The front prime entry doors of your home are the first-glance mirror of your personal domain. When friends come calling, allow their first images of your home to show the warmth they can find within, plus the needed security to keep intruders out.

Your home improvement or remodeling contractor can offer valuable assistance in the selection of doors. These men and women are highly trained, qualified professionals with experience in all phases of home remodeling. You should also consider the architectural design and style of your home. Make sure the door you choose is compatible with the overall design of the building, whether it is Early American, English Tudor, Contemporary, or what have you.

You must also take into consideration the type of finish you want. Many times I've seen a harsh finish detract from the design of a beautiful door. Rely on good judgment and your own taste. Remember, your doors will be with you for many years. You should be comfortable with them. Your neighbor's, friend's, or friendly merchant's taste may not match yours. They don't choose your personal furnishings - don't let them choose your doors for you. Doors are often referred to as the "permanent furniture" of the home. This point should be emphasized in regard to all doors, not just the exterior prime doors. Matching or complementary interior doors can be used to extend a theme throughout your home.

You must also remember that appearance is important, but it's not everything. Quality of product and installation are equally important. This is especially true when it comes to choosing the type or style of door just right for your home. For example, the detail in a panel door adds character and dimension to a home or room. The wide variety of available styles offers choices for any personal taste.

Also significant is the feel and sound of a solid wood door. A solid core door has the feel and security only a quality door can give. And, sad to say, security is a necessary concern these days. You must keep that in mind when it comes to choosing the type and style of windows, sidelites, or transoms to be installed. All these items can create the welcome you desire, yet can also make the most secure door no more than a hole in the wall.

The same can be said for the hardware. Make sure proper locksets and deadlocks, in the right style, are installed. Their finish of brass, antique brass, pewter, and so on, may also affect the overall view of your door. A fancy, ornate lockset may take away from some installations, yet add to others.

Another consideration is the return of the exterior entrance trim. From winged gable tops and turned side columns to colonial blocks, these add-on entries can make or break an installation.

The last item to consider is the exterior lighting that will surround the entryway or door you choose. In the July 1986 issue of Wisconsin Home Gallery, I had an article titled "outdoor lighting magic". In this article I touched on how to place light fixtures around an entry to accent your doors, yet keep them safe and secure.

So you see, changing a door is not just a Mr. Fixit, discount store item. That is, unless this is the image you wish to project to your friends and neighbors. Create the "personality" you wish to present when you change your doors. After all, you work hard yourself and deserve to be represented in the right fashion.