Tips for incorporating your old garage door into your home's interior design

(BPT) - Garage door replacement has become one of the most popular home improvement projects because of its high return on investment (ROI). In fact, Remodeling Magazine's recent annual Cost vs. Value Report ranks garage door replacement as the No. 2 project (out of a list of 35) to offer a good ROI.

But for every new garage door bought, there's an old door that's now obsolete. Before sending it off to the landfill, consider some interesting ways in which it could be used inside your house. There's a wide spectrum of unique applications that could give your home decor a "wow" factor while being practical and environmentally friendly at the same time. Now that's a win-win.

The easiest and most inexpensive way to incorporate a garage door inside is to simply attach it to the wall or ceiling. Consider covering the door with chalkboard paint and bolting it to a playroom wall to create interactive fun for children. This also would make an interesting and useful addition to the kitchen, offering a spot for jotting down grocery lists and notes for family members. If you have a room that's devoid of architectural detail, paint your door a color that works well with other furniture and attach it to the ceiling. You'll add instant interest without the expense of custom carpentry.

Garage doors also can be used as interior walls, providing the option of opening up two rooms if needed for large gatherings. This creates a fluid interior that's as much interesting and unexpected as it is functional.

A more expansive way to incorporate a garage door inside is to use it in place of windows or exterior walls, creating a room that literally opens up to the outdoors. Imagine hosting a party in a kitchen or family room that could be completely open to a beautiful back yard or patio - this would take entertaining to a whole new level. And if you have the panels of the door replaced with glass, consider the amount of natural light that would be added to your interior, in a beautiful and unconventional way.

Using a garage door to replace an existing wall or in lieu of a wall in new construction will require the assistance of a trained professional. If your existing garage door is not insulated, you might consider purchasing a new one to protect against extreme temperatures and noise. For more information on the benefits of an insulated garage door, visit www.amarrgaragedoors.com.

So if your renovation list is like that of many homeowners and includes the purchase of a new garage door, consider incorporating your old door into your interior decorating to add an element of design that's both useful and unique.