A few weeks ago we realized our front door needed a fresh coat of paint. With dogs and frequent traffic, the finish had become scuffed and worn. For some time we’d been considering softening the color of the door. As our home’s paint palette has started to flow more cohesively and we settled on a clearer overall direction, the black door began to feel a bit too stark for the space.
I’ve always appreciated black doors, but because I’d been wondering whether black felt too harsh in our home, I decided to try a softer tone. We had leftover cabinet paint from the kitchen—Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal—which has worked well with the rest of our colors, so it made sense to start there. It was an easy and practical choice, and worth testing out.
We ended up loving the change. The softer charcoal tone still reads as rich and sophisticated but feels warmer and more welcoming than the previous black. The overall entry gained a subtler, more harmonious look that complements the surrounding finishes and decor.
Update: I’ve added a new indoor/outdoor entry rug that works well with the new door color.
For reference, the trim color around the door is Dove White by Benjamin Moore and the walls are Studio Taupe by Behr All-In-One. These neutrals help the charcoal door blend smoothly with the rest of the entry while still allowing the door to stand out as a focal point.
Take a tour of this house (and my new Seattle house!) to see more of how the colors work together.
Click to view curated shop selections featuring pieces and finishes I used in this home.