A Front Door Refresh and Simple Summer Porch Updates
Looking for an easy way to boost your home's curb appeal? A front door
refresh paired with a few simple porch updates—like new paint, planters,
and rugs—can make a big impact without a full renovation.
Over the years, I’ve painted my fair share of doors, rearranged my porch
furniture, and here’s what I’ve learned: your front entrance sets the tone -
not just for your guests, but for you. And at times, your exterior can feel
a bit tired or like it doesn’t reflect your personal style anymore.
Front Door Refresh Ideas
Here's the good thing: you don’t need to replace everything. Sometimes, it’s
just a matter of a few simple porch updates to bring it all back to life.
Right now, the timing is perfect. From June 9–23, 2025, Wayfair is hosting their BIG Outdoor Sale with up to 50% off outdoor essentials and fast shipping across the site.
Whether you’re swapping out tired planters, upgrading your seating, or just adding a fresh pop of color, the right pieces can completely transform your home’s exterior.
Here are a few simple upgrades that make a big impact, perfect for boosting curb appeal and falling in love with your front porch all over again.
1. Pick a New Front Door Colour (But Test It First!)
If I could only recommend one update, it would be this: paint your front door.
A fresh coat of paint on your exterior doors can completely change the feel of
your home.
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| Cool blue felt right for winter decor |
I've repainted our front door no less than five different colors, from
cranberry red to light grey green to blue green to icy blue to emerald green.
I've felt a little like Goldilocks in search of porridge - some front door
paint colors were too light, some were too dark. I think - finally! - I've
landed on a colour that is just right.
But before you commit to a new paint color, here’s a trick I swear by - use
paint swatches and test them out at different times of day. Morning light,
late afternoon shadows, evening glow - natural light changes how the colour
looks. What might feel soft and welcoming in the morning can feel pale and
washed out in afternoon light.
Whether you're dreaming of a black door for a timeless, grounded look, or a
bright colour like coral to add personality, make sure it plays well with your
siding or brick, trim, and landscaping.
Because of our storm door (a must in Canadian winters!), our front door tends
to look very dark and almost disappear at night. This time, I've settled on a
mid-tone neutral brown green which looks good in all light conditions,
Sandalwood 6008-2B by Valspar. It's warm tone complements the red brick, and
will look great against a holiday wreath.
2. Upgrade That Tired Door Hardware
Nothing dates a front entry faster than scratched, pitted, or outdated door
knobs and handles. Swapping in new door hardware is an easy way to elevate the
look of your home in an afternoon.
I love a
modern black entry set
paired with a
smart deadbolt. It adds
both convenience and curb appeal (yes, smart locks can look pretty!). If
you're leaning more cottage or farmhouse, adding a vintage-style door knocker
can bring instant charm.
And don't forget the details. Matching door handles on your back doors, garage
entry, or side door, and with your lighting and house numbers, creates a
cohesive, finished feel across your entire home.
3. Switch Up Your Planters and Greenery
Once your front door’s looking fresh, frame it with colourful flowers and
updated planters to create a great first impression. This is where you can
have some fun with texture and shape - tall pots with Boston ferns, ceramic
urns with trailing ivy, or seasonal window boxes on the side of the front
porch.
Our vintage cast iron urn planters were a classic look, but after almost
twenty years, we were ready for something new!
Wayfair's outdoor planters are currently up to 40% off
and I knew I would find many different options. I decided on the
Block Series Pedestal Planter by Veradek. It had stellar reviews, a stylish modern look, and is Made in Canada!
Typically, I would just plop in a Boston fern and call it a day but the new
planters inspired me to try and create my own arrangement. With a mix of reed
grasses, Impatiens, Coleus and Creeping Jenny, our new planters add colour and
texture to the porch.
It will be fun to switch the planters and keep things seasonal and
interesting. In spring and summer, go bright and bold; in fall, think mums and
grasses; in winter, evergreen branches and birch logs are always a hit.
SHOP OUTDOOR PLANTERS:
4. Add a Wreath or Hanging Basket (That’s Not Boring)
Let’s retire the same faux grapevine wreath you’ve been using for a decade,
shall we?
Try something a little different like a
wreath of bright colorful flowers, or a minimalist eucalyptus ring. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but
your outdoor decor should feel intentional. A wreath is one of the easiest
ways to update your exterior doors without spending a lot, and it instantly
makes your front entry feel warm and welcoming.
5. Refresh Your Rug, Welcome Mat, and Porch Furniture
If your welcome mat is curling at the corners or your porch rug has seen
better days, this is the perfect time to make a swap. With our new front door
colour, I knew I wanted to update the door mat as well. This sand-coloured
indoor/outdoor rug with black pinstripes
feels crisp, modern, and welcoming.
And don’t stop there—your furniture deserves a second look, too. If your porch
chairs are faded or uncomfortable, consider updating them. Even something as
small as adding new pillows like this
muted plaid or
cute ruffled decorative pillow
plus a throw in lighter colors or seasonal tones can make a big impact.
Speaking of big impacts, I decided to make a dramatic feature out of our fern.
I painted this DIY pedestal the same brown-green hue as the front door and set
the plant on top. This touch of the unexpected is a great way to raise curb
appeal.
6. Update Porch Lighting
Lighting can make or break the vibe, especially after dark. Replacing dated
porch lights with a fixture that suits your home’s architecture is a small
home improvement project that can completely elevate your exterior.
SHOP OUTDOOR RUGS AND DECOR:
Don't forget your other sources of light. An updated light over your garage,
string lights on a fence, or
battery powered outdoor lanterns
on the porch can bring a lovely glow to your home's exterior. Just make sure
the finish complements your door and garage hardware for a cohesive look.
7. Clean, Polish, and Finish the Details
This is the part no one talks about, but it matters. Give your porch a
once-over with a damp cloth to wipe down door frames, old hardware, glass
panels, and porch rails. Shake out the rugs. Check for peeling paint around
the trim. Sweep away the cobwebs in the corner (we all have them!).
Sometimes, it’s the smallest updates that make your whole front yard feel
refreshed - even if you didn’t do a full reno.
Your Front Porch, Reimagined
You don’t need new doors or a full overhaul to change the look of your home. A
thoughtful front door color, stylish door hardware, seasonal plants, and a
clean porch can create a welcoming entryway that’s both personal and polished.
These easy updates can make a huge change and breathe new life into your
home’s curb appeal. And they’re all doable in a weekend or less.
So, is this the year you finally say goodbye to that chipped red door? The
year you swap the old rug for something that makes you smile every time you
come home? I hope so!
This post is sponsored by Wayfair Canada. All opinions are my own, and I
only recommend products that I personally use or would bring into my own
home. This post contains paid links. Thank you for supporting the brands
that make it possible for us to share our decor and renovation ideas with
you!
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