One of the challenges with designing oversized front doors is that the opening doesn’t always cooperate.
Door slabs come in standard sizes, but sidelights are often custom-sized to fill whatever space is left. That means it’s actually pretty rare for an existing opening to work out almost perfectly for a 42-inch single door.
This project was one of those rare exceptions.
Designing Around a 42-Inch Door
A 42-inch front door naturally creates a strong visual statement, but when it’s built at standard height instead of 8 feet, it can sometimes feel a little boxy.
The solution isn’t necessarily making the door taller—it’s getting the proportions right.
For this project, we used a custom decorative glass insert that was four inches wider than a typical full-glass insert. That extra width completely changes the visual balance of the door, making it feel more proportional while allowing more natural light into the entryway.
It’s a subtle adjustment, but one that makes a surprisingly big difference.
Custom Decorative Glass
The decorative glass for this project was custom-made by our friends at What A Pane Design, one of our long-time collaborators.
Using custom glass instead of a standard catalog design allowed us to size the insert specifically for the wider slab, rather than forcing a standard insert into an oversized door. The result feels intentional from every angle.
It’s details like these that separate a custom entry system from an off-the-shelf solution.
Bold Color Makes a Bold Statement
An oversized door already creates a natural focal point, but the finish on this project takes it another step further.
The bright red fiberglass door immediately draws your attention, while the black hardware, threshold, and exterior accents provide just enough contrast to keep everything feeling balanced rather than overwhelming.
Red and black has always been one of my favorite combinations for entry doors. It’s bold without being flashy, and it gives the home a strong sense of personality.
Carrying the Design Beyond the Door
One of my favorite details on this project wasn’t actually part of the door itself.
To continue the black-and-red theme, we designed and installed a custom house number, spelling out the number as words and mounting it offset from the center of the garage door.
It’s a small architectural detail, but those little touches help tie the entire front elevation together.
A Different Take on Multipoint Hardware
Another feature you don’t see very often is the hardware.
Most of our multipoint lock systems are paired with lever sets, but this project uses a Berkeley grip set that’s specifically designed to work with a multipoint mechanism.
There aren’t many grip set options available for multipoint locks, which makes this one a bit more unusual. It fits the style of the door perfectly while maintaining all the performance benefits of a multipoint locking system.
It’s Always About the Details
Projects like this remind me that good design isn’t usually about one dramatic feature.
It’s the combination of dozens of small decisions—the proportions of the glass, the color palette, the hardware, the decorative glass, and even the house numbers—that come together to create an entryway that feels complete.
As always, it’s all in the details.