The design of a home's front door can significantly impact its overall impression, with celebrities often customizing these entrances to make a statement. However, not all celebrity homeowners achieve an impressive entryway, according to interior design expert Jordana Ashkenazi.
Ashkenazi recently assessed the front doors of several notable figures, evaluating their aesthetic appeal, architectural compatibility, and overall impact. Her analysis revealed a range of successes and shortcomings, from understated elegance to designs described as 'plain and forgettable.'
Among the critiques, Rio and Kate Ferdinand's contemporary door on their Dubai home was noted as lacking consideration. Similarly, social media influencer Sophie Hinchliffe's door was deemed 'plain and forgettable,' resembling one found on a 'new build' due to a lack of distinctive details.
However, others received high praise. Eva Longoria's London townhouse door was lauded as 'effortlessly elegant' and timeless, featuring a black facade against a crisp white surround, complemented by a monochrome tiled pathway. "The geometric pattern creates a real sense of arrival, gives the entrance more personality and makes the whole frontage feel elegant, timeless and carefully considered without becoming showy," Ashkenazi commented. The door received a 9/10 rating.
Amanda Holden's oversized navy panelled door was described as 'suitably show-stopping,' blending traditional design with a contemporary, glamorous edge. Its elongated proportions and polished silver knocker contributed to a sense of arrival, earning an 8.5/10 rating. "It feels elegant, confident and slightly glam, which suits Amanda perfectly," Ashkenazi noted.
British designer Jade Holland Cooper's front door was celebrated for its luxurious feel and respect for the home's architecture, featuring honey-toned sandstone and soft grey double doors. This design earned a perfect 10/10, with Ashkenazi calling it "Gorgeous, graceful and the epitome of a beautifully considered British entrance."
The doors of King Charles and Queen Camilla were also highlighted as exceptionally well-designed. Their 'soft heritage green' double doors at Birkhall were praised for their understated elegance and quiet regality, complementing the surrounding pale stone and timber details. "It is remarkably understated, but that is precisely why it works," Ashkenazi said, awarding it a 9/10.
Stacey Solomon's heavy timber plank door, with its medieval feel, decorative iron studs, and small leaded-glass panel, received an 8/10 for character and charm, though Ashkenazi suggested it could benefit from some maintenance.
The Beckhams' traditional black double doors in Holland Park were deemed timeless and tasteful, fitting seamlessly with the architecture of the area. Despite being appropriate, Ashkenazi noted that the surrounding greenery could be improved for a more refined entrance. This design earned an 8.5/10.
Other celebrity entrances, such as those of Chloe Ferry and Danielle Lloyd, were criticized for lacking architectural detail and feeling underwhelming or like an 'afterthought.' Chloe Ferry's door was rated 5/10, described as 'bland, budget-looking and more new build than celebrity home.' Danielle Lloyd's door received a 4/10 for being 'characterless, oddly proportioned and more afterthought than grand entrance.'
Emma Thynn's imposing timber double doors were highly praised, earning a 9.5/10 for their stately and quintessentially British appearance, perfectly suiting the classical architecture of her property.
Sophie Hinchcliffe's (Mrs Hinch) traditional door was noted as having a style that felt at odds with its surroundings, creating a confused aesthetic. It received a 5.5/10 for being 'cute and inoffensive, but more bog-standard new build than beautifully rustic.'
Peter Andre's contemporary timber door was described as 'distinctly new build' and lacking in interesting details, earning a 5/10 rating for being bland and in need of a refresh. "At the moment, the cars are creating more of a sense of arrival than the entrance itself," Ashkenazi remarked.