Try A Folky DIY Front Door Upgrade For A Cheerier Home

Could you be overlooking one of the most unique blank canvases for a decorative upgrade that would literally transform the exterior of your home? Possibly. Would you be the only one? Absolutely not. It turns out, painting your front door in more than just a basic color could be the answer to bringing more style and design to your dwelling, and when combined with the folk art trend that is making a big comeback, it's no wonder some people are adding a little more decor to their entryways. In fact, just by adding a few hand painted or stenciled designs, you can create a cottagecore or vintage space on a very affordable budget. Whether you just want to introduce some color for the warmer months, or you've been wanting to pull through maximalist decor as a beginner (or novice), turning your door into a folk art statement piece is definitely a trend worth trying.

Folk art can be distinguished by its hand drawn or even stencil elements. The origins of the style come from a storytelling perspective, where people used drawing or painting to depict their lives. The notable designs reflect everything from community to people's conceptions of their daily routines, and because each one was specific to the artist, each piece is different and special. With the rise in maximalist aesthetics and a transition back towards nostalgic and even vintage decor, folk art is finding its place back within people's homes. While there are plenty of clever tips and tricks for painting your front door, getting artsy and DIY with it is definitely one of the most aesthetic options.

When it comes to decorating your door with this style, you can get as creative as you want, but it might help to have a plan in place. Folk art can be attributed to bright color palettes, so consider using a bold shade as the base. Choose a color that you can add designs over the top of so they will be visible. And, make sure to use time saving hacks for painting doors more efficiently, like roller brushes for the main shade. Keep the designs simple and understated. Folk art is less about depicting things exactly as they are and more about using color and various shapes to capture them.

If you decide to incorporate more characters, they don't need to come across as a realist artist would create them. Instead, play around with the details and lean more into your perception or perspective. Many folk paintings are strange and wild while still holding roots within our world, so use curves, swirls, and various shapes. Animals can have disproportionate bodies, and repeating patterns like vines are very notable in this style.

Even your florals should be more about the simple colors and shapes rather than super in-depth line work. Everything doesn't have to line up, either. For example, if the border is a little uneven, that's fine, as folk art is more about the "naïve" finish. Use a floral vine stencil to cover the border of your door all around for a simple idea, or add in small animals between your patterns. Don't forget to upgrade hardware to vintage options that will elevate your DIY folk art.