Packed with Personality – Traditional Front Door Ideas to Inspire

Period properties have their quirks and trademarks, and here at London Door Company, we know a thing or two about enhancing their unique beauty. Through the use of alluring traditional front door design, bold colours and beautiful little intricacies such as stained glass and ornate door furniture, any home exterior, no matter how unashamedly modern, can attain a little charm of the bygone days.

Whether you live in a Victorian terrace, Georgian townhouse or modern new build, a beautifully designed front door can go a long way in creating a home that’s the envy of passers-by. Naturally, you’ll increase your property’s curb appeal, setting the tone for what’s to come. A bespoke design also ensures protection from the elements; it positively affects your home’s market value and provides security for ultimate confidence and peace of mind.

One of the best things about becoming a homeowner is the ability to put your stamp on a property. Especially the facade, an area pivotal in creating a great first impression. This month we’re celebrating the traditional front door and how you can create a strikingly stylish entrance whether you own a period property or not.

Home Trends for 2021 – Classic Traditionalism

Classic traditionalism and British maximalism are predicted to be a huge focus throughout 2021. We’ll experience a kind of déjà vu within interior and exterior design – schemes mimicking past decades, a revival of traditional British craftsmanship, maximalism, charm and nostalgic colours that were once relegated to design history.

The idea behind this trend is about surrounding yourself with things you love, letting your personality shine and embracing hallmarks of classic design that we may or may not have experienced the first time around. Suppose you’re looking to emphasise your home’s facade or simply want a period aesthetic without renovating your full exterior. In that case, you can’t go wrong with a traditional front door designed to your exact specifications.

Below we’ve shared four front doors bound to add character and period extravagance to any style home.

Victorian Maximalism – Colour to Inspire

While this front door encompasses elements of classic Victorian design and is crafted using traditional methods, it certainly doesn’t lack personality or contemporary flair. The Victorian era had such a diverse selection of styles. Like today, they were notorious for demonstrating their wealth and taste designing front doors that gave an unforgettable impression.

Although yellow wasn’t a classic shade for this era, it has since become a popular choice with homeowners and designers alike for its power to conjure up positivity and happiness. Whether you own a period home or a new build, our carefully curated paint range allows you to add a bold contemporary twist to any authentic door design.

Georgian Elegance – Decorative Door Furniture

Raised and fielded panels create a sense of grandeur and robustness while bright colour can add a playful touch to paired back Georgian designs. Original Georgian doors were always painted and never left bare or varnished. Shades of blue work particularly well when you want a traditional look but crave a little colour.

Georgian doors often synchronised with the beauty of surrounding grand architecture, so in the 1800s door furniture became more decorative and elaborate. Brass door furniture was hugely popular, adding a real statement about your status. Over the past year, in particular, we’ve seen a resurgence in brass fixtures and fittings bringing warmth and opulence to traditional front door designs.

Edwardian Opulence – Stained Glass with a Modern Twist

Adopt the Edwardian style if you really want to add a bit of classic traditionalism and personality to your front door. A breath of fresh air compared to Victorian design, the Edwardian style was more feminine, light colours were introduced, and the Arts and Crafts movement came into its own.

During this period, glass manufacture was less expensive, meaning Edwardian front doors often incorporated ornate stained glass motifs. Birds, ribbons and floral scenes hand-painted and leaded together with other coloured glass sections were highly popular. Today, we still practice traditional glazing techniques in our workshop, restoring existing glazing or developing new designs and personal motifs. To add a modern twist to a traditional front door, why not try enlarging your chosen design or play with the colours to create a dramatic, unique glazed panel.

Retro Revival – Amalgamation of Styles

The 1920s and 30s represented an era of change and growth. These years brought us art deco sophistication, juxtaposed colour schemes, streamlined designs, geometric shapes and exoticism. This amalgamation of styles is just as popular today with homeowners wishing to add personality and wow factor to their property with an impactful door design.

Art Deco style door designs were typically subtle in colour with the top section of the door glazed. These glazed features give the door a nostalgic and playful look, often with a striking sunburst pattern or geometric design.

Traditional Front Door Design Tips:

• Opt for a design that works in harmony with both the inside and outside of your home.
• Make sure your traditional door design doesn’t jar with the property style. Consider brick colour, surrounding porch details and windows.
• If bright colour isn’t your thing, you can still create visual impact with contrasting finishes such as matt paint colours, polished door furniture or textured glazing.
• Even fine details such as a door knocker’s style or the placement of a brass letterbox can give your new door authenticity and added character.

If you’re looking to create a stunning entrance to your home with a traditional front door, why not request a free brochure or speak to one of our experts in a free no-obligation design visit today.

View more bespoke front doors here.