What do these doors have to say?
Picture sourced from https://www.templeandwebster.com.au/style-and-advice/Unexpected-colour-pops-we-love-E10440 on 9 September 2021.
The first thing that comes to mind with this green door is “urban”. It also says “well-established” and “well-off”, supported by the wooden panelling and window off to the left. Friendly? Maybe not so much, because everything is in its place, but there’s no easy way to see what’s inside, and despite the front door mat, they are solid doors.
The colour, too, is unusual for a front door. It’s not exactly formal, but it’s certainly not casual, either. What I think it says is “this place is for those who know their way around town”; if you are such a person, come in. If not, well, we’ll be polite, but there’s nothing here for you.
Sourced from https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/news/g1187/24-of-the-best-statement-doors-around-the-world/?slide=4 on 9 September 2021.
First up, this clearly isn’t a modern house – at least in terms of style. The width of the door, the stairs leading off to the side, and the placement of the light above the house number all suggest it comes from a slower time than our own. It *could* predate electricity, and that light could have been a gas or kerosene lamp. The porch isn’t big enough for stairs, so it’s not a place designed for casual interaction either. Instead, I think the porch is there for protection from either rain or snow, and I’m going to guess it’s rain, as having open spaces would allow snow to get through and make the floor slippery. And I’m going to guess that strong winds are involved too, which explains the shutters.
The extra-wide door is neither welcoming or unwelcoming; it’s just a place that suggests the people living there are heavily involved in their local community. Maybe this house is used to hosting rather large gatherings. There’s nothing overly showy about it, it just has a quiet pride and a sense of place tied to traditional values.
Sourced from https://www.homestolove.com.au/front-door-colour-ideas-19810 on 9 September 2021.
There’s a stark difference between this door and the previous one; this is very modern; and everything in the photograph is designed to reinforce that impression. The door itself is even modern; an oversized round handle and the shock of mint green against the black walls makes it very clear where the focal point is here.
This is most definitely making a statement, and it’s not (necessarily) a friendly one. The owner/s here are saying “we understand art and design, and you are entering our space. If you like this, then we look forward to conversing with you. If you don’t like it, then you’re probably a little too conventional for our tastes”. I’d also hazard a guess that this is in quite an upscale urban setting.
This door is also interesting. The doorway does not necessarily look modern in terms of build date, but it could well be fronting a modernist house. Orange doesn’t always work, but it does here, and the door gives off a distinctly friendly – and extroverted – vibe. The door handle and floor mat, likewise, show that the owners have a sense of whimsy and of being open to experience.
The glass panels on either side of the door, and the patterns in the door itself, indicate a curiosity about what life has to offer – and a willingness to share it.
Sourced from https://www.postcardsfromtheridge.com/2014/04/30-front-door-colors-with-tips-for.html?m=1 on 9 September 2021. Original photo was taken by Mina Brinkley in 2013 and all rights to the photo are hers.
This doorway looks older – possibly pre-World War Two. The flower box, the mosaic, and the arch work, all point to this having been built slowly by hand – not thrown up with prefabricated pieces. Likewise, the window in the door appears to be frosted or marbled glass – reflecting an attitude of quiet modesty. The porch actually appears to extend off to the right, and the pine bark in the garden reflects the need to conserve water. So, I’m guessing that this location is somewhere with a drier and warmer climate for at least part of the year.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your take on these doors – and who you think might live behind them…
