The Ultimate Garage for the Ultimate Driving Machine

[osxcode]

The Ultimate Garage for the Ultimate Driving Machine

I am in the process of remodeling my two, two car garages into something more ultimate and great. At the moment, they just look boring and unsubstantial, like something that would house a much more pedestrian car collection. I am trying to collect ideas and put together my garage project this summer. If you have any ideas or concepts to share, please add your two cents!

Right now, my garage is a dated 1970's style and I've already updated the building to a modern palm springs looking building, so the garage must come next. It would be nice to come home to a more luxurious entry. The garage I have now is totally hideous and miserable. Most people probably think the garage should just be simple and utility, but I feel horrible parking my BMW's in the garage now, Help!

My renovation concepts:

- Add Canned lighting to the ceiling, at present only the openers have lights in the garage.
(May add a few Chandeliers that Costco currently has for $299)
Maybe add both?

- Have ceilings scraped of awful popcorn and paint brilliant white

- Replace Standard insulated garage roll up doors with Glass / Aluminum roll up modern doors

- Install Wainscoting and new modern cabinets (hide water heater in cabinets) in back of garages

- Add Modern Wallpaper on top of white wainscoting

- Paint pipes / plumbing that can not be hidden bright red or yellow


The Concept is Modern Hotel Lobby

If you have ideas or pictures, PLEASE SHARE! Also I would really appreciate any insight and opinions you may have!

Thanks so much for anything you can add, share your Ultimate Garage!

Photos Below are of what the deplorable garage looks like now, Photos in next post are ideas and concepts for the revision.

 

[osxcode]

These are some of the materials I want to use on the renovation, I will have this garage, doubled, it's a 4 car garage with two glass doors. I have 3 cars at the moment with another one coming. The garage needs to be nicer to look like a nice ambient place to be and to look like something that would house the bmw's I have worked hard for.

Thanks to member 3798j for recommending this board, I hope get some recommendations and ideas before the project is underway in September.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Welcome to the forum. I'm looking forward to seeing the place transformed.

 

[pals444]

Welcome to the forum. You found the right place, I think.
Looks like a nice start for a grand project!

I personally would have chosen to tune the visual expression of the garage down, if the point is to present the cars at their best. Neutral, light and cool surfaces only. High quality, but nothing fancy going on anywhere. Then use the money on two things: Lighting and floor. High end tiles that give the exlusive look. And lighting is extremely important. It could be good advice to use an expert for this.

Good luck with Your project, and Your cars. Looking forward to updates.

 

[55cadillacking]

Judging from those demo shots, that's gonna be one fancy auto salon! Best of luck and keep us all posted.

 

[Pat Brady]

That place is really nice. I'll be glad to see the progress that you make. Keep us up to date with your pictures.

 

[69bigblok]

Subscribed!

 

[3798j]

osxcode, I see that you've found your way here. Think you'll see there's alot of insight, ideas, and cleverness to be discovered among the folks here.

 

[jagwinn]

O.K., love the door and the wainscot....but where is the Fiero?

 

[Stuart in MN]

I like the glass garage door. I think the wallpaper may be a little too busy, as mentioned above the cars should be the focal point of the space. Recessed lighting would be nice, but since it appears this is an attached garage make sure you aren't creating holes in a fire rated ceiling between the garage and living space.

 

[e-tek]

Speaking of glass roll-ups.....here's one in a garage in my neighbourhood-

 

[vinceg101]

Greetings, I always enjoy living vicariously through other peoples' garage and shop spaces. One day, I'll be doing this myself (someday).

Some questions to clarify: You mentioned that currently it is a two car garage and you will be doubling the size to four. I ask how? Your one exterior photo shows this garage space built into the house (above and on both sides), so how are you going to achieve this (unless I'm reading the photos incorrectly)?
Secondly: what's your budget? A lot of people think that Modern = cheap. Yes and no: just because it appears simple, doesn't mean it doesn't take a lot of effort to pull it off correctly. Modern design has be executed almost perfectly from the studs up to the paint to pull off that pristine, clean look. You can't mask imperfections with ornate trim and casings. All this equals money in terms of labor. Also, some of your elements like the glass doors and wallpapers have some high price tags. If you're on a small budget, you have to prioritize.

As mentioned, your design concept and theme might seem to be incongruous with the use of an auto garage. However, if you work on distilling the theme down to a specific look or feel, then your selection of finishes will present themselves. Also as mentioned, the cars are going to visually occupy most all the lower volume (just look at your photo of cars inside) so you should focus your finishes (and money) above them. Some suggestions:

Walls: Wainscot definitely works, but it should be about 48" to 52" high. It should also be plain or at least simpler than the rest of the walls. The walls above them can be the focus for richer detail. Don't rule out the use of color to achieve dramatic effects; it doesn't have to be about pattern. The best Modern buildings use simple color palettes and lighting instead of relying on vivid patterns. Look at the Architect Luis Barragan to see some very bold use of colors with very simple forms to achieve a very distinct Modern look.

Ceiling: Simple white plaster/paint. Look into introducing a simple coffer or tray system with indirect light. It can achieve a dramatic effect and can hide things like lighting, HVAC, etc.

Floor: Dark color or tile. A black or dark charcoal provides a dramatic backdrop for the brighter and bolder colors above. As in photos, a black background often provides the best contrast for the subject of the photo; in this case your cars.

Lighting: This can really make or break a project (both financially and in design execution). If your intent is to make this just a showcase and not as a working space, then use indirect strip lights for general light with small (4") recessed lights for spot-lighting the cars. Consider indirect wall-washing the strip lights either from above or, for more drama, from below.

Elements (Doors, windows, furniture, etc.): The glass doors are a great element, but keep in mind the cost; they can eat up a budget very fast. Remember this is a garage, so space for furniture will be extremely tight. Given the photos of those details you're looking at, they are relying on the use of accessories and furniture to achieve your Modern look. This is a very common practice in the Interior Design world and some very talented people are good at choosing those elements correctly. In your space, you will have little opportunity to use such things. Perhaps this is where the introduction of wall light sconces or the hanging chandeliers will work the best. Storage cabinets in clean, simple forms can work to hide all your stuff. If you have a lot of stuff, consider making sliding doors to close off the area. Either solid panels like a closet or sliding frosted glass doors to create a partitioned room (look at www.slidingdoorco.com for some ideas).

As said, looking forward to see what you do.

 

[dubber]

Welcome and I'm now very excited to see how this comes together, boat loads of potential. I think those glass doors and one accent wall in grey would be very nice. I will definitely be keeping tabs on this thread.

 

[polexican23]

Well Vince has said it all and asked it all. So the only thing I can provide is "good luck".

 

[Kevin54]

I'ma thinkin' Vince is an architect or an interior designer. This is going to be interesting and I'm subscribed. LET THE REMODELING BEGIN

 

[vinceg101]

I'ma thinkin' Vince is an architect or an interior designer. This is going to be interesting and I'm subscribed. LET THE REMODELING BEGIN

Architect

 

[osxcode]

Vince -- Thank you immensely for all of your recommendations, I really appreciate the input and your advice has certainly changed some of my perspectives on the idea. I actually got started on this project this week, I am framing in the second garage (which has not yet been pictured) and having the doors installed this week. I own a 70's modern apartment building, it's what i have to work with.

I am especially intrigued by your ceiling ideas. I hate to sound like an idiot, but what did you mean by a simple coffer or tray system?

I really liked your frosted glass concept for the rear of the garages, to create
storage and hide some uglies.

There really isn't a budget, but Im not spending a fortune, just whatever it takes to make it look nice and cleaner, it is really pitiful now.

Also, in terms of the dark floors --- I like this idea but my cars, as of end of this month are all Carbon Black (very deep dark blue) 3 of them BMW 7 series, would a dark floor look alright in your opinion with the dark color of my cars?

Thanks so much again for your advice!

Greetings, I always enjoy living vicariously through other peoples' garage and shop spaces. One day, I'll be doing this myself (someday).

Some questions to clarify: You mentioned that currently it is a two car garage and you will be doubling the size to four. I ask how? Your one exterior photo shows this garage space built into the house (above and on both sides), so how are you going to achieve this (unless I'm reading the photos incorrectly)?
Secondly: what's your budget? A lot of people think that Modern = cheap. Yes and no: just because it appears simple, doesn't mean it doesn't take a lot of effort to pull it off correctly. Modern design has be executed almost perfectly from the studs up to the paint to pull off that pristine, clean look. You can't mask imperfections with ornate trim and casings. All this equals money in terms of labor. Also, some of your elements like the glass doors and wallpapers have some high price tags. If you're on a small budget, you have to prioritize.

As mentioned, your design concept and theme might seem to be incongruous with the use of an auto garage. However, if you work on distilling the theme down to a specific look or feel, then your selection of finishes will present themselves. Also as mentioned, the cars are going to visually occupy most all the lower volume (just look at your photo of cars inside) so you should focus your finishes (and money) above them. Some suggestions:

Walls: Wainscot definitely works, but it should be about 48" to 52" high. It should also be plain or at least simpler than the rest of the walls. The walls above them can be the focus for richer detail. Don't rule out the use of color to achieve dramatic effects; it doesn't have to be about pattern. The best Modern buildings use simple color palettes and lighting instead of relying on vivid patterns. Look at the Architect Luis Barragan to see some very bold use of colors with very simple forms to achieve a very distinct Modern look.

Ceiling: Simple white plaster/paint. Look into introducing a simple coffer or tray system with indirect light. It can achieve a dramatic effect and can hide things like lighting, HVAC, etc.

Floor: Dark color or tile. A black or dark charcoal provides a dramatic backdrop for the brighter and bolder colors above. As in photos, a black background often provides the best contrast for the subject of the photo; in this case your cars.

Lighting: This can really make or break a project (both financially and in design execution). If your intent is to make this just a showcase and not as a working space, then use indirect strip lights for general light with small (4") recessed lights for spot-lighting the cars. Consider indirect wall-washing the strip lights either from above or, for more drama, from below.

Elements (Doors, windows, furniture, etc.): The glass doors are a great element, but keep in mind the cost; they can eat up a budget very fast. Remember this is a garage, so space for furniture will be extremely tight. Given the photos of those details you're looking at, they are relying on the use of accessories and furniture to achieve your Modern look. This is a very common practice in the Interior Design world and some very talented people are good at choosing those elements correctly. In your space, you will have little opportunity to use such things. Perhaps this is where the introduction of wall light sconces or the hanging chandeliers will work the best. Storage cabinets in clean, simple forms can work to hide all your stuff. If you have a lot of stuff, consider making sliding doors to close off the area. Either solid panels like a closet or sliding frosted glass doors to create a partitioned room (look at www.slidingdoorco.com for some ideas).

As said, looking forward to see what you do.

 

[meissen]

Looks like you have one great garage as a blank canvas, now to do it up! But I have to admit - when I read "Ultimate Driving Machine" I wasn't expecting it to be BMW's in the garage...

 

[dare23]

Looks like you have one great garage as a blank canvas, now to do it up! But I have to admit - when I read "Ultimate Driving Machine" I wasn't expecting it to be BMW's in the garage...

That's because you haven't driven one.

Actually it's been a slogan for a while, first used in '75.

 

[marty_p]

I can see Vince driving across town and consulting over a few cold ones...
Keep us posted, and I welcome you and Vince both to TGJ!

 

[vinceg101]

Vince -- Thank you immensely for all of your recommendations, I really appreciate the input and your advice has certainly changed some of my perspectives on the idea. I actually got started on this project this week, I am framing in the second garage (which has not yet been pictured) and having the doors installed this week. I own a 70's modern apartment building, it's what i have to work with.

I am especially intrigued by your ceiling ideas. I hate to sound like an idiot, but what did you mean by a simple coffer or tray system?

Meaning that the ceiling is in two levels: a lower one wraps around the room and maybe down the middle (or some other module to divide the space up how you like, i.e. half, thirds, quarters, etc.), then the upper or higher level in the middle of those divisions. Think of a soffit above your kitchen upper cabinets. The higher level could be the existing ceiling height you have, and the lower one is maybe set 8"-12" lower depending on what ceiling height you're working with. You can build in indirect lighting around the inside of the "trays" using simple fluorescent lights and also hide HVAC up on the side walls of the trays. This leaves the center of the trays clear for recessed lights. You can also paint the trays a different color than the rest of the ceiling.

I really liked your frosted glass concept for the rear of the garages, to create
storage and hide some uglies.

There really isn't a budget, but Im not spending a fortune, just whatever it takes to make it look nice and cleaner, it is really pitiful now.

Also, in terms of the dark floors --- I like this idea but my cars, as of end of this month are all Carbon Black (very deep dark blue) 3 of them BMW 7 series, would a dark floor look alright in your opinion with the dark color of my cars?

Thanks so much again for your advice!

I get it about the dark cars; I thought about that later after I wrote it. I would think a medium to dark grey color instead, most likely a cool grey.

 

[osxcode]

I have made some, but little, progress....

The ceilings have been shaved off (popcorn acoustic removed) and are ready for paint (or something else). New openers have been installed and garage #2 has been framed-in and garage door installed. I like the new Genie control panels, they allow for super easy programming of the remotes right at the console. Now the real works begins.

Need to figure out what to do with the ceiling and the walls... Since the garages will be filled with 7 series' -- I need to do something classy, but not out of place for my old building and not super-expensive (because the 7's aren't cheap and I have two more on the way).

Im probably going to put a door between the two garages. The ceiling and the walls need something desperately. Probably a drop ceiling drywalled with can lighting.

What to do now....hmmm....

 

[osxcode]

and more of the before... I know it's just hideous but I have to work with what I own....

 

[55cadillacking]

I'm really hoping for an update on this one, someday.

 

[rixtrix1]

Nice cars and some good ideas to show them off, but I question the use of glass garage doors. Why advertise what you own by putting it behind glass? Here in the Phoenix area, most home robberies are from open garages. By putting your cool stuff behind glass, you're only adding a few seconds to the time it takes a thief to acquire it for himself, even if the doors are closed. Don't mean to put a downer on your ideas, just thinking practicality. A lot of posts here talk about windows being too low, or too big, for security reasons, so.....

 

[403is300]

Interesting concept, will be nice to see it all come together. Keep us updated!