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Remodeling Design Dilemma Exterior

Garage Door Design Decision. Help!

Jeanne Robinson

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Hello : )

We are getting a new garage door and I have narrowed it down to three designs. Our budget is calling for a steel stamped carriage style door for our two car garage. Please help me decide. We have just had the house almost completely re-done with new siding, shutters, etc. and now it's time for the last decision. I think I know which garage door I want to go with but I want outside input before I make my final decision. Also, I want to go dark but everyone insists I'll regret it and I should go with my trim color or siding color. Is going dark really such a bad decision? I have already decided I don't want the garage door to be the same as my siding so we can leave that option off. We are also going to build a little wall to cover the trash bin but that's a whole other thing. However, if you have any input on that, I'd love to hear it, too.

Please help, I have decision fatigue! I really need to get this garage door order in so we can be finished and put this project to bed. I have three pics I mocked up in photoshop- choose your favorite style and which color you think I should go with and any input if you have it.

Please and many many thanks!

Details-

Siding: SW Repose Gray

Trim: Modern Gray

Shutters & Front Door: Urbane Bronze

PS Please ignore the dead and crappy landscaping and ratty mailbox. We're coming along slowly but surely around here. But, hey, I'll take input on that, too! I'm pretty much all ears.

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Comments (5)

User
4 years ago
I’d do house color for garage door, but I know you said you didn’t want that. Why? If not the house color, then white to match the trim. Dark is adding more detail, another element, to a house that already has really nice classic color combos and finishes.
Jeanne Robinson thanked User
Jennifer C
4 years ago
I like number 2 the best! Less is more in my opinion. I think most people say not to do dark because it draws attention to the garage instead of the house. Since it's on the side I feel like you should go with what you like :)
Jeanne Robinson thanked Jennifer C
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Is there currently living space above the garage nearest the door? I think it would make a huge difference to add some kind of contemporary dormer above that garage, that ties in the angles on the right side of the house. Even without immediately removing one of the garage doors, I think it would make a big difference in breaking up the long line of the roof that draws even more attention to the garage doors. Once the garage door becomes a wall, it will also provide more dimension. I think this will be a really interesting update to follow, I’m glad I stumbled on it! Please post pictures as you go along :)
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I think I'm better at looking at colors after they're on than before! I think your garage looks fine, but it depends on what you want to highlight. If you paint it dark, you'll be calling attention to it - your garage will be the first thing people see when they look at your house. If that's what you want, go for it - but I think the turret is the highlight and I wouldn't want to detract from that. Also consider which way it's facing - if it's south the sun will beat it up if it's a dark color and you'll probably need to paint it every few years. You could also try painting it the same as the rest of the house? That's a little tougher since there's no trim but it could work. BTW I think the color you painted is much better than the old, so don't stress.
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If you paint your garage door as powerfully as your front door, it will become the key statement of your home. Any points of high contrast draw the eye first. Why make something which so utilitarian more of a focus than the ’welcome’ point of your front door? The garage is already a commanding size - I wouldn’t do anything to emphasise that further. All these examples show the sophisticated result of keeping the large garages doors similar in tone to the body of the house. Emphasis remains on the front door & the facade is less chopped-up by changes of colour.
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rustynail
4 years ago
I also like Number 2 the best. Our garage door and front door are Urbane Bronze and look very sharp. Our interior doors are also painted Urbane Bronze. It’s a very nice color. Do what makes you happy!
Jeanne Robinson thanked rustynail
Jeanne Robinson
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Weathy, I appreciate your comment. From what I've noticed driving around and looking at garage doors and speaking with neighbors who have had theirs painted to match the siding- the garage door fades differently than the siding, and after time looks lighter than the siding, even when painted at the same time. Though it's minor, it's something that would bother me.

Jennifer, I have the same thoughts as you. Less is more and it's on the side of the house so I'm not concerned about not drawing attention. Thank you!

Rustynail, thank you for for sharing your experience with Urbane Bronze! I've thought about using it on interior doors and now I will consider it even more.
Jeanne Robinson
Original Author
4 years ago
I've put in the order for door #2. If I can remember, I will update with an after photo. The door doesn't arrive for almost a month, though, so I'll have to be extra patient. Thanks, again!

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