Fashion is a way of expressing yourself, and it is not unfair to say that your choices reflect your personality.
Do you think the same thing can be said about the elements of your home? The garage door, for instance?
If you stand outside of your home and look at the overall style, and then specifically at the garage door, does it fit?
Does it say what you want it to say?
After all, it is the largest feature of a home, whether it is a one-car garage or a larger three-car space.
Do you think it says something about you and your style?
If you aren’t sure, just use this simple little test.
- Go to a neighborhood with homes that you appreciate.
- Pick one you would like to have as your own.
- Take a moment to look at that home and pay attention to the elements that draw your eye the most.
If that home has a garage, the chances are good that you’ll notice the garage right away.
Now, think of your home in the same way. Even easier, just pose these questions to yourself:
- Can I say I am proud of my garage door?
- Can I say it is a good reflection of my taste?
- Do I even like the door?
If you are like millions of others, you probably think more along the lines of “Man, I have got to do something about that door!”
If you remain unconvinced that the garage door is such an important issue, take a few moments to look at the following points and questions.
We think they will change your mind.
So, why is it important for your garage door to represent your personality?
The Top Answer – Curb Appeal and Real Estate Values
As we noted, the garage door is a huge component of the home.
Even when you are unaware of the door, it is sending out a lot of messages to those who see it.
For example, your tidy little gardens and flower beds may look great, but a shabby door can outweigh their good looks, making them almost invisible.
The same can be said, generally, of any home's neat and attractive exterior – the peeled and worn-out door just creates an instantly bad impression.
“I can live with that,” you might think, but not if you are thinking of selling the home or getting it refinanced.
The National Association of Realtors in the United States reported that if a garage door is attractive, as well as having a neat, well-organized interior, you could sell your residence faster and even get a better offer or close to the asking price on its sale.
They also noted you could ask up to 4% more if your door leaves a favorable impression on visitors.
Additionally, a 2018 report by Remodeling Magazine in its “Cost vs. Value” article indicated that replacing one’s garage door gives the best return on investment.
Around 98%, in fact, making it the highest value among the 21 renovation projects evaluated.
The Next Issue: Clashes in Architectural Style
So, there is financial value in making your garage door attractive.
There is also esthetic value. This begins with knowing the architectural style of your home as there are strong connections between the overall architectural style and the looks of the garage door.
Generally speaking, there are 3 dominant schools of architectural design from which to choose, and they include:
Don't be fooled by the word "traditional," as it does not mean old-fashioned.
It can have antique elements, but it is usually a blend of architectural styles that have evolved over time according to shifting trends.
It can combine something like Mission-style kitchen cabinetry with modern subway tile or multi-paned windows.
It uses a basic philosophy of investing in well-made pieces that won't quickly go out of fashion in just a few years or even a few decades.
You like this look? These are 9x7 Garage Doors, in Classic Mix Pattern and Desert Sand Color
If you appreciate a bungalow style or a cottage, you are probably a fan of traditional style as they all borrow from one another.
Basically, they combine to create a harmonious and yet also classic look.
You like this look? These are 9x8 Garage Doors, in Prestige XL Pattern, Moka Brown Color and with Cachet Windows
❤ Contemporary or Modern Style:
Modern looks are growing in popularity every year.
They are often seen as featuring dark and earthy hues paired with natural materials and a lighter palette. Their contrast actually pulls them together nicely.
You like this look? These are 9x7 Garage Doors, in VOG Pattern, Black Color, and with Right Side Harmony Windows
Additionally, the style has elements surprising in their sizes, such as overly large doors and windows.
Take the image below. Here you see the use of oversized doors and enormous panes of glass to increase the size of interior and exterior spaces visibly.
However, the Contemporary style is defined by the balance of forms, purity of lines, and simplicity.
You like this look? These are 6x8.5 and 16x8.5 CALIFORNIA Garage Doors, Black Aluminum Frame, and with Satin Glass Windows
Common to rural and suburban areas, this may incorporate the farmhouse and the carriage-house styles.
They can be distinguished by the use of traditional architectural elements such as dormers, cornices, and large porches.
Image: Interior Design Magazine
Any country style home is also going to feature 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
The garage doors for such homes will be especially distinct and made to emulate classic swing-style doors from many years ago.
They use decorative overlays in an A, V, or X shape, to create a barn-door effect or they are perfectly square.
You like this look? This is a CAMBRIDGE CS Garage Door, Ice White door & overlays, and with 4 lite Panoramic windows
Usually, you either love or dislike the country and carriage house doors on sight and immediately know if they are 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
So, you can now say you understand that garage doors are not limited to the classic white panel doors.
In fact, here at Hicklin Door Services, we offer 38 different door designs in 12 colors, and more than 100 window possibilities.
And new styles regularly appear because manufacturers respond to the ever-changing trends in design and architecture, as well as new color trends.
And talking about color…
What Garage Door Color is Right For YOU?
We can talk all day about architectural styles, but we'd be remiss if we skipped over the issue of color.
Though there are definitely styles that take center stage, many fades in popularity, and it is the classics that remain (such as those 3 outlined above).
Often, a designer uses a unique door because their client wants a "very special personality" to their home. It is also why they might opt for a trendier color over a classic hue.
And while global style will impact color trends, for the past five to 7 years, it has been darker, earth colors like moka brown, sandstone, and charcoal that stand out from the crowd.
These colors also mirror the natural wood and remind us of natural wood grains and hues.
In fact, these 5 colors mimic the appearance of a wooden garage door, without the maintenance wood needs.
- Chocolate Walnut
- American Walnut
- Dark Walnut
- Cherry
- The Brand New Iron Ore Walnut
These factory-baked-on, polyester-based paints really give the look of a wood garage door without the weight and maintenance issues.
Also, another of the trendiest colors in the current era is Black.
You like this look? This is an EASTMAN E‑11 Garage Door, Black door & overlays, and with 4 lite Panoramic windows
By making a chic style statement, black also says you prefer elegance and simplicity.
It is common on modern homes, but also other styles, including traditional and carriage-house styles.
This color works well with natural stone and faux stone as well as basic siding colors like white, cream, or grey.
It also contrasts sharply with basic hues, including red or brick.
And though fashion experts say that black is thinning, it can also bring a similar quality to a home. This is because black absorbs rather than reflects light. This creates an optical illusion, visible shrinking the door.
Why is this beneficial? Well, if you have a double garage door and you don't want it to "steal the show", black will "shrink" the perceived size of the door.
Remember, though, black absorbs the sun’s warmth.
And because your single garage door is 9x7 and a double garage door is around 16x7, it can absorb a tremendous amount of heat.
In fact, it can become so hot during the summertime that kids can get burned if they lean on a door in the full sun.
Since your garage door is a 20+ year investment, you need to remember that this trait applies to the black door.
You may want to opt for a more neutral color like white, sand, or beige if this is a concern.
Each of them can coordinate well with most other colors and will not stand out like a bolder hue.
In fact, a more neutral color can direct attention toward other elements of your home’s exterior, such as your landscaping.
Add Windows and Add More Personality and Sunlight!
Designers say there are 2 reasons you always want to add windows to your garage door.
They let natural light into the garage, and they also enhance a particular style.
The natural light is easy to understand, but how do windows boost style?
Using your home’s architecture, you can make the door and its windows very complimentary.
How do you do this, though?
You can consider 3 elements of design:
1. Layouts:
Window placement can include double or single, right or left side, outer sections windows, and even all-time classic upper section windows, among other options.
2. Decorative inserts:
Bring a touch of Carriage-house or Traditional style along with some elegance when opting for inserts rather than simpler panes.
3. Glass:
Glass is NEVER just glass.
You can have an array of looks when opting for one of the types of glass, below:
There are windows and window styles for all tastes. Just consider how each choice will add to and match the personality of the home.
By now, you are probably surprised at the elaborateness of garage door options. In fact, you might feel a bit overwhelmed, right?
Don’t be!
Just remember that a garage door can last 20+ years and take the time to make the right decisions.
Also, contact a garage door dealer near you as they can help you make all of the right choices based on your style and design needs or goals.
In fact, Hicklin Door Services is happy to provide you with a quotation by email.
We also encourage you to call us for lots of inspiration, advice, and guidance about the different garage door models and options available.
5201 NE 14thsup> Street, Suite C, Des Moines, IA 50313
515-276-3700
Ames, IA
515-233-4210
Maybe you don’t have a lot of time to stop by but want to learn more about the different doors available.
Well, just use mobile Design Centre feature.
When you upload a photo of your home to the app, you can then test out an array of door styles and choices and get a preview of what it would like on your actual home!
Looking for inspiration first?
In our gallery, we offer lots of gorgeous residential garage door designs just waiting for you, so take a look!
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