Your front door does more than just welcome guests—it sets the tone for your entire home. It’s a statement piece, a design anchor, and a symbol of your personal style. Choosing the right door styles can enhance your curb appeal, elevate your home’s architecture, and even boost your property value. At Kelly Window and Door, we specialize in helping Raleigh-Durham homeowners find the perfect fit, both in form and function. Here’s your guide to the most popular door styles and how to choose one that complements your home’s personality.
Why Door Styles Matter
Your door is the first thing people see when approaching your home. Whether you’re in a charming bungalow in Cary or a sleek modern build in Durham, your door should reflect your home’s character while offering security, energy efficiency, and long-term durability.
The right door styles can complement your home’s architecture and subtly communicate your aesthetic. From rustic farmhouse to clean-lined contemporary, your front door has the power to elevate—or distract from—your home’s design. That’s why at Kelly Window and Door, we combine design expertise with precision installation to help you make a confident choice.
Popular Door Styles Explained
Let’s explore some of the most beloved door styles available today. Whether you want to keep it classic or make a bold statement, there’s a style to suit every taste.
1. Craftsman Doors
Inspired by early 20th-century design, Craftsman-style doors typically feature straight lines, a single window or set of vertical glass panes in the top third, and recessed panels below. They’re ideal for homes with bungalow, cottage, or Craftsman architecture. This style is timeless and warm, offering a welcoming presence with subtle character.
2. Modern Doors
Modern-style doors are sleek, minimalistic, and all about clean lines. They may feature horizontal glass inserts, bold colors, or flat panels with little to no trim. Perfect for contemporary homes in neighborhoods like North Hills or North Raleigh, these doors pair well with steel hardware and oversized handles for a bold, architectural feel.
3. Traditional Doors
The most familiar and versatile style, traditional doors often feature symmetrical paneling, modest glass inserts, and classic detailing. These doors look right at home in Colonial, Georgian, and Federal-style houses, which are common in Wake Forest and parts of Durham. They strike a balance between elegance and familiarity.
4. Farmhouse Doors
Farmhouse doors often feature crossbuck or X-shaped wood patterns, large panes of glass, or rustic finishes like distressed wood or matte black hardware. They evoke warmth and nostalgia—ideal for homes with Southern charm, especially in places like Apex or Fuquay-Varina. If you’re after a welcoming, lived-in feel, this is a strong contender.
5. Mid-Century Modern Doors
With bold colors, geometric glass inserts, and flat surfaces, mid-century modern doors are the go-to for retro-style homes. These doors make a design-forward statement and often feature unique sidelights or oversized knobs. They work especially well in neighborhoods where architectural individuality stands out.
6. French Doors
Technically double doors, French doors feature full glass panels that let in natural light and offer an open, airy aesthetic. They’re often used for back patio entries but are increasingly popular as front entry doors. They work well in both traditional and transitional homes.
7. Panel and Slab Doors
Panel doors are constructed with inset rectangles that add texture and depth to a door’s surface. They’re extremely versatile and can be customized with glass inserts, carvings, or decorative accents. Slab doors are solid and unadorned—perfect for minimalist homes or interior applications.
How to Match Your Door Styles to Your Home
When choosing a door style, consider the architectural cues of your home. A Colonial-style home with symmetrical windows and shutters pairs well with a traditional or paneled door. Meanwhile, a modern house with a flat roof and geometric features will benefit from a minimalist or modern door.
Also consider your home’s exterior materials. Is it brick, siding, stone, or stucco? A warm wood door might soften a stone-heavy facade, while a bold black door could add contrast to light-colored siding.
Kelly Window and Door’s design consultants are here to guide you through these decisions, offering curated suggestions based on your home’s architecture, your personal taste, and your desired functionality.
Enhancing Door Styles with Color, Glass, and Hardware
Beyond choosing the door style itself, finishing touches make all the difference.
- Color: A deep red door can convey warmth and tradition. A navy or sage green door offers sophistication. Bright colors like yellow or teal add playful energy, while black or charcoal create dramatic contrast.
- Glass: Decorative glass inserts can increase natural light while maintaining privacy. Choose from frosted, beveled, stained, or clear glass based on how much visibility you want.
- Hardware: Think beyond doorknobs. Modern lever handles, classic brass knobs, or rustic iron handles can complete your door’s look and enhance security at the same time.
Kelly Window and Door’s Custom Solutions
Every homeowner has different needs, and at Kelly Window and Door, we believe your door styles should reflect that. We work with high-quality manufacturers like ProVia to offer customizable solutions—whether that means choosing a specific woodgrain finish, adjusting the door size to fit a unique opening, or incorporating personalized glass designs.
From historic homes in Hope Valley to newer builds in Wendell, we’ve provided beautiful, functional, and secure doors to families across the Triangle for over 30 years.
Conclusion – Door Styles
Choosing the right door style isn’t just about what looks good—it’s about what feels right for your home, your family, and your future. From classic Craftsman charm to bold modern simplicity, the perfect door style is out there. And Kelly Window and Door is here to help you find it, customize it, and install it with care.
Ready to explore your options? Reach out today for a stress-free consultation with our design experts. Let us help you find the door that welcomes you home.