How to Design a Traditional Front Door

Design a traditional door.

Some of the more traditional styles of front doors include designs inspired from elegant 18th century England, 19th century Neoclassic and British Colonial. Traditional does not necessarily mean conservative or "stodgy." Traditional design pulls inspiration from the 18th and 19th centuries but also incorporates contemporary elements to create a fresh openness to any home. Keep a few things in mind when designing a traditional style front door, including door size, type and flanking windows.

Instructions

1. 

   Double doors are elegant but can sometimes take up too much space.

   Choose whether or not you desire a single or double door. Although double doors can be elegant, they can sometimes overpower a home with a small entryway. Make sure the door size fits with the overall size of the home for proper balance.

2. 

   Traditional doors can have rounded tops.

   Select a door shape. Traditional doors can be the classic rectangular shape or include a rounded top for a more colonial look.

3. 

   Traditional doors can have inset decorative glass.

   Select the style of the front door. Traditional style entry doors can include glass bevel windows, stained glass fronts or paneling. Most traditional style doors include panels, even with inset glass. To evoke the look of traditional style, doors are often made of rich, elegant woods.

4. 

   Flanking windows can add light to an interior.

   Determine if flanking windows along the sides or top of the door are needed. Windows that flank a traditional door bring more light into the entryway or living space. Plus if the owner opts for paneled front doors with no inset glass, the flanking windows will still bring light into the room. Flanking windows also give the illusion of a larger door for people who want a double door but cannot afford it or spare the space.

5. 

   Traditional style doors can be painted white or cream for a softer look.

   Choose a color for the door. Many traditional style doors are stained with a rich, dark brown to bring out the elegance of the wood. However, colonial-inspired entry doors can be painted white or cream. Light, soft colors give traditional style a more relaxed, contemporary look, while rich colors and jewel tones give a more formal appearance.

6. 

   Decorative handles with back plates are perfect for traditional doors.

   Pick a door hardware. Traditional style hardware can be in handle or knob style in gold, silver or brass. Knobs and handles can have back plates for a more formal look. For a more contemporary look, door hardware can also be black.

References

• Eastern Corner: Traditional Style Interior Design
• Rental Decorating Digest: Traditional Style
• Emerald Doors: Traditional Front Entry Door