Want the ease of adding extra storage space to your home without ever touching your existing structure? Then a detached garage might be just what you need. You’ll have the freedom to create a design from scratch or go with the simplicity of a prefabricated model that suits your style. The beauty of both options is that you can use the newfound space however you please! Read on to find plenty of detached garage ideas below.

What’s the best use for a detached garage?

While storage may seem like the obvious option for utilizing garages, there are plenty of other ways to make use of the extra space. Here are some of the most practical ways to make the most of a separate garage:

• Park cars, motorcycles, bikes etc.
• Store sports gear, big and small
• Store tools of all sizes
• Create a workshop, complete with a workbench
• Create a gardening center
• Use as an art studio or hobby spot
• Use as a designated home office
• Fill with workout gear for a dedicated home gym

What should I consider when creating a detached garage design?

You might be thinking that you don’t need to put much thought into a garage plan, but to make it really functional there are actually quite a few considerations. The difference in designing an attached versus detached garage is that detached ones often require extra work and planning to run electricity and/or water, if you require either one. That being said, make sure you run enough of each, especially if you plan to charge power tools or add a laundry center to the space. Also consider access to the main house; depending on how you will be using the garage, you’ll likely want quick and easy access. This could mean positioning it close to the home or, if that’s not an option, creating a clear walkway (potentially covered) from one to the other. Luckily, you have more wiggle room with the location of a detached design which can reduce the “garage-forward” look that comes with a lot of today’s architecture and allows for more flexibility in size and function.

Now comes the fun part: the visual design! You have a couple of options for designing detached garages. The first one is to make it look like a mini version of the main house. Use the same materials and match existing details, such as paint color, trim style, windows, doors and roofline. The other option is to have the garage coordinate with, but not match, the main house. Do this by using one or two of the same elements, such as color and overall style, but giving it its own unique touches, like a distinct garage door or different siding. With either approach, you want to landscape around the building to make it feel intentional and a part of the property.

Whether you want inspiration for planning a detached garage renovation or are building a designer garage from scratch, Houzz has 6,828 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the country, including dB Atlanta | Direct Build of Atlanta and Nicholson Builders. Look through garage pictures in different colors and styles and when you find a detached garage design that inspires you, save it to an Ideabook or contact the Pro who made it happen to see what kind of design ideas they have for your home. Explore the beautiful detached garage photo gallery and find out exactly why Houzz is the best experience for home renovation and design.