Friday, June 17, 2011

Bring Color to Doors!

Just like the ceiling is the "fifth wall" in your room, another blank canvas in every room are the doors. Now, when I moved into my house, every ceiling and wall was painted the most uninspired shade of yellow known to man. So we painted the ceilings white with a vengeance and are quite satisfied with leaving them that way until we recover from the jaundice. But doors are another story!

Of course, a bright painted door on the outside is a wonderful way to show personality and extend a big warm welcome. But inside the home, they can really be a needed pop of color. A mini-accent wall, if you think about it. We painted the inside of our front door turquoise after being inspired by all the wonderful painted blue doors during a trip to Paris. I think many of us know that turquoise was Pantone's Color of the Year in 2010, so it's clearly popular. But what I was really inspired by was just how versatile the color is! My first thought immediately goes to coastal and tropical, like this:



But, there are many more gorgeous color combinations that I would not necessarily think of right off the bat. For example, in this home, turquoise goes elegantly with frilly, gold antique pieces and an oriental rug contrasted with modern architecture.


Domino Magazine

Or how about this turquoise door with the amazing warm mosaic floor and stained glass.



I cannot get enough of this AMAZING red floral vine-covered wall with the pop of turquoise. Red and turquoise is a very popular wedding color combo these days. Can you imagine the fantastic wedding photos you could get if this were your backdrop?


Image found via Inspire Bohemia

This is a subtler way to do it, with the turquoise door against the alabaster walls. Again, red is the accent color of choice, seen in the pillow and the cane chairs.


Designer Windsor Smith featured in C Magazine found via House of Turquoise

Staying neutral, here's turquoise against your favorite "new-tral" and mine, gray. The lime green is a playful accent color. A few more plants wouldn't hurt.



And again, a gray wall with thick, luscious white trim. But what struck me in this photo (besides the sweet pups) was how awesomely the deep green foliage plays with turquoise. So unexpected!


One Kings Lane

Okay, this color, which I am calling navyblack, is my new obsession. With white accessories and a room filled with natural light, this is sharp, sharp, sharp. The turquoise works here on so many levels. Note the blue and white china on the top shelf, more of that in a second, and the fifth wall is painted here too.


Image found via Design Stiles

Here is designer Mary McDonald with more traditional navy and chinese porcelain. But what's that I spy in the background? A turquoise door! Keeping the main colors all in the blue family is very calming, but the turquoise accent really brings in a contemporary touch.



And, what would a post be without a little shameless self-promotion? Here is our front door, against walls of a mint green. It was an impulse touch---and I wasn't convinced at first---but every time I walk by it, it makes me smile. My Mother, never afraid to hold back her opinion, said it looks like the 1950s! I guess she was not up for living the decade a second time around. What's old is new again...



Thanks to House of Fifty for inviting me back to guest post again! How fun is this?

{p.s. Don't you want to go paint a few doors? I certainly do. Also, check out Molly's previous post for the HOF Blog here! Janell}

9 comments:

Cassie Bustamante said...

the first image has me drooling! love the seahorse next to the door! i love this color- we just painted our front door ( i say we, but i mean i!) bright yellow, but i had thought about an aqua... it's just so pretty!

Kathysue said...

I love painted doors and I have thought about black doors down my hallway but I am a bit chicken to do it so I will have to enjoy pictures of others pretty doors, Kathysue

Oksana said...

Turquoise and terracota are divine! Like Kathysue, I am chicken to paint doors in striking colours.
Beautiful post!

Oksana from www.ordermatters.com/blog

L.Duncan@Home23DuncanBoys said...

And I'm still trying to find the perfect color for my door. Its some kind of blue right now. I would love for it to be turquiose, but I think it's too bright.

Thanks for the inspiration!

Crystal @ Ordinary Days said...

Just love a pretty painted door! :)

Jessa said...

I love that second photo, the one from Domino. Such a clean look with the windows.

Anonymous said...

Can't decide which is my favorite! Terracotta, alabaster, gray! Of course I love the gray one because it SCREAMS New Orleans, which is to say, wonderful and old-world and awesome. Makes me want to paint the inside of my front door, for sure! Inspiring post!

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Unknown said...

The turquoise ones are definitely the most soothing to the eyes. It feels so refreshing and relaxing, that attracts you to just stare at it. Colors really are stimulating, and your choices will reveal the kind of character or personality that you have.

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