Functional Garage Ideas

Storage Space

• Lack of storage space is a common issue homeowners face when it comes to creating a functional garage. Fortunately, there are numerous tools and options to utilize space all the while storing your possessions. When it comes to designing a functional garage, the most important thing to remember is that your walls and ceiling may be used as storage space.

  If your garage lacks cabinets, then shelves, pegboards and hooks may be used to create vertical storage space. This will provide more than enough space for lawn and garden tools, automotive supplies, and chemicals, among other items typically stored in a garage. Sleek storage bins may be stacked from floor to ceiling to store items such as seasonal clothing and sports equipment. Metal lockers also create a sleek, functional look, while keeping storage clutter out of sight.

Flooring and Tile

• Your garage floors may seem irrelevant when it comes to design, but for a sleek, functional garage, they'll need sprucing up. A dull concrete floor with settlement cracks and chemical stains will ruin an otherwise functional garage. Today, there are plenty of inexpensive options when it comes to garage flooring. After choosing a color, you'll need to choose a material. There are various different colors of concrete as well as numerous finishing methods that will turn a bland garage into a functional work area. Epoxy paint, dusting, tile, and floor covers are also available to transform your garage floor.

Walls and Accessories

• Before placing pegboard and hooks along your walls, consider decorating them. Whether you're using solid-colored paint or wallpaper, a little color goes a long way when it comes to creating a functional garage. For example, a solid red border would blend well with a black and white tile floor and red tool cabinets. Silver lockers would blend nicely with black wall accents or patterned borders. Homeowners should also remember that just because it's a garage, that doesn't mean you cannot use artwork to spruce up the place.

Common Eyesores

• Plumbing, electrical boxes and automatic garage door openers may cause issues for those looking to turn their boring garage into a functional space. Fortunately, there are ways to disguise, hide and even highlight these features to blend in with the decor. For example, plumbing may be hidden with a rolling work bench placed strategically in front of it. Electrical boxes may be hidden with deep photo frames. If you're feeling bold, these items may also be spray painted to fit in with the rest of the decor.