Most people probably wouldn’t say that doors are interesting. But artists are there to see the beauty in things that most people usually don’t. A woman in London has started an Instagram account full of her own photography depicting doors around the city. The result? They’re absolutely stunning.
Bella Foxwell was already an established photographer when she started the project as a challenge for herself. She was interested in capturing regular beauty that most people didn’t see on a regular basis even though it was all around them. Her photos show doors of all kinds: colorful and monochrome, bare or surrounded by flowers, old and new.
“It’s partly that I admire people who put so much pride into their front door, particularly those that are very daring, with a strong shade of paint or extravagant door knocker,” said Foxwell. “And it’s partly that doors are very symbolic. Whether it’s because they represent new opportunities or because they remind of home. There’s something special about them.”
Doors keep people hidden from the world. But at the same time, they reveal something unique about the people behind them. Foxwell’s Instagram “The Doors of London” aims to show just that.
1. Pink planters on a lonely wall.
This pretty pink door stands out against a white wall. Without the color, the wall would look pretty bare. But the owner decided to add a pop of color that made it look really beautiful! It goes perfectly with the planters in the upstairs windows.
2. Talk about some amazing flowers!
These are some seriously impressive blossoms. That’s definitely one way to get people to come into your store. Who could possibly resist a giant arch made out of huge pink and purple flowers? I’d go in no matter what they were selling.
3. These people clearly take pride in their blooms.
As if this garden could get more amazing, it’s even overflowing to the bicycle by the path. We may not know anything about the people who live there, but they clearly work hard to take care of those beautiful flowers. It’s one way of seeing how someone’s door can give a glimpse into their personality.
4. The bicycle makes it so picturesque.
If this was an oil painting, it could be a modern-day Van Gogh. With a basket on the bike and a watering can by the door, we get to see a little piece of the resident yet again. All from a green door on a cobblestone street.
5. Fragrant flowers over a simple white door.
Here’s yet another seriously impressive collection of blooms over a door. Those flowers are fragrant ones, and the photographer said the smell drew her in from down the street. Plus, that little metal gate is so adorably old-fashioned.
6. Looks like a tropical paradise.
This is yet another door in the middle of London, but it looks as though it could be on a tropical island. With those big bright red flowers and the plant life starting to creep over the pillars, this house’s surroundings are lush and green. You’d never guess this was in a huge city.
7. What a contrast between the two doors.
Sometimes beautiful things are all about contrast. These doors are a perfect example of just that. One is dark and surrounded by tall purple flowers, while the other is light and framed by a short green tree.
8. A quiet door on a quiet street.
It’s so fitting that this house is on a street called Bloomfield Terrace. Look at those amazing flowers that surround the windows! The exterior of the house seems as if it may have been around for a long time, but those beautiful surroundings make it look new.
9. Sometimes the most beautiful doors are the simplest ones.
People passing on the street might not think there’s anything special about this door, but Foxwell saw beauty in it. It’s so quiet and tucked away, you might not notice it was there. It makes you wonder who comes out that quiet door on the little pink house every morning.
10. You don’t need flowers to make a beautiful garden.
This door has a wintery feel: not only is it painted a beautiful icy blue, but it also is surrounded by a climbing tree without flowers or leaves. It just goes to show that there’s more than one way to make something beautiful. That tree is as gorgeous as any flower!
11. This whimsical tree perfectly frames the door.
That metal gate on the front is such an adorable vintage look, and we don’t think it’s fabricated. This house has obviously been around for a long time. From the faded bricks to the old-fashioned pillars to the plant overgrowth, it speaks of a time long since gone.
12. A glimpse into a gorgeous bakery.
This bakery looks like it’s in a festive mood. The door and steps are decorated with wreaths, trees, and lights, and there’s a warm glow from within. Of course, that lady enjoying herself at the table is also enhancing the photo.
13. A door on the corner of two roads.
Okay, I’m officially in love with the London trend of leaving full-grown trees up in the middle of the city. Also, how cool is that door? It’s built straight into the corner of the house, looking out on not one, but two streets.
14. A pop of color seen from the street.
This purple door is so striking when viewed from the sidewalk. The next house over has stuck to a classic black and white but that’s not these residents’ style. They’re keeping things a little bolder with a bright blue house and a vivid front door.
15. What a striking all-black door.
Some doors are beautiful because they’re bright and colorful. Others are beautiful for exactly the opposite reason. This door looks like something out of a fairy tale – it’s probably the doorway to the castle of an evil queen.
16. Look at this amazing explosion of flowers!
Whoa, talk about an absolutely amazing floral door! If you look closely, you can see there are hundreds of different flowers of varying sizes, types, and colors. There’s no doubt that this door is eye-catching. You’ll just have to squeeze when you go through.
17. This door has stood for a long time.
Who knows how long this door has been there and how many people have lived behind it? You can just imagine all their different stories. It might be getting a little discolored and crooked now, but that’s just a part of its character.
18. The sunlight makes this picture absolutely perfect.
This door is beautiful on its own, with the big wisteria blossoms on one side and its old-fashioned knocker. But the photographer managed to capture sunlight streaming down over it in just the perfect way. It makes it even more striking to look at.
19. Those are some seriously amazing window planters.
Whoever lives here obviously has a love of plants as well as a green thumb. Just look at those seriously awesome window boxes. It makes for a beautiful view from the street that everyone walking by can enjoy!
20. This looks like it could be straight out of an old movie.
There’s such a romantic vibe to this whole picture. From the black iron fence with the big pillars to the car parked out front to that gorgeous balcony, it looks as though you’ve traveled back in time. Of course, there’s the door itself, just as charming in its own way.
21. Imagine walking under this flower shower.
It’s crazy to think about walking down this path in the spring – with the wind blowing and the petals flying. To make it even better, you get to walk up these picturesque stairs and through that gorgeous door. Why don’t we build like this anymore?
22. This is a very patriotic door.
There’s no doubt what country this house is in. From the flags to the painted recycling bin, it just screams the United Kingdom. Or probably very politely whispers the United Kingdom. A house that British is too proper to yell.
23. Look at all of those gorgeous windows!
This door is yet another retro style from an age that cared about making things beautiful. It leads out into a quiet courtyard full of flowers. It makes you wish that you could walk through a place like that every day.
24. This door is set off by a beautiful bench.
House number nine may be simple but it has a lot of personality. From its clean black door to its potted plants to its weathered metal bench, it has its own simple style. We might not know who lives there but we know some important things about them.
25. This door is classic and feminine.
This door has a classic pastel palette, and it’s super stylish. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the house’s inhabitant is a woman. In case you didn’t know, men like pink, too! Also, we love that little balcony.
26. Here’s another door that belongs in the past.
This one is just too picturesque to handle. Those flower boxes in the window are just perfect. And those little balconies complement the sophisticated black door. What is it about London that makes its style so distinctive?
27. This one looks like it’s hiding away.
Here’s another one that’s a little more private. This pale blue door is withdrawn from the street and covered by a deep porch. Maybe its resident is very private — or perhaps their personality doesn’t match their door at all!
28. There’s greenery even in the middle of the city.
This is some amazing plant growth. It’s covering almost the entire house, all the way up to the roof. The house’s inhabitants must like its look because they’ve only bothered to trim it away from the windows. We love the look, too!
29. That orange stands out in the best way possible.
This bright orange door is almost shocking to see peeking out from behind the hanging wisteria! But it’s such a beautiful color, we love its uniqueness and the way it grabs your attention. It’s a cool sight to see against the bright white house.
30. Black and white can be just as beautiful as color.
On the other hand, here are two doors that are totally different. Instead of relying on color to stand out, they’re plain black and white — but it’s not actually plain at all! In fact, they’re just as eye-catching as the brightly-colored ones.
31. When spring arrives, this is going to burst into bloom.
Those vines might be bare in January, but when April rolls around this house will look completely different. What a fun way to keep your home looking new all year round! We also love the bench, table, and the big urns in front of the door.
32. This pink house has giraffes hiding in its windows.
Looking at someone’s house can give you surprising glimpses into their personality. This person seems to have a fun side. Not only is their house bright bubble gum pink, but there’s also a glimpse of some silly giraffe statues through the front window.
33. A glimpse into someone else’s world.
This resident put together a beautiful house front full of different kinds of colorful flowers. But you can also catch a peek inside their house. It looks as if they might have a window seat. Just imagine reading a good book with those flowers hanging above you.
34. A red door on an old building.
This door has such a fun retro feel with its bright red paint surrounded by weathered brick, an old-fashioned sign, and a stylish lamp on the sidewalk. This building is apparently from back when people named their houses. Why? We don’t know, but we should bring the tradition back.
35. Just a glimpse through the branches.
This house is surrounded by beautiful greenery on all sides. You can just barely see the robin’s egg blue door beyond the branches. It looks like a quiet, private place in the middle of a lovely garden.
36. This door is beautiful and grand.
Just look at that beautiful bay window: there’s no doubt that this door has style. From its double wreaths to the black iron fence surrounding it, the door has a dignified look that is perfect in every way – like quintessential Britain.
37. There’s a wreath on the door to welcome the holidays.
This door also has a bay window with an intricate design. Its beautiful shade of deep green perfectly matches the wreath hanging on the front. It may have been wintertime, but there was plenty of greenery at that house.
38. This wreath is a little more unusual.
This house is definitely ready for the holidays! That wreath is a little bit Charles Dickensy (we’re looking at you, Ebenezer Scrooge) yet it has its own kind of charm. Plus, that beautiful old lamp is the perfect addition to the Christmas decorations.
39. This red door has an amazing flower hat.
Here’s another door that provides an eye-catching pop of color. It’s even better because it’s peeking out from behind a huge amount of greenery. You might have to duck to go into that house, but it’s totally worth it.
40. What a beautiful contrast of two shades of blue.
Here’s another example of how opposites can make things look even more beautiful. These two doors have great contrast, making them special when they’re side by side. They each have a wreath with totally different styles, too!
41. This door has some matching shutters on the second floor.
This color combination is so striking. The dark shade of green goes perfectly with the look of the weathered brick. Who can say how old that building is or how many people have lived there? Whatever the answer, it looks like a beautiful house.
42. All white can be striking, too.
If there’s one thing that Bella Foxwell manages to communicate with her photography, it’s that there are all kinds of ways to make something beautiful. This door doesn’t jump out as much as its colorful counterparts but it draws your eye in a completely different way!
43. It must be nice to walk down that pretty path every morning.
This door is so clean, crisp, and pretty! It has a nice little garden surrounding it, right in the middle of the city. It’s a treat to look at even in a picture. Also, what is up with the cute little house gates that seem to be everywhere in London? We’re obsessed.
44. These residents have a picnic table to enjoy outside dinners.
This whole yard has plenty of personality, from its potted plants to its communal picnic table to the two bicycles leaning against the wall. We can’t help but notice that the door knob is right in the middle of the door, which is a unique look that might just mean a hobbit lives there.
45. This red door matches the leaves in the yard.
Foxwell captured a beautiful picture here with the sharp contrast of the sun and shadow over the autumn yard. There are tons of subtle red elements here, from the scarlet door to the red flowers in the window to the dead leaves that have already fallen to the ground.
Woman Captures 45+ Of London’s Most Beautiful Doors, And They’ll Inspire You To Change Yours
Cedric Jackson
01.13.19
Most people probably wouldn’t say that doors are interesting. But artists are there to see the beauty in things that most people usually don’t. A woman in London has started an Instagram account full of her own photography depicting doors around the city. The result? They’re absolutely stunning.
Bella Foxwell was already an established photographer when she started the project as a challenge for herself. She was interested in capturing regular beauty that most people didn’t see on a regular basis even though it was all around them. Her photos show doors of all kinds: colorful and monochrome, bare or surrounded by flowers, old and new.
“It’s partly that I admire people who put so much pride into their front door, particularly those that are very daring, with a strong shade of paint or extravagant door knocker,” said Foxwell. “And it’s partly that doors are very symbolic. Whether it’s because they represent new opportunities or because they remind of home. There’s something special about them.”
Doors keep people hidden from the world. But at the same time, they reveal something unique about the people behind them. Foxwell’s Instagram “The Doors of London” aims to show just that.