Garages – What do people want?

Even with the rise of ride-sharing services, and self-driving vehicles on the horizon, we are nowhere near the no-garage space. In fact, we are far from it. Garage makeovers have become popular home improvement projects and show no sign of slowing down.

Typical households have two vehicles and homes built with two or three-car garages are in demand. We are seeing the more traditional side-by-side design much more desirable over the tandem garage layout.

Garage purposes are expansive, and people are looking to alternate uses for the space based on need or desire. Let’s dive in and look at some new innovative uses for garages and what trends are surfacing.

Extra Storage Space and Improved Features
Garages have always been great for providing extra storage spaces and multi-functionality is leading the way. Cabinet systems like detailed kitchen cabinets ease greater and more organized storage. We are even seeing motorized overhead storage, like ceiling racks, that is easy and accessible. Flooring with intricate design and different materials are becoming popular as we see garage spaces transform from the traditional vehicle/ storage function to part of the backyard or extended living space. Garage drainage systems have become a game-changer in garage cleanliness. Some systems allow for car washing in the garage. And if you think of those winter months, that snowmelt will drain away. Genius.

Smart Technology
When it comes to garages, technology brings improvements that allow for monitoring and controlled access to that space. That includes heating and cooling throughout the changing seasons, smoke detectors, fire alarms, moisture detectors, automatic lighting, and even speaker systems. Renovated garages are now equipped with high voltage electrical outlets suitable for charging electric vehicles. An innovative luxury feature includes car lifts. Some custom giant lifts are being concealed in the base of a garage and provide secret underground access to a space that can store collections of motorcycles and luxury cars. It also provides added security and frees up the ground level area for more space. Car turntables are another feature that, whether motorized or manually rotated, can now be installed on the inside of the garage or outside.

Garage Conversions
Garages have become part of the backyard for some and serve as an extended outdoor living space. In urban areas, where space can be limited, this type of conversion is a valuable luxury. Some garages have been repurposed as outdoor rooms such as office spaces, yoga rooms, or even gyms. The transformation can be impressive. Old industrial buildings are being converted to light-filled homes with laboratories and garages that showcase classic car collections. Imagine that. Green roofs for garages are trending and serve as a vegetable garden, small patio, or an added outside space above the garage.

Interior and Exterior Aesthetics
When we look at features, the list is far from boring. Garages at ground level can act as a display for antique car lovers, or even a workshop, while the home above extrudes and cantilevers over the site which forms a carport below. The outside of the garage may show translucent panels or Corten steel shutters which are clever facades that provide privacy while allowing light to filter through. Vinyl wrap murals for garage doors have complex designs and are easy to clean to remove graffiti or tagging should it be of concern. On the inside, windowless garages transition into a bright open-plan living space making it a live-in garage for small spaces or instead, French doors that open to the extended outdoor living space.

Luxury garage features are on the rise and making itself to the homeowner’s dream garage list. Some of the tailored projects mentioned are excellent examples of innovation and evidence that the possibilities in garage design are endless and will trend for many years to come.

Categorized in: Architecture News