If you had to paint your front door, which color would you choose? Are you that person who keeps a white door white or would you opt for a different color? Would you keep a natural wood the same color it originally was or would you choose a darker colored stain?
Color creates different moods and associations. Believe it or not, the color you choose for your front door impacts how a person approaching your house sees you. This pre-disposition or judgement comes from the ingrained ideas people have or by what they have been taught about color; it is based on their backgrounds and environment. Depending on the color you choose, it’s intensity and saturation, you make a statement and give your house a character all its own.
In feng shui, the front door is the “mouth of chi,” which means it is the source through which good or bad energy is brought in or kept out. This energy affects all aspects of one’s life, including, wealth, success in business, love, health, marriage, even reputation. The color of the door you choose creates chi that either welcomes or repels people from your home.
RED
Red is a color that stands alone. It represents many things on different spectrums.
On one end of the spectrum, it reads confident, daring, adventurous and bold. A person who chooses this color is not afraid of what others think of him/her. Red denotes love and passion.
My ancestors come from India, so a lot of my thoughts about colors and symbolism come from the East Indian culture.
In India, red represents strength, power and wealth; I know many Indian families with red doors. I myself lived with one for many years, and I must say when driving past our street, our house stood out more than anyone else’s because of the pop of color.
In feng shui, a red door represents positive energy flow along with good luck.
In America, red depicts patriotism and historically, a red door expressed ‘welcome’ to visitors and symbolized hospitality. You all have see the red barn doors.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, red is also associated with danger, fire and blood. The intensity of this color certainly will steal the spotlight against other colors. If you do not want to go as striking as the bright shade of red, you can darken or mute the hue of the color to maroon, burgundy, or brick red.
YELLOW
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think yellow? Sunshine? Happiness? Summer and fun? Yellow creates a cheery disposition and a person approaching your home will see you as an optimistic person with a positive attitude.
In India, yellow is associated with mental clarity, intellect and creativity, therefore a yellow door will shows a family that encourages art and mental stimulation.
Yellow exudes confidence. Happiness and cheerfulness attracts others; a person walking by your home will be instantly drawn in, and interested in who resides in the home. The energy from this color will automatically raise their spirits and put them in a positive frame of mind before they enter your home. If you have many visitors, this is definitely a color to try.
BLUE
Look at this blue door. Imagine walking up to this house and being greeted by this blue. It is such a calming color that I’m immediately put at ease and feel a sense of calmness.
Blue represents infinity through the sky and sea. It is known to calm the mind and give peace and tranquility. The coolness of the color soothes the temperament.
Blue also represents truth and is the color of imagination. If you choose a brighter hue of blue such as aqua you will create the feeling of a healing and relaxing retreat within.
In Feng shui, navy represents abundance; if you were to have a navy door, you are inviting prosperity and wealth into your home.
BROWN
Brown is one of the most unassuming colors there is. However, the impression created by stain or paint will be totally different.
If you have a wood door, you can choose to keep the natural color of the wood or stain it darker. Choose the lighter stain, and you create the impression of a simple and down to earth person. A darker stain creates a more elegant and classic look, but is still gives of a very welcoming feeling.,
If you choose to actually use brown paint, the effect is totally different. It can come across as a person who is trying to be natural, but is really not.
When done right, the brown door will create a warm, reliable and stable entrance. When done wrong, it gives of a sense of falsehood.
GREEN
For some, green represents money; for others, it represents nature. It depends on what you were taught and how you live.
Greens of every shade reside in nature, so it’s natural to think that way when you see a door like the one above. For some reason I see this shade and think of buttercups growing alongside it. This forms the assumption that the person who lives here is a cheery person who loves plants and bright flowers. A darker forest green gives a sense of safety, just as the forest does when you are covered and surrounded by trees.
If you look at green psychologically, it denotes personal achievement and betterment of the self, both externally and internally. Green is the color of ambition and money. Some may see the choice of a green door as someone within who values material wealth.
BLACK
We use the term “black tie affair” for an event that is formal. A black door is similar to that affair. Seriously, if I walked up to a house with a black door, I would immediately check for wrinkles in my dress and redo my lipstick. Black just gives off an air of elegance and glamour. It has a timeless appeal and can make anything look sophisticated.
In feng shui, the black door gives off a strong, protective energy. The implication is that the person living in this house loves order and control, strength and authority.
Some others may see black in a negative light because it reminds them of a black hole, or a void. It may give a feeling of emptiness.
ORANGE
Orange is the color of energy. It gives of a vibrant and fun loving ambiance. Even this door, which is a softer shade of orange, makes me feel welcome. Extroverts who love to entertain love the color orange. This is the color of someone who enjoys challenges. Be careful with how bright this color is, because it can also come across as cheap and/or weird according to Sally Augustin, environmental psychologist.
PURPLE
You don’t see this color much. I can’t say that I ever really have seen someone with a purple door. If you are one of the few who go for it, you will be seen as someone who goes against the grain and enjoys being your own free spirit. You don’t mind taking risks. You don’t limit yourself to how others live their lives.
Purple is the color of dreamers and when used in an intense, highly saturated hue, it gives off an air of royalty and drama. More muted tones like lavender gives a carefree, almost whimsical attitude.
In feng shui, this color is the most versatile of all colors for the use of a front door. You can have it placed facing any direction.
GREY
Grey can be good or bad. It’s neither black nor white. So what does it represent? Indecisiveness. The good thing about grey is that it implies a person who can compromise. Since this is a color that doesn’t stand out, it lets other things take the center stage, like porch decor, etc. It’s beauty is in its subtlety. The darker the hue becomes, the more sense of mystery is there.
PINK
Pinks are most often paired with romance. Dark pink like magenta actually brings the feeling of intense joy. It also implies youthfulness and lightheartedness. The muted, pale pinks represent purity and romance. Pink is the color of generosity. This color is definitely not for everyone but will definitely draw attention to your home.
WHITE
Have you noticed that hospitals have a lot of white? How does it affect us? It feels sterile and clinical. However, white is also the color of simplicity, cleanliness and organization. According to feng shui it represents neutrality. White does not attract energy but will contain it. I live in a home with three kids and, while I don’t encourage mess making, I know enough to not have white anything!
GLASS
A glass front door, like my own, implies that the owner has nothing to hide. We’re pretty much open books. Glass door owners are mostly friendly and outgoing, but if you are like me and are still a little bit of an introvert, you can frost the glass for some privacy.
As you can see, the choices are endless! The idea is, don’t be afraid of color; embrace it! Don’t get stuck in a world of only neutrals and traditional colors. Be cognizant however of how well your door color goes with the rest of your home. The proper marriage of colors, which we will talk about in another post, is what will make your home stand out and add curb appeal.