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Posted on: November 26, 2007

Back-Door Beauty

Assess your daily routines to figure out what your back-door area needs are and how to meet them

By Kit Davey
CTW Features

The back door is the most neglected area in our homes. Even though we use this entry frequently, we rarely give it the attention it deserves. We've grown accustomed to the dim lighting, the garden tools, dog-walking equipment and recycling bins crowding our way, and probably never considered decorating this space.

As it may be the first sight that greets us when we come home and the last when we leave, we should give it the honor it deserves. Creating a welcoming, functional and attractive rear entry can not only make your household run more smoothly but can positively affect how you feel about your home.

Function First

To improve the function of your back door, you need to assess when you use it and what happens near it in order to set it up efficiently.

Do you get out of your car and enter your home through this door? When you get out of your car, your arms are usually loaded with a briefcase, purse, lunch bag or groceries. Do you need a flat surface nearby so you can put a few things down to open the door? A small chair, old dresser, or bookcase can fill the bill. You might replace your doorknob with a European-style lever so that you can use your elbow or knee to open it. The lever also will make door-opening easier when your hands are wet or muddy.

Do you enter your garden through the back door? If so, you need a place to sit down to put on your gardening shoes. Position a wooden crate, stool or bench by the door, and keep a cardboard box lid near it so you can place your muddy shoes in it. Place a flower pot or basket nearby to temporarily stash gloves, trowels and pots.

Do you carry out your trash or recycling materials through the door? Position the recycling bins on a sturdy stand or deep bookcase. Or use a cart with wheels that can be rolled out on pick-up day. Hang a utility knife from the wall by the door so it is easy to break down cardboard boxes. To keep odors from entering your home, position your lidded trash can at a nasally safe distance.

Do you exit the door when going out to walk your dog? If so, set up a dog-walking station. Install a series of hooks, or a Shaker pegboard, by the door and hang your leash, your coat, an umbrella, a bag of balls, an old racket (for whacking the ball extra-long distances), a special towel for wipe-ups after rainy day walks and a sack of baggies for clean up. Store gloves, earmuffs and caps in a basket or bin on a nearby shelf.

Clean up and tidy the area once a week and youï¿½ll be in a better mood when you come home from work.

Add Beauty

You and your family will enjoy entering your home if you add some flare and life to the rear entry.

-Paint the door your favorite color. My clever next door neighbor, Jean, decoupaged photographs from flower catalogs all over her back door and it is a true delight to enter her home through it.

-Stencil or hand-paint flowers or ivy around the door frame.

-Hang hats on the wall above and around the door.

-Place framed artwork or a mirror to either side.

-Use a brightly colored area rug as a mat.

-Invest in an ornate hook on which to hang keys or your walking hat.

-Use attractive containers of the same size and shape (square wicker baskets, hat boxes, clear plastic tubs) to cut down on the jumbled look.

-Hang a wreath or fancy door knocker on it.

-Invest in a beautiful light fixture and use the highest wattage bulbs allowable.

Place a pair of planter boxes or large ceramic pots to either side of the door.

Kit Davey, an interior designer based in Redwood City, Calif., helps clients redecorate their homes through the creative use of their existing furnishings. E-mail Kit your questions: kit@ctwfeatures.com