Are Dutch doors the best front door design? 7 reasons why designers love this charming on trend architectural feature

When planning our home's interior design many of us focus on nailing its contents by filling the space with beautiful furnishings and decor, but exterior design is an equally important element to consider when creating a forever home.

Front door ideas are the first thing guests see before entering a home, so are an important one to get right. They represent a homeowner's style and share a glimpse of what's to come once they're opened.

There are plenty of timeless front door varieties, but one has long been used due to its classic yet practical features. Dutch doors, reminiscent of stable doors, are a long-loved, traditional home feature incorporated into home design for decades. They're identifiable by their 'split' or 'halved' shape and are loved for letting plenty of light and fresh air in while preventing external pests.

Dubbed 'Dutch' due to its historical links to the Netherlands, the architectural feature began to be used in American home design in the 18th century. It's still popular in the design of today, in fact, we are noticing they are having a bit of a resurgence with some of our favourite designers using Dutch doors in their most recent projects.

Here we've compiled a list of our favorite external Dutch door looks, plus the reasons why designers love this classic, yet current approach.

1. They bring grandeur and timelessness

There are a few ways of making a front door look more expensive and there's no doubt that Dutch doors are one of them. With deep historical roots, they're a classic way of nodding to timeless, aspirational design that we all know and love.

The once-European architectural feature dates back to the Medieval times. It has majorly influenced American home design and can be seen in many contemporary homes today. Dutch doors are synonymous with the much-loved Nancy Meyers aesthetic. You'll typically see them in grand, traditional homes that have a timeless, classic vibe.

When Libby Cameron designed this home, she kept in mind the practical requirements of her client while fulfilling her classic, timeless design style. The entryway is covered in white wood paneling, enhancing its airy brightness created by the open doors.

2. They bring a sense of charm

Plenty of cottage front door ideas are perfect if you're looking to honor the style and age of your home by opting for an authentic front door.

'I love to see Dutch doors as a main door on a quaint/cottage-style house or as a secondary or kitchen door on large homes', says interior designer Caitlin Creer. 'They serve so many purposes to add charm, let fresh air in, and add a sense of history to a home.'

'I truly adore Dutch doors, and we often have clients who ask where a Dutch door can be incorporated into their home', adds Caitlin. Using the best exterior paint colors, you can make Dutch doors a point of interest and contrast. As Caitlin explains, 'For the exterior I love to use Dutch doors with added details like a fun color or specialty hardware. They add charm and whimsy and are a great personality element in a home. They also are a great way to incorporate a sense of history and character into a home.'

3. They provide a laid-back, casual feel

Dutch doors feel inviting and laid-back, another reason designers praise the classic feature. While Dutch doors make great front entrances, their easy access and inviting qualities mean they may work better at the back of the home to create a seamless connection with the backyard.

New York-based interior designer Nina Carbone says, 'Dutch doors lend themselves to a more casual entry so I typically favor them in mudrooms or for secondary entrances.'

'Dutch doors evoke an implied ease and a simpler, American modern farmhouse life for me. Plus, I appreciate that they were born out of practicality – centuries ago, to keep animals out but let fresh air and sunlight in. Now they are the most beautiful way to keep the dog(s) from escaping the house!' adds Nina.

4. They're practical and grant easy outside access

While Dutch doors look great, they also fulfill your everyday needs due to their endless practical qualities. You'll typically find them featured in high-traffic areas to allow pets and children easy access outside.

Mudrooms are an example of a communal area that's designed for everyday usage. Pictured above is a sage green mudroom designed by Susan Jamieson, founder of Bridget Beari Designs. Susan explains, 'This was a renovation to an existing house. We added this mudroom, which includes a laundry and butler’s pantry. The client wanted an old-world look so the Dutch door fit right into the design.' Dutch doors work well in small mudrooms, providing a typically cramped room with extended space with the opening doors.

Susan loves Dutch doors for their ability to 'add a touch of quaintness and tradition to space plus they are great to get airflow without letting the dogs or pets out!'

Designer Leigh Jendrusina, founder of Salthouse Collective says, 'I have clients who live in cul-de-sacs and the Dutch door is a nice way to “keep an eye” on elementary-aged kids when they’re playing out front. In my home, I live on a quiet street with a flat long driveway and the Dutch door is a good way to “monitor” front yard activity with my kids and their friends without needing to be watching them.'

5. They allow plenty of light and fresh air

Unlike traditional front door designs that don't allow a breeze to filter through, Dutch doors allow plenty of light and fresh air to waft through the home. Paired with some summer porch decor, Dutch doors are a perfect way of inviting the outside in and honoring the perks of warmer months.

'I love using Dutch doors when it suits the style of a house because they allow for more light and better airflow', says Libby. 'Light is so important to me, so on a sunny day the sunlight can pour in, and when the top half is open one feels more connected to gardens and outdoor space. They allow for views and vistas. I love the Dutch door look and how they connect the inside space to the outdoors,' Libby adds.

'Dutch doors are one of my favorite types of doors to do on homes in our area of coastal San Diego', says Leigh. 'We have mild temperatures which makes it a perfect way to allow for the ocean breeze and airflow in the warmer summer months. Dutch doors would perfectly match a coastal entryway, they're such a beach cottage vibe, and I live in a beach town, where many people don’t have (and don’t need!) A/C, but they need some ocean breeze airflow in the warmer months, so a Dutch door is an extra window for them in their homes.'

6. They're welcoming and social

A front garden feels welcoming with an inviting and eye-catching front door. Dutch doors ensure security while allowing you to chat with neighbors and visitors, all from the comfort of your home.

Leigh says they're a great way to make your front yard feel more inviting. She explains, 'When the top portion of the door is open, it’s a way to tell neighbors – we’re home, come by and say hi!'

Referring to her laid-back, coastal garden (pictured above) Leigh says, 'As for styling, I love to style them with an entryway exterior patio that has a bench or chair for guests and some plants. It makes it seem like a welcoming entrance from the street. Dutch doors give you instant curb appeal and give off that "always summer, always entertaining, always welcome” kind of home vibe. My house is a constant revolving door of kids and guests dropping by, so my Dutch door makes it a way to show people I’m home and feel free to swing in to chat.'

7. They're customizable

With front door trends changing year on year, there are plenty of ways of making your home's exterior feel uniquely yours and representative of your signature style.

While all front doors can be personalized with a lick of paint and some hardware, Dutch doors are one of the best ways of showcasing your design style to the outside world. 'They're customizable which means that they transition into all home styles', says Nina. 'I love that they present an opportunity to play with hardware – rather than a typical mortise lock, I opt for a rim lockset in unlacquered brass that will patina over time for added charm', Nina adds.

With some front door color ideas, a bespoke knocker or door knob, and a unique lock, your Dutch doors will feel unique in style and even more inviting.

While Dutch doors aren't the most common design feature, we hope to see more of them included in interior design projects this year. They're classic yet contemporary and a great feature for homeowners looking to marry timeless sophistication with everyday practicalities.