Search results for "Real invitation" in Home Design Ideas

Main floor, kitchen, and dining remodel plus addition replacement by Minneapolis / St. Paul-based McDonald Remodeling. See more examples of our work and learn more at www.mcdonaldremodeling.com

Removing a secondary staircase and converting the main floor bath to a powder room allowed for an expanded kitchen for this family of 4. A beamed ceiling brings visual interest and speaks to the era of the home while the warm white cabinetry keeps the space light and bright.
Find the right local pro for your project

Example of a trendy u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Portland with black cabinets, concrete countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and flat-panel cabinets

Credit: Ron Rosenzweig
Inspiration for a large timeless kitchen remodel in Miami with a single-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and two islands
Inspiration for a large timeless kitchen remodel in Miami with a single-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and two islands

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional guest light wood floor, beige floor and coffered ceiling bedroom remodel in Los Angeles with white walls and no fireplace

Our clients had just recently closed on their new house in Stapleton and were excited to transform it into their perfect forever home. They wanted to remodel the entire first floor to create a more open floor plan and develop a smoother flow through the house that better fit the needs of their family. The original layout consisted of several small rooms that just weren’t very functional, so we decided to remove the walls that were breaking up the space and restructure the first floor to create a wonderfully open feel.
After removing the existing walls, we rearranged their spaces to give them an office at the front of the house, a large living room, and a large dining room that connects seamlessly with the kitchen. We also wanted to center the foyer in the home and allow more light to travel through the first floor, so we replaced their existing doors with beautiful custom sliding doors to the back yard and a gorgeous walnut door with side lights to greet guests at the front of their home.
Living Room
Our clients wanted a living room that could accommodate an inviting sectional, a baby grand piano, and plenty of space for family game nights. So, we transformed what had been a small office and sitting room into a large open living room with custom wood columns. We wanted to avoid making the home feel too vast and monumental, so we designed custom beams and columns to define spaces and to make the house feel like a home. Aesthetically we wanted their home to be soft and inviting, so we utilized a neutral color palette with occasional accents of muted blues and greens.
Dining Room
Our clients were also looking for a large dining room that was open to the rest of the home and perfect for big family gatherings. So, we removed what had been a small family room and eat-in dining area to create a spacious dining room with a fireplace and bar. We added custom cabinetry to the bar area with open shelving for displaying and designed a custom surround for their fireplace that ties in with the wood work we designed for their living room. We brought in the tones and materiality from the kitchen to unite the spaces and added a mixed metal light fixture to bring the space together
Kitchen
We wanted the kitchen to be a real show stopper and carry through the calm muted tones we were utilizing throughout their home. We reoriented the kitchen to allow for a big beautiful custom island and to give us the opportunity for a focal wall with cooktop and range hood. Their custom island was perfectly complimented with a dramatic quartz counter top and oversized pendants making it the real center of their home. Since they enter the kitchen first when coming from their detached garage, we included a small mud-room area right by the back door to catch everyone’s coats and shoes as they come in. We also created a new walk-in pantry with plenty of open storage and a fun chalkboard door for writing notes, recipes, and grocery lists.
Office
We transformed the original dining room into a handsome office at the front of the house. We designed custom walnut built-ins to house all of their books, and added glass french doors to give them a bit of privacy without making the space too closed off. We painted the room a deep muted blue to create a glimpse of rich color through the french doors
Powder Room
The powder room is a wonderful play on textures. We used a neutral palette with contrasting tones to create dramatic moments in this little space with accents of brushed gold.
Master Bathroom
The existing master bathroom had an awkward layout and outdated finishes, so we redesigned the space to create a clean layout with a dream worthy shower. We continued to use neutral tones that tie in with the rest of the home, but had fun playing with tile textures and patterns to create an eye-catching vanity. The wood-look tile planks along the floor provide a soft backdrop for their new free-standing bathtub and contrast beautifully with the deep ash finish on the cabinetry.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Our clients had just recently closed on their new house in Stapleton and were excited to transform it into their perfect forever home. They wanted to remodel the entire first floor to create a more open floor plan and develop a smoother flow through the house that better fit the needs of their family. The original layout consisted of several small rooms that just weren’t very functional, so we decided to remove the walls that were breaking up the space and restructure the first floor to create a wonderfully open feel.
After removing the existing walls, we rearranged their spaces to give them an office at the front of the house, a large living room, and a large dining room that connects seamlessly with the kitchen. We also wanted to center the foyer in the home and allow more light to travel through the first floor, so we replaced their existing doors with beautiful custom sliding doors to the back yard and a gorgeous walnut door with side lights to greet guests at the front of their home.
Living Room
Our clients wanted a living room that could accommodate an inviting sectional, a baby grand piano, and plenty of space for family game nights. So, we transformed what had been a small office and sitting room into a large open living room with custom wood columns. We wanted to avoid making the home feel too vast and monumental, so we designed custom beams and columns to define spaces and to make the house feel like a home. Aesthetically we wanted their home to be soft and inviting, so we utilized a neutral color palette with occasional accents of muted blues and greens.
Dining Room
Our clients were also looking for a large dining room that was open to the rest of the home and perfect for big family gatherings. So, we removed what had been a small family room and eat-in dining area to create a spacious dining room with a fireplace and bar. We added custom cabinetry to the bar area with open shelving for displaying and designed a custom surround for their fireplace that ties in with the wood work we designed for their living room. We brought in the tones and materiality from the kitchen to unite the spaces and added a mixed metal light fixture to bring the space together
Kitchen
We wanted the kitchen to be a real show stopper and carry through the calm muted tones we were utilizing throughout their home. We reoriented the kitchen to allow for a big beautiful custom island and to give us the opportunity for a focal wall with cooktop and range hood. Their custom island was perfectly complimented with a dramatic quartz counter top and oversized pendants making it the real center of their home. Since they enter the kitchen first when coming from their detached garage, we included a small mud-room area right by the back door to catch everyone’s coats and shoes as they come in. We also created a new walk-in pantry with plenty of open storage and a fun chalkboard door for writing notes, recipes, and grocery lists.
Office
We transformed the original dining room into a handsome office at the front of the house. We designed custom walnut built-ins to house all of their books, and added glass french doors to give them a bit of privacy without making the space too closed off. We painted the room a deep muted blue to create a glimpse of rich color through the french doors
Powder Room
The powder room is a wonderful play on textures. We used a neutral palette with contrasting tones to create dramatic moments in this little space with accents of brushed gold.
Master Bathroom
The existing master bathroom had an awkward layout and outdated finishes, so we redesigned the space to create a clean layout with a dream worthy shower. We continued to use neutral tones that tie in with the rest of the home, but had fun playing with tile textures and patterns to create an eye-catching vanity. The wood-look tile planks along the floor provide a soft backdrop for their new free-standing bathtub and contrast beautifully with the deep ash finish on the cabinetry.

We staged this contemporary Scottsdale residence to complement its clean architecture, luxury finishes, and expansive mountain views.
The furnishings were selected to keep the home feeling elevated but comfortable, using soft neutrals, warm woods, sculptural shapes, and subtle contrast throughout. In the main living areas, we kept the furniture placement open and intentional so the sightlines, natural light, and indoor-outdoor connection remained the focus.
Each space was staged to help buyers understand the scale and function of the home, from the open living and dining areas to the office and additional gathering spaces. The goal was to support the architecture rather than compete with it, while giving the property a finished, inviting feel.

Welcome to our exquisite luxury transitional dining room, a haven of timeless refinement and sophisticated dining. Step into a realm where opulence and versatility seamlessly intertwine, accompanied by the regal allure of royal blue wainscoting that graces the lower half of the walls.
At the heart of the room lies a captivating transitional wood dining table, meticulously crafted to showcase the perfect fusion of classic and contemporary design. Its rich wood tones create a captivating focal point, inviting guests to gather and celebrate exceptional culinary experiences in an atmosphere of unparalleled elegance.
Indulge in the utmost comfort and style with our meticulously curated seating arrangements. Our performance fabric chairs offer both luxurious comfort and practicality, ensuring an enchanting dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Beneath your feet, a real hide rug adds a touch of organic allure, enhancing the refined aesthetic of the space. Its natural textures and patterns provide a sensory delight with each step, showcasing our meticulous attention to detail.
Allow soft natural light to grace the room through our Roman shades, designed to complement the enchanting scenery beyond the French doors. The interplay of light and shadows adds a captivating dimension, enveloping the space in a warm, inviting glow that accentuates its timeless elegance.
In our luxury transitional dining room, every element has been thoughtfully chosen to create an extraordinary environment. Blending classic and contemporary elements seamlessly, this space ensures unforgettable dining experiences amidst an ambiance of unparalleled luxury. Indulge in opulence, where royal blue wainscoting, a wood dining table, performance fabric chairs, and a real hide rug converge to create an enchanting dining experience.

Welcome to our exquisite luxury transitional dining room, a haven of timeless refinement and sophisticated dining. Step into a realm where opulence and versatility seamlessly intertwine, accompanied by the regal allure of royal blue wainscoting that graces the lower half of the walls.
At the heart of the room lies a captivating transitional wood dining table, meticulously crafted to showcase the perfect fusion of classic and contemporary design. Its rich wood tones create a captivating focal point, inviting guests to gather and celebrate exceptional culinary experiences in an atmosphere of unparalleled elegance.
Indulge in the utmost comfort and style with our meticulously curated seating arrangements. Our performance fabric chairs offer both luxurious comfort and practicality, ensuring an enchanting dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Beneath your feet, a real hide rug adds a touch of organic allure, enhancing the refined aesthetic of the space. Its natural textures and patterns provide a sensory delight with each step, showcasing our meticulous attention to detail.
Allow soft natural light to grace the room through our Roman shades, designed to complement the enchanting scenery beyond the French doors. The interplay of light and shadows adds a captivating dimension, enveloping the space in a warm, inviting glow that accentuates its timeless elegance.
In our luxury transitional dining room, every element has been thoughtfully chosen to create an extraordinary environment. Blending classic and contemporary elements seamlessly, this space ensures unforgettable dining experiences amidst an ambiance of unparalleled luxury. Indulge in opulence, where royal blue wainscoting, a wood dining table, performance fabric chairs, and a real hide rug converge to create an enchanting dining experience.

Realtor wanted to stage this Sea Pines villa. The home had been with two previous realtors with no results. When this Realtor took the listing, she told the owner that 90% of buyers start their search on the internet. Unfortunately, your place does not look "inviting but rather stark & cold in its present state so it's being passed over". That's when she called me for advice...we moved existing furniture around, borrowed some artwork, created a coffee table with two smaller tables. Added a little color with pillows & towels. The owner's only out of pocket cost for two wicker end tables and a wicker etagere was less than $200. The end result was that the place sold within two weeks of it hitting the market!

Realtor wanted to stage this Sea Pines villa. The home had been with two previous realtors with no results. When this Realtor took the listing, she told the owner that 90% of buyers start their search on the internet. Unfortunately, your place does not look "inviting but rather stark & cold in its present state so it's being passed over". That's when she called me for advice...we moved existing furniture around, borrowed some artwork, created a coffee table with two smaller tables. Added a little color with pillows & towels. The owner's only out of pocket cost for two wicker end tables and a wicker etagere was less than $200. The end result was that the place sold within two weeks of it hitting the market!

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Snider & Metcalf Interior Design, LTD
Leading Interior Designers in Columbus, Ohio & Ponte Vedra, Florida

Powder Room - Miami Interior Designers Firm – Modern - Contemporary at your service.
Inviting guests over your home is always meaningful. Make it a memorable visit for them by impressing them with the smallest area of the entertaining space in your home – your powder room.
At J Design Group, we think it is essential to leave your guests impressed and we take great pride in designing with contrasting finishes and pops of color to make a powder room unforgettable. Our team of experts will help you choose the right finishes and colors for this space
We welcome you to take a look at some of our past powder room projects. As you can see, powder rooms are a great way to enhance the entertaining area of your home or office space. We invite you to give our office a call today to schedule your appointment with one of our design experts. We will work one-on-one with you to ensure that we create the right look in every room throughout your home.
Give J. Design Group a call today to discuss all different options and to receive a free consultation.
Your friendly Interior design firm in Miami at your service.
Contemporary - Modern Interior designs.
Top Interior Design Firm in Miami – Coral Gables.
Powder Room,
Powder Rooms,
Panel,
Panels,
Paneling,
Wall Panels,
Wall Paneling,
Wood Panels,
Glass Panels,
Bedroom,
Bedrooms,
Bed,
Queen bed,
King Bed,
Single bed,
House Interior Designer,
House Interior Designers,
Home Interior Designer,
Home Interior Designers,
Residential Interior Designer,
Residential Interior Designers,
Modern Interior Designers,
Miami Beach Designers,
Best Miami Interior Designers,
Miami Beach Interiors,
Luxurious Design in Miami,
Top designers,
Deco Miami,
Luxury interiors,
Miami modern,
Interior Designer Miami,
Contemporary Interior Designers,
Coco Plum Interior Designers,
Miami Interior Designer,
Sunny Isles Interior Designers,
Pinecrest Interior Designers,
Interior Designers Miami,
J Design Group interiors,
South Florida designers,
Best Miami Designers,
Miami interiors,
Miami décor,
Miami Beach Luxury Interiors,
Miami Interior Design,
Miami Interior Design Firms,
Beach front,
Top Interior Designers,
top décor,
Top Miami Decorators,
Miami luxury condos,
Top Miami Interior Decorators,
Top Miami Interior Designers,
Modern Designers in Miami,
modern interiors,
Modern,
Pent house design,
white interiors,
Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, South Beach, Williams Island, Sunny Isles, Surfside, Fisher Island, Aventura, Brickell, Brickell Key, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, CocoPlum, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, Miami Design District, Golden Beach, Downtown Miami, Miami Interior Designers, Miami Interior Designer, Interior Designers Miami, Modern Interior Designers, Modern Interior Designer, Modern interior decorators, Contemporary Interior Designers, Interior decorators, Interior decorator, Interior designer, Interior designers, Luxury, modern, best, unique, real estate, decor
J Design Group – Miami Interior Design Firm – Modern – Contemporary
Contact us: (305) 444-4611
www.JDesignGroup.com

Trendy l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Powder Room - Miami Interior Designers Firm – Modern - Contemporary at your service.
Inviting guests over your home is always meaningful. Make it a memorable visit for them by impressing them with the smallest area of the entertaining space in your home – your powder room.
At J Design Group, we think it is essential to leave your guests impressed and we take great pride in designing with contrasting finishes and pops of color to make a powder room unforgettable. Our team of experts will help you choose the right finishes and colors for this space
We welcome you to take a look at some of our past powder room projects. As you can see, powder rooms are a great way to enhance the entertaining area of your home or office space. We invite you to give our office a call today to schedule your appointment with one of our design experts. We will work one-on-one with you to ensure that we create the right look in every room throughout your home.
Give J. Design Group a call today to discuss all different options and to receive a free consultation.
Your friendly Interior design firm in Miami at your service.
Contemporary - Modern Interior designs.
Top Interior Design Firm in Miami – Coral Gables.
Powder Room,
Powder Rooms,
Panel,
Panels,
Paneling,
Wall Panels,
Wall Paneling,
Wood Panels,
Glass Panels,
Bedroom,
Bedrooms,
Bed,
Queen bed,
King Bed,
Single bed,
House Interior Designer,
House Interior Designers,
Home Interior Designer,
Home Interior Designers,
Residential Interior Designer,
Residential Interior Designers,
Modern Interior Designers,
Miami Beach Designers,
Best Miami Interior Designers,
Miami Beach Interiors,
Luxurious Design in Miami,
Top designers,
Deco Miami,
Luxury interiors,
Miami modern,
Interior Designer Miami,
Contemporary Interior Designers,
Coco Plum Interior Designers,
Miami Interior Designer,
Sunny Isles Interior Designers,
Pinecrest Interior Designers,
Interior Designers Miami,
J Design Group interiors,
South Florida designers,
Best Miami Designers,
Miami interiors,
Miami décor,
Miami Beach Luxury Interiors,
Miami Interior Design,
Miami Interior Design Firms,
Beach front,
Top Interior Designers,
top décor,
Top Miami Decorators,
Miami luxury condos,
Top Miami Interior Decorators,
Top Miami Interior Designers,
Modern Designers in Miami,
modern interiors,
Modern,
Pent house design,
white interiors,
Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, South Beach, Williams Island, Sunny Isles, Surfside, Fisher Island, Aventura, Brickell, Brickell Key, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, CocoPlum, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, Miami Design District, Golden Beach, Downtown Miami, Miami Interior Designers, Miami Interior Designer, Interior Designers Miami, Modern Interior Designers, Modern Interior Designer, Modern interior decorators, Contemporary Interior Designers, Interior decorators, Interior decorator, Interior designer, Interior designers, Luxury, modern, best, unique, real estate, decor
J Design Group – Miami Interior Design Firm – Modern – Contemporary
Contact us: (305) 444-4611
www.JDesignGroup.com

We staged this contemporary Scottsdale residence to complement its clean architecture, luxury finishes, and expansive mountain views.
The furnishings were selected to keep the home feeling elevated but comfortable, using soft neutrals, warm woods, sculptural shapes, and subtle contrast throughout. In the main living areas, we kept the furniture placement open and intentional so the sightlines, natural light, and indoor-outdoor connection remained the focus.
Each space was staged to help buyers understand the scale and function of the home, from the open living and dining areas to the office and additional gathering spaces. The goal was to support the architecture rather than compete with it, while giving the property a finished, inviting feel.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Beautiful almost new home built-in 2017 in a prime Los Altos/Rancho location. This pristine 5 bed, 2.5 bath one-story residence offers a contemporary exterior with a stunning modern interior. Architectural details include teak sided covered entry, multiple roof lines, integrated color plaster, high ceilings, fluted skylights, wide plank oak, custom built-ins, and more. Luxurious open floor plan with formal living and dining, opening into an expansive light-filled great room. The sophisticated living room features a beautifully tiled fireplace flanked by floor to ceiling windows. The formal dining room offers a built-in hutch, elegant modern chandelier, and sliding glass door to a private redwood deck. Breathtaking chef’s kitchen offers honed quartz countertops, Bertazzoni stove, custom cabinetry, wine refrigerator, skylight, and spacious eat-in island along with a dining alcove with a custom quartz table. The family room opens to an inviting bluestone patio. Expansive master suite offers a french sliding door to patio, spacious walk-in closet, large soaking tub, separate his and her sinks, and elegant spa-inspired rainfall shower,. On the other wing are two nicely sized bedrooms set between a full bath and a powder room for guests. The professionally landscaped yard is ideal for entertaining featuring bluestone patio, inviting lawn, large shed, and a variety of mature shrubs and trees. Top-rated Los Altos Schools: Loyola, Blach, MV High & Bullis Charter. Prime location, steps to Rancho, McKenzie Park, Loyola corners, LA Country Club and minutes to the village of Los Altos. Easy access to Foothill Expwy. 280, 85, Google, Apple, and all things tech.

Old World European, Country Cottage. Three separate cottages make up this secluded village over looking a private lake in an old German, English, and French stone villa style. Hand scraped arched trusses, wide width random walnut plank flooring, distressed dark stained raised panel cabinetry, and hand carved moldings make these traditional farmhouse cottage buildings look like they have been here for 100s of years. Newly built of old materials, and old traditional building methods, including arched planked doors, leathered stone counter tops, stone entry, wrought iron straps, and metal beam straps. The Lake House is the first, a Tudor style cottage with a slate roof, 2 bedrooms, view filled living room open to the dining area, all overlooking the lake. The Carriage Home fills in when the kids come home to visit, and holds the garage for the whole idyllic village. This cottage features 2 bedrooms with on suite baths, a large open kitchen, and an warm, comfortable and inviting great room. All overlooking the lake. The third structure is the Wheel House, running a real wonderful old water wheel, and features a private suite upstairs, and a work space downstairs. All homes are slightly different in materials and color, including a few with old terra cotta roofing. Project Location: Ojai, California. Project designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu and Calabasas, across the tri-county area of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills. Patrick Price Photo

10 Ideas for Turning Your Garage into a Modern Industrial Neighborhood Bar
By Elizabeth Aldrich
Host happy hours and cocktail parties worthy of a full page spread – in your own garage.
Leave the brick exposed, the concrete floors as is, and the wood unfinished and it costs more? The sophisticated older brother of the shabby-chic trend, urban industrial style, is taking over. Real estate agents are able to tack on a few extra grand to a flat if they can include “exposed brick” in their advertisements, and designer chefs and master mixologists are moving into warehouses and industrial districts in urban areas across the nation. A friend recently invited me to dinner at Portland, Oregon’s newest, hippest charcuterie spot, and when we pulled up to the building it was in a warehouse where I used to go to underground raves in high school.
These industrial style spaces that were once seen as unfinished or lacking in coziness are now seriously coveted. Their rawness is considered authentic, their grit a mark of character. But if you’re a homeowner, there’s a good chance you already have one of them built right into your house: your garage.
I like to preach about how much people underutilize their garage spaces, piling them full of storage bins they never touch. Whether you turn it into a workspace or a playroom, there’s a lot of value in a creatively-used garage space. For the overly ambitious, the design lover, or the hostess with the mostess, here’s one idea that blows the rest out of the water.
Turn your garage into a multi-purpose, urban industrial wonderland for work and play.
Originally outfitted for factories and warehouses, the industrial style facilitates productivity. Now that it’s also being appreciated as a great aesthetic for bars and restaurants, these rooms can serve both form and function, doubling as work and entertaining spaces. This is great for people who have always dreamed of having that extra basement space for hosting friends, complete with a wet bar and a billiards table, but lack the square footage. Just keep in mind that your friends might love it so much, they’ll start ditching their favorite happy hour spot and showing up at your doorstep instead.
Here are ten ideas forbuilding the perfect workshop by day and cocktail bar by night in your garage.
1. Clean out the space. Get rid of everything you don’t need. Part of the beauty of industrial style designs is their simplicity and abundance of open space. Excessive clutter can make people feel boxed in, and that’s not conducive to productivity or to social activity. Out of sight, out of mind. Build shelving up high for storing must-keep belongings, much like a warehouse.
For bonus points, store your belongings in wooden crates for aesthetic consistency. Or consider stacking them on a pallet, wrapping them in excessive amounts of plastic wrap, and loading them onto the next cross-country freighter. You won’t miss them.
2. Install storage for frequently used objects. The brilliant thing about the urban industrial look is that your tools, tool boxes, and tool storage cabinets already fit right in. Metal storage cabinets and file cabinets are perfect additions to the space. While grey is certainly the color pallet for this style, 50 shades might be a few too many. Mix it up by spray painting one of your cabinetsto add a pop of color. Make a small pegboard to hold up your tools and hang larger items such as bicycles and recreational equipment by pegs. If you have a lot of storage bins that you have to keep, look upward instead of storing them on the floor. Insert a tracking system onto your garage ceiling and slide the bins into place.
For extra credit, get an old locker to use as a coat closet when guests come over.
3. Heat the space.Since you’re not turning the garage into a full-time living space, such as a spare bedroom, you really don’t need to go through the work and additional cost of installing full-blown heating and insulation systems. If you don’t need to use the space when the temperature drops, or if you live in a consistently temperate climate, you might not need to do anything. But if you do want to be able to host people through the winter, a simple garage heater will suffice. Here are some good options for installing garage heating.
Take it one step further, and get a couple patio heaters to help with the next step.
4. Turn your driveway into a patio space. Even the best restaurants and cocktail bars are nothing in the summertime without a solid patio space. Leave the garage door open on warmer nights and invite your guests to go outdoors. Place some stylish folding chairs and a patio table out for comfort. Place a few potted plants here and there to make the space feel more inviting.
For a really lively patio scene, put a portable fire pit out on the driveway or front lawn and surround it with workbenches from your garage.
5. Build your bar. Pick a corner in your garage for the bar, and get started. You can build a bar pretty cheaply and easily with reclaimed pallets, and get some industrial-style barstools. Behind the bar, you’ll have both your tools and your liquor, and there’s no need to build expensive cabinetry. If you’re serving quality, why cover it up? Build shelving or open cubicles to house your liquor. Put out metal buckets filled with ice to chill beers.Be sure to serve up cocktails worthy of the space. The Hemingway Daiquiri served straight up is a unique way to dress down, or industrialize, a traditionally frou-frou cocktail.
To go the extra mile, build a bar with laid brick.Install an extra fridge in the garage so you can avoid having to trek into the kitchen to refill chilled drinks, and you can store dips, vegetables, and other hors d'oeuvres right at your fingertips.
6. Bring on the games. To really turn your hosting space into a fun time, be sure to offer ample play options. For the low on space, a dart board will suffice, whereas if you’ve got a five-car garage and can’t manage to fill the space, put in a couple billiard tables. Ping pong tables are ideal for most because they’re great fun and can easily be folded up and stored.
If you want to keep your guests playing until the wee hours of the morning, get an old pinball machine, a vintage arcade game, or a small Skee-Ball alley.
7. The heart of your space.Build along worktable that doubles as a table for your guests right in the center of your garage. It should be tall enough to be used while standing, although you can place a few barstools along with it. Having a table space for drinks but limited seating will encourage guests to walk around and mingle. Build it out of wood and make sure to maintain a natural finish.
Don’t be afraid to rough up the work table by day. The dings and marks created while you build will only lend authenticity to the piece.
8. Install lighting. Remember, the urban industrial style is all about function and showcasing materials in their raw form. There’s no need to buy expensive floor lamps or install a fancy lighting system. The most popular lighting in these types of spaces is exposed bulb lighting. Just open up the wiring on your current lighting system and drop down some bulbs.
For additional lighting, string up exposed bulb patio lights and place some vintage metal desk lamps on the tables and bar area.
9. Brand your space. Use the designs for the stuff you build by day as wall art. Blow up sketches, blueprints, schematics, and architectural drawings to hang up for decoration. Choose one wall that could use a splash of color, perhaps the wall behind your bar, and get a friend to paint a mural, or whip out the spray paint for a real urban feel.
Splurge a little and get a custom neon sign made of your last name or the word “bar” to hang behind the bar.
10. The garage door. For the finishing touch, and to really wow your guests, get a brand new modern, industrial style garage door installed. Look for the window-paneled types that restaurants use, like this contemporary aluminum and glass beauty. You can leave it half open when you want to utilize your driveway-patio space.
On nights when you have to close it all the way, the glass panels let your guests still look out onto the stars, making it feel like a patio space even when it’s too cold for one.
Once your garage bar is up and running, put on your denim suit and get ready to call yourself the Joneses. No one will be able to keep up with you.
11
