In residential neighborhoods garage doors show up so often that they can become part of the background, almost unnoticed. But this is no way to treat what is often the most visible part of a home: If you have a front-facing garage door, you have the option to make it truly beautiful by creating your own plans for a customized door design that reflects your home's unique style. So start looking around at potential influences, draw up plans, and contact a few local garage door installers to see what the project would cost. With a single new installation, you can complete change the way your house appears and the impact it has on viewers. Here are several of the latest and greatest options for a stunning garage door:
1. Carriage House Styles: The carriage house style of garage doors try to mimic classic carriage or stable doors, and the results are frequently astounding. Instead of the lift-up panels that most garage doors use, carriage house doors are two large double doors with handles and hinges, typically with barn-like accents like crossed spars or simple, ridged support lines. The handles and hinges, while stylish, can still be for show with an electronic opening mechanisms. These doors look great in a number of styles both faux and original, but they function best when used as part of a traditional, country-style house. Toned-down versions, however, can look classy even in the most normal neighborhoods.
2. Aluminum and Glass: In you live in a more modern area or are attractive to the industrial style, then consider switching out your boring garage door panels with aluminum and glass versions that mimic the utility-oriented workshop garage door but with a lot of added beauty. The best version of this aluminum and glass configuration uses a metal framework and panels of smoked glass that almost – but not quite – cover up the light and metal lines hidden behind them. This style works best for single-story homes that already have metal or industrial accents.
3. Wood and Iron: If you are a more classic person who wants a garage that moves away from the plastic-like panels of typical suburbs and toward quaint wood accents, examine your options for true wood and ironwork garage doors. A dark wood garage door can have a striking effect, especially if the surround house has lighter tones. This version looks good on stucco, Spanish, farm, or country style homes, and can be surrounding by ironwork lamps and fencing for even more effect. Iron brackets, studs, and handles can all add to the quaint look of the wood.
4. Modern Steel and Paneling Options: Modern steel and paneling give you plenty of more creative options to customize a garage door that is truly unique and matches the modern elements of your house. Use steel and light wood or veneer paneling, interspersed with innovative window options. Instead of using the typical row or arch of windows, seek more experimental options. A vertical rows of narrow windows, for example, can make a garage door look like a work of art. A section of square glass panes in the center of the door, or triangular and oblong windows, can also produce sharp but pleasant effects.
5. Minimalistc Wood and Paneling: If you are at a loss when it comes to renovating your garage door, aim for the simplest option. Choose basic wood paneling and choose dark colors – black, if you are daring enough. The goal here is to create a negative space with the garage door, eliminating windows and complex shapes to make the door a quiet, unobtrusive shadow. This plays well if you already have an active, green landscape or housefront with plenty of stone.
Tommy Mello owns Garage Door Nation, a website specializing in wholesale garage parts. He enjoys sharing garage improvement ideas and maintenance tips.
