It’s the most famous front door in the world. 10 Downing St. popped into my mind recently for a few reasons. First, I was pleased to see centre door hardware identified as a top trend for 2012 in our January issue.
The photo used to illustrate the point in the magazine is a townhouse façade restoration by New York architect Gil Schafer. I’ve long admired his work, and this project is no exception. The door hardware is truly gorgeous.
But definitely when I think centre door handle, I think 10 Downing St. Its hardware is discreet and beautifully formed and polished to the highest shine, natch. Imagine if it was your job to polish the door hardware at 10 Downing — amazing!
I recently met with some Farrow & Ball representatives, who were in Toronto to talk about exterior paint colours. Which brings me to the second reason 10 Downing St. came to mind. I said to them, "Imagine if they decided to repaint the front door at 10 Downing St. a different colour. I think it might start a revolution!" I think they thought I was crazy. Then I got to thinking about what colours I might suggest.
PARA Sampler Red P2037-03: Don't you think a gallon of this Canadian Heritage Collection red would make a lovely Christmas gift for Stephen Harper to give David Cameron for the front door? Never mind that both PMs are from political parties more closely associated with the colour blue.
Farrow & Ball Charlotte’s Locks: This juicy hue from the Dorset-based paint makers created quite a sensation when it launched recently. And since tangerine has recently been named the colour of 2012 by Pantone, why not slap a coat on the door at 10 Downing?
Benjamin Moore Bonsai CC-666: I go back to the pages of the January House & Home for paint pick number three. (Also featured in this Online TV segment.) If red and orange seem entirely too daring, then I think this bottle green is suitably serious, while also signifying the colour of money AND environmental awareness. Perfect.
And lastly, this time of year front doors are at their best-dressed, heralding the season and ready to greet holiday visitors. These are my three favourites from the House & Home archive:
Since my own house number is two, I imagine that I live in the third house (in my dreams).
The door at 10 Downing doesn’t get tarted up for the season, but it does play a very important recurring role in my holiday celebrations. I’ve added Love Actually to my holiday movie must-watch list. I can never resist Hugh Grant in residence at 10 Downing or the scene at the closing credits with real people embracing at Heathrow.
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Photo credits:
1. G. P. Schafer Architect, photography by Martyn Thompson
2. India Talkies
3. Para Paints
4. Farrow & Ball
5. Benjamin Moore
6. House & Home November 2010 issue, photography by Virginia Macdonald
7. House & Home November 2008 issue, photography by Donna Griffith
8. House & Home November 2008 issue, photography by Donna Griffith
9. IMDB, Universal Studios, photography by Peter Mountain
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