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A Hobbit house is nestled underground, with a whimsical wooden door that fits snugly into a round hillside. The Chrysler building reflects the larger-than-life feel of New York City, and the door to Monica's apartment is as quirky as the friends themselves. Imagining those iconic exteriors is easy because they're so memorable. Fun fact — they all happen to showcase one of the most fundamental elements of feng shui, the ancient Chinese philosophy of arranging a living space to attain balance. Achieving harmony is the main aim of feng shui. In doing so, you drive the flow of chi, a vital life force that brings good fortune and prosperity. WHY FRONT DOOR FENG SHUI IS IMPORTANT The front door is the portal to your home. It's the first thing people see, keeps your family safe, embodies your individuality, and can even change the character of the street your house is on. Every day it beckons you into the place where your most precious things live. When you apply feng shui to your exterior doors, you bring positivity into your home. Here are three handy tips to help you get the flow going. MAKE THE SPACE CLEAN AND SERENE To start, the area around your front door should be free of clutter. This space is prone to pile up, from discarded rubbish and shoes to dirt and debris. Be mindful of this and keep things as clean and clear as you can. By removing aspects that create a disorderly and stagnant feeling, you open your entryway up for positive energy to flow straight into your house. You'll also save yourself the stress of seeing a mess every time you come home. FOCUS ON THE DOOR ITSELF You may not be able to choose the direction your front door faces or whether some architectural details contradict feng shui principles, but you can control many aspects of the door itself. A front door should be proportionate to the house and larger than interior doors. Opt for materials that are aesthetically appealing to you and secure enough to keep your family safe. Metal is often used in feng shui to activate stagnant energy, while wood can either calm or stimulate the environment depending on the type you choose. KEEP IT WARM AND WELCOMING Feng shui is all about promoting a strong flow of positive energy into your home, so don't stand in its way. Watch out for off-putting details, like sharp objects or architectural features that put focus on areas like private bedrooms or the bathroom. Use fresh flowers, a pretty piece of art, or even a pop of color to draw the eye where you like and instill a sense of calm and wellbeing. GO WITH THE FLOW Applying feng shui can feel overwhelming. But as long as you strive to achieve balance and harmony, the rest should fall into place. Start with your exterior doors and see where the chi leads you — you'll be surprised at the difference a door can make.   After installing your home’s new exterior door, it’s time to find the perfect locks and knobs to match. Door hardware comes in many different materials, styles, and finishes to accommodate virtually any decorative scheme, ranging from sophisticated mortises lock assemblies to more basic cylindrical locksets. With so many options to choose from, finding the right hardware for your door may require a little shopping around. Read on to review some important considerations to bear in mind when choosing hardware for a new door.
TRADITIONAL OR KEYLESS ENTRY First, you’ll need to decide if you want a conventional manually operated locking mechanism or a keyless entry for your exterior door. Smart locks either work via a mobile app or by entering a passcode directly into a number pad installed above the handle. For some, keyless entry locks offer an excellent combination of convenience and security that conventional locks cannot provide. For example, it’s impossible to pick a smart lock since there are no keyholes or other access points. You will also never have to worry about misplacing your house key or making copies for each member of your family. If you go out of town and need someone to check on your pets, you can provide the code to a friend and change the number after they leave. The other option is to purchase a conventional tumbler lock. These locks work by inserting a physical key that pushes aside pins in the mechanism, allowing the door to open. For optimal performance and security, invest in exterior door hardware that meets the highest standards of the BHMA or Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. The BHMA grades a lock on a sliding scale depending on the quality, performance, and overall durability. If you’re looking for the best hardware available, focus on lock systems with an A rating or higher. LOCKSET TYPES If you choose to go with conventional door hardware, you’ll need to decide between installing either a tubular or mortise lock system. Tubular locks consist of two separate parts, the primary lock with a keyhole and a secondary deadbolt lock installed above. Mortise locks combine these two components into a single unit and often come with a higher price tag than typical cylinder locksets. Although mortise locks cost more upfront, they usually last longer than their cylindrical counterparts and are a little easier to service. KNOBS OR LEVERS Another thing to consider when buying hardware for your new door is whether you’d prefer door knobs or lever handles. Since both options work in much the same way, this decision comes down to personal preference and taste. Door knobs have a more classic, traditional appeal, while lever-style door handles add an element of sophistication to entryways that are perfect for accentuating older, historic homes. LATCHES AND DEADBOLTS For a little extra security, you may want to consider installing an interior sliding latch, chain lock, or a deadbolt to your new door. These additional components will prevent intruders from gaining entry if they ever manage to pick the primary lock to your door. Other mechanisms worth exploring include swing bar locks and door guards. Remember, door hardware comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so be sure to select locks, latches, and deadbolts that match one another. If you’re ever uncertain about the installation process, defer to the expertise of locksmiths for help as they understand all the intricacies of properly installing all types of locks and door hardware. FIND THE RIGHT FINISH Lastly, you need to determine the type of finish you want for your hardware. Aside from the general color of your lockset and knobs, you can also choose between many different textures like a fine, polished sheen or a more antique, tarnished appearance. Some of the most popular finishes for door hardware includes: · Copper · Bronze · Nickel · Aluminum · Chrome · Pewter · Matte black · Rustic tones Are you looking for the ideal hardware to highlight the unique style of your home's entryway? DoorVida has all the quality materials you need, conveniently cataloged all in one place. Our premium hardware and locksets will give your new door the customized appearance you've always wanted. We also offer a variety of decorative door straps and clavos to bring everything together. When you start shopping around for a new exterior door, you’ll have a lot of options to choose from. But before you start picking out the perfect color, finish, and architectural style, don’t forget about the most important part of your decision: What material will your door be made out of? A front door is an essential part of your home exterior. It provides security and weather-proofing protection, while also setting the atmosphere of your home for anyone who passes by. Both wood and fiberglass can offer something different for every homeowner. The trick is knowing which one has benefits that outweigh the downsides. With these front door tips, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of both to help you make the right choice for your home. WOOD EXTERIOR DOORS Known for their aesthetic look and long-time durability, there’s a lot to like about wood doors. However, there are some reasons why homeowners might turn to fiberglass instead. PROS One of the main benefits of having a wood door is its aesthetic appeal. A wood door can offer a very high-end look. Whether stained or painted, you can get a beautiful color that shows off the wood grain and can add a touch of warmth to any home. Add some carvings and you have everything you need for a stunning exterior door. If you want to change up the look of your door, it’s also easy to sand or paint. Any small scratches or dents can blend into the natural texture of the wood. Wood is also a renewable resource, for those looking for something sustainable and eco-friendly. CONS Compared to more cost-effective options like fiberglass, wood doors tend to be on the higher end of the pricing range. They may also take more effort to maintain — sun damage and other outdoor elements can cause a door to bubble, peel, fade, or warp. Another limitation of wood doors is energy efficiency. Wood doors aren’t as efficient at sealing out the elements, as well as sealing in hot or cold air. FIBERGLASS EXTERIOR DOORS Valued for its cost-effectiveness and durability, fiberglass has emerged as a strong contender when it comes to the right exterior door. PROS One of the main advantages of fiberglass is its durability. Fiberglass can last for decades without rotting, warping, or deteriorating in any way. They’re also extra resistant to dents or scratches, which means they won’t require much maintenance to keep a fresh appearance. While not as versatile as wood, they can still be stained and painted if you want to change up the look of your door. Finally, they’re known for being highly energy efficient. In fact, they can offer up to five times the insulating power of a wood door the same size. CONS The main con of fiberglass doors comes down to one thing: aesthetics. While fiberglass can include a synthetic wood grain — which looks very similar to real wood — some homeowners don’t like the simulated look. They prefer the look and feel of genuine wood. THE DEBATE BETWEEN WOOD AND FIBERGLASS While there are some big differences between wood and fiberglass doors, it all depends on personal preference. Maybe you don’t like the synthetic feel of fiberglass. Or you value the longevity of fiberglass doors and don’t want to worry about maintenance. Whichever you choose, the best way to choose an exterior door you’ll love is to seek out top-quality craftsmanship. If you’re looking for an upgrade, our doors have the look, feel, and functionality to make a serious impression.  Painting your front door is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your home a complete makeover. All you need is a can of fresh paint to boost your curb appeal, refresh the exterior of your home, and fix up any signs of daily wear and tear. The best part is, it only takes about a day to get it all done. Time for a home exterior upgrade? Whether you’re just doing a touch-up or you’re transforming the look of your door, here are some painting tips to look over before you pick up the brush. 1. PICK THE RIGHT PAINTFor an exterior door, you’ll probably need at least one quart of paint — not including the primer. Make sure you look for paint specifically labeled for exterior use. It’ll need to handle rain, sun, wind, and other elements, so you’ll need a kind of paint that’s durable, flexible, and mold-resistant. While most exterior door paints come in a semi-gloss finish, you can go for matte, eggshell, or high gloss if you prefer a different look. 2. WAIT FOR THE PERFECT TIMEKeep in mind that it might take some time for you to perfect your paint job and let everything dry. This could mean painting in the morning and giving it the rest of the day to dry, or it could mean painting in the late afternoon so it can dry all night. Whenever you paint, try to avoid direct sunlight or high humidity to keep the paint in top condition. 3. PREP, PREP, PREPIf you jump straight into it with the paintbrush, you could end up with a less than desirable finish. To make sure it looks just how you want it, be sure to take time to prepare. This means sanding the surface, cleaning it, and priming it to keep things smooth and ready for painting. The door should either be removed from its hinges or the hardware should be carefully covered in painters’ tape. 4. START WITH THE DETAILSAfter the primer has completely dried, it’s time to do your detail work. Using a fine paintbrush, go over any trim work or finer details on the door. This is your chance to get the delicate work done with a smaller brush before you go in with a bigger one. 5. PAINT THE REST OF THE DOORNow it’s time to paint the bulk of the door. Going in with a roller can make things quick and give you a nice smooth finish. But using a brush — even if just for the final layer — can give you more of an authentic, hand-painted look. Depending on the type of paint, you might need a second or third layer to make sure it doesn’t look patchy. Once the door is painted and dried, all that’s left to do is reinstall the door and put your hardware back on. A good quality paint job will protect your door for years to come, while also giving your home exterior a much-needed refresh. Ready to change the look of your home and make a great first impression? It might be time for a brand new door.  You don't need a major renovation or changes to the landscape to increase your curb appeal. Small changes can make a huge difference. Whether that means adding a wreath or a new front door, you can boost your home's value and curb appeal.
These 10 tips can help get your home ready just in time for Spring. 1. GET A NEW FRONT DOOR A new front door is an inexpensive way to significantly improve your curb appeal. Many beautiful homes still have an outdated exterior door that doesn't match the house's aesthetic. This reduces your curb appeal and even reduces your home's value. A beautiful front door is a focal point that increases the appeal of your home. A quality door shows you care about your property and take pride in the look of your home. DoorVida makes reliable, customizable exterior doors you can trust to keep your home sophisticated and secure. 2. ADD LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Landscape lighting is a simple way to improve Spring curb appeal—even at night. You can emphasize existing landscaping by highlighting it with low-cost LED lighting. You can strategically place lights along sidewalks, below trees, and along the edge of your home. You can even add or upgrade sconces flanking your front door. 3. CLEAN UP YOUR SIDING Just like anything else, a house can get dirty. Your siding is no exception. Even when your home's exterior is in good shape, a quick power wash can make a major difference in how your home looks to visitors. Powerwashing is a simple and low-cost way to refresh the true color of your home and remove unsightly mildew that impacts your curb appeal. 4. WASH YOUR WINDOWS Cleaning your windows improves the quality of your home inside and out. Clean windows reflect light and make your home look brighter and more attractive. Clean windows also increase the amount of natural light you get inside the home. Your efforts outside can help you enjoy the inside of your home as well. 5. ADD GREENERY AND LANDSCAPING Greenery and landscaping significantly improve a home's curb appeal. You don't have to do anything drastic. A few bushes and some flowers can make all the difference. 6. ADD A NEW COAT OF PAINT Add some new paint to change up your colors or repair any damage. Flaking paint or dull colors can make your home look old. Consider painting window panes, eaves, and molding to increase your home's Spring curb appeal. 7. IMPROVE YOUR DRIVEWAY Your driveway takes up a lot of visual real estate and can detract from curb appeal. Repair any driveway cracks and consider resealing asphalt driveways when they get older. 8. CARE FOR YOUR LAWN Early Spring is the best time to take care of your lawn. Mowing regularly keeps your grass looking nice. Seed any patchy spots or add sod to improve your lawn. Edge along flower beds and sidewalks to create a sharp look to your lawn. 9. MULCH FLOWER BEDS It's amazing what new mulch can do for your curb appeal. New mulch looks fresh, clean, and well-tended. It also keeps pesky weeds from growing and saves you time tending your flower beds. 10. ADD A WREATH Wreaths are not just for Christmas. A Spring wreath beautifies your front door and adds curb appeal to your home. Show your neighbors and passerby that you are ready for the new season. |
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