The front door gives visitors and passersby a first impression of your home – and, by extension, you. That's why selecting a paint shade that evokes your personality and complements the rest of your home's exterior has such a big impact on curb appeal (and marketability down the line). While the classic color choices like black, white and gray are timeless for a reason, the front door offers a unique opportunity to branch out and get creative.
Oscar-winning actor Robert Downey Jr. decided to go bold with his eclectic home in the Hamptons, choosing a stunning light blue shade for the entry. The pale blue front door color adds personality to the stately home, designed by New York-based Fox-Nahem Associates. And aside from the hue's calming impact, experts say the choice gives potential buyers a positive impression.
'Light blue is known for its calming and inviting qualities, which can significantly boost curb appeal. It evokes feelings of tranquility and peace, which can make a property feel like a more desirable and comforting place to live. This emotional response can positively influence potential buyers, potentially speeding up the sales process,' says Michael Wiesenfeld, real estate agent with The Corcoran Group.
When paired with the rustic home's windmill feature and shingled façade, this sky-blue hue completes a cohesive coastal aesthetic that's proven appealing and timeless. Kathy Kuo, interior designer and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, says light blue is quite easy to get right, regardless of your home's style.
'I love the serene pop of blue against the weathered gray exterior – the color combination is a classic look for the Hamptons and, thanks also to the windmill element, this home feels equal parts traditional and whimsical. In general, light blue is always in style and it can also be paired nicely with shades of white or beige, as well as with other shades of blue,' says Kathy.
Light blue also blends beautifully into nature, pairing well with an earthy color palette. Able to harmonize with the great outdoors while still standing out, the shade is a must-have for a country or seaside home. Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore, says choosing a nature-inspired hue is a no-fail strategy for decorating an entryway.
'Consider drawing on the natural environment and choosing tones which mimic the setting such as sky blue or forest green, as this not only adds familiarity and comfort to the home but complements nature rather than distracting from it,' says Helen.
This similar entryway, pictured above, pairs Benjamin Moore's Spring Sky shade with brick stairs, foliage and a clean white exterior finish – painted with Simply White. Standing out while still feeling classic, light blue has become a go-to for those looking to spruce up their space from the outside in.
'The front door offers the perfect opportunity to inject some personality and there has been a significant increase in the popularity of bold and bright colors such as blue rather than the more traditional black or white,' adds Helen.
From a selling standpoint, Michael adds that this serene shade is 'often associated with trust and stability' – qualities that make homebuyers feel at ease. Plus, pulling the color throughout the home's entire exterior (as seen on the windowpanes, balcony and staircase of Robert's home) 'enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the property,' he says.
'[It] further strengthens the visual unity and can make the home appear more thoughtfully designed and maintained. This consistency can be very appealing to buyers, as it reflects a well-coordinated and aesthetically pleasing environment,' says Michael. 'A light blue front door, along with matching elements like stairs and window frames, can significantly enhance curb appeal and potentially improve the marketability of a property by creating a calm, inviting, and visually cohesive exterior.'
Robert's Hamptons home proves that having a little bit of fun with the front door can go such a long way. Whether you're looking to sell your home soon or simply want a pre-summer outdoor spruce, light blue is a standout choice for the entry.
