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If you can only make one change to the outside of your house, choose to paint the front door. Hands. Down. Not only is a strong pop of color effectively a message to the rest of the neighborhood that you’re bold and proud of it, but it’s one of the most affordable upgrades you can make to an exterior. Just buy a gallon of paint, a roll of high-quality painter’s tape, a few different size brushes—and you’re in business. Really want to take that first impression to the next level? Paint the interior side of the door, too. There’s a whole rainbow out there begging for a spot at your front steps. Check out our 12 favorite front door ideas, below. 

The Pinks

Melissa Johnson of Best Friends for Frosting had one condition when she was designing this Sacramento Airbnb: It had to be Instagrammable. We’d say this pale pink front door—complete with a pineapple bell—checks that box. 

Love the old-world charm of your current door? No one said you had to cover up the entire thing. A Pair and a Spare blogger Geneva Vanderzeil opted for the best of both worlds with this arc design. 

photo by cody guilfoyle

You used to be able to spot sad glue marks in between the molding on Cara Irwin’s front door. Now all you see is the sweetest shade of pink—whether you’re standing outside or sitting on the sofa.

The Blues

When Melissa Johnson renovated the exterior of her family home, she chose a burst of turquoise to introduce a sense of playfulness to the serious quality of the stark mid-century modern roofline and charcoal siding. 

Don’t let a doorframe with a complicated design deter you from a paint job. For one that requires more attention to detail, like designer Andrea Van Soest’s glass-panel number, stick with a small,  two-and-a-half-inch brush. 

A soft gray-blue is the perfect partner for a white brick facade. This traditional Tudor home by Studio McGee stands out for the very fact that it stays true to its character. 

The Yellows

Yet another reason to paint the door of a mid-century ranch an unexpected hue. Between the zesty lemon color and the giant globe light, the outside of this restored home by Veneer Designs’s Natalie Myers is absolutely glowing. 

An extra-wide door deserves an extra-vibrant finish. Up close, Michelle Nadar’s canary yellow entrance evokes major jungle vibes thanks to the potted tree. 

The Greens

While there’s no shortage of color inspiration in Dabito’s vibrant New Orleans home, we’ve got our eye on the Kelly green door. Even better: It’s double the fun. The other side is painted a bright yellow.  

The Reds

The only thing more classic than a Dutch door is one that’s painted candy apple red. Los Angeles designers Jason and Laura O’Dell accentuated the fairy-tale feel of their Silver Lake Colonial with the dramatic hue. 

Just because you live in a high-rise doesn’t mean you can’t take part in this type of paint project. Lori Paranjape covered her Chicago client’s elevator entrance in a shade of red inspired by the Cubs’s colors, then added a shiny lacquered finish. 

The Whites

Painting a front door white doesn’t sound very interesting, but when the rest of the facade is jet black, the result is breathtaking. Rudy Judy founder Julia O’Rourke’s Maine cabin is a lesson in the power of high contrast.

This story was originally published on May 26, 2018. It has been updated. 

See more color trends: The Unexpected Color Combo We’re Loving for Spring 12 Paint Color Combinations Here to Inspire a Refresh We’re Calling It: This Is the Color of Summer