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7 Ways to Make the Front Entry Matter Again
Curb appeal: See how designers play down the garage and celebrate the front door
The front entry of a home used to be the first impression people see when they come and visit. However, as today's garages get bigger with 3 to 4 car bays, the garage door is slowly dominating the front of a house, and it is getting harder for visitors to know where to go after they have parked in the driveway. I have been to open houses where it took me a while to figure out where the front door is. Talk about a buyer's turn-off!
Rather than just painting the front door a different color, consider these 7 ways you can better define your front entry when building or renovating your house.
Rather than just painting the front door a different color, consider these 7 ways you can better define your front entry when building or renovating your house.
| 1. Position the garage behind the house. This renovation project by CBI Design Professionals Inc. is a fantastic example of how this strategy is put to use to enhance the friendliness of the house. I also really like the rounded detail of the porch around the corner. Very well done indeed! |
| 2. Create a couryard. In this project, having the garage perpendicular to the house defines an inviting courtyard space for visitors. The shed roof of the front entrance slopes backwards to make sure the front door will not be missed. |
| 3. Put the garage in the basement. If the site allows, having the garage in the basement creates more living area on the main floor. The driveway can then be routed separately from the walkway to the house. |
| 4. De-emphasize the garage. Here, the color of the garage door blends in seamlessly with the stone siding, which also helps to play down the importance of the driveway and garage door. |
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| 5. The garage as a separate structure. This shingle style home in New Hampshire uses a breezeway (next photo) to connect the garage and the main house. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of the site before entering the house. |
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| Here's a closer look at the breezeway. |
6. Cantilever a space over the garage. This hillside house has the potential of being overpowering with its 3-story level. The architect played down the garage with box window built-out above it. An inviting set of stairs leads visitors to the main entry level.
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7. Light the entry. The elaborate front porch of this home is beautifully lit with up lighting and accent lights. Notice the garage is not illuminated at all.
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| Final word: If a front garage is unavoidable, consider adding architectural details to the garage door and breaking up a potentially monotonous driveway to add interest to your curb appeal. How have you played down the garage, or played up your front door? More: Curb Appeal: The Front Door How to Choose a Front Door |
Ideabook published on Nov. 10, 2011.
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Maybe one day cars will be obsolete and garages will become home gyms, storage, teen party rooms etc.