This post is sponsored by Wayfair.
I’ve always called this a “bucket list project” — the kind of update you note the minute you walk through a new house and picture doing someday. Those long-held wish-list projects finally move to the top, and our colonial front porch front door makeover is one I’m thrilled to check off.
We kept the old door for a while, but its warping and poor insulation made replacement inevitable. Replacing it opened up a new chapter for the entry and gave us a chance to bring more natural light into the foyer.
Colonial Front Door Transformation
We replaced the old door with a locally made solid wood door that includes sidelights and a transom. The added glass immediately brightened our entryway and transformed the way the foyer feels — more open, airier, and welcoming. I’ll share more of the naturally lit foyer in a future post.
After debating stain versus paint, we decided to stick with a classic black door framed by white trim to coordinate with our exterior shutters. The simple black-and-white palette gives the house a timeless look while letting architectural details stand out.
To finish the look, we added outdoor lighting and porch decor sourced from Wayfair that leans into Charleston-style charm. With the porch ceiling already painted a traditional “haint blue,” the lantern and chinaware planters helped pull everything together for a cohesive, Southern-inspired entry.
Here’s what the porch looked like with the old door:
And this is how it appeared the day we moved in:
Related: Faux DIY Concrete Planters With Spray Paint
Blue and White Chinoiserie Planters
Blue-and-white chinoiserie planters are a classic choice that instantly elevates a porch. We used a large and a small blue-and-white planter in a pattern and scale that feel both traditional and cinematic — think polished, layered styling straight out of a movie set.
Bringing some of the exterior decor colors into the interior helps the entire home feel cohesive. The blue tones of the planters transition nicely into the navy blue dining room you see when you step inside.
How to Make Faux Plants Look Real on a Porch
We’ve used faux boxwood topiaries on this porch for years; they hold up well and require little maintenance. To make faux plants look convincing, I add real potting soil or topsoil to the planter to hide foam or plastic bases and give the arrangement a natural weight and texture.
I used the same trick with smaller faux camellia trees, placing them in the blue-and-white planters and topping the pots with real soil. The result keeps the ease of faux greenery while boosting visual authenticity.
Copper Lantern
I’ve long admired the copper gas lanterns common in Charleston, but running a gas line wasn’t practical for our porch. Instead, I found an electric copper pendant that recreates the warm, traditional look at a fraction of the cost and complexity.
To capture the authentic glow of a gas lantern, I’m still searching for a flame-effect bulb that looks convincing when lit. If you’ve found a great option, I’d love to hear about it — lighting can make a huge difference in the evening curb appeal.
Front Door Wreath
For the wreath I reused one I already owned — it was still in excellent condition, so there was no reason to replace it. Reusing seasonal decor is a simple, budget-friendly way to refresh the entry without extra waste.
My exact wreath is discontinued, but there are many classic wreath styles that provide the same timeless look for a colonial front door.
At last, the front porch feels finished. We still have a cracked concrete walkway that’s on the long-term to-do list, but the porch itself now offers curb appeal that reflects the house’s style and our aesthetic.
Investing in curb appeal — even in small, staged steps — pays off in comfort, value, and pride in your home. Thoughtful choices in doors, lighting, and planters can dramatically change the first impression your house makes.
Colonial Front Stoop Sources
Below are the main pieces we used to finish this front stoop. Most arrived quickly, which helped us complete the transformation without long delays.
- Copper lantern outdoor pendant light
- Large blue-and-white planter
- Small blue-and-white planter
- Braided welcome mat
- Faux topiaries
- Classic front door wreath (similar style)
- Front door replacement
- Brick limewash treatment
- Porch floor stencil paint
More Curb Appeal Ideas
40 Best Faux Outdoor Plants for Planters on a Porch
The Best Haint Blue Paint Color for Porch Ceilings
DIY Front Flower Bed Makeover