Brad Feinknopf

When your professional title is "chief color maven," you know a thing or two about color theory and trends. Kate Smith, president of Sensational Color is one such maven, and has worked with Therma-Tru to identify color trends that could easily punch up an entryway. Therma-Tru manufactures paintable doors in their Classic-Craft, Pulse, and Canvas Collections.

"There are two trends I see influencing front door colors for 2014," Smith says. "First, there's the trend of people painting their doors with exuberant hues as a way of telling the world they're tired of spinning their wheels in place. These people are ready to move forward, embrace challenges, and show their energy through vibrant colors like Capri blue and dynamo raspberry.

"The other trend is that some people are seeking colors that are vibrant, yet at the same time connect us to a sense of community and culture. These simpler colors, like classic French gray and polished mahogany, give us comfort, warmth, and reliability."

Using the latest color offerings from Sherwin-Williams, Smith identified five hues gaining popularity in 2014 that match the "exuberant homeowner" trend, and another five tailored to the culture and community mindset.

Exhuberant Homeowner

Capri: A tropical blue that wakes up natural woods and neutral surroundings, and adds a splash of energy on an entry door.
Dynamo: A flirty violet hue instantly updates a traditional exterior color scheme to something much trendier.
Quixotic Plum: Find a balance of trendy and timeless with this sophisticated deep purple on an entryway. (Shown in top photo)
Relic Bronze: This deep mustard brown reflects aged beauty on a home and is an unexpected addition to exterior color combinations.
Raucous Orange: This vibrant color demands attention with its energetic orange tone and makes the perfect punctuation point for the front of a modern home.

Culture & Community

Classic French Gray: Stepping out of the shadows to stand on its own, this cool, neutral gray continues to trend in design.
Georgian Bay: Brighter and more moving than dark navy, this reserved blue sends a trusted and welcoming message.
Gulfstream: This bright, modern blue stays rooted in a nostalgic time, while still giving a fresh feel to an entryway.
Polished Mahogany: This deep, rich shade has a staying power that helps anchor a home.
Show Stopper: A slight spin on traditional red, this color warmly welcomes people to a home while adding a touch of mystery.

Editor's Note: Sherwin-Williams colors were selected for this project for the purpose of working within the color offerings of a single brand, rather than trying to curate selections from throughout the color industry. There is no professional or reciprocal relationship between Therma-Tru and Sherwin-Williams, or Kate Smith and Sherwin-Williams.