Yeah, no problem this time of year where you want folks to enter. That is one thing that most people and architects don't think to much about, taking in conideration the prevailing winds when placing the house on the site.

Also something to think about...what kind of hardware are you thinking of for the drawers? I know that made a different to me--I wanted cup pulls on the drawers and needed to make sure there was enough space to put a pretty sizable cup pull on the small drawers. :) Sarah (oh, and I think I like the Oxford better...but it's hard to tell because I think I just like the lack of a lot of glazing on that door better...I don't know! The first looks more like an inset door, which is my preference if I had the $$...so maybe #1)

We custom built about three years ago and really wanted to make our front door a focal point. We have a full length lead glass door and matching side lights. We decided to go with the brushed nickel finish for a couple reasons. We wanted to match the nickel light fixtures, and door handles. I also really like the nickel because it just sparkles and looks so natural, especially when the sunlights comes through - beautiful. Would post pic, but don't know how.

I would choose a forest green, but I would also stay away from all of the Astrobright colors - they are a bit too electric, I think. I would also consider how the door looks when it is opened into the house and consider the colors in the entry room. Black is definitely safe, but I consider it a bit too urban or formal for your setting - it makes me think of 10 Downing Street. I would want a symmetrical entryway for a black door.