From Utah’s mountain towns to the historic charm of Salt Lake’s neighborhoods, homes here come in all shapes and styles. But whether your house is perched on a hillside or on a quiet street, one design detail always draws the eye: the front door.
More than just a design feature, your door helps define the home’s character. It’s the point where architecture, lifestyle, and personal taste intersect. And when it comes to choosing a style, most homeowners find themselves leaning in one of two directions: modern or traditional.
At Epic Windows + Doors, we work with clients across Utah to match their homes with entry doors that complement the architecture and elevate curb appeal. If you’re unsure which direction is right for you, this guide will help you break down the differences and find a style that feels like home.
Modern vs. Traditional Door Styles
Before choosing a style, it helps to understand what sets modern and traditional doors apart.
Modern entry doors are typically minimalist in design. They feature clean lines, smooth surfaces, and bold simplicity. You’ll often see oversized panels, pivot hinges, and materials like glass, metal, or smooth fiberglass. These doors are all about making a refined, architectural statement. They’re ideal for homes that lean contemporary or industrial.
Traditional doors, on the other hand, offer a more decorative, familiar look. They usually feature raised panels, arched glass inserts, warm wood tones, or intricate hardware. These designs feel timeless and cozy and are often found in colonial, farmhouse, or craftsman-style homes.
In short: modern doors are bold and minimal while traditional doors are warm and detailed. One isn’t better than the other, it just depends on the look and feel you want your home to give off.
Which Style Complements Your Home’s Architecture?
Your entry door should feel like it belongs, not just in the front of the house, but to the overall design story your home tells. That’s why matching the door style to your home’s architecture is so important.
If you live in a modern or contemporary home, especially in places like Park City or newer developments in Salt Lake, a modern door is often the natural choice. These homes typically feature flat or low-pitched roofs, large windows, and clean geometric lines. A sleek, minimalist door, with features like glass panels or a bold, oversized design, blends right in and elevates that architectural style.
On the other hand, if your home has more traditional elements like gables, shutters, or a front porch, a traditional door will feel more in harmony. Craftsman, colonial, and farmhouse homes pair beautifully with paneling, decorative glass, and warm wood tones. These doors enhance the home’s cozy, classic feel without looking out of place.
Choosing a door that clashes with the home’s style, like a hyper-modern door on a traditional cottage, can throw off the whole look. But when the door and the rest of the architecture work together, the result feels balanced and intentional.
Need inspiration? Explore our project gallery to see how the right door completes the look of custom homes across Utah.
Consider Function and Features Beyond Style
While the look of your door is key, it’s only one part of the decision. You also want a door that performs well and fits your day-to-day needs.
Modern doors often use more modern materials like fiberglass or steel that are highly durable and low-maintenance. Many modern designs are also compatible with smart technology, like touchless locks or app-based security. If convenience and cutting-edge features are priorities, a modern setup might be the right direction.
Traditional doors, especially those made of solid wood, offer natural insulation and beauty, but they may require more upkeep to maintain their finish over time. Still, today’s manufacturing methods have made traditional-style doors more durable than ever, especially when made with modern core materials and finishes that mimic wood but resist weather damage.
Utah’s climate, with its hot summers, cold winters, and dry air, makes energy efficiency a must. Both modern and traditional styles can offer excellent insulation if you choose high-quality construction. At Epic Windows + Doors, we make sure every door we install meets those standards, regardless of its style.
So while looks are a big part of your decision, don’t forget about how the door functions in your climate, your daily routine, and your long-term plans for the home.
Customization Options to Bridge Both Worlds
One of the best things about working with Epic Windows + Doors is that you’re not limited to picking a door straight out of a catalog. If you love elements from both modern and traditional styles, we can help you design something that blends the best of both.
Want the warmth of a traditional wood door but the clean lines of a modern design? We got you. Or maybe you’re drawn to the minimalism of modern doors but want to include decorative glass for a touch of personality, we’ve got experience with that too.
We often work with homeowners, builders, and architects to create hybrid styles that reflect the uniqueness of the home. Maybe it’s a craftsman-style home that leans transitional, or a mountain modern build that still wants a nod to rustic charm. Custom hardware, special finishes, creative use of glass, and unique proportions all help bridge the gap between styles in a way that feels cohesive, not conflicting.
If you’re unsure what direction to go, visit our showrooms to see what’s possible in person. Our team can guide you through samples, features, and design ideas to help you craft a door that perfectly matches your home’s personality.
Lifestyle Considerations – What Feels Right for You?
Sometimes, the best way to choose a style is to think about how you want your home to feel, not just how you want it to look.
Modern doors tend to give off a bold, confident, and streamlined vibe. If you like open spaces, neutral color palettes, and a less-is-more approach to design, a modern door might feel more aligned with your everyday style. These doors often work well for people who enjoy minimalism, clean aesthetics, or smart home features.
Traditional doors, meanwhile, tend to evoke warmth, comfort, and timeless charm. If your home is full of layered textures, rich tones, or vintage pieces, or you love the cozy feel of a welcoming front porch, then a traditional style might be the better match.
You can also think about the mood you want to create for guests and neighbors. Should your front door feel crisp and striking? Or warm and inviting? There’s no wrong answer, you just have to go with what suits your life best.
And if you’re stuck between the two, you’re not alone. Many homeowners feel torn between a love for sleek design and the comfort of tradition. That’s why our team is here, to help you find the balance that feels just right for your home and your lifestyle.
The Right Door Makes All the Difference
Whether you lean modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, your front door should reflect your home’s style and your personal taste. At Epic Windows + Doors, we help Utah homeowners choose and customize doors that bring it all together—beauty, performance, and personality.
Ready to find your perfect match? Visit our showroom or contact our team to get started.