It was during the late seventies when Diane Keaton starred in Woody Allen's film Interiors, but the plot clearly had a lasting impression on the actress. We know that Diane is a dab hand at designing stylish spaces, but it turns out her skill extends to the very minutiae of her home, her front door included.
Diane's Spanish Colonial Revival home, nestled in star-studded Beverly Hills, is as beautiful as you'd expect an A-lister's home to be. To put her mark on the space, she enlisted the help of Stephen Shadley, a designer who's no stranger to styling celebrity homes (his portfolio includes the homes of Woody Allen and Jennifer Aniston). Before you even cross the threshold, the arched front door hints at Diane's chic style, but it was the bold choice of front door color idea that really had us talking.
The jet-black paint shade certainly makes an impression, but does it lean towards chic curb appeal, or is the message to onlookers less inviting? We asked professional realtors to find out, and here's what they had to say.
Black is no doubt a chic and contemporary color choice when it comes to front yard landscaping, but when used as an all-over front door shade, it can often verge toward the stark and uninviting side if not used thoughtfully. This is especially true when it contrasts strongly with the wall color, as Diane's does.
But most would agree that her front door feels warm and welcoming, scoring highly on the curb appeal scale. 'In this case, the color choice makes a bold and sophisticated statement that instantly demands attention with its modern take on classic design,' explains Elliott Caldwell, an expert from Home Team Luxury Rentals. 'Combined with considerate details like the door sign and lamp, it creates a multi-faceted effect that adds warmth to the house.'
There are also subtle nuances that make Diane's black door more alluring than most. The slightly recessed positioning, paired with the classic arch shape (typical of the Spanish Revival style), creates a shadow that softens this liminal space, giving it a more inviting feel.
And yet, this is still a statement front door design. 'The choice of black creates a dramatic outline and accent. Any other color would detract from what it wants you to see,' adds Jeff Lichtenstein, the CEO and broker at Echo Fine Properties. He also notes how the glass panes offset the look, preventing the black door from feeling too heavy or imposing. 'With that type of door style, it's imperative to bring in extra light, or the home won't feel open, light, and spacious,' he says.
The oversized outdoor lamp that flanks Diane's door offers an inviting beacon, and the ironware marries perfectly with her black front door.
If you're door is crying out for a like of paint, consider this true black from Benjamin Moore for a statement entry like Diane's. An added bonus? It also makes a practical exterior color as it won't show any dirt.
For added visual interest, add a planter or urn to your porch. This terracotta option would look right at home in a Spanish Revival home like Diane's.
A black front door needn't be considered too overbearing, especially when there's some surrounding porch decor to play up the visual interest. In fact, as far as Feng Shui front door colors go, black is considered an auspicious shade that attracts positive energy (especially with north-facing properties).
If you're in the market for a new front door, why not take a page out of Diane's book and go for a dark and defined design? Introduce some plants and decorative outdoor lighting, and you're sure to make a chic statement.
