The front entry of a home was the first impression people see when they come and visit. However, since the current garages get larger with 3 to 4 car bays, the garage door is gradually dominating front of a house, and it is becoming harder for visitors to know where to go as soon as they’ve parked in the drive. At which it took me some time to find out where the front door is, I’ve been to homes that were open. Talk about a purchaser’s turn-off!
Instead of just painting the front door another colour, consider the following 7 ways you can better define your front entry when building or renovating your house.
Before Photo
CBI Design Professionals, Inc..
1. Position the garage behind the house. This renovation job by CBI Design Professionals Inc. is an excellent example of the way this approach is set to use to enhance the design of the house.
I also actually enjoy the rounded detail of this porch around the corner. Very well done indeed!
Darwin Webb Landscape Architects, P.S.
2. Create a couryard. In this undertaking, acquiring the garage perpendicular to the house defines an inviting courtyard area for visitors. The drop roof of the front entrance slopes backwards to make sure the front door will not be missed.
Charlie & Co.. Design, Ltd
3. Put the garage in the basement. If the website allows, acquiring the garage in the basement creates more living space on the main floor. The driveway can then be routed separately in the walkway to the house.
Eck | MacNeely Architects inc..
4. De-emphasize the garage. Here, the colour of this garage door blends in seamlessly with the stone siding, which also will help you to play down the value of the drive and garage door.
Smith & Vansant Architects PC
5. The garage as a distinct arrangement. This shingle style home in New Hampshire uses a breezeway (next photograph ) to connect with the garage and the main house. Visitors may enjoy the spectacle of this website before entering the house.
Smith & Vansant Architects PC
Following is a closer look at the breezeway.
Andrea Swan – Swan Architecture
6. Cantilever a distance over the garage. This hillside house has the potential of being overpowering using its 3-story level. The architect played the garage down box window built-out over it. An inviting set of stairs leads visitors to the main entry level.
Aneka Interiors Inc..
7. Light the entry. The elaborate front porch of the home is superbly lit with up lighting and accent lighting. Notice the garage isn’t illuminated at all.
Lane Design + Build
Final term: When a front garage is unavoidable, consider adding architectural information to the garage door and breaking a potentially dull driveway to add interest to your curb appeal.
How have you played the garage, or played your front door?
More: Curb Appeal: The Front Door
How to Select a Front Door