They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but what if your garage door is sending out the wrong message?
When you walk down to your mailbox today, take a second to just look at your house. Seriously, just take a quick look. What's the first thing you see? It's your garage door, right? It makes sense; the garage is a pretty substantial part of a house, after all. This is especially true if it fits more than just one car.
Maybe you don’t believe us.
That's fair; most people don't spend too much time thinking about their garage. But perhaps you should. Think of it like this:
When you are in the market for a new home, and you are going around neighborhoods to view open listings, what the first thing you will see as you step out of the car? It's the garage!
With that in mind, having a garage door that sends the right message might be a little more important than initially thought. But what’s our point here?
Is your garage door something you’ve ever really considered? Are you happy with the style?
Does it show who you are?
Do even like it?
Maybe you are just looking to switch it out with something that better fits the style of your property.
Whatever the case, you should consider why it's best to upgrade your garage door and how exactly to give your garage the aesthetic it deserves.
Key among all things, why should the garage door represent your personality?
The answer is: MONEY!
If your garage is positioned to the front of your home, it takes up much of the outer façade. This means the garage door dominates much of your home's curb appeal.
Anyone passing by your house is going to notice the garage door. Even if you're not aware of it, everyone who has ever visit your home has been left with some sort of impression based on your garage.
Even if the rest of your home’s façade is tidy and well-kept, if the garage door has become faded or damaged, the whole appeal will be thrown off.
If you want to put some life back into your home, upgrading to a new garage door is a great way to do so.
According to the National Association of Realtors in the United States, by just having a nice-looking garage door, paired with a neat and coordinated interior, your home can fetch a better closing price and even sell faster. And we’re not talking just pennies here. According to some agents, a door with a “wow” factor can make up to 4% more at closing!
If that’s not enough to convince you, here’s one more statistic:
Remodeling Magazine reports that, compared to 21 other renovation projects, replacing a garage door has the highest return on investment at 98%. But don’t take our word for it! Read all about it in their 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report.
So before you buy, consider some of the following questions:
First Question – In what architectural style was your house built?
By now, you should have realized how important an attractive garage door is. But before you go out a buy a new one, you need first to know what architectural style your house is. Otherwise, a new door could easily clash with the rest of your design.
It’s important to draw a connection between your home and the design of a new garage door. To keep everything from getting overly complicated, let’s just say that these days, you can put your home in one of 3 categories.
No matter your floor plan, your house will probably fall into one of these 3 architectural styles.
Don’t confuse traditional with old!
Traditional style homes are often a lovely blend of some of the most popular design trends created over the last few centuries. Image the best of many worlds.
Traditional style homes sport multi-pained windows, stained glass, and carved kitchen cabinets. If this sounds like your home, it’s likely traditional.
People who go for a traditional look typically like timeless clothes, toned-down cars, and nothing too razzle-dazzle. Traditionalists want something built to last that won't be out of date in the next few years.
You like this look? These are 9x8 Garage Doors, in Classic Mix Pattern and Desert Sand Color
If you want a couple of good examples of traditional style homes, check out one-story bungalows and two-story cottages. They stand out for their wide range of architectural features borrowed from other trends and are often considered classic and well balanced.
You like this look? These are 9x8 Garage Doors, in Prestige XL Pattern, Moka Brown Color and with Cachet Windows
Just lately, contemporary style homes are becoming all the rage.
You can easily recognize this style by its graceful blend of dark colors and luscious earth tones.
You like this look? These are 9x8 Garage Doors, in VOG Pattern, Black Color, and with Right Side Harmony Windows
On occasion, contemporary style homes even have elements of surprising size and scale. They are distinct for their clean lines, simple structures, and balanced forms.
You like this look? These are 6x8.5 and 16x8.5 CALIFORNIA Garage Doors, Black Aluminum Frame, and with Satin Glass Windows
One last distinctive trait is the architect’s use of large windows to create the illusion of a wider, more open interior.
Once you leave the city, you will find country-style homes quite easily.
Image: Interior Design Magazine
One type of country style home—the carriage-house—can be distinguished from other styles by its more traditional features. Look for dormers, cornices, and large porches where a family could sit out and take in the cool evening air after a hot summer’s day.
Carriage-houses are also distinct for their gridded multi-pane windows and projecting roofs.
You like this look? These are PRINCETON P-21 Garage Doors (X-Shaped Overlays), Chocolate Walnut doors & overlays, and with 8 lite Panoramic windows
You will note that garage doors that best suit these homes resemble old-style swinging saloon doors of the pioneer days. They are used overlain with an A-Shape, V-shape, X-Shape, or a square to add that down country double barn effect.
You like this look? This is a CAMBRIDGE CS Garage Door, Ice White door & overlays, and with 4 lite Panoramic windows.
As soon as you see this style of door, you’ll know whether or not it’s for you. 😊
You like this look? These are Vantage SHAKER-CS LONG Garage Doors, Dark Walnut Color door & overlays, windows with Stockton Insert, and decorative hardware.
By now, you’ve probably guessed that garage doors are a little more complex than the standard white embossed door you find in a prefabricated subdivision.
At North Country Door Systems, we have 38 different door designs in 12 colors and more than 100 window possibilities.
And that’s just right now! As garage door manufacturers continue to follow the ever-changing trends, who knows what other charming doors we could have in the future.
Second Question – What’s Your Color?
We should point out that, when it comes to architectural styles, they tend to differ from period to period. One style might be popular for a few years, and then, by the end of the decade, the trend has moved on to something completely new.
Why is this?
Architects and designers will tell you that they're just following what their buyers want. Homeowners are always looking for a personalized touch, even if it means renovating their home from top to bottom. While there are broader global trends that add to the common style, newcomers add their flare to increase diversity.
Over the past few years, the current trend has leaned towards darker, more earthy tones such as Moka Brown, Charcoal, and Sandstone.
The world seems to be going through a bout of nostalgia, and people want to root themselves in something more solid. Natural tones reminiscent of stone and the forest bring us closer to the earth and are also much easier to maintain.
If you want a color that mimics wood but without the upkeep of real wood, consider these 5 colors
- Chocolate Walnut
- American Walnut
- Dark Walnut
- Cherry
- The Brand New Iron Ore Walnut
These 5 factory-baked-on, polyester-based paints really give the look of a wood garage door!
But, for the trendiest color of all time, go for black.
You like this look? This is an EASTMAN E-11 Garage Door, Black door & overlays, and with 4 lite Panoramic windows
Black garage doors tell everyone that you like the simple things in life. You prefer elegance with just a touch of modernity.
Because black is all the rage, you can easily find black garage doors suitable for modern, traditional, or carriage and country style homes.
If you like a monochromatic look or your home has natural/faux stone siding, a black door will perfectly suit your exterior.
Even if you have a white or brick home, a black garage door can create stunning contrast.
Not to mention the adage that black is thinning. If your garage is exceptionally prominent, add a black door can help to make it look more discrete. This is because rather than reflecting light, black naturally absorbs. So, if you're tired of your garage door taking up too much of center stage, black can help hide it away.
Just be warned that because black absorbs light, it will also absorb warmth. If your garage door is sized to fit two cars, that’s a lot of surface area taking in the sun’s rays.
Just be careful on hot summer days if the kids are running around out by the garage. If the lean against the door, it could potentially burn them.
Don’t worry about all that sunshine fading your door, though. A quality product should last you around 20 years.
If black is too much of a statement, consider a neutral color such as white, sand, or beige. These three colors go with just about any other color and won’t clash with the rest of your design. This way, viewer’s attention will be focused on your home’s other selling points.
Windows: Let the Sunshine In!
Windows serve two purposes on a garage door. Yes, they let in much-needed sunlight, but they also can help accentuate the style of your home and door. Depending on your home’s architecture and your preferred garage door, you can easily find hundreds of different windows.
So before you go window shopping, consider these three things:
1. The Layout: Some styles are more traditional than others, so be sure to do your research. They are Double or Single, Right or Left, Side Harmony Windows; Outer Section, Harmony Windows; or even the all-time classic Upper Section Windows, but with an added 3rd Section.
2. Decorative Inserts or Not?: These are a great option for Traditional or Carriage-House Styles, as they give an air of grace to your home.
3. The Type of Glass: Consider just how personal you want to be with your neighbors. You may want a certain type of glass depending on how you use your garage.
No matter your preference, it’s easy to find the perfect window to highlight the elegance and style of your home.
Wow! Can you believe garage doors are this complicated? If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed...
Don’t be!
Since a quality garage door will last you 20 years or more, here’s what you should do:
If you contact a local garage door dealer, they can guide you on how to best make your garage door reflect your personality. Here at North Country Door Systems, we can ever quote you a price by email!
Are cell phones your thing?
Try out our Design Centre app! It’ll help you pick out the perfect door style, and you can even try your favorites on a photo of your home!
Need some ideas?
Lots of gorgeous residential garage door waiting for you here, so take a look!
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