Search This Blog

Do Front Doors Make a Statement About Who You Are?

Feng shui Luopan compass
Feng shui Luopan compass (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
By Gates  Dearen

Think of your home’s front door as an integral part of your house’s “facial expression.”  Generally, we humans like to make positive first impressions in our interpersonal interactions. One way of doing that, of course, is to exhibit an open, warm, kind facial expression.  We do this through our eyes, mouth, and overall facial muscle tone. Similarly, your front door is often perceived as being the “mouth” of your home, the entryway that can not only make a good first impression on others, but that also projects positive energy, prosperity and opportunity.  So your front door can give your home’s “facial expression” a distinctive demeanor. (Of course, functionality, safety, energy efficiency, and affordability, are all important as well.)
What kind of statement is your home making if your doors and/or windows are in a state of disrepair?  Not only does this make a less-than-favorable impression on visitors, but it also costs you money by allowing energy to escape your home.

Your front door is often perceived as being the “mouth” of your home.


The next time you are invited to a friend’s home, take note of the condition and style of both the door and adjacent windows. If they are not well maintained, if the paint is peeling or the framing looks worn, it’s a sure bet that the owners don’t realized they're losing money.
That is why, even in a tough economy, homeowners are replacing their outdated windows and doors and door surrounds when they notice them starting to age. A good rule of thumb is this: If the windows and doors are more than 20 years old, it’s probably time to look at replacing them.
Say No to “Dour” Doors

The doorway to your home speaks volumes. Do you want to create an impression of being unfriendly, non-sociable, or even impenetrable — as in a formidable fortress or commanding castle? On the other hand, would you rather create one of being welcoming, warm and friendly?  Incidentally, the latter 
doesn’t necessarily mean your front door is easy to broach by would-be intruders; not with today’s materials and the advent of alarm systems.  While specific institutions may want their front doors to say, “Keep Out!” generally, most homeowners would rather their doors reflect friendlier, more welcoming sentiments.

English: Feng shui symbol Français : Symbole f...
English: Feng shui symbol Français : Symbole feng shui (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Two aesthetic and personality issues regarding doors are the color and shape.  Unless you’re building a house from the ground up, it’s often very costly to alter a door’s shape — such as changing a rectangular door to one that has domed, arched top. That usually requires reconstructing the archway, which entails a larger investment.  Changing your door’s color, by repainting it, or opting for a new and perhaps a more energy-efficient door is not only more cost-effective, it adds appeal and personality to your home’s “visual statement”.

The Tao of Doors

Ever heard of Feng Shui (pronounced “Fung shway”)? It’s an ancient Chinese art and science developed over 3,000 years ago. Simply stated, Feng Shui is an in-depth system and school of thought that deals how to balance the energies of any given space to assure health and good fortune for people inhabiting it. Feng Shui concerns itself with the energy or “chi” of a given space.  Colors, according to this venerable system, possess and transmit specific energies and sentiments.  Since your front door is one of the main focal points of your home, the color you choose makes a clear statement about the personality of your home and hence, about you. 
According to Feng Shui experts and/or color psychologists (interesting Ph.D., that), here is what different color doors can denote:


Black

Just like a business suit, a black door projects strength, sophistication, power, and authority. Because it’s been a venerated front door color for a long while, having a black door reflects that you’re consistent, conservative and can even express that you have a reserved personality.

Blue

A feng shui spiral at LA Chinatown's Metro sta...
A feng shui spiral at LA Chinatown's Metro station.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Ahhhhh…  Blue front doors signal that your home can be regarded as a place of refuge, that it’s calm, relaxing, and stress-free. Blue, like water, also gives off positive energy and can denote a sense of abundance and prosperity (which is one reason why many Feng Shui-oriented structures — homes and businesses – feature strategically placed aquariums).  However, the darker color blues, deep navy versus light azure, can, like a black door, indicate you desire more privacy.

Brown
Whether painted or stained wood door (if yours is of the newer non- or faux-wood materials), a brown front door looks natural and organic, and conveys warmth, stability, and reliability. However, if you choose a fairly dark shade of brown, it can signal a desire for privacy or even isolation.

Green

In Feng Shui, green is associated with tranquility, harmony, safety, and health. (Maybe that’s why hospital operating room personnel usually wear green scrubs?). It also communicates balance, peace, compassion, growth, and renewal.  Green also says you’re concerned about your home and your community, and that you harbor traditional values. 

Purple
English: Chinese hieroglyph Feng Shui with tra...
English: Chinese hieroglyph Feng Shui with transparent background (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Historically, the color purple has been associated with royalty. Queen Elizabeth I forbade any of her subjects to wear or display it; only those persons and institutions related to the crown were deemed regal enough to wear purple. This hue symbolizes energy and is thought to invite many opportunities into your home and improve aspects of your life. However, in Feng Shui, if your doorway faces northwest, it’s thought that a white, silver or grey door is better.

Red

It’s nearly universally accepted, perhaps due to its quasi-biological associations, that red denotes passion. Painting your front door red doesn’t mean yours is a house of ill repute, however.  It shows your home is vibrant, full of life, zest and excitement.
White
Similar to red’s long historical associations, white represents purity (hence white wedding dresses), virtue, purity and serenity.  If your preference is to project being organized, clean and neat, go for white, even though you may need to clean it more often. 

Yellow

Perhaps because our brain tissue is predominately yellow, the color denotes wisdom, mental clarity, perception, understanding, confidence and curiosity.  It can also suggest humor and merriment. Maybe that’s why the creator of the original, now-ubiquitous smiley face chose yellow for its complexion.

In this blog I’ve discussed how your home’s front door can help portray the personality of your home and yourself.  Ascribing sentiments to specific colors from the age old Chinese practice of Feng Shui, I have described what different doors color can portray to viewers by reflecting the owners’ personalities. 


Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in Jacksonville, Florida. Owners Gates Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving the building products industry in Florida for over 25 years. We know the products, the industry, the market and what adds great value to a home. Our approach is a little different. We strive to match the homeowner with the right windows for their home and budget. Home improvements can be a hassle. We’re here to make life easier with first-rate, energy efficient products; affordable prices; strong warranties and expert, award-winning installers that provide excellent service while respecting you and your home as if it were their own. 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

6 comments:

  1. I guess I'll have to do a little Feng Shui at my house so I can take advantage of the good health and energy! :D

    ReplyDelete
  2. What about if you have a white door?

    ReplyDelete
  3. As they say, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I wish I had a door I could paint. What if I went "kaleidoscopic"?

    ReplyDelete
  5. I want to thank you for this informative read, I really appreciate sharing this great post.
    Replacement Patio Doors Cost
    Windows And Doors Las Vegas
    Replacement Front Doors

    ReplyDelete