Design Ideas for the Entryway of a 1960 Colonial Bi-Level Home

Projecting Roof

• From the 1950s on to the 1980s, many split-level homes donned shutters, bland windows, horizontal siding and a lost entryway that looked like an afterthought at best. Make your home's doorway pop with its own projecting rooftop that blends with your existing rooflines. Add a couple of stately pillars, some crisp railings and a fresh coat of paint to the stairway for a welcoming entrance. Go the colonial "distance" and hug your house with a covered, wrap-around deck. When the time comes, trade the shutters for trim, and replace the old windows with some UV protective versions boasting decorative inlays.

Glassed-In

• If you’re looking for dramatic flair, a tastefully framed and fully glassed-in enclosure around the existing doorway will give you just that. Similar to a mini sunroom or solarium, an all-glass entrance offers a bright way to impress the neighbors and stay on the colonial-design track. Save some money on this project by scouting out any local building demolitions and purchasing a bunch of nice, old windows for a fraction of the cost of new.

Double Doors

• For the larger scale home in need of a doorway makeover, a pair of new doors might be the big ticket. If your colonial house sports the typical white siding and black trim, a couple of ruby-red or emerald-green, six- or eight-panel doors will infuse some life into the home’s exterior facade. Choose period-inspired glass inserts to let in some light and find statement-making hardware with a nod to your home’s characteristic era for harmony. When it’s time to replace your worn out steps, explore the idea of a colonial-rich, brick stairway.

Framed Focus

• Work with what you have. Simply frame your doorway with extravagant moldings to bring it into focus. Flank the door with half-beams framing all the way out to the width of your doorstep. Top the door with a gracious, arch molding in classic colonial fashion. Paint all of these trimmings in fresh white, but don’t miss your chance to amplify the stairs; choose an unexpected paint color that “goes” with the home, yet draws the eye, such as maroon on a beige house or turquoise against a white home. A coat of bold black paint on the door might be the final addition to make a grand entrance.