9.28.2011

The Red Door

"Everything utilitarian needs a little red edge."
Reno Dakota
House of Light: Chevy Chase, Maryland Home inspired by Hugh Newell Jacobsen modern exterior
 
At the top of my to-do list is the design of our front door. I'm thinking red. Since I've been drawn to the color red, I decided to do some research. Not surprisingly, red front doors have a lot of symbolism and meaning behind them. According to Wikipedia, here's what a red front door represents:

  • In Feng Shui, a red door symbolizes the mouth of the home. By painting our door red (or any bright color that stands out) chi (positive energy) is drawn to the house. It is the entry point in which abundance and opportunities find us.
  • The Chinese consider red to be the lucky or sacred colour. Many doors are painted with a fresh coat of red just before Chinese New Year to invite good luck and happiness.
  • In Ireland, a red door is supposed to ward off ghosts and evil spirits.
  • In Catholicism, a red door represents that the blood of Christ has been smeared on it and that the area beyond the door is holy and sacred.
  • Also, according to the Old Testament, the Jewish slaves in Egypt smeared their doors with lambs blood as a sign that the required sacrifice had already been made, and those homes would be passed over by the Angel of Vengence.
  • Supposedly red doors were used as part of the Underground Railroad, and homes with red doors were "safe houses".
  • Albert Einstein painted his door red because he couldn't recognize his house without it.
  • And for homeowners, a red door announces that the house is paid for, free and clear.
I think I like Albert Einstein's theory the best!  Here are some other fun red front doors:





    Outside Lighting traditional entry
    Old world front entry door.


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