As architectural trends shift away from conventional, cookie-cutter blueprints, designers are becoming increasingly deliberate about every element they incorporate into their designs. The COVID-19 pandemic is also changing the way we view our homes − for many, "home" now doubles as school, work, and even the gym.1
The greater demand for open floor plans, multi-functional spaces, and integrated indoor and outdoor areas gives us an opportunity to get creative. Here are 8 unconventional ways you can use garage doors to integrate these concepts into your space.
1 | Patio
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The bigger the opening, the better the transition.2 No need to settle for a set of French doors − make a statement with a Full-View Aluminum glass garage door.
Want to make the most out of your balcony's square footage? Full-View can also be used in place of a traditional patio door to create the illusion of more space. Crystal-clear glass allows an abundance of natural light to pass through the door, a great added benefit for the adjoining room.
If a floor-to-ceiling sized door seems excessive for your application, you can still emulate a continuous space by using Full-View as a transom window. By connecting your sunroom to your patio, you can create a charming bar counter for your indoor/outdoor entertaining area.
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2 | Deck / Sunroom
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Get year-round use of your outdoor space and leave your guests in awe by enclosing your deck with Full-View doors − it's a deck in the summer, and a sunroom in the winter. Glass walls allow you to take full advantage of the nature around your property as well as its surrounding views.
3 | Pool house
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Is your pool house just taking up space on your property? Or worse, is it a bit of an eyesore? Give your pool house a much-needed facelift and fully embrace its function by adding a garage door. Establish privacy and security with Raised Panel, or add a bold, modern flair with Sterling.
4 | Boat house
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This adorable boat house addition to a Lake Hopatcong lake house speaks for itself. Upgrade your outdated, mildew-covered entranceway with Skyline Flush from the Contemporary Collection. Tinted glass lets in plenty of natural light without sacrificing security.
5 | Open-concept
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Take "open-concept" to a whole other level by incorporating Full-View doors into your floor plan. These Barndominium designs are ideal for nature-lovers who want to eliminate the borders between indoors and outdoors. The modern-industrial touch will undoubtedly add a one-of-a-kind eccentricity to your home.
6 | Indoor/outdoor entertaining
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Create a natural flow between your entertaining spaces by replacing your patio door with a Full-View Aluminum garage door. The indoor/outdoor transition will feel natural and fluid, and your guests won't have to worry about bumping into each other or lining up to pass through a tiny doorframe. Opt for an insulated model to ensure your door blocks outside temperatures from getting into your home.
7 | Kitchen
Avoid the all-too-familiar aftereffects of baking accidents by installing a Full-View door as a kitchen transom window. Quickly air out unsatisfactory aromas/smoke, keep a close eye on the kids playing outside, and easily transfer refreshments to and from. You'll never have to wave a dish cloth around a beeping smoke detector again.
8 | Gym
We've all had to adjust our routines to comply with suboptimal circumstances − for many of us, transitioning from exercising at the gym to at home has been a major obstacle. Take advantage of some newfound free time by converting a spare room or vacant toolshed into a home gym. Install a Full-View door on one or more of the walls to brighten up the space, increase air circulation, and embrace the great outdoors during your workout.
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Want more inspiration? Follow our Unconventional & Unique Garage Door Applications board on Pinterest!