Photography: Lauren Trompp/ Styling: Kate Lincoln
The front door is our favourite place to make a festive first impression, and it doesn’t have to involve a traditional wreath. From fragrant foliage and whimsical florals to ribbons, bells and pine cones, there are countless ways to deck your doorway in seasonal style.
It might even be the perfect time to adorn your door with a fresh coat of paint. Here, we’ve matched Wattyl’s most beautiful hues with decorative touches to ring in the holidays in style – and keep the cheer shining long after the season ends.
7 festive door ideas for the Christmas season
1. Hanging foliage
The look: This festive door evokes evergreen elegance, with mixed foliage, pops of berries and a crisp white bow that hints at mistletoe mischief. A merry moss-coloured coat of Wattyl Baldrick Green brings the look to life, resulting in a joyful entrance ready for the season’s celebrations.
Styling tip: Hanging seasonal greenery adds a festive touch without the formality of a traditional wreath. To prolong the freshness of your arrangement, trim the stems regularly and put them in fresh water. Misting the foliage daily can also help maintain its vitality.
The materials: To create this abundant bunch, Susan Avery Flowers and Events combined conifer, preserved ming fern and moss foliage with red Hypericum berries. A length of ribbon neatly conceals the wire or twine used to bind the stems and makes it easy to hang.
2. A bright berry wreath
The look: A red berry wreath and velvet bow in traditional red tones bring festive charm to any entrance, while twinkling lights among the berries keep the magic alive after the sun has set. Combined with a door finished in Wattyl Paper White, it’s sure to get everyone’s attention – even Santa.
Styling tip: Opt for a monochromatic wreath to create a striking, modern look. The bold crimson pops beautifully against a white door or facade. Keeping the design simple without extra greenery or mixed colours ensures it feels clean, stylish and effortlessly festive – no tinsel required.
The materials: Pre-lit with warm white lights, the Alfresco Emporium ‘Red Berry Wreath’, $149/75cm, brings bold colour with dense berry clusters. The burgundy velvet ribbon with satin backing from My Christmas, $34.95/3.8cm wide x 9.10 metres, is fastened to the top with a flourish.
3. Hanging pine cones
The look: Pine cones hung from this smart knocker bring a yuletide touch with a nod to Northern Hemisphere sensibilities. Silver and denim ribbons create sleek lines against the door in Wattyl Cotswold, conjuring a winter forest mood. You can almost smell the crisp pine and spice of gingerbread.
Styling tip: You don’t need a perfect arrangement to make a jolly impact. Group an odd number of pine cones for a look that feels thoughtfully curated. Tie ribbons around the grooves of each cone and let them drape naturally — it’s an easy, cost-conscious way to create a festive display.
The materials: Pine cones sourced from Parrot Supplies Australia, $3.50/set of 3 (currently unavailable) are teamed with silver ribbon from Amazon, $15.99, and denim silk ribbon, $25.95/3m, Bespoke Letterpress. These hang from the ‘Ring’ door knocker in Distressed Nickel, $139, Iver.
4. A joyful bow
The look: A large striped fabric bow makes a striking statement against a door in Wattyl Forest Felt. The look is classic with a twist — playful enough for the silly season, but elegant enough to keep up long after the tree comes down… or at least until the Easter eggs appear.
Styling tip: To create this look, a little deft arranging of fabric goes a long way. Use a hot glue gun and a few discreet pipe cleaners to hold the waves and sharp edges in place. You’ll feel as crafty as Santa’s elves when you hang it proudly out front and step back to admire your handiwork.
The materials: For the bow fabric, we selected Calverton R fabric in Marine from Warwick. A ‘Sarlat’ door knocker in Brushed Brass, $274, Iver, and ABI Interiors numbers in matching metallics, $59.90 each, add the final polish – proof that even Santa appreciates good hardware.
5. Christmas bells
The look: Simple lengths of greenery paired with twinkling bells and frayed ribbon create a rustic, homespun charm against a door painted in Wattyl Puffin Watch – a soft, light blue. It’s laidback yet festive, the kind of decoration that might even make the reindeer pause for a closer look.
Styling tip: When creating this arrangement, gather greenery from nature — olive branches, eucalyptus or whatever you have on hand will do. As the foliage dries it adds even more character. Mismatched bells and raw twine help it feel intentionally effortless and full of holiday personality.
The materials: The giant metal hanging bell, $14.95/9.5cm, and star bell ornament, $9.95/10cm, both from Alfresco Emporium make us want to jingle all the way. They’re paired with a ‘Chuqing’ satin silk ribbon in Beige, $19.19, Amazon, and complemented with a bunch of olive branches.
6. A floral wreath
The look: A wreath bursting with vibrant florals offers a fresh, non-traditional take on festive decor. When paired with a door painted in the eye-catching Wattyl Kuduk, the bold colours really pop, creating a cheerful and unexpected statement that will make even the Grinch swoon.
Styling tip: For guests to enjoy it in all its glory, order or prepare the wreath and hang it as close to your celebrations as you can. Like wrapping paper for your home, it’s enjoyed for a short time, but that fleeting beauty is what makes it all the more special — and so worth it.
The materials: This festive wreath, created by Grandiflora, combines a vibrant mix of roses, guelder rose, banksia roses, azaleas, Alstroemeria, Ranunculus and Phalaenopsis orchids. Its rollicking palette, finished with a casual length of pink ribbon, exudes modern joy and cheerful charm.
7. A basket of flowers
The look: An arrangement that looks like a bike basket overflowing with flowers after a morning at the Parisian markets. Set against a door painted in Wattyl Paper White, it inspires a festive Christmas breakfast of crisp, buttery pastries and brings a little extra joie de vivre to your entrance.
Styling tip: To keep a hanging basket of fresh flowers looking vibrant, add a small container of water at the bottom and refresh it regularly. Trim the stems every few days to help the blooms stay lively or replace with new varieties as you please throughout the season.
The materials: A rectangular hanging basket from Florabelle (find similar at Pottery Barn) is suspended using an adjustable gold wreath hanger (39–64cm), $19.90, from Real Christmas Trees, and finished with a light blue ribbon. It’s filled with softly gathered bunches of hellebores
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