The door is a big part of the front
On many homes the garage door takes up a quarter or more of the front. A tired, faded or mismatched door drags the whole house down, and a fresh one lifts it. Real estate agents often point to the garage door as one of the quickest ways to improve first impressions.
You do not need to spend a lot to see a change, but you do want the choices to work together.
Stand across the street and look at the house as a visitor would.
Take a photo of your home from the street and print it, or mark it on a screen. Seeing the house in a photo makes it easier to notice what stands out and what needs a change.
Match the architecture
Craftsman, farmhouse, Tudor, colonial, ranch and modern homes each suit different door styles. Use the roofline, the brick and the trim as clues. When in doubt, ask for sample images of doors on homes like yours.
A door that fights the house looks out of place, even when it is a nice door on its own.
We bring samples and examples to your visit.
If your community has design rules, check them before you fall in love with a style. We can help you gather the information for approval, and we can suggest alternatives that fit the rules and still look good.
Choose color with care
A door the same color as the trim looks quiet and tidy, and a contrasting color makes it a feature. Dark doors look modern, and warm wood tones look rich. White and tan are classic and forgiving.
Test samples in morning and afternoon light.
Remember that color looks different on a large flat surface than on a small chip.
If you are unsure about a bold color, try it on the trim or the front door first. A small change is easy to live with, and it shows whether the larger color will work on the garage door.
Add windows and hardware
Window rows add light and detail, and carriage-house hardware adds character. Keep the pattern simple and in scale. Choose finishes that match your entry door hardware and light fixtures.
Too many details can look busy, so edit.
Decorative hardware is a lower-cost way to refresh an existing door.
Keep the hardware in scale with the door and the house. Large handles on a small door look heavy, and tiny ones on a wide door look lost. We show you options at the real size.
Think about the surroundings
A clean driveway, tidy landscaping and well-chosen lights frame a garage door. Wall-mounted lights on each side, house numbers and a fresh entry door all pull the look together.
Consider repainting the trim around the opening.
A cohesive front is more important than any one feature.
Lighting makes a difference at night. Warm lights on each side of the door and a clean, bright house number help guests find the house, and they make a handsome door look even better in the evening.
Plan for performance too
Curb appeal is not only looks. An insulated door is quieter and more comfortable, new seals keep out pests and a smooth opener makes every day easier. Make the upgrades that serve you as well as the street.
Consider insulation, opener quality and security together.
We write down the plan so the whole project matches the picture in your mind.
Think about care as part of the design. A finish that is easy to wash, a seal that stays tight and an opener that runs quietly keep the door looking good and working well for years.
Choose a style that suits the architecture, check colors in real light and keep the details simple and consistent.
