
Garage Doors for European Style Homes
Oct. 2, 2024European Architecture
European inspired architecture is a broad category that encompasses many regions and styles of homes. From English and French to Spanish and Italian, these homes have some common traits that set them apart. Understanding the key architectural elements of European homes can help you select the right garage door to complement this style.
4 Main Elements of European Style
European style homes come in all shapes and sizes, but a few key elements stand out if you know what to look for:
Material Choice
The building material is very important in European homes. Specific materials like stone, wood, stucco and brick are most commonly used, often in combination with each other to make up this architectural style. The use of these materials creates texture and depth of design. It also creates contrast for the eye to look at. European style homes often have many materials to look at, resulting in a rich and layered feel.
Ornate Features
More is more when it comes to European style homes. Even cozy cottages are a feast for the eyes. Everything from columns and intricate stonework to a varied roof line give this style of architecture lots of focal points. In stark contrast to modern architecture with clean lines, European style proudly stands out with distinct design features and extra flourishes.
Symmetry
All across Europe, you will find buildings, grand homes, modest cottages and even castles in perfect symmetrical balance. Extremely pleasing to the eye, symmetry in architecture is all about matching pairs, equal visual weight and clear sight lines. This can be as simple as even number of windows on the front of a building and as complex as the placement of the dome on a cathedral. But when you think of European style it is important to consider what will make your design the most symmetrical.
Neutral, Cozy Colors
Because natural building materials are featured so prominently on European homes, colors tend to be more muted and neutral in nature to complement the materials. Think cream, taupe, blush and soft greens to act as a gentle accent to the sometimes-bold architecture of the home. Even though European homes tend to have rich details in the building and construction, the colors used are subdued to let the structure shine.
4 Garage Doors for European Homes
If these design elements represent your home, Wayne Dalton has a garage door to perfectly play up this classic style. The following are four of our favorites:
Carriage House Garage Doors - Models 8600, 8670, and 9405
The Carriage House Steel Collection features the look of classic swing-out carriage house doors, but with the convenience of modern overhead operation. These doors are crafted with deep panel designs and intricate detailing that pair well with European architecture, particularly with French country or Tudor-style homes. The wood-grain texture options add a rustic charm that fits well with the old-world aesthetic.
Faux Wood Garage Doors
The Designer Fiberglass Collection offers a wood-look finish with the durability of fiberglass. These doors provide the elegance of mahogany or oak finishes that complement European homes, such as Mediterranean or Italian villas. The rich, natural appearance and fine detailing of the fiberglass panels bring warmth and sophistication, matching the refined and classic exterior of European designs.
Flush Wood Garage Doors
Wood garage doors are perfect for homes that demand an authentic, high-end finish. Wayne Dalton's custom wood options allow for tailored designs that can match the specific European architectural style of a home, whether it be a grand Chateau, an English manor, or a Swiss chalet. The natural wood provides a timeless look that can be customized with unique window shapes, panel designs, and finishes to harmonize with the home’s exterior.
Carriage House Style Wood Doors
The 7000 Series, made from premium hardwoods, offers a classic yet flexible design that can be customized to reflect the elegance of European homes. These doors feature beautiful craftsmanship, with options for intricate overlays, custom hardware, and stain-grade wood species. Whether the home is an ornate Victorian or a stately Georgian design, the 7000 Series can be tailored to complement the architectural nuances of the residence.
European style homes can appear in many different forms, but key traditional elements hold true across the architecture. This sophisticated design offers something for everyone with its deep history and traditions. Having the right garage door to pair with such beautiful architecture can be just the element you need to take your European home to the next level.
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