Changing the color of your front door is an easy and inexpensive DIY project, which will transform the exterior of your home.

The right door color will add curb appeal, welcome visitors and potential home buyers.

Before choosing your paint color you might want to drive around your area for inspiration. An other way to get inspiration is to browse the internet for homes that have similar style, color brick, exterior siding, wood or shutters.

Most hardware or paint stores provide free color advise. Take a picture of your home on a sunny day, print it and take it with you. Also take any exterior material left over you might have such as siding, stone or brick. Make sure to ask for color chips (samples) to take back home.

Once you are back home, take the photo of your house and cut out the doorway. Simply use the different color chips behind it to see the effect.

Take pictures of each sample and compare them side by side on your computer. This will make it easier to select your favorite colors.

Choose the color that best suits your style and personality. Since your front door should be the focal point of your home, choose a color that will contrast with the rest of the house.

Exterior paint colors should be chosen with exterior lighting, a bright yellow indoors might not look so bright outdoors. Therefore, a paint sample should be tested outdoors as the color effect might change through the various strength of lighting throughout the day.

The paint color sheen, which is the level of gloss in your paint color, also plays a big role in your color effect. High gloss paint will enhance the color of your door and will be easier to clean. However, if your door has visible imperfections, high gloss paint will make them more visible. For an old wood door you might want to consider using a satin finish. Semi gloss paint is always a good option.

If you are still not sure, then you may want to consider advise from a professional interior decorator who will show you different color options that work with the style of your home, color of brick, exterior siding, wood and shutters.