Design Trends, Best Practices and Creative Accessories for your New Garage
If you're building a new home, you may or may not be considering the design of the garage. Garages can be more than just a place to park your car – they can also serve as storage space, a workshop, or even an extra room. As such, it's important to give careful thought to the design of your garage to ensure it meets your needs and complements the overall style of your home.
A Layout for Your Lifestyle
One best practice for garage design is to consider the layout and flow of the space. This can be especially important if you plan to use your garage for more than just parking your car. Think about how you will move around the space and where you'll need storage, shelving, and other features.
Trending in garage design is the inclusion of a mudroom or entryway space before entering the home. This can be a convenient place to store shoes, coats, and other items that might otherwise clutter up your home. A mudroom can also be a great spot for a bench or hooks to hang your things, as well as a place to put a pet kennel or litter box if needed.
Another innovative idea is to create a multi-functional space in your garage. This can be accomplished through the use of dividers or partitions to create separate areas for different activities. For example, you might have a section for parking, a section for storage, and a section for a workshop or hobby area. This can help you make the most of your garage space and keep things organized.
Don’t forget the overall house layout and where your garage is located. Front load garages are the most popular from an exterior design perspective but take into consideration the location of the home and the homeowner lifestyle.
Finishes Matter
Your garage is a part of your home and deserves to look nice and finished. Another trend is finishing the floors and adding baseboards, casings, and paint. Epoxy floor coatings provide a durable, easy-to-clean surface for your garage floor that can withstand heavy foot traffic and spills. Epoxy coatings are also resistant to staining and fading, making them a low-maintenance choice for your garage.
For a minimal cost you can add baseboards, casings and fresh paint in any color of your choice. This adds a finished look to your garage that matches the look and effort put into the interior of your new home.
Tips for Convenience
If your home needs a water softener, the garage is a great place for the salt tank. That way, refilling the salt tank is as easy as backing your car up to the tank. No need to lift and carry heavy bags of salt crystals to another location in your home.
Another best practice is to pay attention to lighting, heating, and ventilation. Proper lighting is important for safety and convenience, especially if you plan to use your garage as a workshop or for other activities. For a minimal cost you can add heating and open up a world of opportunities to alternatively use your garage space in all seasons. Ventilation is also important to help control fumes, dust, and other contaminants that can accumulate in a garage.
You may want to consider planning for the kitchen to share a wall with the garage. The addition of a small “secret” or “Costco” door that connects the garage to the kitchen and/or pantry makes for convenient grocery unloading.
Smart Garages
One innovative idea is the use of smart technology in your garage. Technology like smart garage door openers that can be controlled via your phone or voice assistant, as well as smart lighting and temperature control systems add ease and convenience to your everyday garage use. Smart lighting and temp systems can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times or when motion is detected, helping to conserve energy and reduce electricity costs. Additionally, these systems can be controlled remotely, allowing for the garage to be illuminated even when the owner is away from home.
These technologies can also enhance safety and security. With the ability to control and monitor the garage remotely, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that their garage is secure and functioning properly.
Don’t Forget the Basics
There are also a number of accessories you can incorporate into your garage design to make it more functional and efficient. Some ideas include:
- Shelving and cabinets for storage
- Work benches and tool organizers
- Wall organizers for hanging tools and other items
- Hooks and racks for sports equipment and other items
- Overhead storage systems to make use of vertical space
- Bike racks or hangers
By incorporating these innovative ideas and accessories into your garage design, you can create a space that is tailored to your needs and helps you make the most of your new home.
Finally, don't forget to consider the overall style of your home when designing your garage. While it's important to have a functional space, you also want it to look cohesive with the rest of your home. This can be achieved through the use of matching materials, such as siding or roofing, interior finishes, as well as color schemes and other design elements.
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