We recently celebrated the 5th anniversary of living in our beloved home, and to mark the occasion, we embarked on a series of exciting updates both inside and out. From refreshing the paint colors to swapping out artwork, engaging in some light landscaping, and optimizing the house to better suit our family’s evolving needs, it’s been a whirlwind of creativity and improvement. These updates were carefully planned to enhance our living experience and add personal touches that reflect our style.
One of the most impactful updates we undertook was giving our front door a fresh, new look with a vibrant coat of paint. The front door is the first thing guests see, and it truly sets the tone for the entire home. So, naturally, we were eager to revitalize it with a color that reflects our personality and enhances our home’s curb appeal. Read on to discover the transformation and learn how we achieved this stunning new entrance!
The annual Color of the Year announcement is always a highlight for us, and we’ve had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Sherwin-Williams on numerous Color of the Year (COTY) projects over the years. Each year, Sherwin-Williams unveils a color that captures the essence of the current trends and design sensibilities. We find it incredibly inspiring to see how these colors can transform spaces and evoke different moods. Check out our previous project from last year, where we utilized the elegant 2017 color, Poised Taupe SW 6039, to completely revitalize our home’s exterior.
When we initially painted our front door, we opted for a delicate and soothing hue known as Halcyon Green SW 6213. It was undeniably lovely and added a touch of serenity to our entryway. However, after five years of withstanding the daily wear and tear – particularly from our energetic children – the paint had begun to show its age. The once-pristine surface was now marked with scuffs and imperfections, indicating it was time for a refresh.
Upon discovering this year’s Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year, I instantly knew I wanted to apply it to our front door. The captivating color is called Oceanside SW 6496, and it embodies vibrancy, cheerfulness, and a bold presence. This stunning shade immediately transported me back to a memorable semester I spent studying abroad in England during my college years. The striking blue hues of English doors left a lasting impression on me, and Oceanside SW 6496 perfectly captures that essence.
Bottom Row: isabellath, The Morning District, Andy P
Aren’t those doors just utterly charming? The diverse styles and shades of blue create a visual feast that is both inviting and sophisticated. The rich history and character of each door contribute to the overall allure, making them true works of art.
With the inspiration of those captivating English doors in mind, we decided to infuse our own entryway with a color that would be significantly more energetic and visually striking than its predecessor. We wanted a color that would not only catch the eye but also radiate a welcoming and joyful ambiance. Oceanside SW 6496 proved to be the perfect choice, offering the ideal balance of boldness and sophistication.
Our first step in this transformation process was to carefully remove the door from its hinges. While it’s technically possible to paint a door while it’s still upright, I wouldn’t recommend it. Painting a door horizontally offers numerous advantages. It’s considerably easier to achieve a smooth, even finish without worrying about drips. By laying the door flat, you can apply the paint more uniformly and ensure that every nook and cranny is properly covered.
Next, Bruno meticulously removed all the door hardware. Trust me on this one; spending a mere ten minutes unscrewing the handle and lock is far more efficient than attempting to delicately paint around these elements. Removing the hardware allows you to paint the door seamlessly, without any obstructions or uneven edges. This ensures a professional-looking finish and saves you time and frustration in the long run.
Following the hardware removal, we thoroughly washed the door to eliminate any grime or dirt buildup. We then lightly sanded the old finish to create a suitable surface for the new paint to adhere to. Sanding is a crucial step as it roughens the surface, providing a better grip for the paint and preventing it from peeling or chipping over time. This preparation ensures a long-lasting and durable finish.
When it comes to painting doors, meticulous attention to detail and a steady hand are paramount. However, it’s equally important to work swiftly to avoid streaks or brush strokes from drying in place. The key is to maintain a consistent pace and apply the paint evenly across the surface. Always follow the grain of the wood, which means you’ll need to adjust your painting direction at the panels, rails, and stiles. This technique ensures a uniform and professional-looking finish.
For more valuable tips and techniques on painting doors, I highly recommend checking out this comprehensive article from Family Handyman. It provides a wealth of information on everything from surface preparation to choosing the right type of paint and achieving a flawless finish.
After applying a few coats of the vibrant Oceanside SW 6496, the door transformation was complete! Take a look at how stunning it appears!
The door now emanates a cheerful radiance, adding a touch of joy to our entryway. Furthermore, it has already demonstrated remarkable resilience against the inevitable encounters with our children’s messy paws. The durable paint finish ensures that the door remains pristine and vibrant, even with frequent use.
A special congratulations to Vicki for winning the social giveaway we hosted earlier this week in celebration of the Color of the Year! Vicki has won a design consultation from Curbly, five gallons of premium Sherwin-Williams paint, and a generous gift card from West Elm. We’re thrilled to help her transform her space with these amazing prizes!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on our door’s bold, new look! Please share your comments and feedback below. If you’re seeking additional inspiration for styling a room featuring Oceanside SW 6496, consider enlisting the expertise of West Elm’s knowledgeable design crew. They can provide invaluable assistance in selecting furniture, home accessories, and more to create a cohesive and stylish space.
This post is proudly sponsored by Sherwin-Williams. Sponsored content enables us to continue providing free, original content on Curbly. We deeply appreciate working with brands like Sherwin-Williams, who value the ingenuity and creativity of a well-executed DIY project. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Curbly!