Your front door sets the tone for your home. It welcomes guests, frames the entry, and reflects your style before anyone steps inside. Each time you open it, you share a piece of yourself.
Homeowners today view entryways as a design opportunity. They showcase taste, complement architecture, and hint at the story of the people inside. With decades of experience, AV Architects + Builders knows a front door deserves the same attention as your living spaces.
The team helps match design, materials, and function to your lifestyle. You might want a classic wood door with hand-forged hardware or a sleek pivot door with frosted glass. The right choice feels natural to you and blends personality with durability, security, and style.
By the end of this guide, you will know how a front door creates a lasting impression, which options suit Northern Virginia, and how thoughtful choices elevate your home’s presence.
Modern options include glass-paneled pivot doors for a contemporary look with privacy, steel-framed doors for strength and elegance, and hardwood doors with carvings or inlays for timeless appeal. For a detailed overview, see this front door styles guide.
Some modern homes use large sliding panels as main entries. They open interiors to outdoor spaces and suit open floor plans. Comparing large-format exterior doors shows how these designs can create bold entrances.
Floor-to-ceiling doors deliver scale and luxury. Built from wood, glass, or both, they stand out when paired with the right lighting and hardware. Examples from European design show how grand main doors can transform a façade.
Sliding doors remain popular for back entries, offering wide openings for entertaining and garden access. Custom home landscaping and even planting fruit trees in Northern Virginia add character and utility to these spaces.
Color can shape curb appeal. Bold reds or blues make a confident statement, black adds timeless elegance, warm wood tones feel inviting, and neutrals balance and adapt. For guidance, review the dos and don’ts of choosing a front door color.
Pivot, glass, arched, and mixed-material doors give endless options. Decorative glass or custom patterns add a personal touch. This front door styles guide shows how design details create individuality.
The climate here demands durable and efficient materials. Fiberglass with wood-grain finishes offers beauty and longevity, solid hardwood works well with proper finishing, and insulated steel with powder coating balances strength and style. Reinforced frames, smart locks, and good sealing ensure year-round comfort. To coordinate exterior elements, explore how to choose siding for a new home.
Lighting improves both safety and design. Wall sconces, overhead fixtures, and path lights guide guests. Motion sensors add convenience, while warm bulbs create an inviting glow. Current home entryway lighting trends and LED lighting strategies show how to blend practicality with design.
Your front door is more than an entry. It is a statement, a reflection of personality, and a welcome for every visitor. To start planning your own, contact us today and visit our Learning Center for more ideas on creating the perfect entryway.