The humble garage has seen a makeover in recent years. Once relegated to parking and storage, new options are letting homeowners contain the mess and spruce it up the area into a functional space. Here are some of the most interesting options for garage customization as we head into a new decade.

Storage Space Selections

Along with housing cars, the traditional job of the garage is storage. Outdoor items such as bikes, mowers, power tools and overflow items from the home interior all join together and can make organization tough. Classic pegboards and newer slat walls allow for myriad hanging options, but some garage owners are now investing in quality cabinetry, rolling storage units, movable shelving, baskets and more. According to Extra Space Storage, there are seemingly endless options to help store even the bulkiest and most oddly shaped items.

Flooring Options

Garage flooring is typically the standard concrete pad, maybe with a coat of paint slapped on top. However, with homeowners increasingly turning to the garage as a center of entertainment in addition to storage, it may be time to explore new possibilities. DIY tiling can come in different colors and textures such as rubber, washable polymer carpet, faux-wood or vinyl. Epoxy flooring has also seen a surge in popularity, allowing garage enthusiasts to explore a variety of coloring and patterns.

Garage Door Choices

Whether your garage is solely for parking cars, used for storage or being repurposed entirely, the door needs to be sturdy and reliable. Garage doors are generally made from metal such as aluminum, wood or wooden composites. Standard sectional options are giving way to new styles such as tilt-up canopies that raise as a single unit and side-sliding models. Traditional paneling has given way to new options such as contemporary, carriage and barn-door styles. Whatever you choose, consider insulation. According to Howell Door, insulating your garage will reduce energy bills by blocking outdoor weather conditions.

Useable Space

Garages are increasingly being seen as a usable accessory space, especially for homes that may lack basements or extensive yards. Homeowners are turning garages into impromptu social gathering spots by adding bars complete with fridge and sink, televisions, comfortable seating or even movie screens. Others use the garage as a home gym with the ability to open the door on nice days and close it when it's rainy or cold. Others layer the area with rubber matting and convert it into a children’s play space.

Whatever plan you have for your garage, modern options give you great flexibility to accomplish your goal. Whether you simply want a clean and organized car barn or you'd like an upgrade to a fancy usable space, the options seem endless. If your garage has become cluttered or it needs some TLC, you may want to consider some of these possibilities to create the space of your dreams.

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