Your front entry door isn’t just a way to get inside—it’s the first impression your home makes. It’s the handshake, the warm welcome, and the silent statement of your style. Whether your home leans classic, modern, or somewhere in between, the right entry door can completely transform your exterior.
At Traditional Door, we believe every front door should tell a story—one of craftsmanship, character, and personality. If you’re ready to create a front entry that turns heads for all the right reasons, here’s your ultimate guide to design inspiration, materials, and ideas that make a statement from the moment guests arrive.
1. Start with the Heart: The Right Wood Species
Wood remains the top choice for homeowners looking to make an impact with natural warmth and timeless appeal. Each wood species has its own grain, tone, and character:
- Mahogany: Luxurious, rich, and durable—ideal for grand entrances.
- Oak: Known for strength and distinct grain patterns that exude classic charm.
- Walnut: A smooth, elegant wood with deep brown hues for modern sophistication.
- Maple or Cherry: Light, smooth, and perfect for refined, transitional looks.
Choosing the right species is more than an aesthetic decision. It influences how your door performs, ages, and complements your architecture. For instance, a mahogany door can withstand Ontario’s variable climate while maintaining its luxurious tone for years.
2. Define Your Architectural Personality
Your home’s architecture sets the stage for your front entry design. A well-crafted door should complement—not compete with—your exterior.
Here’s some inspiration based on style:
- Traditional Homes: Think raised panels, elegant arches, and decorative mouldings.
- Modern Builds: Opt for sleek horizontal lines, flush panels, and minimalist hardware.
- Colonial or Georgian: Symmetry and classic detailing reign supreme.
- Cottage or Country Style: Rustic finishes, lighter stains, and divided-light glass panels.
- Transitional Homes: Combine traditional craftsmanship with clean, contemporary proportions.
Take cues from your façade—rooflines, brickwork, trim, and windows—and design a door that feels like it was always meant to be there.
3. Frame It Beautifully with Custom Mouldings
A show-stopping front door isn’t just about the slab—it’s about the frame it lives in. Custom mouldings and millwork elevate your entryway from simple to spectacular.
Surround your door with:
- Crown mouldings that create a grand entrance effect.
- Side and top trims to define proportions and symmetry.
- Decorative panels or pilasters for old-world charm.
These architectural details draw the eye and make your entryway feel intentional and cohesive with the rest of your home.
4. Let There Be Light: Incorporate Glass Designs
Decorative glass is one of the easiest ways to bring artistry and brightness into your entryway. Whether you prefer frosted privacy panels or intricate wrought iron inserts, glass brings life and dimension to your design.
Popular options include:
- Beveled glass for elegant reflections of natural light.
- Wrought iron glass for a bold, European-inspired touch.
- Camed finishes in brass, black, or zinc to complement your hardware.
- Textured or frosted glass for privacy without losing brightness.
Glass elements pair beautifully with wood, creating a timeless contrast that feels both inviting and refined.
5. Double the Impact with Grand Entryways
If space allows, double doors instantly create a sense of grandeur. Perfect for estate-style homes or wide façades, they make a statement before guests even step inside.
For smaller spaces, consider a single oversized door with sidelights—it gives a similar visual balance while maintaining proportions.
To make your entry truly pop, pair the doors with transoms or arched glass panels above. This not only adds architectural drama but also enhances natural light flow into your foyer.
6. The Power of Colour and Finish
Your front door’s colour can dramatically change the look and feel of your home. Think of it as the final brushstroke that completes your home’s story.
Here are some ideas:
- Deep Walnut or Espresso: Sophisticated and timeless for stone or brick homes.
- Natural Oak or Honey Tones: Warm and welcoming for suburban or heritage-style houses.
- Charcoal or Black: Sleek and modern—pairs perfectly with minimalist architecture.
- Painted Finishes: Navy, forest green, or muted terracotta can add personality while keeping elegance intact.
Pro tip: Complement your door finish with matching or contrasting trim for a custom, layered look.
7. Hardware that Speaks Style
The right hardware can elevate a custom wood door from beautiful to unforgettable. Think beyond basic handles—choose solid brass, matte black, or antique bronze to match your home’s tone.
Popular combinations include:
- Polished brass on rich mahogany for classic luxury.
- Matte black against natural oak for modern contrast.
- Satin nickel with glass inlays for transitional homes.
Don’t forget about hinges, knockers, and kick plates—small details that make a big impact.
8. Add Personality Through Custom Carvings and Panels
A handcrafted front door is more than just an entry—it’s a work of art. Custom carvings and panel designs let you express your individuality through craftsmanship.
From intricate raised panels to geometric patterns or subtle grooves, these details create texture and shadow that transform your door into a focal point.
At Traditional Door, each carving and panel design is carefully proportioned to ensure balance and harmony, no matter the size or style of your entry.
9. Think Seasonally: How Your Door Looks Year-Round
Ontario homeowners know—each season brings a new personality to your home. A well-designed front entry should look equally beautiful in summer sunshine, autumn leaves, or winter snow.
Consider:
- Warm wood tones that contrast against snowy backdrops.
- Simple glass designs that let holiday décor shine through.
- Durable finishes that withstand heat, cold, and humidity.
A great door is built for all seasons—strong, stylish, and low-maintenance.
10. Make It Yours: The Beauty of Custom Work
The most show-stopping entries are always the ones that feel personalized. Custom design means you can choose everything—wood type, panel layout, glass, hardware, and finish—to match your home perfectly.
Working with Traditional Door means having a design partner who brings your ideas to life with expert craftsmanship. Whether you come in with a clear vision or a few Pinterest photos, our designers help you create a front door that reflects who you are and how you live.
11. Why a Custom Door Is Worth It
A custom front entry door isn’t just about looks—it’s an investment in your home’s value, comfort, and security. High-quality wood doors provide excellent insulation, natural durability, and timeless aesthetic appeal that never goes out of style.
Unlike factory-made options, each Traditional Door creation is handmade locally in Ontario by skilled artisans using the finest hardwoods. Every detail—from joinery to finish—is done with care, ensuring your door stands strong for decades.
12. Bring It All Together: Design Inspiration at a Glance
When planning your dream entry door, keep these design combinations in mind:
| Style | Wood Type | Glass Design | Finish | Hardware |
| Classic | Mahogany | Beveled or clear | Deep walnut | Brass or bronze |
| Modern | Oak or Walnut | Frosted, minimal | Natural or charcoal | Matte black |
| Transitional | Cherry | Decorative caming | Warm stain | Satin nickel |
| Cottage | Pine or Oak | Divided light | Light oak | Brushed brass |
| Statement Entry | Custom blend | Wrought iron inserts | Dark stain | Contrasting metal |
These combinations show how small details work together to create an unforgettable impression.
13. The Final Touch: Lighting and Landscaping
Even the most beautiful door needs the right setting. Pair your new front entry with architectural lighting—wall sconces, recessed fixtures, or lanterns—to highlight its texture and detail.
Add simple landscaping—planters, stone steps, or a trimmed pathway—to frame your entrance naturally. Together, these finishing touches enhance the door’s design and invite people in.
Create a Lasting First Impression
Your front door should be more than just an entry—it should be a reflection of your home’s soul. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand double entry or a sleek modern design, Traditional Door can help you bring it to life with expert craftsmanship, premium materials, and timeless design.
Visit our showroom or request a quote today to start designing your show-stopping front entry door.
Traditional Door
261 Regina Road, Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada
L4L 8M3
