As we have established, a front door can make or break the look of a house. The style can set the tone for the rest of your home. So with this post, we decided to go hunting for some real-world examples in an archetypal village, spotting tips and tricks to consider when choosing cottage doors…

This traditional panelled door makes a statement with a bold red hue. Located in the middle of a village high street this building could easily sink into the background with its uniform red brick and blanket of ivy, but the front door is allowed to do all the talking with an attention-grabbing tone. The bright red front door is made even more pronounced by the clean white framing and the well-maintained surroundings. It is no surprise the property is named ‘The Red House’.

Taking a step back from bold, to a more subdued hue, this dusty blue door allows the interesting structure to create character. The multi-panel and multi-pane door is made more unusual by its short height, creating a crooked, old-timey vibe. The wonky lantern almost compliments the rustic quality of this former ‘Weavers House’, while a large plant pot adds some nature to an otherwise basic facade.

This refreshed cottage gives a clean-cut look to a classic porch. The sage green hue gives the house a contemporary look, while the wooden gate flanked by hedges keep the look traditional. This facade uses symmetry to retain a timeless quality.

This property allows the door to set the scene with an old-fashioned wood and metal door. The door style does all the work, adding plenty of character without the need for bold or statement-making colours.

Lessons from the village:

1. A plain door can be made interesting with colour

2. Dress up a basic facade with foliage

3. Simplify a facade with symmetry

4. Keep tones traditional and low-key for characterful doors