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6 Ways to Accent Your Garage Doors

With arched glass windows, decorative iron work, and intricate hardware, architectural garage doors are already works of art in their own right. Still, you wouldn't hang a painting without the perfect frame, right? Similarly, even the best and most eye-catching garage doors can do with a little primping in order to perfectly integrate them into your exterior decor. Luckily, the internet has come up with tons of solutions to give garage doors some extra pop, all of which have curb appeal in spades. Here are a few of the best ideas we've seen to give your architectural garage doors a look befitting of their appeal.

garage door with arbor

Go Cottage Couture with an Above-the-Door Arbor

If there's anything lovelier than an arbor bedecked with curling vines, we haven't found it yet! This project makes an especially enticing companion for homes with arched top doors and Mediterranean accents. A twisting vine with heavy blossoms—such as wisteria, climbing hydrangea, or bougainvillea—easily captures the cottage chic look, making your garage appear as though it's right out of a fairy tale. Is that a car in your garage or a pumpkin turned into a coach? (Image: Signature® Carriage Collection​ wood garage doors​)

garage door pergola
Add a Pergola for Some Southwestern Flair

The casual, welcoming appeal of a Spanish colonial goes down even easier with a few period elements, such as a scalloped pergola or archway in chocolate tones. Pergolas provide the opportunity to frame your garage and make a natural place to hang lights. We've even seen them outfitted with solar panels for a little energy savings as well—so there's definitely more than one way to use them! (Image: Signature® Carriage Collection​ wood garage doors)

accent lighting for garage door
 

Brighten Up with Spotlights and Ambient Lighting

It used to be that homes had one outdoor flood light—and maybe some sconces by the doorway if you were fancy. But now, lighting options span a huge range of choices, from traditional lanterns and ceiling lights all the way to outdoor LED strip lights and recessed spotlights. In particular, we love the way homeowners are using their lighting as a decorative accent in exterior spaces. This ultramodern home, for instance, is practically flooded with warm light. A generous helping of miniature spotlights, together with plenty of ambient lighting from the frosted glass windows in the garage help this space transform into a dazzling wonderland come dusk. ​(Image: Modern glass aluminum garage doors​)

​​lanterns near garage door

Opt for Traditional Lantern-Style Lights

Of course, just like a PBJ sometimes just hits the spot, often the classics really are best. This contemporary take on carriage house style​ keeps one foot firmly rooted to the past through the use of carefully selected wall sconces. Look at how the wrought iron details perfectly offset the rustic hardware on the garage doors. Now that is traditional done right!

garage door matching stone facade

Pair with a Stone Facade for Maximum Appeal

Think where we would be without all the people who helped us along the way. And just like a best friend always helps lift you up, this carriage house style door gets a boost from an attractive stone veneer fitted around the home's perimeter. The stone in this siding lends to the home's overall welcoming appearance. 

accent hardware for garage door

Use Hardware to Make an Eye-Catching Statement 

No man is an island, and no door is complete without the perfect hinges, door pulls, and knobs. When choosing decorative hardware, look for options that both draw the eye and offer balance between the other architectural elements in the door. For instance, in this piece the black pops against the neutrals in the door, giving the whole thing a very modern energy. But the classic barn style hardware adds just a touch of nostalgia as well. When all the pieces fit together, the end result is an exterior that you'll be proud to call your own.​ (Image: Traditional Steel garage doors​)

About the Writer 

​​erin vaugh - writer

Erin Vaughan is a blogger, gardener and aspiring homeowner.  She currently resides in Austin, TX where she writes full time for Modernize, with the goal of empowering homeowners with the expert guidance and educational tools they need to take on big home projects with confidence.​​


Posted on May 9, 2017
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