skip to main content

Home Decorating

Help with newly completed front entry

6 years ago

We moved into this house 1 year ago and this was our first major project. This new entry was recently completed and replaced an old 2 level wood porch that was warping and crooked.

The plan calls for 3 Dwarf Bleeding Hearts in each bed corner by the front of the steps. I just planted the Little Lime Hydrangea and the Lirope but can't find the Dwarf Bleeding Hearts yet. The plan also calls for 2 planters to the side of last step before the landing.

I need to add a bench under the windows on the left and get the planters. I may also paint the front door. I think the lights are too high and small also.

Any ideas of how to pull this all together? What color for the front door? I think I need to tie the sandstone in with the grey of the house (painting the house is not an option at this point because we need to deal with the driveway next). What kind and color lights? I also don't know how to deal with the expanse of siding on the right side.

Thx for any suggestions!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

bothell
6 years ago
Rory: you have the basics for a "wow" entry. The door is lost in the shadows, is it shaded most of the day? My suggestion for the door is a color that would help it standout from the gray color of the house. The green of the lawn area in your plan above would be my suggestion. Then I would get planters in the same/similar color as the door. I agree with you that the lights aren't large enough. Not sure about moving them down, might look awkward. Question - is the step under the door finished? It looks a bit lost in front of the door.
Rory (Zone 6b) thanked bothell
Rory (Zone 6b)
Original Author
6 years ago
bothell, The entrance is a bit awkward because the house is "L" shaped and the garage side of the house shades part of the front entry most of the day. The original plans called for there to be one more step up to the landing but due to the placement of the vent from the lower bathroom on the wall the landing was lowered and the step was moved to under the door.

I agree that the door is lost and needs to be a different color. I just don't know if green would pull the grey and the sandstone together. The planters matching the door is a great idea! My DH thinks they should be sandstone also but I can steamroll that.
Related Discussions
Need Help Picking New Front Entry Door
Q
Comments (18)
Have you priced doors yet? We've been pricing them for the past two years since we desperately need ours replaced. More glass = more expense. If expense isn't an issue, my point is moot. Also, if you are doing doubles versus the single with sidelites, you will be talking a custom size which may cost even more. On top of that, unless you go with a very well made door, the glass may not be warrantied for as long and the insulating levels will be less. In shopping for doors, Provia has an excellent warranty on their door AND glass, most others like Therma-Tru have very limited warranties on their glass; it's a read the fine print type of thing. The downside is Provia is a higher priced than Therma-Tru and only sold through dealers who install the doors themselves. I live in a center hall colonial in New England, I don't think double doors fit my house style or my neighborhood. I've lived in homes with them in the past and when they are full sized, double doors, they are indeed quite nice to have. Do you have a standard 36" door with 12" sidelites? Your double doors would be two 30" doors. Privacy would be a concern unless you covered the windows or opted for designer glass. With the expense, be sure you truly want what you think you want, consider all the changes, before going that route.
...See More
help me redeisgn and move the front entry of this house?
Q
Comments (4)
i should tell you that i often find homes i must remodel in my head and on paper. this one in particular since there is a slight chance we may end up with it. we're serial remodelers with lots of experience, thankfully. anyway i'm thinking an entire two story addition on the north end to create an entry and mudroom. where i get stuck is that it's reversed to me, top floor is living room on east and kitchen/dining on west side with access to pool and backyard. ground level are the bdrms and a two car garage which becomes an apartment. i know we need to push dirt and create a drive up entry, so no carrying groceries up more than three steps. getting the stairway down to the bdrms really works on the east in a light filled stairwell, i like that a lot. also i'd install a lot more glass on the east for sure. the two little windows are two bdrms, which i'd make into one big one, taking the space from the former slit-level stairway for one large master suite.
...See More
Help with Front Entry Portico
Q
Comments (52)
The details are difficult to see in the low resolution photo but if there is crown molding under the overhang it would be further evidence of the contractor’s ignorance. A crown molding belongs at the top of the cornice. What you need is a scaled section drawing so we can offer real solutions. That’s what should have been in the drawings in the first place and it’s the only way you will be able to fix this problem. If that’s too difficult take a better photo and note the dimensions on it. It shouldn’t be difficult to make this thing look better.
...See More
front entry help - front door is hidden
Q
Comments (5)
Oh wow, it's really hidden! lol Your furniture plan for the porch sounds lovely and I imaging having the door tucked away adds a nice sense of privacy and security. What about removing/relocating the bushes in front of the porch? Removing them might make the space look larger and more welcoming where as now they seem to make the space small and dark. Maybe swap them for some flowerbeds. It doesn't sound like you'd want to take on awindow-to-door conversion but it would look really great if you did. You've got a lot of space from an exterior view and having the steps lead up to the door would look very welcoming. You'd also have to consider what's on the other side of the wall and how that would affect the layout of your porch furniture, too (I'm sure you've already thought of that though). You've got a beautiful home, I'm sure whatever you decide it'll look great. Good luck! - Ariana
...See More
bothell
6 years ago
Rory: what made me think of green for your front door is how great the color of your hydrangea looks against the sandstone. I think sandstone planters are going to get lost next to the sandstone you already have.

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 10 Simple Ways to Personalize Your Front Entry

By Kerryn Ramsey

Set a welcoming tone for your home with stylish updates to your doorway, pathway and porch

DOORS The Perfect Front Door for Your Entry

By Mitchell Parker

Learn about material and style choices, how to get a front door installed and how much it will cost

ENTRYWAYS Upgrade Your Front Entry the Budget-Friendly Way

By Lisa Frederick

Freshen your facade and create an air of welcome from the get-go with these tips and affordable finds

ENTRYWAYS How to Make the Most of Your Entry (No Coat Closet Required)

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

A well-designed foyer offers storage, seating and other features to help you get out the door on time and looking good

BEFORE AND AFTERS Makeovers Create More Usable Living Space in 7 Front Yards

By Annie Thornton

Designers transform underused yards and entries into stylish, functional and inviting outdoor spaces

EXTERIORS 10 Essentials for a Welcoming Front Porch

By Laura Gaskill

A few well-chosen pieces can help make your porch comfortable for relaxing and greeting neighbors

ENTRYWAYS Trending: Top 10 Wood, White and Light Entries in Summer 2018

By Gwendolyn Purdom

The most popular newly posted entryways on Houzz are bright and airy with a hint of rustic charm

ENTRYWAYS Put On a Good Face: Design Principles for Home Fronts

By Liz Miller Interiors

Set the right tone from the get-go with an entry that impresses and matches the overall design of your home

LANDSCAPE DESIGN A Tranquil Front Yard Retreat for an Urban Garden

By Annie Thornton

A Craftsman home in California gains a terraced garden, a formal entry, a water feature and a front patio for lounging

CURB APPEAL 15 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Yard

By Annie Thornton

These homes featured on Houzz offer a neighborly view to the street

Sponsored

More Discussions

bar closet in the making

11

Wall & Mantel decor help

8

should headboard shape match side decor?

4

Fabrics to go with oriental rug

2

chatGPT 4o for design help.

9