Exteriors – TheDreamLair.com

How To Pick The Right Front Door Colors For A Blue House? [With Pictures]

Jonathan — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 18:32:28 +0000

Thinking about giving your blue home exterior a facelift? Before visions of massive renovations and money being spent hand over fist run through your mind – relax. As an interior designer, it’s my job to help people liven up their living spaces within their budget.

You may not believe me when I say that changing the color of your front door can make your home look as good as new, but it’s true. If you have a blue house, you have the advantage of choosing from thousands of colors to make the shade ‘pop.’ To make your life easier, I’ve compiled some of the best front door color options to ensure the blue tones of your house get a new lease on life. Ready?

Front Door Colors For Blue Houses

Before I start listing out the paint colors you can utilize to make your home become a real show-stopper, let me explain how the article’s laid out.

Because there can be countless color combination alternatives (and I can’t possibly cover them all here), I’ve selected five different colors that go best with all types of blues – and each has its own heading. All you need to do is scroll down, pick the color you like, and read all about it.

1# - Black

Yes, I know white and black aren’t really colors, but are more like the absence of color and light – but let’s not get bogged down with technicalities. Even though people recoil from using black on any part of their house, it can really add some pizzazz to your home’s exterior to pair a slate blue, light blue, or baby blue siding with a black door.

Not to mention, black is really becoming popular as an exterior paint color because it’s associated with power, authority, and intelligence. If you’re a fan of the color black but are afraid of using too much of it – you can opt to paint your front door (or side door) black. That way you can have your cake and eat it too!

source pinterest.com

2# - White

If your home happens to have turquoise blue and palm trees are native to your area of residence, then not painting your front door white could be a big oversight.

Turquoise and white paint is a magical combination that can transport you to the shores of the Caribbean and lift your spirits with its tropical feel. And, if you throw in some white trim into the mix – you’ve got a sure-fire way of making your home stand out and look brand spanking new.

Conversely, if your home isn’t a turquoise shade and leans more towards navy blue – don’t despair because white can go equally well with dark blue shades. You can also try painting your garage door white to ensure your house doesn’t look too dusky and imposing.

source pinterest.com

3# - Yellow

If you ask me, yellow doesn’t ever receive the respect it deserves. Generally, people prefer to paint their interiors with a calm daffodil or banana yellow – but this pigment has a lot of potential when it comes to exterior doors.

Picture this, you’ve just returned home from a hard day’s work and are feeling pretty low. You park in the driveway and trudge up the steps when all of a sudden, you’re treated to your very own ray of sunshine.

Granted, yellow hasn’t been a favorite for exterior paint, but the good news is all that’s changing now. More and more people turn to yellow doors to add a little zing to their front doors and lap siding. Plus, yellow is a welcoming shade, making it perfect as color inspiration for your front door.

4# - Red

Thanks to flicks like Nightmare on Elm Street and Insidious, you rarely ever get to see a red front door paired with a blue house. But, you can rarely do better than a red door when it comes to curb appeal and drawing attention.

Be it an attractive fire engine red, dark mahogany, or a quirky cherry red – you can introduce a timeless feel to your exterior with this pigment.

Additionally, if you’re patriotic and big into the red, white, and blue theme, you can permanently do away with Fourth of July decorations with red doors. However, keep in mind that it’ll require you to have the Old Glory Shade of Blue.

5# - Blue

I know what you’re thinking – why subject a blue house to a blue door? As far as contrast is concerned, even the same color can achieve vastly different looks based on tone, shade, and tint. That’s why some brave souls pair their dark blue house with a lighter tone of blue to create a cool contrast that’s pleasing to the eyes.

You can also add some variety to a blue-on-blue color scheme by adding white or the trims or lap siding. That way, there are points of contrast to break the monotony of a blue color scheme.

6# - Natural Wood/Stained Wood

Thus far, my color combination tips have focused on the more ‘colorful’ options (excuse the pun) for people who have difficulty picking a favorite from the color wheel. But, if you’re a simple soul with a love of all things natural – you can opt for a door with wood stains.

While natural wood isn’t exactly a color, I thought it prudent to include this alternative for folks who like doors with an organic and textural feel.

A wood door will go well with almost all types of blue – so you don’t have to worry too much about the shade of your home. Besides that, if you have elements in your home such as a wooden ceiling, floors, brick walls, wooden shutters, etc., a natural wood front door can help you ‘tie in’ all such elements together and promote cohesiveness.

Conclusion

Designers and architects believe that a house can tell you a lot about a person. More importantly, your home – be it a white house or any other color – is your sanctuary at the end of the day. That means the way it looks, including the windows, side doors, screen door, shutters, and even the front door color, should be based on your preference alone.

You have the power to make your house an extension of your personality – without having to compromise on aesthetics. That’s something I’m hoping this rights reserved front door and house paint colors guide of mine will come in handy with. Just remember to refer to a color wheel, get plenty of color swatches, and plan every detail in advance before you get down to painting.

7 Ranch Style Front Door Ideas [With Pictures]

Jonathan — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 18:22:13 +0000

Ranch-style homes are native to the US of A, and they appeared on the architectural scene way back in the 1960s. Most of the time, these houses ooze curb appeal, and you can find them all across the country – from San Francisco all the way to New York.

If you’re the proud owner of a ranch house but want to up your design aesthetic game, there’s an easy way to do so – and that too, within budget. People are hard pressed to believe me – even with my interior designing credentials – that upgrading their front doors can breathe new life into their ranch exterior.

But that’s precisely why I’ve come up with this front door style guide for my fellow ranch house enthusiasts. From front doors contemporary to old-school charm – this feature has something for everyone, and you’re bound to love these ideas. All you need to do is grab a comfy seat and discover a whole new way to improve your architecture without moving a single stone. Ready? Here goes.

Enhancing Your Curb Appeal Through Your Exterior Door

1# - Black With Glass Panel

If your ranch-style home is surrounded by lush greenery, you can incorporate the wood elements in your house exterior to make it seem one with nature. How? Get a wood front door. Better yet, get a black wood front door with glass panels to offset the darkness of the color with the warmth of indoor lighting.

Folks aren’t too comfortable with black anywhere near their exterior door – but a black front door can be trendy and timeless at the same time. What’s not to love about that?

2# - Ironwork Door

A huge fan of the rustic elegance? Adding elements of ironwork windows and doors on a ranch house with brick can help you make a grand statement.

From single to double door variations, ironwork front doors make the perfect focal point for your front porch, and they’re incredibly durable and long-lasting. To get the best experience, hire iron door artisans and watch them create magic with your home entrance.

3# - Dutch Door

If you’re not familiar with dutch doors, imagine a door that’s horizontally split in half – that allows the top to swing open while the bottom half remains shut. Apart from giving your ranch house tonnes of curb appeal, a dutch front door is great for improving your home’s indoor air quality because it allows the light and air to stream right in.

In fact, if you’re looking for ways to amp up your home’s energy efficiency – this style of front door should be right up your alley. Oh, and these front doors are available in several styles and countless color options too.

4# - Arched Door

Believe it or not, arched doors are making a comeback in a big way. This entrance door style never truly goes out of style and has the added advantage of going perfectly with ranch-style homes. The curved top design of an arched door can introduce fluidity and softness to your front porch.

However, you may want to give arched doors a pass if your home happens to be contemporary or mid-century modern. This exterior door style is best suited to home exteriors with traditional, Mediterranean, Spanish, or Tudor vibes.

5# - Metal Entrance

Architecture is constantly evolving with new styles and ideas. From curved, sinuous lines to clean, clear-cut angles – there’s nothing architects and interior designers are afraid to try out. And, if you’re thinking about getting your minimalistic ranch-style home fitted with contemporary metal doors, you shouldn’t be anxious at all.

Metal doors are available in a stunning variety of designs, and people also love these doors for their diversity. Be it rustic brickwork or a transitional style – you can utilize a metal door to improve your ranch’s appearance. Also, metal doors with glass panels can help enhance your interior by giving you an unparalleled view of flora and fauna in your garden.

6# - Glass Doorway

So far, we’ve covered wood and metal doors. But, no front door styles for ranch-style homes lineup is complete without glass doors. Glass doors often make the ideal focal point for ranch homes because they help blend the beauty of your house exterior with its interiors.

When the sun’s up, a glass door will help bring all that natural light inside. After sunset, your interior lighting can help illuminate the porch and the landscape architecture leading to your house – making it more visible and animated. If you’re big on privacy, don’t worry. Plenty of glass doors offer cool effects like stain glass or privacy film to ensure your solitude isn’t disturbed.

7# - Wood Panel Entrance

If you’re reading this on your mobile, iPad, or tablet – you should know touch device users explore by touch, and they like the sense of tangibility that comes with it. Just like the feel of being grounded with touch or with swipe gestures, you can add a sense of attachment and belonging by investing in a paneled front door.

We all know wood is never going out of style, so you can pick a style and rail door to work with any color scheme, house exterior, or any type of ranch style house for that matter. These doors are ageless, durable, and beautiful – all at the same time.

Conclusion

Every part of your house can be personalized to indicate your taste or personality. The right color scheme, windows, or front doors can help bring in all the different components of your ranch-style home together.

Unlike interiors, like a living room, for example, home exteriors require a much lower level of effort to upgrade. That’s why I’m hoping you’re going to use the information listed here wisely and give your ranch-style house a whole new feel by focusing on your entrance – nothing could be simpler. Oh, and don’t forget to keep visiting this site for more exciting news on home and lifestyle. Till next time, happy home decoration!

10 Contemporary And Modern Front Door Handles [With Pictures]

Jonathan — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:42:57 +0000

The idea of innovating your space in 2021 does sound like a great plan. After a year of being confined in the same surroundings, we all want some change, to feel a bit new.

A discussion of this very nature with a good friend of mine got us talking about doors. The door is the first visible touchpoint when you or anyone enters your house or a room.

It is observed upgrading your doors provides an easy transformation for your space.

Magdalena Keck, a reputed interior designer, based in New York, states that door hardware is similar to fashion accessories. They give an uplift to your house’s vibe.

Door hardware can give your space a quick enhancement. A beautiful door handle on even a flat door can make it look aesthetic and be functional.

New hardware can make the simplest of doors get a unique look.

10 Contemporary Front Door Handles Ideas

Now that you know about the various types of front door handles, here are some fantastic ideas. They are cherry-picked for you. Feel free to get any of these door handles or use them as inspiration for your ideas.

1. Classic Cylindrical Lock (Brass)

Sometimes all your door needs is a simple knob to enhance its overall look. This is a traditional doorknob of dimension 180 x 70 x 70 centimeters, the best fit for single panel doors with a thickness between 32mm-45mm. The material used is brass. Most of the technology is a pin cylinder mechanism with automatic deadlocking—an effortless addition to your regular space to give the traditional decor an upgrade.

2. The Chrome Lock

This is a standard residential doorknob made of stainless steel. This provides a chrome finish that fits beautifully with a wooden, white, or glass doorframe. The doorknob complements formal and contemporary decors. There is an automatic deadlock system embedded in the handle. A manageable, practical addition to your door panel.

3. The Bronze D-pull Handles

D-shaped lever adding sparkle to your front entry door. The bronze strips are embedded over a rose-shaped bronze base. The bronze rod handles have a knurling effect added to their ends. The door handles sync perfectly with Mahogany, sesame wood, or any wooden finish to enhance the look!

4. Metallic Doorknob

Sometimes all we need is an elementary addition to complement our door frame. A metallic lever door handle with a padded lock system embedded on your door provides style and security. The lever is more comfortable to use for all age groups. The simplicity of the design makes it an excellent fit for most contemporary decors. Metallic doorknobs look classy on white and wooden door frames.

5. Brass Antique Finish

If your choice is of Lever on Backplate handle category, you can refer to this door handle right here. Giving an elegant brass finish, this door handle provides a statement look to your undecorated door frame. The lever can be used to complement both traditional and contemporary styles. The structure is a fit for doors anywhere around your house.

6. Brushed Gold Modern Design In Vintage Style Door Handle

Classic Aluminium linear-pull handles that can complement both modern and traditional spaces. The finish of the door handle is glossy, adding a more sophisticated finish. The size of the door handle varies depending on your requirement.

7. Antique Doorknob

This satin nickel beauty with a bronze finish will give an ultimate upgrade in the appearance of your door frame. The structure adds an old-world charm and is an excellent fit for more maximalist, traditional, and even boho decors. The handle set provides excellent functionality and is rust-resistant.

8. Crystal Knobs

Want an upgrade that is not only practical but also looks splendid? This particular door handle will fit your needs like a dream. It has a beautiful crystal with a satin nickel finish that is durable for an extended period. The finish creates an impression of a sophisticated knob which uplifts the look of any simple panel door.

9. Twin Leaf Design Brass Door Handle

An exquisite fit for an Art-decor style of the house, this one! It is an antique-style door handle generally fit for push and pull doors. The material is brass, and we get a dimension of 5X1.7X11 inches, optimal for a standard door.

10. Golden Hand-shaped Door Lever With Wooden Backplate

The ultimate piece that energizes your door frame to create a powerful first impression. Customizing your door handles adds a distinct appearance to your entry doors or any door frame. You can always communicate with your interior designer about your designs and requirements and get a tailor-made structure for your door panel.

Understanding Measurements

When we are talking about installing new hardware, it is essential to get existing measurements in order.

If some existing spaces and holes need to be covered by the replacing hardware, note down the sizes for clarity.

Levering Or Knobbing It!

Door handles are a beautiful finishing touch to your door frame. Everyone has their style when it comes to choosing one.

In my experience, most people decide on the one that embodies the design of their own space. If someone has a boho interior, they complement it with some boho door hardware.

The choice of door handles also depends on the choice between lever and knob.
Levers have convenience when it comes to better hand grip if you carry things and everyday carry items and replacements when it comes to strength.

For knobs, it has more practicality. They have an appropriate fit and provide a full rotation either way. Most clients go for the classic choice of an oval-shaped knob. They are a statement piece complementing Southern architecture.

Mixing It

You can always go for more distinctive options. There are multiple varieties of combos one can choose from, like the T-shaped handle and a horizontal lever on either side of the door.

It is essential to understand that the style of door handles also depends on their finishes. Some clients prefer wood, some crystal. The most common finish is metal.

Handleset can have a mirror-like polished chrome or distressed, including satin nickel brass and oil, rubbed bronze. Sometimes even wooden handle sets are preferred depending on the door paneling.

What Are My Options?

Innovation can often get overwhelming. But fret not. There are ways to make this process as easy as possible. Let us see a few broad categories available for you.

Doorknobs

They are the classics in handle sets. Usually sphere-shaped, they are assisted by a lock system for security purposes.

Their styles vary from iron doorknobs, fitting more of the traditional frame’s antique decor to more decorative pieces, stainless steel and chrome, to fit the modern contemporary vibe.

You get a variety to choose from- Dummy doorknob, Passage doorknob, and keyed entry doorknob.

Lever On Backplate Handles

Another traditional door handle of choice, the lever here, is supported by a backplate. They are sometimes provided with a lock system, but often, they are thumb turns.

The shape of the backplate can be square or curved, depending on your preference.

Lever Latch

These are generally not accompanied by a lock. They are mostly thumb turns.

D-pull Or T-handles

This style of door hardware is more fitted for external attachment. They can be considered as entry sets. They are hassle-free, without any lock system or latches, thus straightforward to use.

You can choose between a D or a T shape or go simply for linear styles to enhance your door’s look.

Pull Handles On Rose

Accompanied by around rose-fitted backplate, these pull handles to enhance your door’s look to the elegant and sophisticated decor.

Bolt-through pull handles

These are pull handles which are needed to be bolted through the door. They provide a good security measure and are sturdy.

Coded Digital Locks

This is a high-end technological option that provides optimal security. If you are looking more at a techno-modern vibe, then this option does fit your profile.

How To Purchase Door Handles?

Many factors pull in a while purchasing door handles, the price range, the delivery, and stock availability.

You can always look for online options available. There are a great variety of items available to choose from.

If you are unsure about your option, the best is to take advice from a professional interior designer. You can get ideas of customized unique entry door handles. They will be entirely new designs built according to your requirements.