Charming Dutch Doors We're Absolutely Loving

1929 Mountain House Entry Hall with Striped Wallpaper and Dutch Door
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanches; Styling: Page Mullins

You've heard that the eyes are the windows to the soul. In a sense, doors are the windows to the home's soul. Yes, we know your home has existing windows, too. Your front door welcomes guests for the first time, gives the home personality at a glance, and can be the ultimate conversation starter. Your mudroom door herds in a gaggle of children, wrangles in your beloved muddy pups, and is the center of daily family life.

When doors are woven so finely into our lives, why settle? Why not go with the lovable and exceedingly charming Dutch door? After falling head-over-heels in love with these Dutch doors, we had our hearts set on this classic look. Bright pops of color and a welcoming demeanor make us want to transform all of our non-Dutch doors into these charming alternatives. These Dutch doors have captured our hearts and made it onto our renovation to-do list.

01 of 08

Blue Skies

Blue Skies Front Door with Orange Trees and Flowers
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Who doesn't love a blue front door? Blue skies inspired this cheerful Dutch door, and Behr's Greek Isles (P510-1) was the perfect shade to mimic them. The surrounding plants complement the Caribbean-looking door reminding visitors of beach towns and Mediterranean coastlines.

02 of 08

Secret Bar

Margaret Kirkland Georgian Makeover Blue Bar
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

This traditional Georgian home in Atlanta hides a world of color behind its classic brick façade. Nowhere is that more apparent than in this wet bar hiding behind a charming Dutch door in the den. Sherwin-Williams' timeless shade Naval (SW 6244) was just right for the space. "It's an unexpected little jewel box," says designer Margaret Kirkland. "The deep color makes it feel hip, and the Dutch door is an interesting architectural detail."

03 of 08

Historic Restoration

Antique Dutch Door on 1929 Mountain House
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins

After their parents bought a 1929 Blue Ridge Mountains vacation home in 1993, the three Morten sisters eventually transformed their childhood summer house to fit their growing families. When the concept of a substantial renovation first appeared, each sister asked their dad to preserve the home's original Dutch entry door, which Collinsville, Virginia-based Freeman's Restoration brought back to its original glory using historical techniques.

04 of 08

Old-World Details

Dutch Patio Door
Photo by: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling by: Matthew Gleason

Our 2011 Idea House in the Texas Escondido community on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson is full of European inspiration. The Mediterranean villa-inspired space includes thoughtful exterior details like gold sandstone and bright blue trim. A series of terraces and courtyards, like this garden court, contribute to a sense of indoor and outdoor connectivity.

05 of 08

Light and Bright

The Details: Painted Ceiling
Photo: Erica George Dines; Design: Suzanne Kasler; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

Designer Suzanne Kasler rescued a dark and dated kitchen and laundry room with classic white subway tile and a few fun surprises, like a coat of high-gloss lilac paint on the ceiling and a charming Dutch door to keep the dogs contained or the laundry quiet when guests are over. The dark Dutch door contrasts the bright, airy laundry and mudroom space. Adding a picture frame window pane also adds to the openness this space provides by inviting the natural light from the exterior window to spill through the door.

06 of 08

Backyard Beauty

Handsome Retreat
Photo: Alison Miksch

If you think this woodworking shed is charming, wait until you see the inspiration for this picture-perfect home. Stunning additions like copper drainpipes, wood siding, and a Dutch door add to the custom appeal. The Dutch door provides natural light to the small shed and offers an indoor-outdoor living opportunity while retreating to this space.

07 of 08

Kitchen Charm

Blue and White L-Shaped Kitchen
Laurey W. Glenn

This Nashville home designed by Sarah Bartholomew is a masterclass in how to provide Georgian style. A classic but textured foundation of white shiplap walls, marble counters, and a Dutch door set the cozy but fresh tone in the L-shaped kitchen. Accessories like French bistro stools, topiaries, Chippendale dining chairs, and blue and white ginger jars add character.

08 of 08

Entryway Appeal

1929 Mountain House Entry Hall with Striped Wallpaper and Dutch Door
Hector Manuel Sanches; Styling: Page Mullins

Consider a Dutch door for a side entryway that will invite guests into your home in a charming, memorable manner. Surrounded by windows and outlets to more rooms, this space feels comfortable enough to read a book or relax with the top half of the door open for fresh air. Steps away from nature, this area sets a serene stage for your mind to relax or your family to play.

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