Split Level Front Door Entry Way Upgrade for Under $300

 Before and After photos are what truly motivate me to keep updating! I just love the transformation.

I read something when looking into what to upgrade in your home to give you the biggest bang for your buck and updating the front door was right at the top. The article said that updating your front door can even increase the value of your home by $5,000. Curb appeal is everything.

I am really looking forward to replacing this door sometime down the road when we have the money (we really need a window to help brighten things up). In the meantime a little paint sure can go a long way.

First step was to clean up these beat up doors. The panels had started to peel away from the door so I glued them down with some good old fashioned gorilla glue and then caulked the cracks with a paintable sealant.

Next, we removed the doors and started spraying the exterior facing panels with my go-to black spray paint Rust-Oleum Matte Farmhouse Black. Tip: this step of the project needs to happen in one day so check the forecast for rain / wind. We did multiple coats and then let them dry in our garage over night before putting them back on the hinges. 

We moved onto the storm doors next. I used my kids white construction paper to protect the glass windows and then sanded (250 grate) them down. I sprayed them the same Farmhouse Black color as the other set of doors. While I waited for things to dry I hand painted the exterior door trim with Rust-Oleum's Flat Black Painters Touch Ultra Cover paint. It matched the Farmhouse Black spray paint perfectly. Tip: paint each set of doors on different days so you are able to have something to close at all times. 

This part of the project took way more spray paint that I initially thought. Plan for about ten cans or five cans per door. This part of the project cost me $60.

I was so happy to be rid of that weird maroon color. It's hard to see with the glare but the difference was well worth the weekend it took to paint it. 

Next up was the inside part of the front door along with the matching coat closet. The 70's brown wood  along with this gothic, dingy chandelier was bringing a dreary, dark shadowy vibe to anyone the moment they walked into our house. 

This was an easy weekend project. Steps included light sanding of every surface, trimming out the door ways, painting and hanging the new chandelier. Given the dark shade of brown I applied multiple coats of basic primer before finishing with 2 coats of Sherwin Williams Snowbound White paint (this matches the white I am updating the rest of the house with as well). I like the look of a semi-gloss sheen for trim and doors and use trim enamel paint since it is more durable.

For the hardware I liked the contrast of the matte black and found an affordable handleset on Amazon by AmazonBasics

The chandelier I found on Wayfair and absolutely love! It helps brighten up the space even more.

All in all this project in total cost around $300 (includes spray paint, hardware and the chandelier)

I breathe a sigh of relief every time I walk past this space (which is a lot since it's at the center of my split level).

Next project for this space will be the flooring! I have never replaced tile before but up for the challenge.