I would paint the entire door white. Its in a darker alcove, and white would make it much lighter and brighter.

IMO the side lights are part of the door so all black just like it is now all brown . I am wondering if maybe a nice saget green might work better than black . I guess I need to know why the change from the factory finish at all. I do not like with with brick

Paint over the stained and sealed wood door is going to peel within the first year.

@beverlyFLADeziner - What do you recommend other than painting to freshen it up ?

Thanks @patricia , the stain on the door is not my color and we did new flooring inside which is not really going with the color.

I think that many times the sidelights were left the same as the trim. I personally never liked it and prefer to see everything the same color. My front door started out stained and sealed wood door and sidelights.

Wood is difficult to maintain, even though ours was sheltered (as is yours), I gave in almost three years ago and painted it dark blue because I was tired of recoating it twice a year. As long as you give it a scuff sand, clean it and prime it with a good primer (paint store or professional painter can recommend one - I used an oil based primer meant to cover wood) you should be good to go. You may need a grain filler to smooth it out a bit (I can't tell from photo but wood with open grain will benefit from one).

I also would not choose black. I think it looks pretty the way it is. Does it need a fresh topcoat? If you do end up painting it, I'd look for a color that works with your brick (sage green is a nice complement, or pick up a color in your landscaping.

Prime first with an Exterior high adhesive Primer, KILZ

I would paint the door and sidelights, the trim on the window above the Black you intend to use, and paint the ceiling a pale blue, a dramatic entrance, for sure.

I'm going to agree with @cat_ky on this. White, or the colour of the window frames, would tie the look nicely together. Just make sure you are using the correct products to do so. Or something like this, and retain the light shade colour...

@catky and @rose smith 

Actually it's not dark at all ,the picture wasn't doing the best.its a west facing home and sun hits right on the door .

The door and sidelights should all be painted the same color. Be sure to sand and use a quality oil/solvent based primer. I really like Fine Paints of Europe for entry doors. Be sure to use their recommended primer too. It really stands up to weather and time if done properly. Love the high gloss finish too.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, this is super helpful!

Here's a visual...

Maybe large black planters on either side of the steps? Could bring in color there.

The second photo is better and I can see the door is currently different from the sides. IMHO

• paint sidelights white
• change out glass insert to something else to modernize
• consider changing porch lights
• put down an outdoor rug in front of the door

I agree with Beverly - the door and sidelights should probably be stripped down to bare wood. The paint probably won't adhere to a factory finish.

A black painted door can absorb a lot of sunlight, and heat up the door enough to pop the seals on the glass. Many door manufacturers expressly prohibit the painting of their doors in dark colors because of that issue.