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Design Dilemma Remodeling Exterior

Help with Front door style for cookie cutter, bi level home

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

I have a very cookie cutter, bi level home that we are slowly remodeling. We are working on the front entrance and trying to pick a new front door. There is an arched (half circle) transom window above the front door. I would like a front door that would hopefully add some character that the house is lacking but the arched transom is throwing me off. I'm not sure what style would look right. I love a cottagey look and thought maybe a craftsman door with 4-block dentil shelf - just not sure if it will go.

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Comments (13)

jck910
2 years ago
Personally I think the door suits the house. No dentil molding. I'd be more concerned about the steps. They need to as wide as the landing and might even need railings
Pmac
Original Author
2 years ago
Yes, I would agree with the steps and railing. That's probably on our next list of to-do's :)
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Profit margins in houses are pretty tight these days and you have to make enough money to stay in business. I have a friend just south of Houston who is a cabinet maker but tries to do ornamental carving as a side line. He is pretty good but those jobs are far and few between. We did a house last year where we used a Flemish bond instead of a common bond on the brick. Most trades people in my experience would prefer quality over quantity but they need people to want that and ask for it. When they bid a project the first question they are often asked is -How little money can you get the job done for? I do agree, I had the same experience building houses and the constant struggle to eliminate unnecessary problems caused by sloppy work. It is a challenge to build quality and stay competitive at the same time. I just think that this has pretty much always been the case and it is nothing particularly different today. I have read that wages for construction workers have been pretty stagnant for the past 30 years while upper incomes have grown fairly significantly. I think would have an effect on their attitude.
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Just yesterday DH and I purchased a new entry door to replace our 22 year old 6 panel door. We went with a fiberglass door called "Santa Fe," and will be using two clear full glass sidelights. We live out in the country so privacy isn't an issue. We plan to stain the door to look like wood... I wasn't sure either about what style to go for, but this door seems like it would work with several style houses. Our house is a one level ranch with horizontal vinyl siding and a hip roof. The link below shows a very similar door to the one we purchased. Here is a link that might be useful: entry door
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PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
I agree about the steps and IMO the door suits the house I think a different color for the siding would be my first thing to address . I love this color with brick and I also like the way the trim is all the same
Pmac thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
millworkman
2 years ago
Lets see a pic of the entire house but a six panel door "seems" to fit the home style. I would definitely lose the arched/round top transom for starters.
Pmac
Original Author
2 years ago

@millworkman Here is a picture of the whole home.

@Patricia Colwell Consulting I can definitely change colors of the shutters & front door, if that helps. Not sure I have the $ to change the siding color though :(
cat_ky
2 years ago
I like the existing door too. I would leave that, it fits the house so nicely. I would definitely make railings a priority. That porch looks dangerous, as do the steps.
millworkman
2 years ago
Siding color does not bother me much but I would paint the door a brighter color for sure. That and lose the shutters on the bay window and lower window below it as they stick out as an absolute fake.
Pmac
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
ok, I can do that. As far as the door color....we were looking at a Pella or Therma-Tru Figerglass with a wood like finish sort of in this color. What are your thoughts on that? And as far as style, are you thinking to stay away from the Craftsman look and stick with a 6 panel?
Pmac
Original Author
2 years ago

I just wasn't sure if there was another style (with glass or without) that would give it a little character - and also go with the transom above.
Jilly
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I know it’s hard to see this well, but just showing a traditional wood door with panels and windows.

I think you could use any traditional or mid-century style. I wouldn’t do Craftsman.

These are all dark gray or black, if you keep your shutters as is:

I like this modern style ...

Traditional ...

Lovely leaded glass ...

This is a nice-looking transitional style ...

The original picture shows it with black. Good looking door.

This would look amazing with a matching garage door and removing shutters:

This one is somewhat Craftsman-influenced, but you see they added other details to integrate it:

If you’re thinking of painting the shutters, that of course will provide other color options, but I’d still stick with trad or mod regardless.
ptreckel
2 years ago
If you decide to go with a more modern looking door, or one with craftsman detailing, see about removing the shutters and also, if possible, the muntins from your windows, for a more streamlined look.
Pmac thanked ptreckel
Pmac
Original Author
2 years ago
@Jilly THANK YOU!!! These are all wonderful and exactly what I needed!
Jilly
2 years ago
My pleasure! Good luck with your project. :)

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