Move over curb appeal. Front door appeal is all the rage! 

The Importance of First Impressions When People Enter Your Home 

First impressions are powerful. Whether you’re welcoming guests or simply arriving home after a long day, the entryway of your house sets the emotional tone for what follows. It acts as a preview of the space inside and is a subtle reflection of your personality, values, and lifestyle. 

It shouldn’t come as a surprise – we all know that first impressions matter.  

However, in South Africa we are sometimes faced with a bit of a conundrum…we have boundary walls, fences and electric gates. Very few homes still have open front yards that stretch all the way from our front doors to the curb. When we come home, chances are we drive straight into a garage, and when guests come to visit, there is no overlong lingering on sidewalks.  

This means that, while having a presentable “curb” is obviously important, it isn’t necessarily where you roll out the red carpet…(which would probably be nicked as soon as you lay it out, to be honest.) 

Curb Appeal vs. Front Door: Two Layers of Welcome 

Curb appeal refers to the visual attractiveness of a property as seen from the street. It includes the lawn, garden, exterior paint, roofing, fences, and pathway leading to the door. A well-maintained and thoughtfully landscaped front yard signals pride in ownership and attention to detail, and is usually an important selling point if you are planning on flipping you property.  

The front door, by contrast, is the literal threshold.  

It’s the moment of transition—where outside becomes inside. While curb appeal draws the eye, the front door demands interaction. It’s where you knock, ring, wait, and eventually cross over. This makes the front door a more intimate part of the welcome, and even a symbolic gesture of openness or protection. Brides are carried over the threshold, and depending on which Vampire lore you subscribe to, it’s the place where a bloodsucking bad guy has to wait for an invitation, before entering your home.  

Your front door isn’t just for guests. 

Storytime: I have lived in strange homes in my life. from the smallholdings where I grew up that had a “stable door” backdoor that was never fully open, meaning 7 year old me learnt how to vault over a half-door, schoolbag in hand, to a secreted away granny flat that was accessed through a hole in the back of a cupboard attached to the main house…Even my first grown up home didn’t have a real front door. (Ok, it had a front door, but it was hideous, and I was broke, so I ended up letting my guests into my home through the living room French windows. I even had a little doormat on either side of the windowsill… 

Now, I am proud to say, I have a fully functioning front door! And I love walking through it every single day.  

There’s something deeply comforting about arriving home to a space that looks warm, clean, and loved. Whether it’s the soft glow of an outdoor light, a freshly swept patio, or something pretty growing in a pot by the front door, these touches create an emotional exhale — Home. At last.  

What Your Front Door Says About You 

Your front door speaks volumes—without saying a word. A bright red door might suggest boldness and warmth; a matte black one can imply elegance and modernity. A weathered, creaky door may unintentionally convey neglect or disrepair. (Unless it is deliberately distressed and surrounded by a cosy, unassuming cottage garden…) Elements like unique knockers, house numbers, seasonal wreaths, or security features offer further clues about your personality, values, and priorities. Every part of your “front door” space matters and means something.  
We suggest you take a moment to look at your front door. As a whole, from hinge to handle. Look at the walkway/steps/tiles leading up to it.  

Top Tip: Take a photograph of your front door during different times of the day or even during different seasons, and critically examine it for opportunities to improve it.

A front door is a very personal thing, like we said, and there are a few famous front doors worth mentioning.  

Famous Front Doors and What They Symbolise 

• 10 Downing Street, London (Home and office of the UK prime minister) Perhaps the most iconic front door in politics. Its glossy black finish and white numerals project seriousness, authority, and tradition.
• The Blue Door in Notting Hill (film).
  Romantic and charming, it has become a symbol of cozy urban living and British whimsy. Many a blue front door was inspired by this joyfully bright door. 
• Bilbo’s round green door with the brass knocker
  The iconic round green door of Bilbo’s hobbit hole in JRR tolkien’s middle earth books is a lovely, homely and unique front door, which I personally envy. (My own front door is dreadfully rectangular.)

Take Note: Knysna Woodworkers will make you a custom Hobbit Door if you ask nicely (and pay up) 

• Monica’s Purple Door (Friends) – Instantly recognisable, playful, and homey. It speaks to the social heart of the apartment. 

Here are some more Doors from films to inspire your front door fix-up.  

Doors don’t just make and entrance, they tell a story! 

The easiest way to up your front door appeal without making structural changes is by simply applying a lick of paint.  

Here’s a breakdown of common front door colours and the impressions they tend to give: 

What It Says About You 

Red

You’re bold, energetic, and hospitable. A red door traditionally symbolises welcome and warmth. In some cultures, it’s thought to bring luck and protection. It’s also often seen on homes where people enjoy socialising. 

Blue

Calm, stable, and trustworthy. Lighter blues suggest friendliness and a beachy vibe, while navy conveys tradition and order. A blue door says “I’m relaxed but reliable.” 

Black

Sophisticated and strong. Black doors are classic and timeless. They project elegance, control, and formality—often chosen by people with a taste for minimalism or luxury. 

White

Clean, organised, and simple. White signals clarity, neatness, and perhaps a touch of perfectionism. It’s often found on homes with a traditional or coastal look. 

Green

Balanced, peaceful, and nature-loving. Green reflects stability and connection to the earth. A sage or olive door suggests someone who values sustainability and harmony. 

Yellow

Cheerful, creative, and open. A yellow door stands out and invites joy. It’s often chosen by optimistic personalities or those who want their home to radiate positivity. 

Grey

Balanced and refined. Grey is neutral and can suggest a homeowner who values subtlety, modernity, and calm. It often points to a minimalist or contemporary style. 

Purple

Imaginative, spiritual, and unconventional. Purple doors are rare, making them an attention-grabbing choice. They may hint at a creative or intuitive personality. 

Brown or Wood Tones 

Natural, dependable, and grounded. Wood or earthy brown doors give a rustic and warm impression, often suggesting a down-to-earth, practical homeowner.