...because home doesn't happen overnight.
11.05.13 / The Final Two

What day is it? I’m in over my head this week with other blog-related and nonblog-related obligations but I am determined to finish the front door.

door color 5

I knocked out the interior side of the door today. {It’s Benjamin Moore white dove mixed in Clark + Kensington primer + paint, semigloss…the same as these doors.} It was pure chaos and it took me all day to apply three coats of primer + paint. Remind me never to paint with kids in the house again.

First, our power went out and I had a hard time seeing what I was doing. Then the neighbor’s cat mistook the open front door as a welcome sign to come in and rub up on the wet {!} paint. He’s such a nice kitty. He was so confused. My tone of voice didn’t match my words at all. “Go on, kitty. No, kitty.” But I was using my nice “Here, kitty kitty…” voice. I couldn’t be mad at him. After all, I’m pretty sure he was the sole reason we didn’t have mice squeeze in through the gap at the bottom of the door last winter. The three coats went on very slowly. I decided I’m over painting doors. When I was finished and washing out my brush, Mabrey grabbed my wet roller and tried her hand at painting the entry rug in 0.2 seconds flat. While I was trying to rinse the paint off the rug, Mabrey stuck her hand in the wet paint on the drying door. Ugh, babygirl keeps me on my toes and makes my head spin!

So the interior side of the door is done. I’m halfway there.

ig door

I posted that picture on instagram this past weekend. I was trying out a paint sample for the door. The minute I saw it I knew it wasn’t the one. The majority of IG commenters agreed. It was too bright, too primary yellow. It was not the mustard I had in mind. So back to the paint store I went. I was looking for something with a bit more green and gold in it – a color that on its own might be considered “ugly.” I found it by way of Sherwin-Williams alchemy.

door color 3

It’s a muddy gold that looks right at home with our midcentury ranch. I had my spicy mustard but was curious about a moodier blue-gray. I decided to paint the other side of my foam board in Behr’s evening hush, the same color I used on the french doors at the back of the house.

door color 4

The darker hue is a nice contrast against the red brick and ties into the metal roof even though it isn’t an exact match. It also picks up on the composite slats we added to the planter from this post. My only hesitation is that the trio of square windows might get lost in the dark color from a distance. The windows read black and we plan on painting the narrow trim around them the same color as the rest of the door. {White trim around windows on painted exterior doors looks very “builder” to me.} Maybe peel-and-stick frosted window film would help accentuate the windows?

At any rate, HH and I are torn between the two colors. We love them each for different reasons.

door color 2

The gold feels welcoming and highlights the door and its design. It’s also a nod to some of the bright green-yellow shrubs and yellow roses in the landscaping. The gray feels like a safe, cohesive choice and probably represents our style better. It definitely gives the house a more masculine look from the road.

door color 1

As is, the exterior of our house is very linear and one-dimensional. The gold breaks it up and wakes up the entrance. The gray is a bit more sophisticated, somber even.

I like when the color of a front door is a clue as to what is happening design-wise on the other side. Both colors hint at what we have going on indoors. There are traces of mustard and gold in our living room, dining room and bedroom. Dark moody walls make an appearance in the mudroom and nursery and I will always be a lover of high contrast.

Ah! I can’t decide. Which color would you pick and why? FYI – Painting the brick is not an option. Our inspector advised against it due to the construction and climate. The paint wouldn’t allow the brick to breathe and we would be at risk of developing mold and mildew. No, thank you, but I still love me some painted brick.

images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking

190 Comments

05.November.2013

Go for the gold!

05.November.2013

I don’t know that the gold on the door would be enough to balance the big dark window of your living room. So, I’d pick gray and then do the vinyl window frost so the windows don’t disappear. If you still want more gold, I’d do it by way of landscaping.

05.November.2013

Personally I love the charcoal. But either one works. I can’t wait to see the finished product! I bought paint for my door that has been sitting and staring at me for the last two months. Thanks for the inspiration.

05.November.2013

I like the darker color, evening hush. I feel like the gold does not provide a big enough contrast. From a distance, it does not pop.

05.November.2013

… or gold house numbers!

05.November.2013

I like the darker color!

05.November.2013

Gold. Gray is always the “safer” choice, but personally, I’m secretly tired of gray and playing it safe : )

And I love how green-y gold really plays into midcentury style!

05.November.2013

The gold. Absolutely. The gold says, “Hi, a fun, young family lives here, we’d love to have you over for a visit.”

05.November.2013

I like the darker color! It goes really well with the brick and more modern and better from a distance.

05.November.2013

I guess I’m a sucker for bright and happy because I love the yellow! It’s just such a cheery (yet still classy because it’s mustard) welcome for your guests. I’d go for that. :)

05.November.2013

I don’t think the gold allows the door to pop enough. I like the darker color but I could see something like a navy or something more bold to draw more attention to that gorgeous door (so glad u kept it!).

05.November.2013

Tough choice, they are both great options. I keep gravitating towards the mustard. I think you can’t go wrong whichever way you decide to go!

05.November.2013

I’d go with the gold, and do the trim around the square windows gold-or vice-versa!

05.November.2013

OOPS! that’s gold with GREY trim, LOL

05.November.2013

Gold! You continue to inspire me to improve my place.

05.November.2013

Normally, I would totally go for the dark, moody color but for some reason I’m loving the mustard/gold! It’s the perfect ‘pop’ plus it was your first instinct!

05.November.2013

I am a huge fan of all things mustard, but I would go with the classic charcoal colour 100% in this case! I think gold house numbers as well as planters and plants would be great.

05.November.2013

I’d go with the gold. I like the dark grey too but I think at a distance it would make the door look the same as the windows.

05.November.2013

My “little yellow house” is a similar colour yellow so I say the Gold one. But I am a bit biased.

05.November.2013

I love the charcoal, because I like the contrast against the red brick. The mustard is nice, but it blends too much. BTW, just discovered your blog, and I love it!

05.November.2013

I am a sucker for grey, but painted my front door a dark color and it was very uninviting,. Ended up repainting it a brighter color. For that reason, I vote gold.

05.November.2013

I’d go with the gold – it picks up the gorgeous plant near the front door and stands out more from a distance. Good luck in making the final decision! Lisa xo

05.November.2013

i love the mustard, and i don’t even particularly like mustard yellow! (though maybe i should consider it for my front door, because i haven’t managed to convince my hubby to let me paint ours purple. (the colour is called dumbledore – what better than a literary pun? and it would look nice with our cream and green exterior.))

05.November.2013

I adore bright, fun doors so I vote mustard. And I agree about the windows fading away with the grey. They’re cool features that deserve a shout-out and I don’t think the darker hue would do that for them. Also, I love your blog. :)

05.November.2013

Ahhh, I’m torn now too! I’d say go for what feels good right now, and you can always change it down the road. I’ve had a black door, a red door, and now a blue door (all different front doors/different houses) and love each for whatever moment I did them in my life. But for you, I give a slight edge to mustard.

p.s. Love your new blog photo!

05.November.2013

Hmmm. I would go with the grey. Some would say thats boring, but I think it grounds the overall look of the house. I’m totally curious to see what you end up choosing! (You’re totally going with the gold, aren’t you?) :)

05.November.2013

It depends – do you want fun or sophisticated…Maybe paint one coat of gold and if you don’t like it the grey will certainly cover it up…I painted our front door recently and went with a greyish blue…Like it but it kind of disappears from the street…I am now tempted to go with something brighter…

Well now this is an interesting conundrum. Though this is totally against what I would normally do, in this case I say grey all the way. Though the mustardy yellow is cheery, the grey totally gives a much better hint as to what’s going on inside design wise to me. Its very much you to me. It is a little bit more masculine in nature, but I think it moreso says modern/refined/calm/polished which is completely what I take away from your homes gorgeous interior. I also think the yellow roses totally pop when paired with the grey. They kinda get lost against the mustard. Frosting the glass panes would highlight them perfectly. Good Luck with your decision. Its a toughie.

05.November.2013

I love the gold. Its the same color as my aunt and uncle’s early 60s ranch that my dad helped them build; its the current and original color. Its home-y.

05.November.2013

Gold, because I feel like the gray gets lost in the rest of the facade from a distance. And I don’t even like gold or mustard. The gray looks fine, but it doesn’t really “say” anything. The gold has more of a presence.

06.November.2013

So I’m as torn as the rest of you and couldn’t help doing a quick mockup to visualize this better, from sheer curiosity. Links below in case anyone else is interested.

Honestly, they’re both great colour choices. The gray is sophisticated and has already proven itself in the back of the house. I don’t think it will completely engulf the windows. The mustard is a touch unexpected and a little friendly, but a little more understated. Can’t wait to see what you choose! (Oh, and the white interior door looks great!)

Gray door: http://tinypic.com/r/rvdava/5
Mustard door: http://tinypic.com/r/dzju4i/5

06.November.2013

They are both great colors. The gold would be happy and different BUT the grey would be safe and bold. I have done gold before and two years later I changed it up… it wasn’t as happy as I thought it would be, in fact, I would say it was a bit of a downer. Any way, I would go with the grey CUZ it is uniformed with the design of the house and the landscaping you have going on. I don’t think you will be second guessing yourself with the grey BUT if you go with the gold, you might be wishing you went with the safer color. Paint is so cheap though.. you could try the gold… it is the labor that cost us.

06.November.2013

Void that last remark… I just took another peak and the gold would be best!! I am not going to change my mind AGAIN…lol. Go with the Gold!!! The grey gets lost from the distance :)

06.November.2013

I say go for the gold. If you hate it, it’s only paint. No risk, no reward, I say!

06.November.2013

Dana, I’d go with the grey for sure! Mustard is probably my most favorite color ever, especially in design. But I just feel like you need something more substantial and modern (more bold?) against the facade/period of your mid-century ranch. The gold just blends a little and I would be scared that passers-by (who don’t look too closely) might just mistake your house for a dated period ranch, instead of the revived masterpiece with new modern life breathed into it that you all are creating it to be :) You can always add color with landscaping and porch accessories (a bright wreath, planters flanking the door, etc.). My vote is to go dark :)

06.November.2013

…by the way, the interior of the door looks awesome! Love the feel of it with that almost industrial hardware. Love it!

06.November.2013

I’d go grey but I am clearly obsessed with grey at the moment. That said some nice gold-ish giant house numbers between your door and window would look tops. The grey would also show off the yellow of the flowers more – and any other colour you add to the space. The frosted glass is a good idea – I don’t know what product you have over there but you could experiment cheaply with different patterns by spray painting frosted glass paint (rustoleum have some) onto clear contact paper and cutting to fit. That way you could see the full frost or try stencils as well. X

06.November.2013

Personally I like the grey… sorry. I would definitely add the gold in accents. Maybe a big pot with flowers or gold house numbers like someone suggested.

However, that being said the way you wrote the post I definitely think you want to paint it mustard despite what you say about being torn. Its just paint. If you decide you don’t like it in the end you can paint it grey -you already have the paint. Plus it would be easier to paint over the mustard if it turns out to be a mistake than the other way around. I think it would make you happy to paint it mustard so do it.

06.November.2013

Dark because it’s classic, yet modern. Gold hardware if you prefer, and gold house #s or accents. Can’t wait to see which way you go!

06.November.2013

The yellow/gold looks like such a happy color.

06.November.2013

…and while I too like painted brick, I think you’re very smart to stay away potential problem. Besides, it’s beautiful as is.

06.November.2013

GOLD. It will provide a focal point for the eye. Let me tell you why. Your house is very horizontal and long. You’ve got dark shapes (windows) already…I don’t think you need another dark rectangle added to the composition.

A lighter, brighter color (the gold you chose looks excellent, in my opinion), would be a welcome place to rest the eye…and since it happens to be your front door, it gives visitors/passersby a sense that you are welcoming them to your home.

06.November.2013

I’m going to vote gold. If you went with the dark grey, it would read the same as the house windows and seem like a “hole”. Plus, if you put frosted glass in the door, you’d have to re-drill the peep-hole!
I think it’s nice to have a front door that says welcome with a little pizazz, and I think a color would do that better than the dark grey.

06.November.2013

I would say the gold for a pop of colour, but it doesn’t seems to”pop” from a distance like expected. Maybe just paint it on and if it doesn’t work, there is always the gray to repaint with!

06.November.2013

I vote gray. Just not a fan of yellow with red brick. If you’re afraid of the 3 windows disappearing, could you paint the trim around the windows white to make them pop? I also think the gray would look so great with the hardware you have chosen too. Just my 2cents. :)

06.November.2013

What about a red door?

06.November.2013

I still vote for the gold/ mustard! I think it just fits with the period of the house better and I wouldn’t want the three windows to disappear since they add so much character. The gray is lovely, but as many said probably the “safer” choice.

06.November.2013

The dark color. Cause I’d rather tie in the door color with the roof color, than with the brick.

06.November.2013

I like the dark, I think the high contrast is going to be so much more pleasing to the eye. I think you are going to end up doing the gold and then repainting to the dark grey. I just think it fits the architecture and your style better.

We’ve used the frosted window glazing before and we’re big fans. We have it in our garage to replace ridiculous curtains, it let’s in light, but still gives an immense amount of privacy. BIG fan.

06.November.2013

Mustard for sure! It’s such a happy colour and a real pop against the brick walls and grey roof. The grey (although it’s a sleeker colour) just gets a bit lost from the road. I think the yellow is more welcoming and cheerful too, the windows will look better. And it was your first choice!

06.November.2013

I like the gold. And if you choose it and regret it, it’ll be easier to paint over than black.

06.November.2013

Gold! You fixed the front door because it went with the house and I love it! I want to see those windows.

06.November.2013

I would go with the darker color. The light one looks a bit washed out next to the brick.

06.November.2013

Go for the gold, Dana!

06.November.2013

oooo you chose the perfect mustard! and you are right, the windows will be lost in the darker color… GOLD :)

06.November.2013

Sourpuss here. I do not like either option, but if I had to choose – anything BUT mustard.

Personally, I would consider something in the blue family. Check out crestview doors for modern inspiration.

06.November.2013

I vote for gold! When you said gray would be the safer choice, I thought gold for sure!! Bright and cheery hello & a little unexpected.

06.November.2013

I think the gold is a lot more inviting, the gray seems like it’s saying “go away”

06.November.2013

I vote GOLD. I’m a huge fane of dark doors, but there is something uplifting about that gold. The pop from the yellow roses is extra beautiful with that gold door dancing with it. I agree that the windows would show more with the gold too. You write that the dark door was “almost somber”. That doesn’t seem to fit your personality.

06.November.2013

I love the gold color – it just seems cheerful and is a nice pop of color for the house and yard.

06.November.2013

There’s a really nice mustardy yellow by BM called Sulphur. Check it out. Personally, I think I like the gray tho. It ties with the bark better. I just don’t think the yellow goes with the brick If you want color, maybe try other colors besides yellow. Maybe a dark green or blue, but I think I would prefer dark gray or black.

06.November.2013

Gold! It is just so inviting looking, which seems more like what you’re trying to achieve.

06.November.2013

How much sunlight does that door get? Because the dark color will absorb a lot of heat whereas the mustard won’t. We had a red door on our old house and it was amazing the amount of heat that got transferred to the inside of the house. And the box elder bugs loved it. Right now there’s already a lot of gold tones in your yard due to the season but in summer and winter the mustard will be a nice element. (You do get snow, yes?)

Did you save Mabrey’s hand print on the door? That would be a cute keepsake of her toddlerhood and a good story to tell!

06.November.2013

I like them both but I think the gray is the better choice. From the street I think it stands out better against the brick than the gold does and is a little more classy.

It’s amazing the transformation this house has gone through. I’ve been following along since you lived in your big house pre-Mabrey and I’m just astounded at all you’ve accomplished in the past couple of years. I can’t even get my basement together. Major props to you and HH!!!!!

06.November.2013

Go for the gold! You can always repaint it later if you really hate it and if you don’t at least try it you might regret it. That is how I am anyway.

I love the spicy mustard. I think it will make a fun entry and wake up the exterior. If you live with it and don’t like it, you can always go with the blue-gray. But I think it will look amazing in mustard.

06.November.2013

I vote for the pear (yellow) color. I also adore the darker gray (my home is similar to yours and I have used a darker gray/green for outside elements, like our back screened porch). I say, pear on the door for the many reasons you state about loosing the windows, etc…, and perhaps the Behr gray color on the trim of your windows and doors on the exterior?

Whatever you choose, I am sure it will be fabulous and completely YOU!

06.November.2013

The gray. The gray makes it look more modern and more masculine. It will also be much more striking with the right landscaping. The yellow could end up looking juvenile depending on your planting scheme.

06.November.2013

You have to go grey. Yellow and red do not make happy long term partners anywhere, even on a hot dog they are only temporary. Eventually the contrast would lead you to repaint and with kids I know it would take longer to finally get around to it and you would hate the door even more. The windows will still show up nicely and will look very cool!

06.November.2013

I like the dark color. I agree I love modern and masculine look. I am getting a new door this week as well! I am thinking of going with a modern apple green color with a craftsman style door with our whiteish brick, black shutters and white trim.

Gold! I like how it will add a pop of color from the road, whereas the gray will look dark alongside the shadow of the eaves. Are you thinking about dressing up the windows with shutters? That might be a way to add the gray color and break up the brick some.

I am just as torn as you. I don’t want to lose those windows with the dark paint! Or a visual with frosted windows. I love the mustard. I THINK that’s my vote. #nohelp

06.November.2013

I love the gold, up close AND far away. It’s a good bright look.

06.November.2013

I’m leaning toward the dark charcoal and would add brushed nickel floating house numbers. How do you feel about kickplates? A brushed nickel kickplate might help the dark color pop and with 3 kids it would help the wear and tear on the door too.

06.November.2013

I vote gold for the door, and use the moody gray on big chunky numbers to the left of the door.

Perfect gold by the way. I was one of the IG yellow naysayers… and this is what I had in mind! Looks just like the trim on your MB bedding– did you color-match it?

06.November.2013

WHAT DOES THE DOOR SAY?

It says it wants to be painted gold.

06.November.2013

Also, can you add porch lights? These MCM lights would look great http://www.houzz.com/photos/228441/Konya-Outdoor-Wall-Sconce-modern-outdoor-lighting-

06.November.2013

I really like the gold. It’s different, bright and screams “Woo, hey !” like a bright ray of sunshine. It’s not “safe” which can often translate to… Zzzzzzzzz.

Not only that, but if you do end up really hating it once it’s on the entire door or in 5 years, it’ll be easier to cover with a darker color (vs. going from dark paint to light paint).

06.November.2013

I love the gold color!

06.November.2013

I would paint the door gold– it would look really nice in each season. We painted our front door black…. I feel like it is the door to Skeltor’s castle! It is also much easier to go lighter to darker if you decide to change:)
We live in a very similar house… just curious, have you ever thought of painting your exterior brick? Ours is still natural, but there are random splashes of what looks like concrete (?), and I haven’t had any luck getting them off with a power washer.
I always get mixed reviews on the painted brick.
*Thanks for your input on having kids while painting… done it MANY times and it is the pits!

06.November.2013

I would go for the grey! It’s a neutral that you more than likely won’t get sick of. I like the color you chose as well. You can always brighten up the area with flowers and such.

06.November.2013

I have to vote GOLD! They both look great and I can see how it’s a tough decision, but the gold lightens and brightens the whole front image and ties so nicely with the yellow roses. It may just be the fall colors we’re experiencing that makes me have a soft spot for that color right now, but I think you would be happier with it. After all, you’re the one with the gold spray paint addiction!

06.November.2013

For you – go for the gold! From the street it isn’t high contrast with the brick – but there is enough difference of color that it doesn’t fade into the brick. And it looks happy when you get closer. My personal favorite with brick is either turquoise or gray – but for you I like the gold (and I hate gold).

I’ve noticed people suggesting gray for the door and gold house numbers – but be careful that the house numbers don’t disappear into the brick. You may have to do what my sister did on her brick house – use a wooden plaque from the craft store and mount your numbers to it. You could paint the wooden plaque with your white exterior trim color and use that gray on the edges to frame it – I’d probably use 4″ or larger black numbers – boring but house numbers are more about function in my opinion. Your house sits back from the street – you’ll need large numbers with high contrast that are well lit at night if you want anyone to be able read them. (I’ll climb off my soap box now)

06.November.2013

Ask your kids! Maybe make it a family decision.

06.November.2013

The gold is straight from the source…Sherwin-Williams.

06.November.2013

I’m not a fan of shutters on our house. There were rotting wooden ones on the house when we bought it and I thought they looked ridiculous. They were so skinny and short and looked strange next to the wide windows. Maybe it’s just me?

06.November.2013

I vote for the gold. Not only would the windows on the door possibly get lost in the darker color but from far away, all the windows on the front of the house cast a dark color as well. I like the idea of the gold to add some contrast. That said, I like both colors so you really can’t go wrong. Can’t wait to see the final decision!

06.November.2013

Definitely the gold. I agree having the darker color would make the windows almost disappear.

06.November.2013

The front of the house faces south but the door is under an eave. Thanks for pointing out how heat might transfer with different colors. I hadn’t thought of that! And, no, I didn’t save M’s print on the door :(

06.November.2013

Gold! I love a charcoal, but from the street your windows read back and I think if you go dark, you will lose the window details in the door and it will add another black rectangle to the front of the house. After all the work on that door, I think it should be the star! Maybe that gorgeous charcoal for the garage door when you get to that? You could also paint a few large pots in the gray to place on either side of the door & walk!

I say gold. One of my favorite things about your house is that mid-century door with the three square panes. I would be sad to see those disappear into the gray paint.

06.November.2013

The red brick and yellow door makes me think of McDonald’s. Go with the grey! Also, maybe you should get a 2nd or 3rd opinion on painting the brick. Maybe there’s a way to make it work. You have such a gorgeous house on the inside. A painted exterior would really take it to another level!

06.November.2013

Thanks for doing this Jane! It helps to see the colors on the actual door…still torn!…

06.November.2013

I seriously have NO IDEA!!! Wish I could make the door gold some days and switch it to gray on other days depending on my mood. Someday, someone will invite that kind of paint. Ha!

06.November.2013

GOLD! I personally find dark colored doors to look unwelcoming. The gold I find sophisticated and cheery. I love the details in your door, and although the frosting would help the dark color, I am not sure they fit the period of the house. I do like the blue, but agree it is playing it safe.

06.November.2013

Gold! So much more bright and cheerful. The window are enough black, it doesn’t need anymore. Needs some color!

06.November.2013

I would go with the gray. The gold against the brick almost looks a little too “retro” for my taste.

06.November.2013

Hi Dana.
How are your design projects for clients going? I would love an update on your work outside the blog.

06.November.2013

When I can’t decide it usually means I am going the wrong direction. I love the turquoise blue on the original door or a dark green like BM Oregano would look great!

06.November.2013

I am torn on the door color. BUT I think whatever you painted the door, you could paint two large planters in the other color (and put on the concrete stoop/slab).

I wonder if painting the brick planter would be super bad- thinking that there’s no temperature gradient and it’s exterior… but I wouldn’t want to risk hurting the house, itself. But painting that could add some cool depth to the front.

06.November.2013

I prefer the darker color. I think the yellow color gets lost when you look at the house from the street.

06.November.2013

I vote for the gray. Gives it a modern feel, will allow the door hardware to “pop” and is a great back drop to your landscaping. From a distance the gold fades away.

Also regarding the painted brick, have you considered staining the brick? Sarah Richardson did this to one of her remodeled homes and it came out really nice.

06.November.2013

I’m loving the dark gray! I think it would look awesome!!!

06.November.2013

Hey Dana!
Just a quick thought: what about staining the brick, so that moisture could still pass through? I believe you can stain brick to be lighter or darker, and I only mention this because I love both door colors you picked and think either would look fantastic with light brick.

If the brick can’t be stained, I think the gold door with dark trim on the house might look cool? You always make great design choices, though, so I’m sure the house will look good no matter what. Looking forward to seeing the results!

06.November.2013

Gray!!! I would pick it bc the grass and brick are warm, along with the bushes/shrubs that you mentioned. The only balancing cool color is the roof, and I think the cooler door would be a great addition. I think it would look beautiful in all seasons. All of the warm colors of summer, spring, and fall, and even the cooler colors of winter would look lovely against the dark gray blue.

Gray gray gray!!

06.November.2013

I like the gold!

06.November.2013

I say GOLD!!! I love how it picks up colors of your flowers, beautiful!!!

I say go for the gold! Seems everyone is doing gray or black lately. And you can never have too much gold in my opinion. I know that either would look good, but I think the punch of color would really pop! Just me two cents. :)

06.November.2013

I say GO FOR THE GOLD! The grey is great, but the gold is that extra touch of happy that will make you smile when you pull in the drive.

06.November.2013

I would go with the gold as well…but I find this particular gold is a little too washed out. I agree the first yellow you chose was too bright but I think this colour would be great if you picked 1 or 2 down the paint chip. I think if the yellow was just a bit darker it would give the same rich deep effect the charcoal gives without causing the windows to disappear or the house to seem like it has too many dark openings.

06.November.2013

sorry i should have said I find the colour washed out from further back. I like the colour close up but with the tone of your brick and the size of the door that colour will look washed out from further away. One or two up on the paint chip will still keep the great colour, it will just deepen it

06.November.2013

you can probably stain the brick. there are some water based stains that would allow it to dry and let the brick breath. of course you would have to do homework n it to mae sure but it may be worth finding out :-)

06.November.2013

All gold everything.

06.November.2013

With your long ranch, I love the attention that the gold draws to your doorway. It’s fun, but not crazy fun, just “the people living here have taste and aren’t boring” fun. The dark color is very handsome, but a little more sedate. However, either color will look great, you have a really good eye for color. And by the way, it’s only paint!

06.November.2013

I love the gold/mustard color – honestly, it’s paint! If you decide you don’t like the mustard after living with it for a few months, you can always re-paint it with the charcoal/dark gray – especially since you already have the charcoal color on-hand.

I think it’s nice to do something brighter and less “safe” with a front door color – it draws visitors in and highlights the formal entrance from the street.

06.November.2013

My 2 cents: if you don’t love either of them, keep looking. I like where you’re going with both of these but maybe you haven’t found “your” color yet – – what if instead of the blue-grey you’ve sampled, you go with a bolder indigo (maybe the shade of the nook pillows in the everything room), and instead of the muddy yellow, you go with a bolder mustard (a shade in between the nook’s mustard throw and the bright yellow in the new Claire print). Alternately, and in a totally different direction: I adore the mint green/aqua of the little planter on the table in the everything room as well…I saw it done as a front door color here and kinda loved it: http://itsgreattobehome.net/2013/05/31/after-flip-photos-the-exterior-2/ Might not be right for your joint since that house had a totally different palette going on, but something to ponder perhaps….

06.November.2013

Maybe something to consider…when the front door is wide open, and you’re sitting on your sofa, what colour would you best like to see indoors? All this being said, I think it should be the same red as the “M” on your bookshelf! :) It would look great from the street.

06.November.2013

Funny, I was thinking something really bright and cheerful like, I dunno…Cobalt Blue?? I know, I’m insane. But still…

06.November.2013

I like the yellow the best! The good thing about it, if you go for the non-safe color first and hate it, you can always go for the one you know will work later on!

Good luck!

06.November.2013

I like the dark gray for the door — but how about using the mustard to paint the trim on the inside of each window frame? That way you can use both colors that you love.

06.November.2013

and maybe the trim around the door as well (in the mustard). Meant to put this in my first comment!

06.November.2013
06.November.2013

I really like the gold/yellow even though I didn’t expect that I would!

I hear you on painting with kids underfoot, I’m grateful my kids are slightly older now so I can paint while they are at school.

06.November.2013

I’m voting gray.

I love a yellow door, but for some reason I’m just not liking that mustard color with your house. Our front door is a buttery yellow and I love, love it, but our house is white.

06.November.2013

I also agree about gold house numbers and planters. That would look great!

06.November.2013

Gold. I cannot believe I am saying that because I hate yellows, but the gray is just too somber and with the windows your house will look like an old man’s suit. Gold will define the doorway better and pick up the landscaping more.

06.November.2013

I love that you kept the mid century door! Now, a question that I have…I know the inspector said you should not paint the brick because it can cause problems…BUT can you stain the brick? Or would this cause the same issues?

As for the door color, I am not loving the yellow with the white trim. I like the contrast of the darker color, but I can see your concern with losing the windows. What if you did a dark trim around the door and did more of a moody, muddy green color for the door?? If not, go with the grey.

I pinned a photoshopped version:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/457045062155259024/

06.November.2013

I think the gold is totally worth the risk and I love the idea of adding gold house numbers. (I’m terribly jealous of your door. It is exactly what I want).

If the gold just doesn’t work, you can go over it with the grey.

06.November.2013

I agree with what Molly said… wait until you find something you love… maybe a bolder color.

06.November.2013

There is stain made for masonry that would still allow your brick to breath. Stain the house charcoal and use that yellow on the door. If the house stays brick color, use the gray for the door. The gold color doesn’t allow for much contrast.

06.November.2013

GOLD. If only for the windows’ sake. They are such a nice detail, it would be a shame to hide them.

06.November.2013

Gold! You kept the door because you like the architectural details (windows) and it’s simplicity. While the grey is probably more sophisticated, the gold highlights the details of the door and makes it stand out. The nice thing is, going from gold to grey is easier than other way ’round :) if you change your mind later. Definitely gold.

06.November.2013

A vote for Gray here! To me, it is more representative of your style. And, I have a thing sbout red and gold/yellow reminding me of McDonalds.

06.November.2013

Gold, pulls in the landscaping.

06.November.2013

Try the one that feels more risky to you — sounds like that is the gold. Then, live with it for a while, and if you don’t like it, paint the grey. Also, how much dirt will the gold show? Both will work great, which is why you are so on the fence, I think.

06.November.2013

LOVE the mustard/gold more than the dark because it seems so cheerful and inviting! When looking at photos of your exterior during bright sunny days, the roof color looks washed out, the dark door might seem totally out of place on those kind of days. Gold is great, the 3 windows will really pop, and during the spring and summer it will look even better with your landscape :)

Off topic, where did you get the rug in Mabrey’s room. Is it soft?

06.November.2013

Don’t over think it – go with your gut!

06.November.2013

I painted our front door yellow a few years ago, and it makes me happy to see it every time I come home. I think the gold option will feel much more welcoming, both to visitors and yourself. Best of luck with the choice… you’re no stranger to repainting, though, so you can always change your mind!

06.November.2013

I vote for the grey!

06.November.2013

Go bolder! I say aqua! Classic color combo that’s a bit more fun.

06.November.2013
06.November.2013

Go with the dark grey and add gold accents.

06.November.2013

My vote is the dark gray. It will be more timeless. I also still think something in a blue/turquoise/navy tone would be awesome. Yellow just isn’t doing it for me. It doesn’t seem to fit as well with your whole house color scheme on the inside.

06.November.2013

Gold!
The gold makes the house look new and trendy (like a couple of hip cool peeps live inside!). I also feel like the gold adds a little bit of fun personality to the front.

06.November.2013

The rug is from West Elm and it is soft – not plush but a great soft place for floor play.

06.November.2013

Gold! The grey is too dark and will blend with the windows too much. Plus if you end up hating it, it will be easier to repaint.

I like the darker colour for a few reasons: it has great street presence, it really brings out the colour of your plantings and gravel, and it adds a nice vertical element to the exterior. But since you don’t want to loose the windows, have you considered a dark colour but something not as dark? Something like Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme or Retreat could work?

06.November.2013

I really love the gray, but I think with the windows it would be too dark, since they already look black. The mustard is lovely though, and it fits the style of the house. Whatever you decide will be awesome.

06.November.2013

yellow really is the happiest color – GOLD!

I really love both colours. I’m leaning a bit towards the darker charcoal, because it’s so sharp. But I think whatever you do will be beautiful.

06.November.2013

I LOVE the dark moody gray, no contest!

06.November.2013

Gold! The gray is nice but from the street it makes the door look like all of the windows. The gold says “look at me, I’m a functioning door, enter here!”

06.November.2013

love the gray.. gold blends too much. btw, love your new photo… so pretty Dana!

06.November.2013

Go for the gold!! It added contrast where as the darker just blends in and definitely feels too muted. You need the welcoming sunny (albeit muted) yellow. Love that you kept the front door too!

06.November.2013

Gold! I like it with the brick. And when you open the door, it’s bound to brighten your day!

06.November.2013

jane, that is great… you get to see it and there is no cost and no work involved. BUT I have to say, I would NOW go back with the grey. The gold just didn’t do anything for me AT ALL. I wish I had known about this BEFORE I painted my entire house. The paint I chose is rich and beautiful BUT looks dull with my landscaping. House Tweaking will void all of my opinions (as I have changed my mind three times now) BUT that was a great way to see the results.

06.November.2013

Wow, I am also torn. And it looks like the other commenters are voting 50/50! Tough choice…But really they are both great colors and either will look amazing. In fact, driving last night I was thinking of your door after you posted the instagram pic (that’s creepy, huh?) and kept thinking you should do a charcoal gray! But now that you picked this new mustard color and we see the two colors side by side it is a tough call. BUT, the tipping of the scale for me is that your three little windows on the door will stand out much more with the yellow than with the gray. Plus, that was the color you first were wanting…go with your gut. And if you change your mind, paint it gray next spring! lol

06.November.2013

I’d be curious what John and Sherry from Young House Love would vote for!

06.November.2013

love the darker color!

06.November.2013

I like the mustard yellow!! Looks great!!

I just moved into our first home in August and put off painting our front and back door (graphite by BM) and since Columbus day when I’ve had time to do it! our weather turned and the guys at Benjamin Moore suggested I wait until the spring when we have consecutive days above 50 degrees. I can’t wait to get my paint brush out in the Spring. But then I will be in the throws of planning my wedding which will take place on the 15th of March! AHH! Always something! LOL!

06.November.2013

The gray for sure. Only because I have mustard yellow on my front door and its very happy BUT when it comes to decorating for the holidays…I’m not super excited about it. I’ve had a black door and its easy to decorate around and gives a modern feel. Yellow has been really fun….but I wish I would have gone with a dark color and the grey you picked its awesome! Love the work you have done everything is so beautiful!

06.November.2013

Mustard! Mustard! Mustard!

06.November.2013

Dana – here’s a sight I ran across that you might enjoy http://midcenturyliving.blogspot.com/2010/07/paint-progress.html

06.November.2013

Turquoise or some form of blue! I know you didn’t ask about those colors, but the gray look dark, like the windows, it blends in. The yellow looks drab to me. But it is not my house :-) You do such a great job on your castle! I can’t wait to see what you decide.

06.November.2013

From the street distance, the gold isn’t significantly different from what’s already there.

Honestly, I think you need a rich Fall tone to complement the brick or a bold, bright lemon-yellow to zing!

06.November.2013

Thanks for the link Nancy!

07.November.2013

Oh, there really is a color called “Alchemy” http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6395-alchemy/– I thought you meant they magically mixed up the perfect color for you!

07.November.2013

I think the gray since it is not as trendy as the mustard and compliments the interior of your home wonderfully.

07.November.2013

I really like both! If I did yellow (which is my slight preference), I would paint the trim around the door and window frames in the charcoal color to ground it. If I picked the charcoal gray door, then I’d stick with white trim to make the door and windows pop. That’s just me. I will love whichever you choose, I’m sure! :)

07.November.2013

I personally like the gold the best. I think it compliments the red brick really well and goes with the flowers too. The darker color seems a little harsh to me in comparison.

07.November.2013

Why not try a different color that complements your grey and mustard interior. How about teal?

http://retroranchrenovation.blogspot.com/2013/05/front-porch-painting-quick-update.html

07.November.2013

I was on the gold bandwagon until I saw those mock ups and it reminded me of mcdonalds a bit. I would go with the gray and maybe paint the window trim a silvery tone to match your hardware…the gray would play nice with your roof too…my two cents…I think they would both look good…but as others have stated, maybe wait until you find “the one”

07.November.2013

What about gray with the mustard as trim around the windows in the door? Brings them out a little and let’s you use the mustard.

07.November.2013

I like the darker color much better… but, are you going to add shutters or anything like that since you will not be painting the brick? Maybe consider the color of other elements to help decide of front door color. *** I’m afraid the yellow wouldn’t look new, but like’s its always been there and a little faded. :( But I’m all for color.

07.November.2013

I’d go dark for the contrast and sophistication. And because it matches the back doors :) The gold could be the original color of the door, which is definitely NOT representative of the current state of your home! Also, I don’t think the windows will disappear, they might actually be more appreciated since the door color won’t compete with them. I’m excited to see it painted no matter what you decide! The inside looks great!

07.November.2013

GOLD! Both are beautiful, but the gold makes more of a statement. The darker color just blends too much. But a gold door with dark house numbers on the brick will be gorgeous.

07.November.2013

I say go gold for sure. For 1, it was your gut instinct to go with that color, the charcoal was an afterthought. For 2, it is fun, friendly and inviting. For 3, my final point, if you paint gold, and decide it really isn’t you, it will be much easier to paint over with the charcoal than if you paint charcoal and decide you really did want it mustard.

07.November.2013

totally agree on shutters – if they’re not real, and won’t work properly to protect the window in a storm, forget it. as far as color goes, the grey is just another dark rectangle from the street. the mustard calls out the door as an entrance. just my 2 cents. bottom line – you & your family need to love it, that’s all that matters.

07.November.2013

Seeing the mock ups is the only way to go.. I use photoshop all the time for this… after seeing the mock ups… no question..grey… they gold looks washed out and does not stand up to the rich brick color.

07.November.2013

I think the darker color is going to look a bit more classic. Mustardy gold is a very “in” color right now, and as much as I love it, I can see it looking like a trendy color in a few years.
As for paining your brick- not sure if you’ve considered it, but they make brick stains that are breathable and just tint your brick rather than covering. In the end it’s not quite the same look, but it can look really nice.

07.November.2013

GRAY! I had a red brick house and I painted the front door gold, very similar to yours. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, hated it. (I disliked it). Ketchup and mustard. Don’t do it. The harshness of red brick is hard to mellow; you don’t need to increase the bold factor on the exterior of any red brick house! Besides, I don’t really think a gold front door fits your laid-back decorating style.

08.November.2013

Yes! The color really is called alchemy!

08.November.2013

I vote for the gold, but I am prejudice. I live in a 1840’s brickfront home in Boston and we painted our front door, Benjamin Moore “Raincoat Yellow” and I love it. It is such a happy color & makes me smile every time I see it. My neighbors were shocked at first because it wasn’t the typical black door that one usually sees with this type of home, but now we get compliments on it all the time!

08.November.2013

Definitely GREY – but definitely add large pots painted that gold and any other gold accents you can.The gold HAS to be there…but as an accent color to the rest of the house with the door in grey. That way, the gold pops like the gold in the landscaping.

08.November.2013

I like the very last comment, but I’d vote on grey! I like that it is more sophisticated, and modern. The yellow I feel you may grow tried of quickly? Either way your door will look 1 million times better when it’s complete- can’t wait to see the reveal!

08.November.2013

Grey! I usually give paint choices about two weeks. If one hasn’t grabbed me by then, it is time to go back to the drawing board with color choices. My husband just LOVEs this aspect of my personality. :) If you do try other colors, I suggest something in eggplant color. I’ve seen eggplant doors on red brick and it looks amazing. It doesn’t make sense on that color wheel, but it works.

I love the gold. I think the darker color is safer but there’s something about a front door that pops!

11.November.2013

I was strongly for the grey but after really looking at the house from the street view I think the gold will play up the detail in the door and tie in the landscaping.

Bottom line, both colors will look great but I choose the mustardy gold.

11.November.2013

[…] you guys! I am so appreciative of all the feedback we got on painting the front door. HH and I read every. single. comment. and were blown away by the range of suggestions. In a good […]

21.November.2013

I just had to write. We too have the same color brick Ranch style home from the 60’s and we recently painted it a mustard gold and we LOVE it. It is a warm color and feel so right against the color of the brick. Our shutters are painted a darker shade of brown and the color colors look great together.

Personally, I feel the gray color is a bit depressing whereas the gold is welcoming and makes a confident statement about your home. One important thing you should also consider when trying to decide between colors is how it will look decorated with a wreath or whatever during the changes in season and during holidays. Think of how your Christmas wreath and decorations will ook on a gray door versus a gold door. Or in the Spring time, a bright colorful wreath and in the Fall, pumpkins, fall leaves, etc. Our new gold door looks fabulous with a big wreath in rust, orange, gold colors.

Good luck!