The Curb Appeal of Doors

Yesterday, I drove to Jackson to run some errands, and decided to drive through one of Jackson's oldest and most charming neighborhoods, a place called Belhaven.

If you are a regular visitor to Southern Lagniappe, you may recall another post in which I featured a photo tour of some of the houses in Belhaven, called A Ride Through Belhaven. You can click on the link if you would like to read that post before you read this one.

I think I could go to Belhaven every week and find new things to photograph. It is such an interesting place, and its residents range from young families who have remodeled some of the older homes, to students attending Belhaven College (around which the area was developed), to senior citizens, some of whom have probably lived there all their lives. Belhaven is also home to several artists, and their creativity is reflected in some of the more eccentric landscaping and yard art.

When it comes to curb appeal, the first thing I usually notice about a house is the landscaping, and secondly, the entrance and front door. Yesterday, I focused my attention on the doors in Belhaven, and found quite a few that stood out, some because of color and some because of their uniqueness.

And speaking of "unique" ... I'm not sure what style you would call this door, but isn't it impressive. You can click on the pictures to enlarge them, if you'd like.

Here's another unusual entrance that has an angel welcoming visitors to the house ...

I love the little window and the metal bird attached to it.

This next house has tons of curb appeal, in my opinion. Although the front was mostly a paved courtyard area, its landscaping and classic black door caught my attention.

I love the olive green columns against the terra cotta trim on this house ...

And just look at that neat plant stand under the window!

I like the contrast of the gray and white trim against the blue on this house, plus the elegant trim over the door. And, of course, that huge old oak tree doesn't hurt its curb appeal either.

When I was editing my pictures, I was surprised and sorry to see that I didn't get a picture of the house that went along with this pretty front door. I'll have to go back sometime and take one to add to this post. I love the vines gracing the columns!

There were quite a few very colorful doors, ranging from cobalt blue and fuchsia, to salmon and bright red.

I think one of the most welcoming colors for front doors is yellow, and I love this door, especially its pretty basket of real plants and ivy-covered brick steps leading up to the porch.

This one reminds me of the 4th of July. Isn't it pretty!

I love the iron accents on this unique pair of gates leading into a backyard. I may have to use that idea somewhere!

One of my most favorite houses in Belhaven is this beautiful little cottage.

I would love to see a vine growing around the door, but perhaps the homeowner doesn't want to encourage "critters" to take up residence in a vine. (See my post called A Close Encounter of the Worst Kind)

I always love going to Belhaven, and, like I said before, I believe I could go two or three times a week and never fail to find new and interesting things to photograph there. I think I'll plan to go back in October. Can't you just picture those houses and doors decorated for Fall. I can't wait!