accordingly, whether you want to elevate a space or make it feel cozy.' Regarding front door colors specifically, the advantages of black paint lie in its enduring appeal.
'Black pairs well with any color and texture, so it's a very safe bet in the sense that it will match your home's existing exterior, but it still possesses the bold quality that makes it pop,' Ebert states.
'Choosing a dramatic color like black, in turn, makes a front door a focal point for a home.' Suitable for both modern and traditional houses, black paint looks especially elegant with a glossy finish. 'Glossy paint gives the doorway a subtle shine, but due to its neutrality, it's not too overpowering,' Ebert explains.
'Alternatively, a matte finish is becoming an increasing favorite for a reason – they offer an excellent depth of color. More and more, matte blacks are also celebrated for their ability to cover imperfections in surface and application, making it a perfect choice for every kind of decorator, and every type of home.'
Black also complements exteriors beyond the door – Berry's black sconces (similar to these on Amazon) and overhead accents introduce high drama to offset the surrounding, lush greenery and stone steps, which look particularly striking as the seasons change, perhaps offering a warm welcome in the cooler fall or winter months, or contrasting beautifully against spring blooms or summer sunshine.
For color recommendations from us at Homes & Gardens, we highly suggest Backdrop's classic black Dark Arts. It's an eternal classic.
