Focus On: Choosing a contemporary front door

Before I started working at Build It, I had no idea there were so many elements to choosing the right front door for your home.

But turns out good design is much more than looks, and your front door will need to comply with thermal performance and security standards – as dictated by the regs.

You should probably also start thinking about where the hinges will be and what you really want to see as you enter the house.

But before I get ahead of myself, I’ll let Urban Front designer Elizabeth Assaf – who has just published Door Couture , packed with beautiful imagery and interesting design facts –  explain what you really need to know.

What are the latest trends in contemporary door design?

At the moment people are really into big pieces that will make a statement – think doors that are 1.5m wide and 2.9m tall. Metallic finishes are very popular too, along with bronze handles.

I’ve found homeowners are looking for something different to their neighbours and want to be as unique as possible. However, there’s also the other extreme in where self-builders want their doors to blend in with the rest of the construction.

Minimal designs that match the cladding, sometimes with concealed handles – so as to not have an obvious entrance, can look really good too.

I think choosing one or the other comes down to personality – but more often than not, the door design will reflect the interior decor.

What are the key elements to choose a front door?

When choosing a front door the main areas to focus on are security, performance and design. In terms of safety, people who live in busy streets will have other needs to those with properties in gated developments. So asking key questions could narrow down choices.

Ideally, they’d also be looking for materials that will stand the test of time and won’t break down in a year or two. But durability comes down to how well your door is maintained, too.

If you neglect to oil your door’s locks, hinges and mechanical systems at least once a year, they will rapidly deteriorate. The door finish also requires a fair amount of care depending on its components and weathering qualities.

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