Your front door is a first impression, a personality statement, and, of course, a chance to show off your impeccable taste. Choosing the right shade is no small feat—after all, it’s the one element of your exterior that speaks volumes before guests even step inside. So what colors are designers obsessing over this year?
«Across the board, we are seeing a rise in the use of color, and this also applies to front doors,» says designer Kelly Neely. Designers agree that homeowners are stepping away from safe neutrals and embracing color in a big way, but don’t worry—this doesn’t mean neon brights or candy-colored chaos. Instead, we’re talking earthy greens, fiery reds, sophisticated jewel tones, and moody blues. Read on for the designer-approved shades guaranteed to elevate your curb appeal—and maybe even make your neighbors just a little bit envious.
Rich, Earthy Greens
If there’s one color family that’s truly having its moment, it’s green—but not just any green: deep forest shades and moss tones. “These shades feel sophisticated and also have that connection to nature that makes them feel classic and fresh at the same time,” Lior Kahana of 123 Remodeling tells ELLE DECOR.
And if you don’t want to go too green, Neely tells us that sage and forest greens are the chicest way to embrace color without straying too far from neutral territory. Designer Alecia Taylor from CabinetNow singles out Sherwin-Williams’ Green Bay—a luxurious teal-green—as the perfect shade for those craving tranquility with a pop of style. “Perfect for making an elegant yet cozy statement,» she says. For even more subtlety, consider Sherwin-Williams’ Slow Green, a charming soft green that Taylor says «adds a fresh and stylish touch while blending beautifully with natural landscaping.»
Fiery Reds and Warm Berries
If subtlety isn’t your style, fiery reds like crimson and scarlet are ready to spice things up. Mike Brown from Dania Furniture and Scandinavian Designs tells us that these vibrant hues are becoming popular as homeowners look to inject «more character into simple spaces.» With modern farmhouse styles trending toward neutral palettes, bold reds like crimson or scarlet add just enough drama to turn heads without overwhelming the architecture. Kahana is also loving muted reds like terracotta and deep berry: «These shades still have that traditional ‘welcome’ feel but look richer and more curated—perfectly paired with warm wood siding or bold black exteriors.»
Sophisticated Jewel Tones
Want to make a statement that’s bold yet timeless? Jewel tones. “This is the year of classic jewel tones—navy blue, emerald green, garnet, and even pewter,” interior designer Kathy Kuo tells us. They’re eye-catching but still versatile enough to stay sophisticated over time.
Whether your exterior is traditional brick or sleek modern siding, jewel tones like deep garnet or navy blue add instant depth and personality without crossing into flashy territory. Consider pairing these hues with brass hardware or matte black accents for a look that’s polished, refined, and a little bit daring. Who wouldn’t want their entryway to feel like a grand entrance?
Moody Blues
Blue doors are hardly groundbreaking—but this year’s blues are diving deeper and moodier. Isfira Jensen of Jensen & Co. Interiors sees homeowners eager to escape «the sea of neutrals and bland colors,» choosing instead deeper blues to infuse personality into their exteriors. “Rich, deep blues are making a statement for those who want to incorporate some personality into the exterior of their home,” Jensen explains. She adds that these shades pair beautifully with natural textures like stone facades, warm wood accents, and aged metals—creating an exterior that feels intentional, sophisticated, and distinctly yours.
Julia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE Decor, where she manages the brand’s social media presence and covers trends, lifestyle, and culture in the design world. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million, conducted interviews with A-list celebrities, and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, art and lifestyle. Over her five years of digital media experience, Julia has written about numerous topics, from fashion to astrology.
