Making a Grand Entrance – Ideas for Extension Front Doors

Making a Grand Entrance – Ideas for Extension Front Doors

The Front Door Dilemma

I’ll admit, I’m one of those people who doesn’t really give much thought to my front door. It’s just a functional gateway, right? Boy, was I wrong. As I’ve come to learn, the front door to your home can actually make a significant impact – both in terms of first impressions and your overall home’s curb appeal.

Recently, my wife and I decided to take on a major home renovation project – an extension to the front of our house in Aberdeen. And let me tell you, choosing the perfect front door has turned into a much more involved process than I ever imagined. But as I’ve discovered, it’s a crucial decision that can truly make or break the entire look and feel of your home’s entryway.

Embracing the Pivot

One of the first things we had to consider was the type of door mechanism. After looking at various options, we landed on a center-hung pivot door. Now, I know what you’re thinking – a what? Bear with me here.

A pivot door, as the name suggests, pivots on a central hinge rather than swinging on a traditional side hinge. This allows for an incredibly wide door – ours is a whopping 5’7.5″ wide! – that’s surprisingly easy to manage.

The pivot mechanism also gives the door a really modern, architectural look that I just love. It feels so much more substantial and statement-making compared to a standard swinging door. And the best part? We were able to recess the entire steel frame into the wall, creating a super sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

As the architect I’m working with explained, hinging the door this way was key to achieving the grand, imposing entrance we were going for, without it feeling unwieldy. It’s really the perfect balance of form and function.

Striking a Stylistic Balance

Of course, the door mechanism was just one piece of the puzzle. We also had some important decisions to make when it came to the overall style and materials.

Our home has a bit of a transitional aesthetic – blending contemporary and traditional elements. So we knew we wanted the front door to reflect that sensibility. After lots of back-and-forth, we landed on a steel frame with a wood panel insert.

The steel gives it a modern, industrial-chic vibe, while the wood softens things up a bit and ties it back to the classic charm of the house. And to really make it pop, we’re going with a sleek, matte black finish on the steel.

Just like the experts at Better Homes & Gardens recommend, we wanted to choose exterior elements that would create a cohesive, polished look with the rest of our home’s facade. The black steel and natural wood feel like the perfect complement to our white siding and gray roof tiles.

Striking the Right Balance of Privacy and Visibility

One of the bigger debates my wife and I had was whether or not to include a window in the front door. I’ll admit, I was firmly in the “no window” camp at first. I just felt like having that visual connection to the outside world would make me feel a little too exposed, you know?

As the architect explained, there are generally two types of people when it comes to front door windows – those who need to see out, and those who don’t. I firmly fall into the latter category. Call me old-fashioned, but I just like having that sense of privacy as I’m coming and going.

However, my wife made a pretty compelling argument that a touch of glass could actually enhance the overall aesthetic. And after seeing some inspirational examples, I have to admit she had a point. The right placement and scale of a window can really elevate the look, while still preserving that cozy, protected feeling.

So in the end, we decided to incorporate a tall, vertical glass panel running along the side of the door. It’s a nice compromise – allowing natural light to filter in without feeling too exposed. And the linear, industrial-inspired design fits perfectly with the rest of our door’s aesthetic.

Accessorizing for Maximum Impact

Of course, the door itself is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to making a grand first impression. The surrounding hardware, lighting, and other accents can really take your entryway to the next level.

For our project, we knew we wanted to go all-in on the high-end, custom look. So in addition to the pivot door, we’re also installing some truly striking exterior lighting fixtures. As the team at Better Homes & Gardens notes, good outdoor lighting is essential for both style and function.

We opted for some sleek, minimalist sconces that echo the black metal of the door frame. And to really make them pop, we’re mounting them on tall, modern posts that’ll draw the eye right up to the impressive height of the entryway.

The door hardware is another area where we’re going for max impact. We wanted something that would feel substantial and luxurious, so we landed on some chunky, brushed brass levers and pulls. They have this beautiful, artisanal quality that’s a perfect match for the rustic wood and industrial steel.

And of course, we can’t forget the all-important house numbers. After looking at a bunch of options, we decided to get a custom planter box in a similar wood tone as the door, with sleek modern metal numbers mounted on the front. It’s a fun, unique twist that’ll make our address pop.

Bringing it all Together

As we’ve gone through this process, I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for just how transformative a front door can be. It’s not just a utilitarian entryway – it’s a chance to make a bold statement and set the tone for your entire home.

For our Aberdeen home extension project, we really wanted to create a grand, elevated front entrance that would wow visitors from the moment they approach. And I have to say, I think we’re well on our way to achieving that goal.

From the striking pivot door mechanism to the carefully curated hardware and accents, every element has been thoughtfully considered to deliver maximum impact. It’s going to be the kind of front entry that makes people stop and say, “Wow, I need to know more about that house!”

And you know what? I can’t wait to be that house. The one with the jaw-droppingly gorgeous front door that sets the tone for the entire property. Because as I’ve learned, that entryway isn’t just a functional gateway – it’s a chance to make a lasting impression and reflect the unique personality of our home.

So if you’re embarking on a renovation or extension project of your own, don’t overlook the importance of your front door. Take the time to really explore the options and think about how you can use that entry point to elevate your home’s curb appeal. Trust me, it’ll be worth it in the end.

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