Last week, I showed our front door makeover HERE and in this post, I wanted to share the hardware details as well as how the door looks from the inside of the house now. It is a small change, but it really makes such a difference with the curb appeal of the house. The porch and front door look fresh and inviting. I admire it every time I walk or drive by now, although I do cringe a bit at the naked, weedy garden beds, but we’ll get there.
Here is how the foyer and front door looked shortly after we moved in. I actually liked the green paint and the wallpaper, but the paper was peeling and stained in a few places, so it was time for it to be removed.
Here is how it looks now. In addition to the recent work on the front door, we installed a chair rail and picture frame molding this spring to add some architectural interest. We also painted the hall walls, doors, and trim in Light Blue by Farrow & Ball and added French doors to the studio.
Here’s a picture of the foyer when it was stripped of the paper, primed, and when I was painting the ceiling…
And how the front door looks now…
I don’t know what the original green color was on the door, but I stayed in the same color family and just took it a little darker, grayer, and bluer. I think it suits the pinkish/beige brisk a little bit better. Plus, we had our last front door painted Card Room Green and I never got tired of it. I think it’s such a classy, beautiful color.
And here is how the inside looked primed…
And now painted with new hardware…
The door and sidelights were a lot of work to sand, prime, and paint, but it was worth it to spruce up this 50+-year-old solid wood door. It really looks sharp.
The hardware didn’t have to be replaced. It wasn’t bad, but it just didn’t feel special. I wanted something that would be a bit more unique and also something that was solid brass, so it would last for decades.
I selected THIS HARDWARE SET. We’ve been installing Grandeur and hardware throughout our house slowly over the past year. We started with a few Grandeur handles on the bedroom doors to replace ones that were broken or wouldn’t lock and have added on from there. Both brands are owned by the same company, so their hardware is very similar. I haven’t minded mixing and matching patterns a bit, though, since they all have the same finish and feel. We still have a few more doors to change out, but I’m just doing one every couple of months to spread out the cost.
Both brands of handles are easy to install and are very high quality. I love the long backplate on the inside of the front door. To me, that just adds so much.
As a side note, I didn’t paint along the sides and top of the door because the door already sticks when it’s hot. Since the door is closed 99.9% of the time, I’m not too worried about it.
Shortly after we moved in, we added the brass rabbit-head doorknocker. I saw it on and just fell in love with it. To me, it still feels classic but it’s whimsical as well. THIS is the doorknocker.
And, I upgraded the doorbell button to brass as well. At less than 10 GBP, this brass button from England was surprisingly inexpensive! I bought two of them, one for each of our main doors. My dad replaced them a few weeks ago and, again, it’s a small detail that makes a difference. The old buttons were likely original, they were plastic and looked a bit dated. THESE are the ones I bought.
I have the Lucketts Fall Market this Friday, but I am hoping to get some more work in on the outside of the house this week…
17 Responses
Your front door makeover is absolutely stunning! The attention to detail, from the elegant New York Handleset by Nostalgic Warehouse to the charming brass rabbit-head doorknocker, has truly transformed the entrance. The choice of colors and the meticulous work on the door and sidelights have given your home a fresh and inviting curb appeal. It’s evident that every element, from the foyer to the front door, has been thoughtfully considered. The small changes you’ve made have collectively made a significant impact, creating a beautiful and timeless entrance that’s sure to be admired by everyone who passes by. Well done!
Even if it hadn’t been a functional necessity, I actually really like the look of the door without new paint on the sides – adds a certain timeworn elegance..
Sorry, not a fan. Too grey. The original green color looked much better with the brick. Regardless, your house is lovely.
I may have missed this being mentioned but did you use the same sheen of paint on the trim and door as you did the walls in the entry? I love the uniform look!
No, I used Estate Emulsion on the walls and Estate Eggshell on the trim and doors. I would say that in the F&B line, emulsion is more like a satin and eggshell is like a semigloss.
Just love your new hardware esp the bunny rabbit. They a one of my favorite collectible I guess because my birthday is at Easter time. Have you seen the latest issue of County Home mag ? (Winter 2023) Amy Whyte’s VA home is featured. Do you know her? She decorates the Old Lucketts Mkt. I love her style.
Gorgeous! It’s definitely the jewelry that finishes off the outfit.
So true Renae
Love it all. So clever your picture frame moulding around the floor vent.
Looks beautiful. What is the round brass knob below the interior door handle?
I just looked at the photos again and saw the side view that shows the exterior handle and I see the knob is the lower fastener for the exterior handle.
Just so pretty, inside and out! What amazing changes you’ve made in just one year!
The door is like a piece of art now. I love it!
You’ve put so much work into the house and it’s becoming a beautiful home. The colors you chose for the foyer are soft and elegant but make such a statement. Love, love, love, how you work magic with paint!
Dear Marian,
your attention to detail is incredible. I learn so much from the way you artfully restore and improve your homes. So warm and classy! Just love it!
All the brass hardware is lovely, but that doorbell is a major upgrade!! I would be out there ringing my own doorbell just to push that nice little button! Also, I’d be going to the front door just to see that rabbit knocker. The hallway is looking very Colonial.
The transformation of everything is just beautiful!