American Architectural styles do not have the same history as in Europe where period architecture has survived for centuries. Styles such as Tudor, Palladian, Queen Anne or Georgian are really only found in their true form in Europe. Many older American homes started out as one style, but later additions or renovations have completely corrupted their origin. Adding vinyl siding, for instance, can obscure all aspects of style except the basic structure.

However, American Style is more free and modern, taking elements from diverse traditions and blending it with more grandeur and more pizzazz than anywhere else. Whatever the style of your home, upgrading the exterior doors will help bring it all together. Exterior doors come in a wide range of materials, from weathered wood, to sleek steel, impressive wrought iron or contemporary fiberglass designs. Of primary importance to selecting the right exterior doors is to consider your home’s basic architectural structure Custom Doors.

While some homes have been built to resemble a particular style, such as a ‘mock Tudor’ what has become most common on the American landscape are “mock mansions” – large, developer-built custom homes with certain common features; such as a boxy shape, attached double garage, two stories, outdoor area in the back and a modest entry way in the front. These homes while customized exquisitely on the inside can sometimes be a bit boring on the outside.

With such a home, it’s important to demonstrate individuality and to stand out from the crowd. You can make no better choice to improve this home’s originality and appeal than with a wrought iron exterior door. Whether you are considering selling your home or renovating it for your own enjoyment, a wrought iron door adds value and embodies the prestige these modern mansions strive to emulate.

Ranch houses or split-levels do well with traditional six panel door with side lights and decorative accents. If your house is mock Tudor, try dark wooden doors with wrought iron accents.

Exterior doors also should correspond to the visual weight of the house. If your front entranceway is tall and impressive, the exterior door must be equally grand. An elegant wrought iron door with arched transom and matching sidelights, would complement this style well. A very modern home with clean lines and industrial contours might choose a steel or wrought iron door that is clean and matches the artistic statement of the home.

If the home is Southern or Colonial with a grand entrance and marble columns, then solid wooden doors painted the same color as the shutters are traditional. However, if the home is brick then a contrasting color for the exterior doors would be preferred.

If your home is lacking in any obvious traditional style then a wrought iron door will still be your best choice. Wrought iron can give weight to an otherwise ordinary structure. It provides elegance, and supreme security – another worthy consideration. Wrought iron doors say permanence and their imposing and opulent character is the very definition of American Style.

Donatello Wrought Iron Doors

Donatello provides an unmatched warranty in the industry. Our doors are suitable for all climates from hurricane certified to Polar Shield technology to prevent frost or other transfer of heat out of the home.

With a front door by Donatello, not only will you see an increase in comfort, energy efficiency and performance, you will also see a dramatic increase in curb appeal.