Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Paint It Black?

My front door is in desperate need of a facelift. It may not be red, nevertheless I'm thinking I might follow the sage advice of the Rolling Stones and just paint it black.
Here's my sad weather-beaten front door. Even my pets are unenthused with it.
And a wider view so you can soak in the full beauty of the pinkish-red brick next to the yellow stone and taupe-ish trim. Damn builder's special a la 1997 - believe me, this would not have been my choice. And yes, I know my planters/urns look sad and empty. I did have greenery in them for Christmas but was waiting for spring to come back around to spruce them up with new plants.

The inside of the door is not much better. It's got major scratches which I swear are from the previous owners' dogs (although our dogs are certainly not guilt-free in this area). I neglected to get a close-up of the scratches, but trust me, they're there.
My plan is to paint the interior of the door the same color as the exterior. Now, I've just got to find the right paint. I know I said black, but I'm actually thinking of a really dark gray that almost looks black. There's a Martha Stewart color at Home Depot called Wrought Iron that might fit the bill.
I realize this doesn't look that dark and almost looks blue in the photo, but in the store it looks almost black. Does anyone have any great dark grays-almost blacks that they could suggest? I'm assuming I'll go with a high gloss finish. Or maybe a semi-gloss? Any thoughts there? The painter is coming on Tuesday, so I need to get to finding a color asap. Any input would be much appreciated. Even if the input is that you think I'm nuts and should go a totally different direction.

And lastly, just had to share another shot of the door featuring my favorite model
wearing the cutest little jacket I found at Old Navy the other day. It totally looks like a Mini Boden jacket at a fraction of the price. Score. I just wish they had one in my size so I could embarrass her by wearing it at the same time. Isn't that what moms are for?

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like black. We have neighbors down the street who have the same door done in black. Are you leaving the surrounding windows the same color they are? Love to see all your adventures friend ;-)

Raina Cox said...

3 houses ago, I painted our front door glossy black when we put our house on the market. It looked smashing, and I wished I'd done it sooner.

And I'm so headed to Old Navy in the morning for that jacket for my little one.

The enchanted home said...

Love black so you might be asking the wrong person here:) To me black can never be the wrong choice, its so rich and sophisticated, think it will look great next to the contrast of the brick and stone! Let us know....btw your favorite model is adorable!~ Love her little jacket!

Anonymous said...

I agree... I'd go with true black, in a high gloss! Classic but the gloss gives it a bit of edge... and I think it will go great with the taupe trim!! Meg is precious!!! Its funny when they get to the stage of wearing "mini-me" clothes... outfits that I wish I actually had! Hannah had a dress on yesterday that all my friends compliments & wanted... forget what I was wearing :)))
Mary Chancellor :)

angela | the painted house said...

We have the same front door, which I adore! Ours is light turquoise...which I don't advise for your house, ha!

I like the idea of a warm black for the door...what about a deep berry or aubergine? Or a peacock-like black? But that's just me...I can't escape color. :)

Good luck...and can't wait to see the change. (love the kitty...and jacket)

designchic said...

How precious is she...love a black door!!

Ashley said...

Oh, Kathy, yes, you must paint it a high-gloss black. It would look fantastic. I love that you have so much light streaming in from your front door...makes me so envious!

P.S. Your daughter is such a fashion plate. Gorgeous!

Nacole said...

Black is classic, but, I think a very deep, almost black, gray would be stunning. I would go semi-gloss and paint the door entire door, windows around it and the trim the same. I have saw this done and it has a huge impact and focal point. I'm not sure what your interior is like but the same on the inside would be beautiful as well.

My Interior Life said...

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm off to look at paint samples tomorrow. Yes, I'm still leaning toward a nearly black color in high gloss - either a very dark gray or I like TPH's suggestion of a peacock-like black!

lizziefitz said...

Love the idea of the dark gray. SW also has color called peppercorn that is pretty chic. OR you could just place your gorgeous daughter in front of the scratches and no one would ever notice them:)

blue chickadee said...

Hey there! So glad you posted on my blog bc now I can follow yours!! Our front door is black as black can be in a high gloss oil! I love it because it looks new and shiny all the time! Go high gloss with whatever you choose! I love that gray too!

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

Okay, I vote pure black with a high gloss sheen - and must try this matching outfits with my Middle-
Schooler. She would just die!

quintessence said...

I was going to suggest gray then you suggested it yourself! I think a dark charcoal yet distinct from black would be better against the brick and lighter stone. And I would most definitely do a high enamel finish. Your daughter is (always) adorable - I'm going to check out that stylish jacket for mine!!

Unknown said...

Go for the paint color and go high gloss!!!! Your entrance will look fabulous. You have such a nice, light and roomy entrance on the inside.

Your daughter is adorable!!! And so is that jacket!

Sarah said...

I think a high-gloss black front door is the most perfect thing in the world. I'm planning on doing a post about them soon because I love them so very much!! :)

~SW

Mrs. French said...

It will be gorgeous!

Elsie said...

I love black, and I think it is a little chinoiserie like you in a way! I love Lincoln Cottage Black by Valspar at Lowes. Just the right one, in my opinion. Looking forward to seeing you in March!

Kim said...

I am so jealous of your front door! I soooo want a door with all that light. I study front doors and promise myself that one day I'll have the door of my dreams.

It's Tuesday so I think I'm too late to vote. I sure hope you'll post an After shot.

Now...off to Old Navy for that adorable jacket!! Your daughter is gorgeous!