Front and interior door color · Pink Flamingo field guide

One good door color can wake up the whole house

An accent door is small enough to be fun and important enough to change the first impression. Choose it like part of the house, not a paint chip dare.

Freshly painted accent door on a Maryland home
Practical color and preparation advice from Pink Flamingo Painting.

Start with what the door touches

Outside, compare the color with brick, stone, siding, trim, roofing, porch material, and hardware. Inside, look at the floor, wall color, nearby doors, and the rooms visible from the entry.

A beautiful color can still be wrong if it makes the brick look orange or the floor look unexpectedly pink. Large movable samples make this easier than painting five small postage stamps on the door.

Choose a color with a job

Deep green can connect a house to mature landscaping. Oxblood or warm red can bring life to cream siding and old brick. Teal or blue can sharpen a simple facade. Mustard can be terrific when the fixed materials already carry warmth.

For interior doors, charcoal, muted blue, olive, or warm putty can add rhythm down a hall. Decide whether every door joins in or only one becomes the feature.

freshly painted accent door on a Maryland home

Hardware is part of the palette

Black, brass, bronze, chrome, and nickel change how the same paint color reads. If the hardware is tired, decide whether it is being cleaned, replaced, or reused before the final color choice.

Remove what can be removed for painting. Masking around every plate and hinge is fast at the beginning and painfully obvious at the end.

Preparation keeps the clever idea from looking cheap

Degrease hand areas, sand failed or glossy coatings as required, repair dents, prime bare or troublesome spots, and use a coating suited to the door and exposure. Exterior edges and lower rails deserve special attention because they collect water and wear.

Do not bury flexible weather seals under paint. Keep the door operable, mind the recoat and close times, and let the finish cure before treating it like luggage.

Sheen changes the personality

A higher sheen can look crisp and traditional, but it also shows surface flaws. Satin or low-luster options can be more forgiving while still cleaning well. The best choice depends on the door condition, style, and product system, not a universal rule.

Written by Justin Pisarra, Pink Flamingo Painting
Plainspoken painting advice from a Fulton-based company serving Howard and Montgomery Counties. We use Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams products, explain the preparation, and back our workmanship for seven years.

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How Accent Doors Can Elevate The Look of Your Home

August 10th 2024

In recent years, interior design trends have evolved from emphasizing only exterior doors as unique space elements to embracing the potential of interior doors. Accent doors, which are interior doors painted or customized in vivid, eye-catching colors, are now seen as focal points in a room. This approach offers a unique opportunity for bold statements and is a simpler, more cost-effective, and easier alternative to accent walls.

5 Quick Tips for Making Accent Doors Work

When creating an accent door, your personal preferences and existing interior design play a crucial role. Here are some tips to effectively add accent doors to your home.

1. Carefully Consider the Color

Choosing the right color for your accent door is crucial. Benjamin Moore offers an array of vibrant colors that can transform any door into a statement piece. For instance:

  • Consider ‘Kendall Charcoal‘ for a deep, sophisticated look against lighter walls.

  • If you want something more traditional, try ‘Hale Navy‘ for a touch of elegance.

  • For something bold and nature-inspired, ‘Forest Hills Green‘ can create an eye-catching contrast.

  • Or try ‘Eggplant,’ which is perfect for a luxurious feel.

  • We love  ‘Classic Burgundy‘ for a touch of warmth and sophistication. 

Remember, accent doors are an excellent medium for experimentation due to their ease and affordability.

2. Experiment with Knobs and Handles

Hardware is more than just functional; it’s a key design element. Consider unique materials like brushed nickel for a modern touch or antique brass for a vintage feel. Hidden or recessed handles can create a sleek look for a minimalist approach. Remember, the hardware should complement the door color and the overall room aesthetic.

3. Coordinating Trim and Wall Colors

The trim can significantly impact the overall effect of an accent door. Consider a trim color that subtly contrasts the wall and the door for a harmonious look. For instance, Benjamin Moore’s ‘Chantilly Lace’ offers a crisp, clean contrast for darker doors. Alternatively, ‘Onyx’ can provide a striking frame for lighter-colored doors for a more dramatic effect.

4. Incorporate Various Door Materials

Experiment with materials like frosted glass for a contemporary feel or reclaimed wood for a rustic touch. Panel styles, from traditional to modern, also play a role in the door’s impact. A door with glass panels can add depth and interest, especially in darker or smaller spaces.

5. Integrating Doors with Overall Home Decor

Accent doors can also be part of a broader design theme. For instance, a door in ‘Caliente’ can complement a room with bohemian or eclectic decor, while a ‘Beach Glass’ door could enhance a coastal-inspired room.

Elevating Your Home with Accent Doors

Accent doors not only add a visual pop but can also transform the entire ambiance of a space. Here are some reasons why our experts often recommend painting accent doors:

  • Adds an Instant Pop of Color: They introduce a dynamic element to monochrome schemes or add a bold touch to vibrant settings. 

  • Versatile Designs and Styles: Their versatility in design allows for endless creativity, while their ease of installation and affordability make them an attractive option for home renovation projects.

  • Flexible: With the ability to change them easily, accent doors offer a flexible approach to evolving your home’s style. 

  • Affordable: They are ideal for those who enjoy DIY projects and want to add a personal touch to their living spaces.

Accent doors are becoming a trendy and less resource-intensive option than accent walls. They offer a fun, low-pressure way to add dynamism to your interior spaces. If you’re considering an update, an accent door could be an exciting choice for your home.

FAQs

What is the cost of painting an accent door?

The cost of painting an accent door varies based on several factors, including the paint’s quality, the door’s size, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Paint Cost: If you choose a high-quality Benjamin Moore paint, the cost can range from $45 to $95 per gallon, depending on the product line and finish.

  • Supplies: If you’re doing it yourself, supplies can add $20 to $50 to your total cost.

  • Labor: If you hire a professional to paint the door, labor costs can vary significantly based on your location and the professional’s experience. On average, labor for painting a single door can range from $100 to $300.

Remember, these are general estimates, and prices can vary. Getting a few quotes from local professionals is always a good idea if you decide to hire someone for the job.

What is the most popular interior door style in 2024?

In 2024, the most popular interior door style is the minimalist and clean-lined modern door. This style often features simple, sleek designs with flat panels or flush surfaces, reflecting a contemporary aesthetic. 

The popularity of this style is driven by its versatility and ability to blend seamlessly with various interior designs, from modern and contemporary to transitional spaces. These doors often come in neutral colors like whites, grays, or wood tones, emphasizing a subtle yet sophisticated look.

What is the latest trend for interior doors?

The latest trend for interior doors in 2024 revolves around incorporating bold and personalized elements. Accent doors, where a single door is painted in a bold color or has a distinctive design, are very trendy. This approach allows homeowners to add a personal touch and create a focal point in their interior spaces. 

Additionally, integrating eco-friendly and sustainable materials in door construction is gaining traction, reflecting a growing preference for environmentally conscious design choices.

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