One of my favorite morning rituals is to take the dogs for long, leisurely walks. It’s a friendly way to catch up with neighbors, as well as find out what’s new and exciting. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to study the neighborhood decor – see what paint colors work with, say, a brick construction or white clapboard.
Recently, I’ve been thinking of adding a storm door to the back entrance of our home. Ideally the glass panels could be replaced with screens during warmer months – think energy conservation during winter and breezes without bugs from spring to fall.
So with camera in hand, I’ve been snapping away these past few weeks. The storm doors that grace these homes (many historic) are not only attractive, but thoughtfully appointed.
First up is this handsome stucco home with a custom storm door. Notice how its six-panel design mimics the paneled door behind. Even the sizes of the rails and stiles are the same on both doors.
ABOVE: The grand portico with pediment over substantial columns gives this traditional brick colonial a stately presence. I really like the unified cream color scheme and storm’s simple design which doesn’t compete with the sidelights, fanlight, etc.
On this lovely stone and clapboard cottage, there is a similar but more intimate portico. The above photo shows the actual screen door.
Through the magic of Photoshop, I beefed up the central rails and stiles, and moved them to align with the sidelights – see below. I think it looks cleaner and more cohesive with the overall architecture.
ABOVE: An early Federal in Castine, Maine. It has a similar 8-panel door with the same storm design as the previous home.
A historic white clapboard with a beautiful Chinese Chippendale storm door. If mine, the upper glass pane would be replaced with a screen during the summer months. I’d keep the bottom part glass because I know my dogs would puncture a screen as soon as they saw a squirrel.
Here is another Chinese Chippendale design.
Another white-on-white ensemble.
Definitely not white here! I actually think the marigold yellow is quite striking, cheerful and unforgettable.
Look at this confident combination of deep blue, tan and orange on this brick beauty! GORGEOUS!! (Hey, I like color, too.) I bet the inside decor is stunning.
Here are a couple of charming Victorian storms with spindles.
This historic gem is located in Castine, Maine. Looks like Queen Anne architecture to me – anyone know?
A grand Tudor with bespoke arched doors. I love the house number mounted on a back plate that is also arched.
Two wonderful doors from my PINTEREST boards.
ABOVE – Ferguson Shamamian
BELOW – Frank Neely Design
And this is our back door located in the mudroom addition designed by Stephen Muse of Muse Architects. I’m thinking of a custom storm door with 3 panes – maybe the bottom with a “X” design? Maybe not? To be continued…
Thanks for your visit!
To all MOMs, have a lovely Mother’s Day 🙂
Loi
Loi, I am fascinated by front doors and have been thinking about changing our solid door for one with panes where the panels are to allow more light into our north facing foyer. However, I wonder about heat loss in the winter. Is that why you are contemplating a double door/storm dorm? At any rate, I really enjoyed this post. You are right, the marigold door is unforgettable, but my favorite is the door with the gothic arch and house number plaque with mimicked shape. As always, thanks for an inspiring post. Thanks, too, for the happy mother's day wishes. 🙂
Dear Loi – really interested to see the storm doors, something that we don't have here. I would never have thought of painting a front door such a bright orange, but with the deep blue shutters and brickwork it does look really welcoming.
Oh dear Loi,
Where do I begin…my husband and I love to walk the gorgeous neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul for the very same reasons you do. To chat with a dear neighbor, to get ideas, and to just see what is going on. Our community is brimming with new construction, but with respect for the vintage designs of homes here. We see so many fabulous old houses on the shores of the urban lakes, and though we've lived here 17 years, it is never old and boring to go out and admire the fine architecture of the old Scandinavian sensibilities that built the Twin Cities. These storm doors are necessary here in our city, and we opted for a clear glass door in our front part of the house to show off the old hinges on our tudor style décor. YOUR entrance itself is pristine and to die for!
Hoping you enjoy this weekend with your beloved ones, and many hugs to you! Anita
Loi, what a wonderful selection of storm doors. I thoroughly enjoyed this post! My favorite door? The next to last photo — the second Pinterest photo. I love that wood door with the two doggies looking out (and it's my favorite because of the door, not the dogs, though they definitely add to the charm). I hate our storm door and think it detracts from our house. We just haven't gotten around to replacing it or the front door, which I've been wanting to do for years. I would like a true Craftsman style door to go with our bungalow. I guess because it's not a necessity, it's something we can easily put off (for years!). Your post has been inspiration though to start thinking about making a change. We definitely want a storm door because we love to open our door for fresh air in the fall, and the dogs enjoy looking out at the street. But we need one that allows us to change up between screen and glass for the different seasons. All that and I'd like it to be in the Craftsman style too!
Claudia
Please post if you find the perfect Craftsman style storm/screen door! I am looking for one, too!!
Good morning Loi! These are wonderful examples and I have always been intrigued by doorways. I do like the idea of an X design with the three panes for yours!
xoxo
Karena
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Hi Loi, A perfectly timed post! I have two screen/storm doors that need replacing and this has been excellent 'food for thought' – there is much I would not have considered before reading this. Have a great weekend!
xo,
Phyllis.
Hi, Loi,
I don't see as many storm doors down here in Florida! In terms of color, the blue and orange combination is the winner of this posting, but my favorite of this great grouping is is that thoughtful design in the second photograph. It's a no-brainer to match the two doors, but that is the first time I've ever actually seen it done!
Beautiful doors! I've not seen screen doors with Chippendale designs — very unique! This post also reminds me that I need to buy a nice brass door-knocker for my house. We have a door bell, so the knocker has been overlooked, but they really dress-up a front entry, don't they? Looking forward to seeing what you choose for your house. Happy Weekend, Loi!
-Deborah
What a great blog post! This is always a challenge and you have a lovely set of images meeting that challenge! Thank you so much for sharing.
Hello Loi, Storm windows and doors can add so much to the aura of an old or traditional house, as your photos amply show. A nice quality touch, often found on older houses, is to have the screens made of copper mesh, which oxidizes so beautifully.
–Jim
We just purchased a full glass door so one could see the historic door behind it, I love all these creative and beautiful doors!
How fun! I love that you are snapping away getting ideas! Love how you used Photoshop on that one! Very clever and it looks so much better. Now, you must stop and meet the neighbor with the Marigold door! I am with you, I bet the Interior is awesome!
I will look forward to this quest and what you end up with on your door!!!
xo Patty
Oh….me likey! Many of those were gorgeous and I know what ever you come up with will be fab…..but don't try to kid us….it won't be orange:)
Isn't it fun to step outside … well, you know…and use some unique combinations!! Isn't that why we sight see?? franki
These storm doors are not the average! They actually add beauty, and I love that the owners painted them. Never thought of that.
Thanks for sharing, Loi. Beautiful, and have great weekend!
Teresa
xoxo
I think they look GRAND.Absolutely, add a storm door to save heat etc!
I know what ever you do it will be exquisite!
Loi,
I stroll too, there is no better way than a slow leisurely pace to take in the neighborhood. Both the inventive and sophisticated design and the not so savvy design minded homeowners 😉 We do not have a storm door on our front, my resistance to the purity of the wood doors 6 paneled design. But we do have a storm door in the back of our house same style 6 paneled door but back there a wood storm door, handle on the left exactually like the orange door and marigold one with the right opening. The cats enjoy it and so do we. Especially in the winter months since it is a buffer for the cold. Our doors are neutral putty colored because of the stone but HMMMMM Loi you have excited my eyes with the wonderfully happy marigold and orange.
Hope you and Tom have a wonderful weekend.
Vera
Loi, this post could not have been more timely as our storm door at the beach is a wreck and on my list of to-dos for the summer. We too change out the top panel for screen so I'd like to keep at least two sections, even though I do love a clean lined single pane. That said, the cottage is gently Victorian, which gives us a lot of latitude in the design. You can be sure I will be revisiting this post (and probably standing with my computer in the front yard going example by example) once we get home this summer. Thanks 🙂
What decisions Loi and what a great project. I am a fan of the Ferguson Shamamian storm door with a glass X lower pane and two screened panes above which echoes your existing door. It should cover the Dog V Squirrel issue whilst still giving you the breathing panes without detracting from your already beautiful door.
We should look into this too. I love bugs and insects in the garden. I don't have a problem with them buzzing around me when I'm outside, however, when the doors to the rear of the house are opened in Summer they all seem to want to party inside. I actually have a small fishing net in which I catch gate crashers and return them back to the garden, only to watch the poor blighters fly right back in the house.
OK, maybe I need to call Ferguson Shamamian!
Happy weekend.
Paul x
Loi, these are beautiful examples of how to avoid the dreaded aluminum storm door. Last fall, I purchased a vintage wooden storm door on Etsy and refinished it to match my front door. I love it. Most of my neighbors have the full-view Andersen. Anyway, check out http://www.vintagedoors.com and woodenscreendoor.com. They will build a storm door to your specs. I look forward to seeing what you decide.
This is why I enjoy your blog so much. Every single detail of your home is so carefully thought out. Great ideas for a storm/screen door.
i love this! i want more neighborhood pics! i love the rustic rood door as a screen door- that would suit our house well. happy weekend!
Hi Loi,
What is the function of a storm door, asked the SoCal naive reader?! I love the way they look, and your neighborhood has some very pretty houses in it. I like the way your back doors look. I can see how a screen in the summer would be a welcome addition.
xo,
Karen
I have been on the hunt for a new front door and storm door, so this post was not only beautiful but timely! I had to chuckle at the dogs going through the screen to get to the squirrels comment…our dogs are kindred spirits!
xo Kat
Many of these are really beautiful. Thank for for fixing that one with Photoshop. It was really bothering me.
I need to have double screen doors made for the French doors in my kitchen. Do you know about Wooden Screen Door Company in Waldoboro, Maine? Although many of them are cutesy, they have a few good options and they'll also do custom. I think I'm going to use them, I just haven't bitten the bullet.
Hello Loi,
What a beautiful collection of doors. I love all the different color combinations as well. Very inspiring! I hope you are getting time to enjoy your garden. Have a wonderful weekend!
Susan
Your walk with the dogs has some beautiful scenery! Your back entrance is striking!
Loi…if I lived in your neighborhood I would walk the dog twice a day! So many wonderful homes to look at…In my neighborhood all the doors are the same….
Who knew that there were so many different storm doors to chose from – we love the ones that pop with color and coordinate with the design of the house. Hope you're enjoying a wonderful Sunday!
xxoo
C + C
Hello Loi:
The concept of storm doors is one which we have not come across before now and so is entirely new to us.
Many of these appear most attractive and well thought out in that they do not detract from the overall integrity of the original architecture. Too often, and we know that this would never be so with you, people make small additions to property, thought to be 'improvements', which can be, and often are, totally out of place.
Love your mud room door! I enjoyed seeing the inspiration photos as well. I am sure your final choice will be just right, as always. I have a very simple storm door, and except for the energy savings and extra layer of protection it offers, I would. It does keep the paint nicer longer, too.
We just added a storm door in Beaufort that is similar to the orange one. We love that it doesn't detract from the beauty of the 1800's door. Can't wait to see your choice!!
Growing up on the east coast, everyone had storm doors and storm windows in the old days. I remember Dad putting our storm windows on every year when I was a kid. Nowadays everyone just has ugly screen doors that stay on all year around. I remember the cat hanging off ours…Your options are so much more charming and sophisticated…! Lovely selection and such beautiful homes, and photos!!
xo Terri
Some great inspiration here! I've seen so many houses where they slap up an ugly storm door and it just ruins the appearance of their house. Love some of the options that you're looking at here!
I never really paid much attention to storm doors Loi and I'm glad your opened my eyes to this interesting home detail! I love the chippendale style the most and If I ever needed one, I'd go for something like that. I know no matter what you choose. it will be perfect as always since you have such exquisite taste my friend! Had a busy and happy mom's day thank you, hope your mothers felt special too on this holiday!
Hello Loi,
Luckily we have no need for storm doors in the UK. as the weather very rarely gets too bad.
You have found some great specimens, and I'm sure you will choose the perfect one for your door.
Hope you have a lovely week,
Liz x
The storm doors you photographed look beautiful Loi! You do live in a beautiful neighbourhood. Looking forward to see yours when it's finished!
Wising you a happy week!
Madelief
I despise the storm on my main entrance Loi.(I dare say it may have had an eagle on it at one time…gag)… But we do not even use that door, so as soon as my tomato seedlings are gone from the other side of the door where they are drinking in the southern exposure, I drape an American flag and hide that terrible sight! I adore the Frank Neely natural door.
We have a great place here in town too, maybe SOMEDAY I will get to use them…they have some of my favorites:
http://colonialshutterworks.com/index.php
I am so happy you posted this … we moved to our "little" cape and it has a storm door in front and back. I have a very true love/hate relationship with them. Right now, I have the screens in and love the breezes, but they do need some help!! Your images will help me embrace the storm door and realize how much we really need them!! Your back entrance is so lovely and I think you should definitely go for the X!
I love doors and looking at them in the neighborhood, and I especially loved them in Paris! These are gorgeous examples and I love your ideas. I love full view storm doors so we can see the most of the view of the yard, but love the idea of an "x" on yours. Your research will pay off! Hope all is well and hug the pups for me. Have a great week. xo Nancy
I love storm doors. I can't live without it. It is very good especially when you have dogs too. They can see the view outside without the worry of them running outside. I like the plain glass one or the the storm door in the second photo. Have a wonderful week my friend.
Hi Loi,
So many beautiful doors in your neighborhood. I love screened doors for breezes too. Your back entry is perfectly proportioned, love the roof and door style.
Wonderful! Thank you for posting the beautiful doors.
"This Old House," has been doing an Italianate in Arlington, MA. The Castine, Maine house has that boxy symmetrical feel of Italianate architecture.
As the photo of the dogs illustrates, no screen door design should obscure a good doggy view.
Wonderful! Thank you for posting the beautiful doors.
"This Old House," has been doing an Italianate in Arlington, MA. The Castine, Maine house has that boxy symmetrical feel of Italianate architecture.
As the photo of the dogs illustrates, no screen door design should obscure a good doggy view.
oh my what a hard choice…one of my favorite things to look at are people's doors. I love the marigold! I have heard that you should paint your front door your favorite color because it's the first thing you see. Can't wait to see your choice!
Hi Loi,
What a charming post! I especially love the Chinese Chippendale screen doors. I've never seen that, but they are gorgeous! xo, Laurel
Wow, these homes are all so gorgeous!! I want to move to your neighborhood!
XOXO,
The Glam Pad
Hi Loi! This is terrific. You know, until about a year ago, I thought that I disliked storm doors. Then my sister needed one and asked for my help selecting it. I found so many beautiful examples of storm doors once I opened my eyes to them, & found out just how tasteful & practical they are. My favorite that you've shown is the marigold one matching the door. I love how bold & confident it looks. And what a perfect way to blur the lines between house & garden than with a storm door opening to the garden– I love your backdoor idea.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. It's always a pleasure to read your comments.
Take care,
Keri
Loi- thanks for the tour of your neighborhood, it's beautiful! I so appreciate the architecture in east coast homes, very cool. Whatever you decide, it will no doubt be perfect :). Love the federal in Maine. Take Care.
XO Sarah
Hello
What a niiiiice blog ! I am glad I found you :o) So much inspiration !
Have a great day
Marie
http://houseofdanishmarie.blogspot.com
Loi,
Gorgeous doors! Did you see that you one the Madam Stolz lantern from decor desire for beauty? I have one and love it.
Thanks for the linen source. I did call ~ xoxo
pve
I had to pin those marigold doors for future reference. Beautiful!
Great post!……………storm doors can be such "deal breakers" at times.Hopefully by our post will prove as a learning tool .
Loi – Fabulous and timely post – thank you! I am sourcing screen and storm doors as well and felt compelled to share in return – classic and surprisingly affordable. 🙂
http://www.lowes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&cId=SEARCH&productId=3555794&cm_mmc=SCE_gps-_-gps-_-gps-_-Screen%20Tight%2032%22W%20Chippendale%20Screen%20Door%20Favorite%20Green&CAWELAID=1220890078&CAWELAID=320011480001937514&cm_mmc=sm_pi-_-richpins-_-ScreenDoors&Screens-_-3555794=
Loi,
Hello!!!! I love taking Molly out for a morning walk and now that the weather is better, stopping and visiting with neighbors. I LOVE your neighborhood!!! I guess I haven't thought about it much,but I have a storm door. Came with the house. It is nice to have if I want to open the front door (let light in, anticipating a guest, etc….), so I think you'll enjoy it! Probably also protects the high gloss paint job on my main door.
My garden project is underway and I can see a couple of pear trees being planted…so going to dash off to take a look!
xoxoxo Elizabeth
Hello Loi!
Interesting post! I like Ferguson Shamamian' storm doors … the bottom with a "X" design … they look contemporary and all importantly "eye" catching …
Loi, a surprise is waiting for you on my blog 🙂
Enjoy your weekend!
Margaret
http://www.decordesireforbeauty.com/blog.html
Dear Loi,
Here I am back in the land of Blogs and paying you a visit.
This post has given me much to think about. I like the idea of a storm door – especially one where one can remove the glass in summer and replace it with a screen.
The marigold yellow and white reminded me of a fried egg but perhaps this is because I am on a diet of sorts at the moment…
Bye for now,
Kirk
A great idea for your home and you have some lovely inspiration…I would bet that yours will take the cake when you decide. I don't have storm doors but a screen door that mimics the exterior door itself going from the kitchen to the herb garden and another to the back porch. I just love being able to open the door and let the fresh air in during the Spring and Fall times when the weather cooperates.
So many gorgeous examples here, Loi! Details are important. I love the storm doors with the columns.
I love the idea of a storm door. I wanted to put one in, too. The examples in your neighborhood are really stunning and well done. I can't wait to see what you decide. Love the dog faces in the almost last one.
Wonderful post! Do you have any suggestions for sourcing wooden storm doors in the DC area? I am having trouble locating a supplier, even though I see plenty of beautiful doors in my neighborhood (Chevy Chase) too.
Storm doors are increasingly popular because of their ability to help consumers save on the ever increasing cost of energy and because of their stylish appearance. Consumers can save a small fortune in heating and cooling costs through the installation of these doors. They provide a barrier against air infiltration and heat loss and they can also help to keep water from entering your home through your front door.
Wooden Storm Doors
We're moving to an area where weather can get harsh, and we are building for the first time. So our contractor mentioned a storm door, and neither of us liked the idea—we were imagining a doorway with wooden planks hammered over it! But they're just normal! Is it the second layer that makes a storm door? These are beautiful. I'm loving the blue/navy one with spindles.
Barbara Roost | http://www.distinctivesidingandwindow.com/products_services.nxg
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A very good and informative article indeed . Nice post Dude keep it up. I have appreciate with getting lot of good and reliable and legislative information with your post……
I love this post! When I buy my first property I definitely want to make sure the door is just to my liking. I want to do something sort of like the first one where the screen doors is a bright color and the rest is jut white or natural colors. Fabulous!
All storm doors are made from metal, wood, vinyl/plastic, or some combination thereof. Less expensive doors use vinyl/plastic and may or may not have a wood core for added rigidity and insulation. More expensive doors are made from extruded aluminum ("extruded" means "shaped")
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