Summer presents the perfect opportunity for homeowners to reassess their property’s exterior and look for ways to boost kerb appeal.
What many of these homeowners find in their efforts is that a new front door can totally transform the appearance of their home, particularly when colours and styles are used deliberately to create an enticing contrast.
Contrast styling involves pairing a front door with the property’s brickwork, render, frames and architectural character to either stand out or create a complementary look. This is becoming increasingly popular with UK homeowners looking to transform their property’s appearance by replacing a tired or dated front door.
We offer an array of door styles across our different collections. Our Classic, Urban and Country Collections give you the flexibility to find a style that complements your property or creates an eye-catching contrast.
The Design Concept
Contrast doesn’t always mean choosing the brightest colour. It can be created through differences in tone, materials, door styles and hardware.
For example, darker doors can create definition against pale render, while softer or more neutral shades can stand out beautifully against more traditional brickwork.
Your door’s frame colour can either continue the contrast or be used to create a visual link between the door and surrounding windows.
You should consider your property’s architectural style so the finished entrance feels intentional rather than looking out of place. Consider the glazing and hardware that best suit your home and personal preferences, rather than focusing solely on colour.
Styling Tips from Endurance
Our three door collections feature distinct styles and detailing that can be used to complement or contrast with different property styles.
Take the Classic Collection, for example. With its door styles inspired by Georgian and Victorian design, it’s particularly suited to period and heritage-inspired properties. Homeowners can use contrasting colours to give classic architecture a more individual appearance, while traditional glazing can reinforce the property’s character.
Clean, modern designs in the Urban Collection naturally complement contemporary homes and new builds but can also create an eye-catching contrast when featured on a more traditional property. Bold colours, modern glazing and contemporary-style hardware can add to the look.
The traditional shiplap detailing of the doors in our Country Collection works particularly well with cottages, rural properties and country-inspired homes. Earthy tones and finishes create a natural look, while colours like Duck Egg Blue and Chartwell Green can provide a more distinctive entrance.
The Mid-Summer Contrast Design Guide
| Property Exterior Material | Recommended Door Colour | Frame Accent Choice | Suggested Architectural Style |
| Red or Traditional Brick | Chartwell Green or a deep blue | Neutral or matching frame | Classic or Country |
| Light Render | Anthracite Grey or Black | Contrasting light frame | Urban |
| Dark or Contemporary Brick | Lighter or more natural tones | Coordinating frame | Urban |
| Stone | Earthy finishes like Sage | Complementary neutral frame | Country |
| Painted or Rendered Period Façade | Rich, traditional colour | Matching or complementary frame | Classic |
While each Collection has its own distinct character, there are no fixed rules. With a wide choice of colours, glazing and hardware available, you can experiment with different combinations to find a look that works for your home.
