Designing a multi-purpose garage – in a modern home, multi-purpose spaces are a must-have for how we work and live. New construction design focuses on creating open concept homes where spaces have a seamless flow. For example, living rooms have become more than just a space to relax; they’re media rooms, entertainment venues, and family hangout spots, too. Likewise, kitchens have evolved into a spot for cooking, eating, and entertaining.
But what about the garage? In the past, the garage wasn’t much more than storage for your car and dusty holiday décor. Yet today’s garages have new, more practical spaces that make them more livable. If you’re ready to expand your space in more functional and enticing ways, consider one of these 7 ideas for designing a multi-purpose garage you’ll love.
Design a workshop in your garage
One of the most classic uses of garage spaces is the workshop. Thanks to the garage’s accessibility and defined separation from the house, a workshop in the garage is a smart location for undertaking DIY projects without letting noise and debris inside. Workshops are a natural addition to what already exists in your garage, and they take minimal effort to create. When designing a multi-purpose garage and workshop, make sure you plan for a top-of-the-line workbench. You’ll also want to upgrade your lighting to ensure you can see clearly when working on detailed projects.
Create a space for your boat or ATV
Love big toys? Then you should have the space for them inside of your garage, especially if you’re building a lake home. If you’re planning on having a boat, ATV, or any other outdoor toy, you may want to build in storage space in your new garage. Be sure to talk to your contractor in advance, because you may need to adjust the design in order to accommodate the height of a boat or trailer. All it takes is a little planning.
Build a garage that entertains
Does your home or potential home have a large multi-car garage, but you don’t have the cars to fill it? No problem! Use a portion of this space to build the kind of garage you’ll never want to leave. By converting some of the garage into a media room, it can be the perfect spot for watching football or racing. Make it a more creative space by searching for vintage car seats you can repurpose as movie theater seating. Don’t forget to add a little carpeting to make it feel homey. Make sure to plan for a fridge, too, so you can grab a frosty mug out of the freezer, tap the keg, and pour a cold one. After all, the addition of a kegerator—complete with two sixth-sized kegs to give you the ultimate combo to satiate the tastebuds—just takes a simple conversation with your contractor.
Make the ultimate teenage hangout
Why not begin designing a multi-purpose garage with your teenager in mind, particularly if that teen is musically inclined? Garage bands have long been part of the teenage experience, and if you’d love to keep the noise out of your home, give your teen a dedicated space for jamming with their friends. With a little planning, a comfortable couch, and space for a drum kit, your kids can be out of the house, but still close enough for adult supervision. Don’t forget to talk to your contractor about soundproofing the space just enough to keep your neighbors happy, too.
Craft the perfect art studio
Are you more of a creative type than a mechanic? Consider converting a part of your garage into an artist’s space. It takes room to practice your craft, especially if you have supplies or finished projects to safely store. Give yourself the square footage to meet the demands of your artistic process, especially if it involves accidentally dropping paint or other chemicals on the floor. There’s no better place to get into the messy middle of your creative work than a garage studio.
Make a haven for the grandkids
Your grandkids already love spending time with you. But when designing a multi-purpose garage with them in mind, they may never want to leave. Create a welcoming fun zone for the little ones with a kid-friendly garage designed especially for them. Install easy-to-clean seating for messy projects and crafting or a comfy spot for playing games. Talk to your contractor about using a vibrant color scheme full of yellows, oranges, or greens to brighten up your garage and make it truly unforgettable for the kids.
Go green in the garage
Who says gardening season must end? Designing a multi-purpose garage for a year-round gardening oasis means you’ll never have to pack away your tools. If your garage plan is lacking sunlight or running water, talk to your contractor about adding in the proper tools to ensure you can take advantage of the space that’s there. You may want to consider brightly painted shelving units with extra lighting for housing trays of plants that can grow without the sun. Or, set up rows of cups or pots on a bench for a little extra beauty. You could even create a raised bed along the wall of the garage with the right plan in place. Do you like collecting seeds and bulbs? Add a large planter pot nearby, and make sure to add a pegboard for hanging tools and supplies. With a little extra lighting or sheeting, a bit of tool storage, and even some simple table coverings, your garage can offer a beautiful—and fruitful—atmosphere all year long.
