
Get your project off the ground with our next virtual training workshop - October 28th at 7pm!
Use code BUILD for 20% offWhen little children draw pictures of houses, anything goes as long as it’s colourful. A bright vermilion front door set against sky-blue window frames is the perfect pairing. One upstairs window picks up its hue from the lushly crayoned grass, while another is yellow to match the roof. And that’s before we get onto the lovely purple chimney pots. Surely everyone would be happy to live in a house as bespoke as this?
Then, of course, we grow up. Our sense of colour matures, convention kicks in and we become more attuned to external influences when making our decisions. As a self builder or renovator, you might start to worry about what friends, neighbours or planners might think, and before long your project gets a colour scheme you never really wanted. But this is your big chance to do things differently, and you don’t have to pass it up!
Absolutely – but to ensure you’re happy with the result, the first step is to resist the unwritten rules of what’s considered acceptable. Window and door colours don’t have to be the same, provided they complement each other and the other core external materials (bricks, cladding, roofing etc). But complementary is a broad brush: who’s to say everything has to be muted or monochrome?
More from the Residence collection

Stylish Residence 9 windows in the Painswick colourway, paired with an oak finish door
If you want to add some stand-out character to your property with a bold front door, for instance, then go for it! You’ll just need to spend a bit more time researching what window frame colours you think will pair best with it. A white front door can be teamed with pretty much any frame you like (and vice versa). But if you want to be more adventurous, a daring black or dark shades of blue, plum and green will make a modern statement and can look fantastic when contrasted with the right window colour.
Have you ever holidayed somewhere exotic, where the homes are all brightly coloured but none of them match? Most of us probably won’t go to such extremes, yet there’s nothing stopping you pushing the boundaries to achieve the look you want. Yes, there are some styles of window might better suit certain types of property – but you don’t have to go with the grain on finishes. And who knows, you might inspire other people on your street to be more daring with their choices.

Residence2 windows perfectly complement the exterior render and timber features of this new build home
Your home’s exterior marks its first impression, so make it unforgettable. The right front door and window pairings can set the architectural tone and quality of both your house and the spaces beyond, showcasing your style while creating welcoming kerb appeal.
Pairing window frames and front doors isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about the story you want your home to tell. Here are a few examples for creating distinctive effects that might just spark your own imagination:
White window frames paired with a muted front door – perhaps in deep red, navy blue or forest green – will deliver classic elegance. This combination exudes sophistication and is perfect for period properties with brick or stone facades.
Black or anthracite frames could be teamed with a vibrant door in mustard yellow, teal or daring red to offer a striking modern contrast. Great for adding drama and personality to minimalist or industrial-style homes.
Combine soft grey or sage green windows with a wooden or earthy-toned door in oak, clay or terracotta. Ideal for blending your home into a countryside setting, while adding warmth and individuality.
Pair white or cream window frames with a bright door in yellow, coral or pastel blue for a playful, characterful look that works wonderfully on cottages, beach houses or any home where you’re keen to radiate positivity and charm.
For a high-end contemporary look, match black or grey window frames with a monochrome door. The minimalist aesthetic projects a sense of modern luxury that’s great for urban homes.
| Jo Trotman is marketing manager at The Residence Collection, a premium window and door designer, and has over 25 years’ experience in the sector. The company’s range of flush window and door systems span authentic heritage-style and refined contemporary systems, all incorporating a raft of modern features and benefits – including slim frames, excellent acoustic properties and fantastic thermal performance. To discuss your project with the team, call 01452 341554 or visit The Residence Collection’s website. |