New year, new garages! Investing in building or renovating a garage is an excellent use of your time and money. Moreover, it adds tens of thousands to the value of your house. Something that’s that worth doing is worth doing right! Keep things right by avoiding these garage trends of 2017 that have gone from “on point” to “cringe.”
Absolute Minimalism
Minimalism has been a rising trend in decorating for years. Many people today embrace a minimalist lifestyle, and there’s nothing wrong with that in theory. However, if you’re not currently a minimalist, there’s no reason to start with your garage. Minimalism makes the supremely useful garage space into just another room.
Instead of focusing on achieving minimalism, concentrate on the functionality of your garage. Your garage can be a powerhouse in your home. It’s a place to get work done! It’s a place to fix things instead of replacing them or a place to work on a project that matters to you. Likewise, if you want a place to store the items that don’t contribute to your minimalist vibe, the garage can be a perfect place for that. In 2018, work on giving everything a job, and your garage will do more for you in the long run.
Housing Decor in the Garage
Using a garage as an extension of your house by turning it into a private studio or workshop is a great idea. However, carrying over the design features that made your main home beautiful is often a stretch. Garages aren’t built of the same material or in the same style; what’s beautiful and effortless inside your home takes way too much effort once you get to the garage. Instead of trying to make your garage a true extension of your home, work to bring some harmony to your decorations in both areas. You’ll enjoy the effect more, and it won’t look like you’re trying too hard.
Different Period Garage Structure
Of course, you don’t want to bring your garage decor inside. Surprisingly, you could go too far the other way as well. In 2017, “eclectic” garage trends saw a surge of popularity. For example, it saw the pairing of a cottage style main house with a futuristic, sleek garage or South France garage with a Southwest house. Keep in mind that there are a few, isolated incidents where that actually works and looks trendy. However, most of the time it doesn’t work. Unless you already live in an eclectic neighborhood, or you purchase the property that way, it’s best to go with the flow and leave the differing styles to the interior.
Garage trends come and go. These 2017 impulses have just gone quicker than most. Remember to value function in your garage, no matter how you plan to use it. Save the matching home decor and minimalism for your own space, and keep your garage for the work that has to get done.