How to create an accent door

A beautifully painted accent door can dramatically increase your home’s curb appeal. Make an unforgettable first impression with a bold splash of color and updated hardware. These simple step-by-step instructions will teach you how to create a gorgeous accent door.

Step 1: Choose your accent color.

Don’t be afraid to liven up your front entryway with a vibrant new color scheme. You don’t have to play it safe with neutral shades anymore. Choose an innovative and unusual accent color such as blue silk, weeping willow, midnight blue, antique red or terracotta for a warm and inviting ambiance.

Step 2: Remove the front door.

Set up a work area with a dropcloth covering the floor and two sawhorses to support the door. Using a screwdriver, remove your front door from its hinges and carefully carry it to your work area. Place the door on top of the sawhorses and remove all the hardware, including the hinges, doorknob, knocker and peephole.

Step 3: Wash & prep the door.

Patch any cracks with quick-drying wood filler. Sand the door to level out the wood filler and remove the paint. Wash and dry the door and door frame.

Step 4: Tape & prime.

Use blue painter’s tape to mask the walls adjoining the door frame. Prime the door frame and the door using exterior paint primer. Allow the primer to dry completely.

Step 5: Paint the door & door frame.

Using an angled 2- to 2-1/2-inch brush, apply exterior paint to the door frame, working from the inside out. Be careful not to lay the paint on too thickly where the painter’s tape is protecting the adjoining walls; the paint could bleed beneath the tape. Once the door frame is painted, begin painting the door itself. Avoid drips by brushing the excess paint off against your paint tray. Once you are finished, gently remove the painter’s tape. Allow the door and trim to dry completely before reattaching.

Step 6: Choose & install new hardware.

In addition to your bold new color, you may want to choose decorative hardware to spice up your front door makeover. Different metals combined with classic styles such as art deco, British colonial, baroque, southwestern, Spanish or Tuscan can give your entryway a whole new look. Install your new hardware, and your new accent door is complete.

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