Your front door sets the tone for your entire home. However, it’s a space that’s often overlooked, or weighed down by dated décor that’s lost its charm.
“Your front entrance tells a story, not just to your guests, but about you,” says Amanda Sinistaj, principal and founder of Ellwood Interiors. “Express yourself, but consider letting go of the cement ducks in raincoats.”
So what else is off limits? From brass fixtures to overdone wreaths, these are the front door design mistakes that experts say are hurting your curb appeal.
Brass Hardware
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Anything brass—whether it’s door handles, mail slots, or kick plates—reads as decades old.
“It’s one of the quickest ways to age a home,” says real estate expert Jessica Vance. “Even a simple swap for matte black or brushed nickel can modernize a façade instantly.” The goal is cohesion: sleek, consistent finishes that elevate, without drawing attention to themselves.
Plastic Wreaths and Faux Flowers
Plastic foliage had its moment, and it’s over.
“Especially around the holidays, plastic wreaths and flowers make a home feel dated,” says Vance. Lauren Saab, interior designer and founder of Saab Studios, agrees: “Skip the faux florals and ribbons—they fade, shed, and read as inauthentic up close.”
Instead, invest in real greenery, or a sculptural planter arrangement that shifts with the seasons.
Oval Glass Doors
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That front door with an oval glass inset? It’s pure ’90s nostalgia—and not in a good way.
“This type of door screams dated,” says Vance. If replacing it isn’t an option, then paint it in a deep, sophisticated hue like slate, forest green, or espresso to refresh the look.
Slogan Signage
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Slogan signage was once charming, but now it’s cliché.
“While everyone wants to ‘Live, Laugh, Love,’ those signs are overdone and unoriginal,” says Vance. Lauren Saab adds that any sign with generic greetings tends to make an entry feel forced. A beautifully designed door should speak for itself, no catchphrase required.
Themed Statues
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A whimsical touch can turn kitschy fast, says Sinistaj. Cement ducks and gnomes may seem endearing and fun, but over time they’ll only age your entryway.
Literal front door ornaments distract from the architecture and make it feel dated. As an alternative, anchor the entry with a pair of timeless concrete or fiberglass planters.
Playful Welcome Mats
That “Come Back With Coffee” or “Wipe Your Paws” mat might get a chuckle, but it also undermines your entry’s sophistication.
“Faded, bold, or overly themed mats just look tired,” says Vance. Replace them with a clean coir or jute mat in a natural tone that complements your exterior palette.
Excessive Accessories
Less is more when it comes to the entryway. Too many competing elements, like flags, plaques, or seasonal ribbons distract from the home. Streamline with symmetry and restraint: one statement planter, one polished knocker, and lighting that enhances.
